:: Country Club – Cochin
Kochin (colonial name Cochin) is a beautiful city situated on the South west of India in the scenic and prosperous state of kerela commonly known as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide.


Main Languages : Malayalam, English, Hindi and Tamil
City telephone code/ STD code : 0484
Best time to visit : October to February
Tourist Information : Kerala Tourism; Dept. of Tourism
(PH: 2360502, 2668352/1913, 2367334/2383988)
Distance : Ahmedabad – 1881 kms, Bangalore – 533 kms, Kolkatta – 2360 kms, Chennai – 684 kms,
Delhi – 2594 kms, Hyderabad – 1095 kms, Trivandrum - 220 kms

Getting there and away

By Air: The Cochin International Airport, handles both domestic and international flights.

By Rail: There are three main railway stations—the Ernakulam Junction, the Ernakulam Town and Cochin Harbour Terminus

By Road: An extensive network of national/state highways and local roads link Cochin to rest of the country. Private and public transport services are available to/from all major cities of South India from here.

Getting Around
• Private buses.
• Taxis
• Auto rickshaw

Attractions in Cochin:
• Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi
• Fort Kochi beach
• St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi
• Vasco House, Fort Kochi
• Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi
• Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry
• Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), Mattancherry
• Bolghatty Palace, Bolghatty Island
• Hill Palace, Tripunithura
• Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort
• Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
• Museum of Kerala History, Kalamassery
• Parikshith Thampuran Museum
• Cherai Beach
• Veega Land
• Marine Drive
• Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor
• Willingdon Island

Around The Cochin

Alleppey(Alapuzha)
Situated 63 kms south of Cochin along the coast, Alleppey is connected to Kochi by rail and road. It is called the Venice of the East due to the extensive canal network here. Every year the famous snake boat race is held here.

Cheruthuruthy
Cheruthuruthy is about 110 kms away from Kochi. It is the base of the Kerala Kalamandalam-the world famous art and dance academy where training in various traditional forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam etc are imparted.

Kalady
Situated 48 kms north-east of Kochi, on the banks of river Periyar (Poorna). Kalady is the birthplace of Sri Adi Sankaracharya, the monotheist Hindu philosopher. He traveled throughout India, on foot, debating with scholars and spreading his theory of Advaita or monotheism.

Kodanad
Kodanad is 30 kms north-east of Kochi situated on the lower ranges of the Western Ghats on the banks of river Periyar. The wildlife reserve is famous for the elephants and the largest elephant training centre is situated here. The reserve also features a mini zoo.

Kodungalloor(Cranganore)
Kodungalloor is 35 kms north of Kochi. The world famous port here was destroyed by a flood which led to the formation of Kochi harbour. St. Thomas, the apostle, is believed to have landed here in 52 AD. Cheraman mosque, the first mosque in India, built in the form of a Hindu temple, is situated here.

Munnar
About 140 kms on NH49, Munnar is a hill resort ideal for a relaxing holiday away from the tropical lowlands. The tea gardens and cardamom plantations give Munnar a beautiful look. Anai Mudi, the highest peak in South India is in these hills. The Munnar - Kodaikanal (another hill resort) road is believed to be the steepest road in South-East Asia.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady
Elephants, bisons, antelopes, samburs, monkeys and bears can be found in their natural habitat in this world famous wild life sanctuary, situated 190kms east of Cochin. A boat ride through the man-made lake in the heart of the sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to observe these animals in their natural surroundings.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad bird sanctuary is located 60kms east of Cochin near Kothamangalam. Thattekad is located on the northern bank of river Periyar is a tropical evergreen forest in the foothills of the Wester Ghats. Spread over 25 sq kms, this bird sanctuary was once regarded as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India.

Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep (meaning thousand islands), a haven of unspoiled natural beauty, lies 220-440kms off the coast of Kochi. Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. Only 10 islands are inhabited while 17 are uninhabited islands with a total geographical area of 32 sq. kms. Lakshadweep is connected to the mainland by air and sea links to Cochin. The sea route takes around 18-20 hours. Miles and miles of sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut groves will leave anyone mesmerised