The charm of Cochin

Cochin the largest city in Kerala with a population of 5.5 lakhs, an all weather harbour, is an important centre for commerce and industry. It has a maritime history that began in the remote past. The Portuguese, the Dutch and the English had established themselves there at one time or the other. In fact Cochin fort was built by the Portuguese with the permission of the local ruler.

Cochin consists of mainland Ernakulam, Willington island, Fort Cochin - Mattancherry peninsula, Bolgatty and Gundu and Vypeen island, and the Kerala State Tourism Development Corporation has 2 conducted tours that touch upon both old and new Cochin.

A must see is the St.Francis Church, a Protestant church built by the Portuguese circa in1510 A.D. and is also the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. Vasco-da-Gama's gravestone is located here though his mortal remains were taken back to Portugal several years later. Originally the church was built of wood. Later it was demolished and rebuilt in stone, probably after 150 years. The Dutch and the English were also masters of the church during their occupation of Cochin. It is now a part of the church of South India.

The Cochin fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503 A.D. and is at the entrance to the port. The spiderly Chinese nets at the entrance to the harbour, forming a silhoutte against the sky creates an ethereal picture.

The Santa Cruz Church was also built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Strangely enough it was blown up by the English in 1795 A.D. in their anxiety to prevent the Dutch from occupying it. It was renovated subsequently. Places of interest in the vicinity are Alwaye, the industrial town at a distance of 23 kms from Ernakulam. The river Periyar and the Shiva temple are its attractions. Kaladi Kaladi which is also on the banks of the Periyar river is 19 kms away from Alwaye.

At Cranganore a mosque, said to be the oldest in India, a fort built by the Portuguese and the famous Bhagwathi temple are the tourist attractions.

The elephant training centre at Kodanad is situated on the banks of the Periyar river, 52 kms from Ernakulam.

The rock-cut temple Kallil Temple of the Jains is at a distance of 13 kms from Perambarur. It has a statue of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, carved out of a rock.

The Jewish Synagogue constructed in 1568 A.D. is the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth. The original building was destroyed in 1662 A.D. due to shelling by the Portuguese. It was rebuilt a few years later.

Butch Palace, Mattancherry built by the Portuguese in 1557 A.D. was gifted to Veera Kerala Varman, the then ruler of Cochin, probably to seek trading favours. However the Dutch undertook the renovation of this two storeyed quadrangular building after 1663 A.D. Since then it has been referred to as the Dutch Palace. It is also known as Mattancherry Palace by virtue of its locality.

The coronation of the kings used to take place in the central courtyard of the palace. Some of the royal possessions such as dresses, turbans and palanquins are displayed here. The most attractive aspect of the palace is the extensive range of murals depicting scenes from the Hindu epics.

Courtesy: www.indiatravelogue.com