Cochin

Introduction of Cochin 
Cochin or Kochi is the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Cochin is located on the western coast of Kerala and covers a total area of 83.52 square kms. Cochin is set on a cluster of islands surrounded by sparkling blue lagoons and backwaters on the vast area of the Vemband lake. Some of the picturesque islands are the mainland Ernakulam, and the island of Willingdon, Bolghatty, Vypeen, Gundu, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. The Vemband lake opens out into the Arabian Sea in Cochin and forms the finest natural harbours in the world. It is also known as the queen of the Arabian Sea. Various ancient buildings like Colonial bungalows, an old Jewish synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, European church, Portuguese palace reveals that various ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have visited this beautiful island city. 

Tourist Attractions in Cochin
The main tourist attractions in Cochin are Willingdon Island, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Bolghatty Palace, Chinese fishing nets, Hill Palace Museum and Mattancherry Palace. Willingdon island is named after Lord Willingdon, a British Viceroy to India. This man-made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The Jewish Synagogue is located very close to the Bolghatty Palace. This synagogue was built in 1568 and is the oldest synagogue in the subcontinent. St. Francis Church is located at the Fort Cochin. This church is one of the oldest European church in the subcontinent. This church was established by the Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503.
In 1524, the remains of the Vasco da Gama was buried in the churchyard of this church and later moved to Lisbon, Portugal. His tombstone still remains in the church. Bolghatty Island is famous for the Bolghatty palace. Bolghatty Palace is located on the tiny Bolghatty Island amidst shady flowering trees. Along the shore in the Fort Cochin area are the quaint Chinese fishing nets.