As we are residing at Ernakulam now in this post we would like to introduce you to Kochi!
Cochin which is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, was an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India from the 14th century. You might have a confusion from last few sentences about the name of this city. Ernakulam is a district in the state of Kerala. Up to 1967 Ernakulam ( in mainland ) , Mattanchery and Fort Kochi ( in an island) were three different municipalities in a single district named Ernakulam. Both the municipalities in island was collectively called as Cochin. So don't get confused we are referring to the same place with the names Kochi/Cochin/Ernakulam.
Kochi has always been a tourist paradise. So here you go with the details about few places/exhibitions in Kochi.
Kalady:
Kalady is one of the pilgrim centre which became famous as it is the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya.
Sri Adi Shankara Keerthi Stambh Mandap:
This is a tall tower in Ochre color and full of windows which gives an impression of Deepastambh in an ancient temple. Two elephants stand at the entrance with a Deepastambh in front of the building. Before you enter the building itself you could see Shankaracharya with his four disciples.
Once you enter the building there is a circular ramp takes you up the building. On each walls of the building there are paintings which depicts the story of Shankaracharya.
Entry fee: Rs. 5/- per person
Adi Shankara Janam Kshetra:
This ist the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya.
Ghats on Periyar River beside the Math:
Periyar river flows gently behind the Adi Shankara Janam Kshetra. A small path from the complex leads you to the river. There are many stories that bring you to this river.
One of the popular stories is that when he wanted to take Sanyas, his mother did not agree for it. He went into the river and a crocodile caught his leg. Shankara told his mother that crocodile will let him go if she agreed to let him take Sanyas so his mother agreed reluctantly.
Subhash Park:
Subhash Chandra Bose Park which is popularly known as Subhash Park is located in the heart of Ernakulam city. Overlooking the Vembanand Lake and Cochin Harbour, it is major hangouts for the city dwellers. Evenings can be spent leisurely by watching the ships entering/leaving the Cochin Port.
The park is spread over 11.5 acres, it is situated next to Ernakulam boat Jetty and opposite to Maharaja’s College. Subhash Park is favourite among kids as well as adults. This is one of the well maintained park in the city which is under the state government control.
Subhash Park, Marine drive, Bolgatty palace all lies in the same line. So if you have limited time you can visit all these places in a single day but I would prefer to visit the places on different evenings to enjoy the quietness of the city.
Bolgatty Palace:
Bolgatty Palace is a former palace built by Dutch in India. The palace is situated in Bolgatty island. This is the only Dutch Mansion existing outside Holland. The picturesque Bolgatty Island is surrounded by Vembanad lake .The Palace has 4 Palace Suites with the dutch charm in architecture. The place is good for conducting residential conferences, In house wedding Functions, large banquets,etc. There are many facilities in the property which includes swimming pool, health club, ayuvedic spa, golf course, Multi cuisine restaurant, coffee shop,etc.
Marine drive:
Marine Drive is a famous walkway in Kochi which is built facing the backwaters. It is located next to Subhash park. People take morning/evening stroll around this place. Though it is a bit crowded I love sitting at the parapet and enjoying the soft breeze from the backwaters. We can also see the ships/boats parked at the ferry.
Edappally church:
St. George's Syro Malabar Forane Church is a Catholic pilgrimage church located at Edapally, Kochi. The church is locally known as Edapally Church. There are basically two churches adjacent to each other. One is the old church and the other one new church which is the biggest church in Kerala.
Exhibitions in Kochi:
Many exhibitions takes place at Kochi. Few of them are listed here.
Vanitha Utsav:
Vanitha Utsav stalls include electronics, home appliances, handicraft, hand loom, furniture, furnishings, , gifts, health and beauty, automobiles, kids items, fashion, ladies accessories,etc. There will be discounts on many products. The exhibition is conducted every year at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor.
Cochin Flower Show:
The Cochin Flower Show is a garden show held each year for five to six days in February - March by the Ernakulam district Agri-Horticultural Society at the city of Kochi. It is conducted at Ernakulathappan Ground.
