Cochin (Kochi)

Bolghatty Palace

This Dutch palace is situated on the Bolghatty island. At present it is being used as hotel. The island has a fine golf course and the panoramic view makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland.

Chinese Fishing Nets

The chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. One of Kochi's main attractions are the Chinese fishing nets and the adjacent fish market. Several small restaurants have been put up there, with the slogan "You buy, we fry". The fish is relatively cheap, and you pay an additional cooking fee per kg, this way you can eat fresh fish at a lower price than in normal restaurants. If you are tempted do not hesitate, it is a unique occasion try, and it was a nice experience, enjoying the sunset close to the Chinese fishing nets.

Dutch Palace

The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portugese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

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Jewish Synagogue

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The synagogue ,magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers ,was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace.

St. Francis Church

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It is the oldest church built by European in India.On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portugese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church.

Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace was presented to the raja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma (1537-61), as a gesture of goodwill (and probably as a means of securing trading privileges). The Dutch renovated the palace in 1663, hence its alternative name, the Dutch Palace. The two storey quadrangular building surrounds a courtyard containing a Hindu Temple. The central hall on the 1st floor was the coronation hall of the rajas. The astonishing murals, depicting scene from the Ramayana, Mahabharta and Puranic legends, are one of the wonders of India. The ladies' bedchamber downstairs features a cheerful Krishna using his six hands and two feet to engage in foreplay with eight happy milkmaids.