Kerala God's own country and best tourist place

Kerala was created by Lord Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu by throwing his axe across the sea to create new land for his devotees to live peacefully. So, Kerala is God's own creation, hence it is called God's own country!

There is so much to see in Kerala that the number of days is less. This region has been a major center of trade due to its ancient port. It has adopted Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese, English and Muslim open arms. Being a trading center, where it became a state of the influx of foreigners, it was also a center of attraction for traders from other nearby states of the country, so people from Malabar, Konkan, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu came and flourished. When people from such diverse cultures came here, they brought with them their traditions, customs, and cultures. And Cochin became the city considered to be the heart of this state. It is said that Cochin became the first colony of foreigners.

Kochi is named after the Malayalam word 'Kochu Ajahi' which means 'small bay' and what name would have been better suited for this ancient port city. This beautiful city attracted merchants and travelers from all over the world, hence this place is also known as "Venice of the East". This city, consisting of small islands, was once spread across Ernakulam, Mattancherry, Fort Cochin, Willingdon Island, Ipin Island, and Gundu Islands and towns.

History

It is said that once Cochin was a small village of fishermen, over a period of time the powerful waters of the Arabian Sea separated the village from the mainland, making this landlocked port one of the safest ports on the south-west coast of India. The port received a new strategic significance and commercial prosperity came to light when the Portuguese entered the Indian Ocean in the late 15th century and reached the southwest the coast of India in 1500 AD by the Portuguese sailor Pedro Alvares Cabral as the first on Indian land. European settlement was established in Cochin.

Generally, people associate Vasco da Gama with Goa but Vasco da Gama has a very special relationship with Kochi. Vasco da Gama established the first Portuguese factory here in 1502 AD. The Viceroy of Portugal, Alphonso-de-Albuquerque built the first Portuguese fort here in 1503 AD after hearing the praise of this place from Vasco da Gama. A lot of Portuguese architecture is still seen in the city. The port of Kochi became subject to the Dutch in the 17th century. Later on, in 1795 AD, the British took control of Kochi, which became free with the independence of India.

St. Francis Church

Fort Cochin has the St. Francis Church built by the Portuguese in 1510, which is noted for being the first European church on Indian soil. A very important interesting fact associated with this church is that it is associated with Vasco da Gama, the great Portuguese sailor. Vasco da Gama, who died in the 16th century, says that when Vasco da Gama visited India for the third time, he died in Cochin. He was buried here in St. Francis Church. After fourteen years, his body was taken to Lisbon. The church was first built by Wood. This church has seen many rounds. This church was built many times. In 1506, French monks gave new life to this church using mortar and bricks.

The construction of the church as it appears today was completed in 1516. They did not demolish the Roman Catholic Church when Protestant Dutch people invaded the city. Later in 1804 the Dutch gave the church under the control of the English Church people and then the church was dedicated to St. Francis.

Synagogue, Mattancherry

The Synagogue, located in the Fort Kochi area of ​​Kerala, is considered to be the oldest Jewish prayer site in the country. This Synagogue is known for its unique heritage. Chinese tiles have been used in its construction. Each tile used in construction has its own unique feature. It is said that the Jewish people came from Israel two and a half thousand years ago. Four thousand years old Judaism is the state religion of Israel. Before 1524, a large number of Jewish believers traded peacefully in the Malabar region of Kerala. But later he had to contend with the Portuguese. The old Synagogue of Judaism still exists in Mattancherry in Fort Kochi area of ​​Cochin. The Pardesi The synagogue is one of the oldest places of worship in the Commonwealth of Nations. This Synagogue was built in 1568 by the Jewish Society of Cochin. This area of ​​Cochin was once known as Jewish Town.

The architecture of this place is worth seeing. Special attention has been paid to the furnishings of Pardesi Synagogue. There are many chandeliers hanging from the ceiling which were ordered from Belgium. On the floor are laid blue ceramic tiles brought from China. He has been painted by hand. There is also a clock tower which was constructed in 1760. Now, this synagogue has been preserved. Photographs are not allowed here.

This historic synagogue of Metanchery will remain one of the major sightseeing places for tourists visiting Fort Kochi. It is the priceless heritage of the country's pluralistic culture.

Mahatma Gandhi Beach

Mahatma Gandhi falls in Fort Kochi itself. By the way, the entire Fort Kochi is worth seeing, but in the evening, a stroll on Mahatma Gandhi Beach is enjoyable. Here in the open near the beach, food counters open on the roadside in the evening. Where you can sit and enjoy seafood. You can buy fresh fish from the fish market near the Chinese Net and give it to these stalls. These people serve you fresh cooking by cooking live. It is a great pleasure to sit under the open sky along the sea.

Chinese net

For those who come to Fort Kochi, the center of attraction is to see the Chinese net. Chinese net Mahatma Gandhi is close to the beach. Even today, fish are caught from them. These Chinese fishing nets were first used by Chinese traveler Zheng He in Kochi in India. These nets were first installed at the Kochi port in the fourteenth century and have been in use ever since. You can see them comfortably while walking on the beach. The most picturesque view here is seen during sunset.

Santa Cruz cathedral basilica

The specialty of Fort Kochi is that despite being a small the island, this place is home to important sites of many great civilizations of the world. The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica can also be included in this count.

This cathedral is located in Fort Kochi and is one of the first churches in India. It is ranked in the current eight baselines of the country. Of course, it is a heritage building and has been very well taken care of by the Archaeological Department of India to protect its originality. It is a magnificent example of church style, architecture, and grandeur. It is one of the few buildings in the city that display Gothic architecture. The building has murals and canvas paintings that tell the story of the birth and death of Jesus Christ. This church has a replica of the Last Supper which is the major attraction of the church. This building is close to the Chinese net.

