Cochin
10
km from Kottayam
More
popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the
vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. 
Some
of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The
lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours
in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Lochi a fascinating blend
of the cultures and influences of explorers and traders who visited this wealthy
land.
The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Gritish have all left
their mark here. The Jewish synagogue, the Dutch palace, the Chinese Fishing nets,
and other remnants of European and Asian architecture merge smoothly into the
traditional fabric of the seaport city.
Half the fun of visiting Kochi
is moving around on the local several quaint spots. Boat cruises from Kochi harbor
to Willingdon Island, Mattancherry Place, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and
Bolgatty Island. · Sunset cruise. · 3 hour backwater village cruises
which include visits to coir villages and coconut plantations.
