Kochi (Cochin)
An international port on the western coast, Cochin also has a ship-building yard. Famous for its backwaters, the city is 219 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. It is the commercial centre for the state, with an excellent harbour, around which the city has grown. Foreign traders down the ages have docked here in their quest for the legendary wealth of the Malabar Coast. Cochin today is a busy city which still retains the age-old grandeur of its buildings,palaces and architecture a grandeur
ACCESS
Regular flights link Cochin with major cities in India. Also an extensive rail and road network connects the city with various towns and cities in the country.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Bolghatty Island, Willingdon Island, Cochin Museum, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Fort Cochin and St Francis Church, Gundu Island and Vallarpadam.
EXCURSIONS
Kodungaloor (Crangaonore), Kallil Temple, Kodanad. Munnar - 132 kms about 4 hours drive from CochinMunnar is a nature - lover's paradise. It is situated 1600 m above sea-level and offers an excellent opportunity to have sweeping views of fragrant tea plantations.
It fact, when you are in Munnar a visit to the Eravikulam National Park is a little drive away.
ACCOMMODATION
Malabar (5-star Deluxe), Willingdon Island, Cochin-682 009. Phones: 666811. Fax: 668297.
Avenue Regent (4-star), 39/1796 ABC, M.G. Road, Cochin-682 016. Phones: 372660. Fax: 0484-370129.
Taj Residency (4-star), Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Cochin-682 016. Phone: 371471. Fax: 371481.
Cochin Towers, Lisie Junction, Kochi - 682 018. Phones: 91-484-401910, (5 Lines). Fax: 401922.
Quality Inn Presidency (3-star), Paramara Road, Ernakulam Town, Cochin-682 018. Phones: 394300. Fax: 393222.
Casino (3-star), P.B. No. 585, Willingdon Island, Cochin-682 003. Phone: 668221. Fax: 668001.
Sealord (3-star). Shanmugham Road, Ernakulam, Cochin-682031. Phone: 352682 Fax: 370135.
Abad Plaza (3-star), M.G. Road, Cochin 682035. Phone: 361636. Fax: 370729.
Grand(2-star), M.G. Road, Ernakulam, Cochin 682011. Phone:
33211. Cable: GRAND.
Bolgathy Palace Hotel (ktdc), Cochin. Phones: 355003, 354879.