Cochin Backwaters
Pellucid lake water lined up with coconut trees for kilometers present one of the most stunning and enchanting sights for the tourists looking forward to spend a cruising holiday in Kerala backwaters. Though, the entire Kerala is renowned for its backwaters but the backwaters at Cochin are amongst the most popular holiday destination among people. In fact, a majority of backwater cruises either begin or end up in Cochin. With stunning water birds, beautiful wild flowers and lush green trees constituting the banks of the backwaters, Kochi present one of the most breathtaking backwater views.
But, if you visit Cochin during December, you can enjoy one of the most interesting and popular activities in backwaters, the Indira Gandhi Boat Race. Conducted in the last week of December in the rolling backwaters of Cochin, this boat race is considered as the finale of the tourism fair held before this race. Several teams of boat rowers, equipped with curving prows and seated on long snake boats, participate in this race. The whole city of Cochin wears a carnival kind look during this race and the excitement is clearly visible among people and tourists.
Cochin presents an exquisite combination of contemporary and traditional of high rivalry and intense nostalgia. The giant Chinese fishing nets on the boats capture the glowing sun, making you run for camera to capture this break taking view.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport to Cochin is the Cochin International Airport located at a distance of about 30 Km from the city centre. This airport is well connected to various cities in India and throughout the world.
By Rail
The Ernakulum Town or North railway Station and Ernakulum Junction or South Railways station both are the nearest railway stations located at a mere distance of approx. 3 Km from the city centre.
By Road
The Ernakulum bus station is the near bus stop located at a distance of about 2 Km from the city centre and regular bus service is available to and from Trivandrum, Kollam, Kottayam, Palakkad and Calicut.
Climatic Conditions and Best time to Visit
There are no harsh extremities and the climate is generally tropical in Cochin. June to September are the monsoon months in which heavy rainfall is received and thus, the best season to visit the place is between October to March when the weather is very pleasant.
Prime Attractions
Marine Drive
It is a picturesque promenade, which is built right in from if the backwaters and is one of the most popular hangouts in the city. With plethora of shopping malls located near it, it makes an amazing place for shopping ethnic stuff. There are two bridges constructed contemporarily in on the walkways – Chinese fishing Net Bridge and Rainbow Bridge. The stunning views of sunsets and the refreshing breeze from Vembanad Lake make it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Cochin.
Mattancherry Palace
Also, called as the Dutch Palace and located in Mattancherry, is renowned for the Kerala murals that it features depicting portraits, Hindu temple art and exhibits of the lives of Rajas of Kochi. This palace spreads its medieval charm on everyone who visits its and it is an amazing piece of Portuguese architecture.
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
This church was originally built by Portuguese and was raised to a cathedral by Pope Paul IV. However, with the span of time it faced many problems like British demolished its structure. But, its new building was commissioned in 1887 by Bishop Dom Gomez. Later, it was proclaimed as a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.
Willingdon Island
It is a man-made island which was named after a British Viceroy Lord Willingdon. Some of the best places situated on this island include Cochin harbor, southern naval command, major trading centers and some of the finest hotels in the city.