A vibrant potpourri of art, culture, food, carnivals and festivals, Kochi, sprawled along a gorgeous estuary in Kerala, is a fascinating tourist destination.
Skirted by the emerald-blue Arabian Sea that laps at its golden sun-kissed beaches, the city remains suspended in time, with its colonial charm merging seamlessly with its artistic aesthetic.
Established around Fort Kochi, which is the cultural nerve of the city, Kochi remains in a festive mood throughout the year.
It turns into an art wonderland during the four-month-long Kochi Biennale, the largest art exhibition in India, where vibrant colours, striking images and eloquent patterns greet you at every turn.
Intriguing boat rides, spiritual Onam, grand Shivaratri celebrations and the opulent Cochin Carnival, draw visitors from far and wide.
Sitting on the Malabar coast, historically, Kochi has been India's connect to the rest of the world. It was here that the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first arrived, paving the way for European colonisers. The city remains steeped in its heritage, which is reflected in various Portuguese, Dutch and British forts, palaces and bungalows that are scattered throughout.
Kochi is an eclectic mix of diverse cultures, where you can sample a bit of everything. Head to the narrow alleys of Jew Town and watch the city race by you as you slowly fall in love with Jewish culture and stock up on rare antiques and exquisite handicrafts. Relax at the artsy cafes as you dig into authentic dishes, while looking at the bustling market below.
1.Aluva
A scenic town on the outskirts of Kochi, Aluva is renowned for the annual Sivarathri celebrations, held in honour of Lord Shiva. These are held in the Malayalam month of Kumbam, usually February/March, on the banks of the tranquil Periyar river.
Special pujas, offerings and prayers are held during the festival that is organised at the Aluva Manappuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. During the day, rituals are performed at the temple by over 500 priests while a sea of devotees gather to pay their respects to the deity.
Many of them fast throughout the day. Besides prayers, cultural programmes and trade fairs are also organised. The festival is celebrated in remembrance of Lord Shiva, who drank a deadly poison to save the world.
2. Ernakulam Shiva Temple
Among the rarest Shiva temples that faces the sea on the west, Ernakulam Shiva Temple is an ancient site that draws devotees from far and wide.
Located in the Durbar Hall Ground, the temple offers picturesque views of the Arabian Sea. The sanctum sanctorum houses a shivling that is said to be 'swayambhoo' or self-originated.
The temple is sprawled over an area of 1.2 acre and is built in typical Kerala style of architecture. The ring-shaped sanctum sanctorum is particularly beautiful with gorgeously sculpted walls and a copper-tiled roof.
From here, tourists can get splendid views of the two-storeyed Western Gopuram that has been designed with gabled roofs and slanted windows. A dining hall or Oottupura and a marriage hall have also been added to the structure recently.
3. Paradesi Synagogue
A noodle-thin street winding its way between Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue, Jew Town is among the oldest spaces of the city that once hosted a blooming Jewish populace.
The main attraction is the Paradesi Synagogue that was built in 1568. This imposing edifice is adorned with Belgian chandeliers that glow warmly.
The floor of the synagogue is lined with willow-patterned and hand-painted tiles from China that are believed to be dating back to the 18th century. It is believed that the synagogue contains four scrolls of the Torah (First Five books of the Old Testament).
These are encased in gold and silver chambers. Tourists can explore the Jew Town, a bustling street that is the best spot to stock up on unique handicrafts, fragrant spices and exquisite antiques.
4. Santa Cruz Basilica
One of the eight magnificent Basilicas in India, Santa Cruz Basilica was constructed by the Portuguese in 1505. Boasting two lofty spires that can be seen from a distance, this pristine white structure has a contrasting vividly painted interior.
The overwhelming arches and the altar add medieval touches to the church's architecture. Tourists would be especially awed by seven canvas paintings that have been inspired by the 'Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci.
As you gaze at the mesmeric ceiling, beautifully adorned with paintings depicting scenes from the Via Crucis of Christ, you are left marvelling at the skill of the artisans of that time.
Don't miss out the intricate wall carvings and stained glass windows that enhance the beauty of the church.
