To meet the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ – Visit Kerala
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Horowitz85
Joined: 15 Sep 2007
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To meet the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ – Visit Kerala
The only destination in India offering so much diverse options to the eco-tourist is the small strip of land in southern India, called Kerala. Eco-tourism, a recently introduced option and promoted in a mass way through the
Kerala Tourism
initiative of the state government has been a hit with both domestic and international visitors
One of the important places to visit in Kerala, ‘the God’s Own Country’ is Kochi, the business capital of the state. This charming city’s long maritime history and the numerous important places of importance has rightly earned it the name, ‘the Queen of the Arabian Sea’.
Located strategically in the East-West trade route, Kochi is host to one of the biggest natural harbors in India. Historical records testify that ships and traders from the Middle East and Europe have made port calls and trade visits at this harbor. While most of them came for trade in spices and other products, some of them made port calls to replenish their food stocks.
Kochi is home to the first European church in India. Built by the Portuguese in 1510, it was the initial burial site of the first European explorer to India, Vasco da Gama. This church was later taken over by the Dutch and finally it passed on into the hands of the British.
Even though there was a Jewish presence from the first century, the only remaining Jewish synagogue at Kochi has been built during the late 15th century. The mid 18th century clock tower and the blue willow tiles sourced from China adds a peculiar ambience to this synagogue. Even though it was partially destroyed in a fire, the
Dutch rebuilt it.
Other places to visit in Kochi includes the age old Chinese fishing nets, Gundu Island, the Vypeen island, Willingdon Island, the Parikshith Thampuran Museum and the Hill Palace Museum. A ride on cruise boats in the Kochi Harbor is an unforgettable experience.
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