Cochin – One Of India’s Best Kept Secrets
Posted by Tousala | Posted in Travel and Leisure: General | Posted on 31-01-2010
Tags: asia, cochin, Destinations, holiday, India, kerala, kochi, Tourism, Travel, vacation
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Cochin, also known as Kochi, is a tropical paradise of waving palm trees and sandy beaches. It is located in the Indian state of Kerala, which is a strip of coastal territory in the south of India that stretches down the Western Ghats, and reaches up to the Arabian sea.
Cochin is comparatively cleaner and calmer than many Indian tourist destinations. Actually, you could easily mistake the feel and look of the place for a small, traditional European city. The influence of the British, Dutch and Portuguese, who all ruled there at one time or another, is still noticeable in many aspects of life, such as architecture, infrastructure, language, and social attitudes.
It is a religious place, and people who live there have varied ethnicity. You will find Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Jews living in harmony and celebrating all festivals enthusiastically. All places of worship are present (churches, mosques, temple and synagogues), and you will come across some fantastic examples of them, with colorful and interesting histories.
Cochin’s most famous landmark is a set of ancient Chinese fishing nets at harbor. These fishing nets are hundreds of years old, yet they are still in full operation today. Not only can you watch the fishermen at work, you can also join in and help them should you wish to do so. There are, of course, lots of other worthwhile sights there too, more than enough to occupy you for a week or two.
The coastline that extends from Cochin has some of the best beaches in the whole of India. The coconut lined sands and clear blue sea, make for a really sensenational and idylic backdrop for you take in whilst you relax. They are unspoilt too, as there are typically just a handful of beach huts and restaurants lining the shores, meaning that you can enjoy the surroundings pretty much as nature created them.
As for where to stay, Cochin was one of the first places in India to pioneer the concept of homestays, which provide a much needed source of extra income to local people, while at the same time giving you a chance to experience the real Cochin. With homestay accommodation, you live at the home of a local family, who will show you around and help you arrange tours and activities.
Next : Cochin Homestay

