Cochin Carnival 2011

Kochi Carnival, Kochi Festival or Cochin Carnival in the present form is started about three decades back. The commencement of the Cochin Carnival in India roots back to the period when colonialism ruled supreme in Kochi. This year carnival will be celebrated on December 31, 2010 and January 1 2011. The new year eve programs and the the parade mark the event. Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed during the last week of every year in Fort Kochi in Kerala. The Cochin Carnival is the most revered and famous event of the city of Kochi. Numerous native people participate in it and experience the lighter side of life. It has been conjectured that the Portuguese rulers greeted the New Year in a truly grand fashion. Absolutely dazzling ceremonial elegance and unparalleled splendor marked the parties and fiestas that were conducted by them so that they could celebrate to their heart's content. Events like Sea-Swimming, Beach Volleyball, Beach Football and Beach Bike Race make the Cochin carnival more interesting and amusing. Even prizes are awarded to the competition winners. On the New Year's Day elephants are brought out on the roads and the tunes of the instrument known as 'Panchavadyam' reverberates throughout the city.

Jewish Synagogue Kochi, Kerala, India

Located at Mattancherry, about 24 km from Cochin International Airport, Kerala India, this synagogue built in 1568 by the prosperous Jewish community, is the oldest in India. Among all the common wealth countries of the world, the Jewish Synagogue, Kochi is the oldest existing synagogue. It is also referred to as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue. The synagogue is located in the quarter of Old Cochin known as Jew Town. Synagogue is commonly spoken of as a "Shul" by Orthodox Jews, "synagogue" by Conservative, and "Temple" by Reform. "Synagogue" is a good all-around word to cover the preceding three possibilities. The Jewish Synagogue is a combination of architecture from Portuguese and Dutch. It is also called Paradesi and Mattancherry Synagogue. Jewish synagogue is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry. It was partially destroyed by the Portuguese in the war of 1662 and was rebuilt by the Dutch. One of its interesting features is the hand painted willow pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in China in mid 18th century and no two tiles are alike. The interior offers many delights: a Belgian chandelier, scrolls of the Old Testament, copper plates on which were recorded the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers to the Jewish community in the 4th century and finely wrought gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by various patrons. The Kochi Synagogue at Fort Kochi is the oldest Jewish synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. The area around the synagogue is known as Jew town whose by-lanes that wind around offer charming sights of houses built in Dutch, Portuguese and British styles. The Synagogue itself is elaborately decorated with crystal chandeliers and carved wood with blue and white ceramic. There are many antique shops located nearby this place. The Jewish Synagogue in Kochi and the surrounding areas are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kerala. Europeans visiting Kerala come and spend hours enjoying the colonial cultural remaining.

Emmanuval Silks Fashion Fiesta

Emmanual Silks, the world’s Largest Wedding Collection, has shops at Kottayam (Near Collectorate) and Thrissur ( Near Sakthan Stand) is celebrating 45days Fashion Fiesta. Emmanuval Fashion fiesta offers a Mercedes Benz as bumper prize and 101 kg of Gold as other prize. They also offers surprise gifts with every purchase! The whole attractions starts from first December 2010 and lasts upto 15th of January 2011. Celebrate Wedding season and Christmas with Emmanuval Silks. New year also can be paying!

Emmanuval Silk’s new showroom is opening at Kochi shortly!

Cherai beach tourism Mela – Cherai Beach Festival

Cherai Beach Festival or Cherai Beach Carnival is organized by Pallipuram grama panchayat of the Vypeen Island. This festival of tourism is organized to encourage tourists to share the feel of Kerala beaches and its cultural heritage. Cherai is one of the most popular beaches in central Kerala. Tourists visit Kochi can easily reach Chwerai by road. The Cherai beach tourism Mela – Cherai Beach Festival is celebrated during first week of the new year. The programs include chendamelam (Drums), karimarunnu prayogam (fire works), pattom parathal (kite flying) etc.The Cherai beach tourism Mela – Cherai Beach Festival is organized in support with KTDC – Kerala Tourism Development Council. The one week long festival display traditional art forms of Kerala. Several tourists visit Kerala and Kochi specially during this festival to enjoy Cherai beach to its full.

