Cochin - A major port city
|
Posted On :
Sep-10-2011
| seen (260) times |
Article Word Count :
543
|
|
The city of Kochi gained importance as a port in 1341 AD, when the port at Kodungallur was ruined by flooding of the Periyar River.
|
The city of Kochi gained importance as a port in 1341 AD, when the port at Kodungallur was ruined by flooding of the Periyar River. In the 15th century, this port city began prospering, as the Portuguese penetrated the Indian Ocean. Under the Dutch rule, Kochi developed as an important trade centre. Haidar Ali, the militant prince of Mysore, took over the city in 1776. However, his son Tipu Sultan, surrendered to the British in 1791. Later, when India gained independence in 1947, Kochi became the first princely state to join the Indian Union willingly. In 1956, the state of Kerala was formed by the merger of Travancore, Malabar and Kochi. Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala as Kochi is the ideal starting point for exploring the beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations. Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate. Popularly called the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Cochin has a temperate climate with heavy rainfall during the monsoon period. A visit to Cochin offers a glimpse into the historical and cultural past of Kerala.
Places to see:
Cheeyappara Waterfalls:The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Cochin - Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara Falls cascades down in seven steps.
Dutch Palace (Mattanchery): The palace was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and was presented to the Cochin Raja, Veera Kerala Varma as a gesture of goodwill. It is a two storeyed building surrounding a central courtyard containing a Hindu temple.
Coonan Kurishu Shrine: Located in the heart of the busy Mattancherry is the Coonan Kurishu Shrine which was the venue for about 25,000 Syrian Christians who in 1653, assembled at the ancient cross in Mattancherry and tied long ropes to it. Pulling the ropes they took a solemn oath that they would never obey the Latin Archbishops or be under the Jesuits.
The Jewish Synagogue: Built in the year 1567, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. It is an interesting place with exquisite hand painted, willow-pattern floor tiles brought from Canton and China in 18 th century.
How to reach:
Travelling around the city of Kochi is very easy and not at all expensive, as various modes of commute are available for tourists in Kochi. You can opt for buses, auto rickshaws, taxis, and cabs while traveling in Kochi.
Air: Connected to Aggati, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Trivandrum by Air.
Rail: Cochin is connected to various parts of the country by the Indian Railways, the largest railway system in Asia.
Bus: It is also well connected by road with other towns and states.
|
|
Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Cochin - A major port city_81188.aspx
|
Author Resource :
Via.com offers bus booking, via deals,Cheap Air Fares,railway reservation; through IRCTC.
|
Keywords :
bus booking, bus ticket, bus tickets booking, bus booking online, bus tickets, online bus booking, bus ticket bookings, bus b,
Category :
Travel and Leisure
:
Travel and Leisure
|
|
|