Cochin which is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, was an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India from the 14th century. You might have a confusion from last few sentences about the name of this city. Ernakulam is a district in the state of Kerala. Up to 1967 Ernakulam ( in mainland ) , Mattanchery and Fort Kochi ( in an island) were three different municipalities in a single district named Ernakulam. Both the municipalities in island was collectively called as Cochin. So don't get confused we are referring to the same place with the names Kochi/Cochin/Ernakulam.
Kochi has always been a tourist paradise. So here you go with the details about few places/exhibitions in Kochi.
Kalady:
Kalady is one of the pilgrim centre which became famous as it is the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya.
Sri Adi Shankara Keerthi Stambh Mandap:
This is a tall tower in Ochre color and full of windows which gives an impression of Deepastambh in an ancient temple. Two elephants stand at the entrance with a Deepastambh in front of the building. Before you enter the building itself you could see Shankaracharya with his four disciples.
Once you enter the building there is a circular ramp takes you up the building. On each walls of the building there are paintings which depicts the story of Shankaracharya.
Entry fee: Rs. 5/- per person
Adi Shankara Janam Kshetra:
This ist the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya.
Ghats on Periyar River beside the Math:
Periyar river flows gently behind the Adi Shankara Janam Kshetra. A small path from the complex leads you to the river. There are many stories that bring you to this river.
One of the popular stories is that when he wanted to take Sanyas, his mother did not agree for it. He went into the river and a crocodile caught his leg. Shankara told his mother that crocodile will let him go if she agreed to let him take Sanyas so his mother agreed reluctantly.
Subhash Park:
Subhash Chandra Bose Park which is popularly known as Subhash Park is located in the heart of Ernakulam city. Overlooking the Vembanand Lake and Cochin Harbour, it is major hangouts for the city dwellers. Evenings can be spent leisurely by watching the ships entering/leaving the Cochin Port.
The park is spread over 11.5 acres, it is situated next to Ernakulam boat Jetty and opposite to Maharaja’s College. Subhash Park is favourite among kids as well as adults. This is one of the well maintained park in the city which is under the state government control.
Subhash Park, Marine drive, Bolgatty palace all lies in the same line. So if you have limited time you can visit all these places in a single day but I would prefer to visit the places on different evenings to enjoy the quietness of the city.
Bolgatty Palace:
Bolgatty Palace is a former palace built by Dutch in India. The palace is situated in Bolgatty island. This is the only Dutch Mansion existing outside Holland. The picturesque Bolgatty Island is surrounded by Vembanad lake .The Palace has 4 Palace Suites with the dutch charm in architecture. The place is good for conducting residential conferences, In house wedding Functions, large banquets,etc. There are many facilities in the property which includes swimming pool, health club, ayuvedic spa, golf course, Multi cuisine restaurant, coffee shop,etc.
Marine drive:
Marine Drive is a famous walkway in Kochi which is built facing the backwaters. It is located next to Subhash park. People take morning/evening stroll around this place. Though it is a bit crowded I love sitting at the parapet and enjoying the soft breeze from the backwaters. We can also see the ships/boats parked at the ferry.
Edappally church:
St. George's Syro Malabar Forane Church is a Catholic pilgrimage church located at Edapally, Kochi. The church is locally known as Edapally Church. There are basically two churches adjacent to each other. One is the old church and the other one new church which is the biggest church in Kerala.
Exhibitions in Kochi:
Many exhibitions takes place at Kochi. Few of them are listed here.
Vanitha Utsav:
Vanitha Utsav stalls include electronics, home appliances, handicraft, hand loom, furniture, furnishings, , gifts, health and beauty, automobiles, kids items, fashion, ladies accessories,etc. There will be discounts on many products. The exhibition is conducted every year at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor.
Cochin Flower Show:
The Cochin Flower Show is a garden show held each year for five to six days in February - March by the Ernakulam district Agri-Horticultural Society at the city of Kochi. It is conducted at Ernakulathappan Ground.
