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Kochi (formerly
Cochin)
It’s a city whose age
is
measured in millenia.
Since the times of
the Roman Empire, Cochin has been an important
gateway for trade
with the
West. Whether you call it Kochi, Cochin or Ernakulam, it’s
a fascinating place to visit.
One might have
business with the Port of Kochi, the Cochin Shipyard, Kochi Refineries
or any of the myriad of
business headquartered here. Assuming the purpose of visiting is
tourism, one’s most likely destination would be the old town.
Saint
Francis Church, the oldest Christian church in India (shown at right),
is located here, as are the Paradesi
Synagogue and the old Dutch tombs shown below left.
As to climate, temperature remains
fairly constant throughout the year, but precipitation doesn’t. The
(relatively) dry season runs from December through March and the (by
any standard) rainy season peaks in June.
In common with
other ports built around bays and islands, Kochi has a very good
network of low-cost ferry routes. For a reasonable amount of money, the
tourist
office will arrange kettuvallam
and powerboat tours.
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Kochi/Cochin
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