Ernakulam/Kochi - Beaches and Backwaters
---------------------------------------
Located on the coast of the Arabian sea, Ernakulam district is a cluster of
islands networked by lagoons and backwaters. Kochi, one of the finest natural
harbours in the world, was once a major centre of commerce and trade with the
Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the British. The commercial capital and
the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi is also known as the queen of the
Arabian Sea. Once a major centre of commerce and trade with the Arabs, Chinese,
Portuguese, Dutch and the British, all these foreign traders have left their
mark on this beautiful island. Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around
on the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will
take you to several quaint spots. 


Cherai (Beach)
--------------
This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are
occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut
groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.

Vypeen island (21 km from the city) is a major centre for commerce. The island
which is connected to the main land by a bridge is more easily accessible by
boat. The ferry ride over the backwaters takes just 30 minutes. 

Fort Kochi (Beach)
------------------
Access: Backwater ferry / bus / three wheeler auto rickshaw A leisurely walk
through the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. An obscure
fishing village that became the first European township in India, Kochi has an
eventful and colourful history to tell. Its reputation as a seafaring
commercial town was such that Nicolas Conti, an Italian traveller of the middle
ages remarked: If China is where you make your money, then Kochi surely is the
place to spend it. The town was shaped by the Potuguese, the Dutch and later
the British. The result of these cultural interfaces are seen in the many
remains of Indo European architecture that still exist here. The huge
cantilevered Chinese fishing nets which were brought here by traders from the
court of Kublai Khan, are a fascinating sight on the Kochi shore line. 


Bolghatty Island (Backwater)
----------------------------
This island is famous for its palace of the same name. The Bolghatty Palace was
built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British. Today it is a
hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, with a small golf
course and special honeymoon cottages. 

Willingdon Island (Backwater)
-----------------------------
Named after Lord Willingdon, a British Viceroy to India, this man-made island
is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island is the site of the city's
best hotels, customs and trading centres, the port trust and the headquarters
of the southern naval command. 

Fort Kochi
----------
Access: Backwater ferry / bus / three wheeler auto rickshaw A leisurely walk
through the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. An obscure
fishing village that became the first European township in India, Kochi has an
eventful and colourful history to tell. Its reputation as a seafaring
commercial town was such that Nicolas Conti, an Italian traveller of the middle
ages remarked: If China is where you make your money, then Kochi surely is the
place to spend it.
The town was shaped by the Potuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The
result of these cultural interfaces are seen in the many remains of Indo
European architecture that still exist here. 