The Hairomax Miss South India 2010 contest at Kochi

The Hairomax Miss South India 2010 contest will be held at hotel Le Meridien International Convention Centre at 6.30 pm on Saturday, November 06, 2010. Selected beauties from south Indian States will be contesting for The Hairomax Miss South India 2010 title. Contestants from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are undergoing their grooming section for last few days. The grooming sessions for the contestants will have sessions on yoga, meditation, personality development, catwalk, beauty tips, photo shoot...and more. The winner will get the crown sponsored by Prakkat Jewelers and the first runner up will be awarded with prices worth Rs. 50,000.00 and the second runner-up will be given Rs. 25,000.00 worth gifts. Also there are gifts under the categories lime Miss Beautiful Hair, Miss Beautiful Smile, Miss Beautiful Skin, Miss Beautiful Face, Miss Beautiful Eyes, Miss Congeniality, Miss Catwalk, Miss Perfect 10, Miss Talented and Miss Photogenic. The judging panel include actors Swetha Vijay, Aditi Chibber, model Simer Mottiani and media personalities Vijay Babu and Thoshma Biju.The beauty contest that run about three and a half hours include four sections like designer sari round, casuals, black and black and linen wear round. There are four finalists from Kerala. The contestants Aiswarya Muraleedharan, Geethu Christy, Priyanka Mohan and Denita Anand are from Kerala.

Kochi - the Queen of Arabian Sea

Welcome to Kochi, the Queen of Arabian Sea, the economic capital of Kerala. Kochi is also the most advancing business hub in the fields of IT and tourism in South Asia. Kochi is accessible from all over the world by air. The domestic and international airport at Nedumbassery 30 km. from Kochi and 25 km from Ernakulam. The international airport operates regular flights to different parts of the world, Gulf, Asia Pacific, Europe, The major airlines that are operated from Cochin international airport are Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Atlantis, Air Maldives, Oman Air , Cathay Pacific, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Swiss Air, British Airways, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa,..

Kochi is also connected with other parts of the world by sea. There are several tourist luxury ships operating to Cochi. Reaching Kochi by sea arouse a lot of nostaldgia for Europeans. The ancient traders from Europe reached Kochi by ships and they have rache at Kochi and other near by ports. They have taken spices and other valuables from Kerala.

Kochi can be accessed by Rail.Ernakulam Juynction (Ernakulam South), Ernakulam Town are two major rail way staions in South India. Most of the Indian Cities are connected by rail route from Kochi.

Several Roads are passing through Kochi. Thgiruvananthaouram – Palghat, Edappally – Mangalore, Kochi – Madurai highways are connected with Ernakulam. Also several State Highways are connected to Kochi.

Kochi is also well connected with other pars of the state by water ways. You can travel down to other parts of Kerala by boad. This means of transport is not yet tapped to its full potential.

Mangalavanam – The mangrove forest

Mangalavanam is a mangrove forest right in the heart of the city. Mangalavanam is located just behind the High Court building. The Mangalavanam Bird sanctuary is also called the green lung to the city of Kochi. Mangalavanam is an ecologically sensitive area. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is home to wide variety of birds. And it attracts many migratory birds and you can watch birds throughout the year. The 2.74hectare area is the second home for several migratory birds. It is a popular destination for city nature clubs and sight seeing school kids. Mangalavanam has been declared as a protected area on 31st August 2004.

Fort Kochi Attractions

Fort Kochi Beach: The beautiful beach extends from Kamalakada to the entrance of Kochi harbor. Along the beach are many colonial bungalows, which retain the ambience of the bygone era.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow: This magnificent mansion is a blend of Portuguese, Dutch and Kerala architectural styles. It was the office of Pierce Leslie &Co. and is noted for excellent wood work.

Where to shop in Kochi?

Kochi is for shopping also. Ancient Europeans came here for buying spices.You will get anything from Spices to Electronic Gadgets. Here is the list of Shopping Areas in Kochi.

Broadway

Mahatma Gandhi (M G) Road

Market Road

GCDA Shopping Comp., Marine Drive

Pioneer Towers, Marine Drive

New Road, Mattancheny

Princess Street, Fort Kochi

KTDC Sight Seeing Tours in and Around Kochi

KTDC, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, offers several sight seeing trips. If you come to Kochi better use these tours to know more about Kochi and surroundings. Let us just browse through the tours arranged by KTDC. The contact details are also provided with each picnic descriptions and that will help you to plan your trip better.

