COCHIN- THE GLOBAL SPICE HUB & THE CRADLE OF CHRISTIANITY IN INDIA.

Cochin (Kochi), the queen of the Arabian sea, is the commercial, economic, cultural and religious hub of Kerala and it is situated almost at midway between Kasargod and Kanya Kumari (Cape Comorin). Blessed with a natural harbour that is hewn out of the estuary of Vembanad lake and river Periyar, which changed its course during the great flood which occured in 1341 A.D. Its main left branch changed its course from Muziris to southwards and flows into Vembanad lake through several branch canals. This resulted in Kochi being well connected with the major rivers of Kerala through the Vembanad Lake. It has a rich maritime history dating back to the ancient times as the center of spice trade.

Spices shipped from the ancient port of Muziris (Kodungalloor or Cranganoore) which was about 40 kms from Kochi found their way into the court of King Solomon and it was this Jewish connection that brought St.Thomas, the disciple of Jesus to Kodungalloor in 52 A.D.

When Jerusalem was besieged by Vespasian in 68 A.D and was totally destroyed by his son Titus in 70 A.D, there was a Jewish migration en masse to Kochi and surrounding areas. These Jewish settlers were well treated by the rulers of Kochi, and Judaism followed by Christianity struck their roots here.Cochin is known as the cradle of Christianity in India, tracing its origin to St. Thomas, the apostle and patron saint of India. Of the three basilicas which flank the Cochin Harbour, two are dedicated to Mary, the Holy mother of Jesus, who according to legend, bequeathed her girdle, symbolizing faith to St. Thomas, when she was taken up to heaven.

Her miraculous intercession has saved Cochin from many disasters in the past as well as in the present. The feast day of her assumption; i.e. August 15th coincides with the Indian Independence day.

Cochin is strategically located on the major sea routes linking Europe, North Africa and Middle East with India, Far East and Oceania. It is an ideal place to start with your Kerala tour, since it is centrally located and is well connected with other tourist destinations in Kerala.

TRAVEL& SIGHTSEEING:

For your traveling and sightseeing we arrange cars and other tourist vehicles, both A/c and Non A/c. The drivers have working knowledge of English and are well versed with the routes you prefer for sightseeing. They can also act as tourist guides. Based on your budget and mode of transport, we can offer you a variety of tour packages, based upon your tastes, preferences and period of stay here. They are made to give you maximum exposure to various tourist places, without cris-crossing; thus saving upon travel time and expenses. They shall cover many places in and around Cochin within a periphery of about 100 Kms. They also include many places which are off the regular itenary of tour operators. However, this facility which involves much planning and briefing is limitted to our guests who book their stay here and inform us in advance of the places they shall like to visit.

CUSTOMIZED TOUR PLANNING DEPENDING UPON Cse refer to the ‘Sightseeing’ page for details.USTOMERS' PREFERENCES CAN BE ARRANGED SO THAT THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PLACES CAN BE COVERED IN ONE GO WITHOUT CRIS-CROSSING ROUTES, THEREBY SAVING UPON TIME, VEHICLE RENTALS AND RUNNING COSTS.

TOURIST PLACES IN AND AROUND KOCHI (WITH DISTANCE):

Wonderla-20Kms: Ernakulam Marine Drive (3 Kms): Subhash Park (2 Kms):M. G. Road (1 Km): Broad Way (2 Kms): Vytilla (3 Kms): Edappally (6 Kms): Ernakulam South (400 Mtrs): Cherai Beach (30 Kms): Munambam (35 Kms): Fort Kochi (10 Kms): Thevara (4 Kms): Vallarpadam(4 Kms): ): Mattanchery (10 Kms): Thripponithura (10 Kms): Alleppey (80 Kms: Kumarakom (80 Kms): Kodanad, near Malayattor (40 Kms): Chottanikkara (20kMS): Guruvayoor (100 kMS): Azheekode (50 Kms): Kalady (30 Kms): Athirappally (60 Kms): Vazhachal (65 Kms) : Munnar (200 Kms):