Cochin
(Ernakulam, Kochi) Backwaters
More
popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on
the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake.
Some of these picturesque
islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The lake opens out into
the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours in the
world.
It is this natural advantage that has made Lochi a
fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of explorers and traders
who visited this wealthy land.
The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese,
Dutch and Gritish have all left their mark here.
The Jewish
synagogue, the Dutch palace, the Chinese Fishing nets, and other remnants of
European and Asian architecture merge smoothly into the traditional fabric
of the seaport city.
Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving
around on the local several quaint spots.
Boat cruises from Kochi
harbor to Willingdon Island, Mattancherry Place, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort
Kochi and Bolgatty Island.
Sunset cruise. 3 hour backwater village
cruises which include visits to coir villages and coconut plantations.