 

Boat Cruise into Kochi Through Backwaters:

Daily two trips: 9 am to 12.30 pm /2 pm to 5.30 pm from Cochin and this tour covers Harbour to Willingdon Island, Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and Bolgatty Island

 

Sunset Cruise to Backwater Vilage

3 hrs. backwater village cruises (5.30 pm to 7 pm daily). Enjoy the sent floating on the deck of boat! The tour starts from Boat Jetty.

 

Two-day Periyar Wildlife Tour:

The periyar tour leaves every Saturday 7.30 am. and returns Sunday 8 pm. Covers Kadamattom Church, Periyar WLS and Idukki Dam. Enjoy the wild forest and lush green villages. For further details, contact the KTDC Tourist Reception Centre, Shanmugham Road, Ernakulam, Kochi-682 011 (Ph: 2353234, 2362799) - email: ktdc@giasmdOl.vsnl.net.in

 

Backwater Village Tour

Daily two trips from 9 am - 1.30 pm and from 2 pm- 6.30 pm. Starts from the Main Boat Jetty, Emakulam. Contact - Tourist Desk, Main Boat Jetty, Nr Subash Bose Park, Ernakulam ((b 2371761).

Kochi – Ernakulam - The Queen of Arabian Sea

Kochi the economic capital of Kerala and major destination in South Asia has an area of 87.341 sq.kms. and a population : 16.6 lakhs and it is just above sea level. Surrounded and crisscrossed by rivers, backwaters and Sea this city is considered as a true destination for Europeans and Westerners visiting to Asia. Kochi is connected with the world by Air, Road, Rail and Sea. Kochi is one of the busiest harbor in this part of the world. The domestic and international airport at Nedumbassery is located at 30 km. from Kochi . Kochi consists of townships like Ernakulam, Old Cochin, Mattancheny, Fort Kochi, Palluruthy, Thoppumpady, Willingdon Island and suburbs like Edappally , Kalamasseiy, Thrikkakara, Kakkanad and Tripunithura.

Ajith Sen ’s trip from Kochi, Kerala, India to Alappuzha

Alappuzha Backwater Cruise: Massage by Wind Slideshow: Ajith Sen ’s trip from Kochi, Kerala, India to Alappuzha was created by TripAdvisor. See another Alappuzha slideshow. Take your travel photos and make a slideshow for free.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow in Kochi

Pierce Leslie Bungalow in Kochi is one of the major tourist attractions of Kochi. It is built in 1862. The nineteenth century Pierce Leslie Bungalow is an ancient colonial mansion. The Pierce Leslie Bunglow was once the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., the famous coffee merchants. The main attractions of Pierce Leslie Bungalow include the wood paneled roof of the ground floor, arched doorways, carved doors and sprawling rooms. The Pierce Leslie Bungalow in Kochi is a beautiful mansion with a long water front veranda. Pierce Leslie Bungalow is loacted near Fort kochi, 13 km from Ernakulam. You can reach here by cab and it is about 2 km from Main Boat Jetty at Ernakulam.

The Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala)

Those who visit Fort Kochi or Vypin can see huge fishing nets operated for fishing. This Chinese fishing nets in Cochin are locally known as Cheenavala. The technique of fishing by Chinese fishing nets differs from the technique of ordinary fishing nets. Normally the Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) is used during High Tide. The Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) is dipped in the cost and will be lifted and the catches are collected by fisherman going over to the net. Three to four people can operate this cantilever mechanism. These huge fishing nets were introduced between 1350 and 1450 AD. These nets were brought by traders from the Court of Kublai Khan in China. Thus this net got the name Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala). You can see The Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) throughout Malabar Cost and in the banks of backwaters and some river landings.

Those who visit Fort Kochi or Vypin can see huge fishing nets operated for fishing. Normally the Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) is used during High Tide. The Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) is dipped in the cost and will be lifted and the catches are collected by fisherman going over to the net. Three to four people can operate this cantilever mechanism. These huge fishing nets were introduced between 1350 and 1450 AD. These nets were brought by traders from the Court of Kublai Khan in China. Thus this net got the name Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala). You can see The Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) throughout Malabar Cost and in the banks of backwaters and some river landings.

