Cochin, the present day Kochi is one of the oldest port towns in India and is a place of great historical importance. It has a long history of visitors dating back to the year 1409 AD when the first Chinese traveler arrived here. Vasco da Gama reached Cochin in 1498 and the Rajah of Cochin permitted him the construction of Fort Immanuel, the first European settlement at India. It was the beginning of the colonial saga in India and Fort Cochin’s history as an Indo -European town. Within its vast confines of the fort, the Portuguese build houses and churches which contribute till today to the local fabric.

The outlines of today’s town remind of the Dutch, who wrested it from the Portuguese in 1663. They laid the present town and made it a trading hub between Europe and China. It was during this period that Fort Cochin peaked in stature and fame.

The last phase of the colonial saga started when the British took over the town in 1795. British plantation and trading houses settled in Fort Cochin and its distinct style of Indo-European architecture evolved. Today Cochin remains one of the great historical harbor cities of the world and the center of the world spices trade. Despite all modern additions and changes, the eventful history behind Fort Cochin is still present and creates a picture of relaxed grace, reflecting a bygone era. The major places of historical interest are:
  Chinese fishing nets
  St. Francis Church
  Dutch Palace
  Jewish Synagogue

Mattancherry, the historical twin city of Fort Cochin which was ruled by the Rajah directly is home of 14 different communities with their own culture, religious beliefs and languages, creating a riddle of churches, mosques, synagogues and temples. The best known among them are the Cochin Jews which settled in Jew town next to the 16th century synagogue. In the span of 20 years the former spice ware houses have become the biggest market for artifacts, curios and antiques in India, a magnet for the visitors. A new layer of cultural experiences and lifestyle shops blossomed around this market: Kathakali theaters, galleries for contemporary arts, boutiques and fashion, an eclectic mix with a unique spell.

Kochi, also known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the ‘Vembanad Lake’, the maritime link between the sea and the fabled backwaters. Picturesque islands like Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam are connected by water transport. Being one of the large freshwater lakes in Asia, Vembanad lake is a major ecological resource which has conditioned the flora, fauna and lifestyles of the people who live on its banks. Houseboat cruises and canoe rides through the narrow canals that connect many villages, help visitors to have a close encounter with the village life of the local people.

Not to be missed:
  the picturesque hill stations with plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and spices.
  a complete Kerala experience through “The Malabar escapes” and its eco-friendly houseboat on lake Vembanad and the plantation bungalow Serenity with its elephant.