Exciting Tour Packages Cochin for spectacular glimpse of Cochin

Kochi Vacation package gift the enthusiastic visitors a truly impressive experience to treasure for lifetime. Get majestic glimpses of magnificent forts and churches on a leisurely walk along the streets of Cochin. Spot numerous exotic cochin tourist attractions like Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Vasco House and Fort Kochi Beach on Sightseeing Packages in Cochin. Find best Tour Packages Cochin unfolding the majestic Gateway to Kerala offering glimpse of the bygone era.

India has always held a major role as one of the world’s major trade centers. Even back in the 1st century, Kochi was an important trading center established by the Indians, Arabians and Jews.

Today, Kochi is home to over 16 million people. Kochi is made up of the city Ernakulam on the mainland, the artificially created island Willingdon, a peninsula with Fort Kochi and the islands Gundu, Vallarpadam and Bulgatty.

Kochi also attracted the traders of the Kublai Khan, who also introduced the unusual Chinese fishing nets at the coast of Kerala. During 1500 the Portuguese landed at the coast of Kerala on their search for the sea route to India. In 1663 Dutch discovered Kochi as a major trading center but when the British arrived, the Dutch were banished from the trade route. All traders were desirous of the spices, coconut fibers, caoutchouc (rubber) and tea they could get in Kochi.

Kochi is still one of the largest harbor cities of India, and an important naval base for the country.

The Franciscan church (St. Francis Church) is the oldest church of India built by Europeans. It was erected in 1503 out of wood, and then was rebuilt in middle of the 16th century as a stone building. Vasco da Gama was buried at the church in 1524. His gravestone is to be seen there yet today, although his mortal remains were transported in 1539 to Lisbon. The Santa-Cruz-basilica, built in 1902 is another famous Catholic church

Historical Sites

Kochi also features some of India’s most interesting constructions. At the northern tip of the peninsula, Fort Kochi includes a network of famous Chinese fishing nets. The fishing nets were introduced during the 13th century by Chinese trade people of the court of Kublai Khan. The heavy wood constructions, used mostly during floods take four men to handle.

In the city you will find the Mattancherry palace, which was built during the 16th century by the Portuguese. The palace, designed around a Hindu temple, was given over as a gift to the ruling Raja (King) of Cochin as a gift. In return, sweeping trade privileges were granted to the Portuguese. The Dutchmen renovated and expanded the building in the 17th century, giving the Mattancherry palace its well-known name of Dutch palace. The inner part of the palace is decorated with the Chinese floor tiles.

You will find south of Mattancherry Jetty (anchorage), the old Jewish area famous for its antique lane and the old warehouse vaults for spices. In Mattancherry’s Jewish area, a synagogue was built during 1568 but then destroyed in 1662 by the Portuguese. Two years later, it rebuilt by the Dutch. It got its present shape in 1760. At that time, a rich patron, Ezekiel Rahabi, decorated the house of worship with blue-white Chinese tiles, crystal chandeliers, and copper boards, on which the privileges of the Rajas are recorded. Currently the Jewish community is very small in Mattancherry: only three or four Jewish families live there.

You can also experience one of the famous colored dance dramas of Kerala. Held in front of the temples, the daces relate the eventful legends of Hindu gods. The dancers wear heavy, rich costumes and headgear, and are made up with thick, colorful makeup. Each dancer takes a year of practice to learn the exotic dances. One of the best theatres is the See India Foundaton Kathakali Theatre. For more than 30 years, under the direction of Devan, you can attend a performance of Kathakali.

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