Willingdon Island - Man Made Island in KochiWillingdon Island

Willingdon Island is created in 1930s. It is createted as part of dredging Vembanttu kayal (Vembanad Lake). It is named after the former Viceroy of India, lord Willington. This manmade island is connected with main land Kochi with Venduruthy Bridge. Sir Robert Bristow, who was appointed by Lord Willingdon, then-the Governor of Madras Presidency was the main Engineer for this project. It is road and rail by side of it. Willingdon Island is created as part of improving ship handling facilities in Kochi during the British rule.
Willington Island is a link that connect Kochi with other and there are some of the beautiful hotels, commercial and industrial offices etc. The old Kochi airport, shipbuilding yard, wharf, the Southern Naval Command Head Quarters and the customs house are located in this island.

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Cochin International Airport

Cochin International Airport is located in Nedumbassery around 25 km from Kochi. It is also called Nedumbassery Airport. The Airport is situated off National Highway- 47 and the Nearest Railway Station at Angamaly. The completing Seaport – Airport will provide convenient access through road also. Cochin International Airport is built as a in public-private partnership and owned by a public limited company called Cochin International Airport Limited, CIAL. Government of Kerala, Non-Resident Indians, Financial Institutions, Airport service providers and others are share holders of CIAL.
It is one of the busiest air ports in India and handles around 10000 passengers and 420 flights in a week. Several national and international flights are operated from Cochin International Airport; there are flights to about 50 destinations in India and abroad. Please visit Cochin International Airport’s Official Website at http://www.cochin-airport.in/ for more information.

Map for Kochi International Airport, Nedumbassery

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Oberon Mall Kochi

Oberon Mall Kochi is situated just outside the City of Cochin. It is situated in By-pass road near Palarivattom signal. So Oberon Mall can be accessed very easily. Oberon Mall is the largest lifestyle shopping mall in Kerala. Launched in 2009 this shopping paradise has become the hub of major retail brands in India. With a lot of entertainment facilities people gather here for purchase and relaxation. It is very important that you can make a complete family shopping in this single building. Provisions, Clothing, Jewelers, Electronic Goods, Computers and the list of items available here is very huge. The Oberon Mall Shopping Mall consists of 350000 square feet area and the building cost was around 1 billion Indian rupees. Oberon Shopping Complex houses Reliance Super Bazaar, Reliance Trends, Graffiti Clothing and several exclusive showrooms. Oberon Mall was developed and promoted by the Oberon Group of Companies, India.

Vypin Kochi

Vypin, also spelled Vypeen is a small strip of land very near to Kochi. Vypin Island was formed with the heavy floods of 1341. The Vypin Island is 25 Kilometer long and very narrow strip of land.Vypin is heavily populated island. Vypin is a fast-developing suburb of the Kochi City. Goshree bridge constructed in 2004 by Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) joins the mainland Kochi and Vypin Island. This bridge also connects the islands Mulavukad and Vallarpadam. Tourists can reach Vypeen by road or by boat. There are regular boat services from Fort Kochi to Vypin Island. Famous beaches like Cherai, Munambam and Kuzhippally are in Vypeen island. The Portuguese, Dutch and British dynasties had ruled Munambam area, the oldest European Monuments the hexagonal fort in located in this island. Tourists love this traditional Kerala Village with several historic monuments.

Cherai Beach Kochi

Cherai Beach Kochi is one of the most beautiful and neat beaches in India. Cherai Beach Kochi is located just 30 km away from Kochi in Vypin island. Tourists can reach Cherai Beach Kochi bu road from Kochi. The long stretch of neat and clean sandy beach arouse any tourist. Tourists from across the glob visit Cherai Beach Kochi and enjoy swimming, sun bathing and the sun set. There are many hotels and resorts available around this beach. Also many home stay facilities are available. Cherai Beach Kochi offers much more than a beach, in this traditional village you will find lush green coconut palms and paddy fields, fishing nets, paddy fieldss and lagoons. The main attraction of Cherai is the lagoon 'Poyil'. When you go to Cherai make sure that you enjoy a water scooter ride or motor boat race. Enjoy the grace of Arabian sea and the Vembanad Kayal sharing the small land strip between. Munambam Beach Kochi is very near to this beautiful beach.

Kuzhupilly Beach

Kuzhupilly beach Kochi is en-route to Cherai Beach. If you are little early for Cherai Beach you can spend a couple of hours in the pine shade here. This beach is enroute to famous Munambam Beach Kochi Munambam Beach Kochi and Cherai Beach Kochi.

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