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Cochin-
Queen of the Arabian Sea
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 Cochin
is also known as Queen of the Arabian
sea. Believed to be the finest natural harbor in the world. With ferry rides commanding its
breathtaking view. As you cruise around man-made islands with lush green lawns sloping down to the water's edge.
You can relax with a drink, watching the Arab dhows in the foreground and a
backdrop of tree-shaded buildings of spice-traders and merchants,
the descendants of the families who sold gold, ivory, timber and peacock to King Solomon 19 centuries
ago.
Giant Chinese fishing nets that billow from massive teak and bamboo poles dot the entrance to the
harbor. Silhouetted against the setting sun, they present a magnificent sight of the waterfront.
Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Recording a history of visitors who came, saw and
stayed for hundreds of years. Layered impressions - Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and
Portuguese are contained within its environment.
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SIDELIGHTS :
- The 2000 year old Jew Town. Built in 1568, it synagogue is the oldest is
the commonwealth. Adorned by exquisite hand painted. Chinese
tiles in blue and white. No two are identical. The great scrolls
of the Old Testament are preserved here.
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- The historic St. Francis Church.
Originally built out of wood in 1503 and thus earning fame as the
oldest European church in India. Interestingly, one of the
world's greatest explorers, Vasco-da-Gama was buried here.
- The stone Dutch Palace gifted to the Raja of Cochin by foreign settlers.
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ADDED ATTRACTION :
- Exclusively for tour groups, a performance of
'Kathakali' (classical dance form of Kerala) at the hotel.
- Boat cruise by a luxury boat "Pathira Manal' on the backwaters of Cochin. Upto 20 pax can be served dinner on board.
- Cruise on the Vembanad lake on newly created houseboats (Kettuvalyam) in Kumarakom
area (near Kottayam).
HOW TO GET THERE :
By Air : Cochin is
a major entry point into kerala. Flights operate daily from
Mumbai, Bangalore,
Chennai, Delhi
and Goa.
By Rail : You can also
board a train to Cochin from almost any major city in India.
By Road : Cochin is 4 1/2 hours from
Trivandrum and 5 hours from
Calicut.
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Hotels in COCHIN
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