Cochin or Kochi is one of the most important cities of Kerala for centuries. Cochin also has finest natural harbors on the Arabian Sea coast of India. Cochin has been a port of call for foreign traders from very early times. Ancient mariners from Arabia, Holland, Britain, China and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city of Cochin. The cosmopolitan character of Cochin is reflected in the buildings and structures representing styles. Cochin City is one of the most important commercial centers of Kerala.

BOLGHATTY PALACE

Once a mansion of the British Resident and now a hotel, is in palm fringed Bolghatty Island.Bolgatty Palace, the exclusive heritage hotel located on the picturesque Bolgatty Island in Kochi, provides travelers with world class amenities and wonderful holidaying options. The mansion was originally built by Dutch traders in 1744 and was leased to the British in 1909. It is the oldest of the kind that exists outside Holland. It served as the British residency till 1949. It is encircled by a nine-hole golf course established in 1923. It faces straight to the estuary of Vembanad backwaters and it is also close to the international marina.

MATTANCHERY PALACE

The palace (Dutch Palace) was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Cochin Raja, Veera Kerala Varma. The Dutch renovated it after 1663, and hence the palace has another name, 'Dutch Palace'. The most important feature of Mattanchery Palace is the murals in the bedchambers and other rooms, which depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga. These murals are some of the most beautiful and extensive, and are one of the wonders of India.

JEWISH SYNAGOGUE

Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. A stone slab from Kochangadi synagogue (built in 1344, and has then disappeared), inscribed in Hebrew, can be found on the inner surface of the wall.The synagogue has hand-painted, willow pattern floor tiles brought from China.

MARINE DRIVE

Marine Drive is a picturesque promenade in Kochi, Kerala, India. It is built facing the backwaters, and is a popular hangout for the local populace. Ironic to its name, no vehicles are allowed on the walkway. Marine Drive is also an economically thriving part of the city of Kochi. With several shopping malls it is as an important centre of shopping activity in Kochi. Major fast food joints, including Marrybrown, DiMark, Barista, Coffee Bar are present along the walkway. The view of the setting and rising sun over the sea mouth, and the gentle breeze from the Vembanad Lake has made Marine Drive an important tourist destination in Kochi.Hundreds of people (both natives, and tourists) throng the walkway during the evenings. The walkway starts from the High Court Junction and continues until the Rajendra Maidan. There are also several boat jetties along the walkway.

ST.FRANCIS CHURCH

Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, this is India's oldest European-built church. The original structure was wood, but was rebuilt in stone in mid-16th century. Vasco da Gama, the first European to reach India, died in Cochin in 1524 and was buried here for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Portugal. The tombstone still stands in Cochin.

PARISHATH THAMPURAN MUSEUM

Housed in what was previously Durbar Hall, constructed in traditional Kerala style, the museum contains collections of 19th century oil paintings, old coins, sculptures and Mughul paintings and exhibits from the Cochin

COCHIN'S FAMOUS CHINESE FISHING NETS

- Lined along the sea-front, these fishing nets exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish, introduced by Chinese traders from the court of Kublai Khan. These nets are also seen along the backwaters between Cochin (Kochi) and Kottayam, and between Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Quilon (Kollam). They are mainly used at high tide.