Attractions
Kochi, hailed as the Queen of Arabian Sea, has a rich heritage dating back to several centuries and offers a variety of exciting places to see. Here are a few of them:

Jewish Synagogue
Built in 1568, the Jewish Synagogue at Jew Town in Mattanchery is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth.

Dutch Palace
Built in oriental style, Mattanchery Palace, situated in Jew Town in Mattanchery, was originally constructed by the Portuguese and presented to the King of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma, in 1555 AD. It was later taken over by the Dutch who improved it through extensions and repairs in 1663 AD. Since then it come to be called in Dutch Palace, though at no time did the Portuguese nor the Dutch stayed there. The palace is a portrait gallery of the Kings of Cochin.

St.Francis Church
St.Francis church, originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, the patron Saint of Portugal, was built in 1503 and is the first European church in India. Situated on Parade Road in Fort Kochi, this church is a living historical monument. Vasco Da Gama was buried in this church for 14 years before his mortal remains were taken in Portugal.


Chinese Fishing Net
Chinese fishing nets or 'cheena vala' in Malayalam, flank the entrance to the Kochi harbour. Traders brought these huge cantilevered fishing nets here from the court of Kublai Khan. Fishermen in Fort Kochi still use these large nets, hanging from bamboo or teak posts, to catch fish that are attracted by the lights suspended above the nets. The Chinese fishing nets found in Fort Kochi are the only ones of their kind in India.

Hill Palace - The Historical Museum
Hill Palace Museum is situated east of Cochin city on the Ernakulam-Piravam Road. The palace complex shows a synthesis of European and Kerala styles of architecture. The palace is a good example of classical architecture and the major attractions are Nalukettu (four sided building with a central courtyard), a few agraharams, an imposing bunglow built in Dutch style and a royal durbar. This sprawling palace of the Kochi Rajas built in the 18th century now houses a museum. The museum mainly displays the erstwhile wealth and prosperity of the royal family of Cochin, including the King’s throne and crown. The antiquities displayed also include coins, palanquins, palm leaf manuscripts, wooden sculptures, paintings etc. The museum has a fairly good collection of antique temple carvings. There is a deer park in the palace compound.

Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach situated 25 kms from Cochin offers you that unique combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms. Cherai is considered to be one of the virgin beaches of Kerala. It is a virtual feast to the eyes and ears of the discerning tourist on the hunt for some real beach experience, without the crowd and pollution. The sea at Cherai is quite sedate.