Marine Drive Kochi

Walking in Marine Drive, you can enjoy the Kochi backwaters. This place resembles Marine Drive in Mumbai.

Every evening a crowd of people gathers here to have a great view of the sunset. It is a long road with sea waves on one side and several fast food joints on the other side which manages different types of food. This place is a favorite picnic spot for the locals.

The Folklore Museum

If you want to see the folk culture of Kerala and South India under one roof, then you must visit the Folklore Museum. This museum looks like a palace from outside. A living example of traditional South Indian architecture. The precious art collected from the corners of Kerala, Malabar, Konkan, Travancore and Tamil Nadu have been brought here.

It would not be an exaggeration if we say that this building is built by adding unsurpassed parts taken from about 25 traditional South Indian buildings. The woodwork done in this building was completed by 62 traditional artisans who carved wood for seven and a half years. The seventeenth-century stone lamp is installed after the main door. Everything from the floor to the ceiling was a specimen of architecture. It is a three-floor building on each floor of which there is a collection of antique items brought from different places. Stone statues, musical instruments, jewelry, clothing, furniture, jewelry, paintings, utensils, mukhote, metal sculptures, coins, copper plates, ornamental objects of temples, large lamps, etc.

Traditional dance of Kerala

Go to Kerala and do not see the performance of Kathakali dance. There are many institutes in the Fort Kochi area which run programs to promote this dance form and it is performed every evening if you like traditional dance styles, then go 1 hour before the start of these dance performances. You will get to see the make-up of these artists. Which is even more interesting than the main theatrical performance. These people make up very differently according to different characters. Make-up has an important role in Kathakali. To enjoy Kathakali dance it is necessary to know this dance form. Kathakali has a rich history. Kathakali dance art is believed to have originated in the late 17th century. 

Raja Kottarakkara Tampuran invented the art of Ramanattam and later this dance form developed into Kathakali. Since then, there have been many changes in this dance form. This dance form was later supported by many big kings such as Maharaja Kartik Tirunal of Tiruvittankur, Ramavarma, Natyakala Visharad Kapalingatta Naraingan Namputiri, etc

Kalaripayattu - Ancient Indian Martial Arts

There are many organizations and centers in Fort Cochin which are engaged in preserving the arts found in this state and nearby states, as well as they are constantly striving to keep this art alive. In this link, the name Cochin Cultural Center is one such Places where one is under the roof you will get to see many arts. Such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, and Kalaripayattu.

The Cochin Cultural Center is located on Sangamam Manikath Road, equivalent to Fort Kochi Bus Stand. Here theatrical performances are performed every evening.

Taste Kerala

While the Portuguese, Dutch English, and Arabs came to Kerala for business, those people also brought the taste of their country. This flavor mixed with the spices of Kerala blossomed even more. That's why you get to taste different tastes all over Kerala. Originally a village of fishermen, there is a plethora of seafood.

If you are a fan of seafood, then this place is like Mecca for you. Here in the evening, the roadside food counters open in the open near the beach. Where you can sit and enjoy seafood. You can buy fresh fish from the fish market near the Chinese Net and give it to these stalls. These people serve you fresh cooking by cooking live. It is a great pleasure to sit under the open sky along the sea.

If you want to eat biryani then definitely try much biryani in Mattancherry. This Biryani is different from Hyderabadi or other Indian Biryanis. In this biryani, you will get a taste of the Arab country. His food and cooking arrived here with people from Malabar. That is why Malabar prawn curry is very famous here. Here the fish is marinated and fried with strong spices. In this episode, you must try the small meal. Make sure to try Rehmatulla's famous mutton curry in Mattancherry. Even if you are a pure vegetarian, there is a lot for you to eat here.

The breakfasts here are very fun like Pazampori, Paripuvada, Neyyapam, Kuzalpapam, Unniyapam, Sukhi and sure to eat Achapapam, Puttu, Kadala, etc. For this Pandal is a good place on Mahatma Gandhi Road.

Sujit Bhaktan, who is a blogger, says that if you are a vegetarian, there is a big Fest-Aranmula Vallasadhyaya for you once a year between July 15 and October 2 at Suri Parthasarathy Temple, Aranmoola. In which devotees offer Mahabhoja to their adorable god Parthasarathi Krishna. There are 70 types of food items in this banquet.

And that too pure vegetarian. If you also want to organize such a great feast, then you have to book in advance for this. If you just want to taste this party, then this party can be enjoyed by taking a coupon. Because it is a fest related to religion, there are some guidelines which are mandatory to follow. It is held before the Mahabhoja Boat Race. And before eating it, you will have to chant Sanskrit mantras as well as sing in chorus. The temple is located in Aranmula, which is 120 km from Kochi.

Shopping

In terms of shopping, Kochi is known for its heritage market while modernity is second to none. The market road spread over two kilometers from Fort Kochi to Mattancherry always attracts tourists. From here you can buy antique goods, furniture, clothes and spices of Kerala. The fresh aroma of cinnamon, small cardamom, nutmeg, mace, and black pepper will fascinate you. When buying spices, buy a vacuum-sealed pack, which keeps the aroma of spices intact.

Don't forget to buy a small houseboat and a Kathakali mask from Souvenir Shop in Fort Kochi. Buy homemade soap made from coconut oil from here.

Mahatma Gandhi Road Market is the best if you want to buy a traditional golden jari border white saree from Kerala. From here you can also buy traditional Kerala clothes for children.

You must buy banana chips from here. It is both sweet and salty.

If I say that Asia's largest shopping mall is here in Kochi, then you will agree. Yes, Lulu is related to shopping in goods itself. Its food court can hold up to 3000 people at a time.

so, friends, there are lots of things to say about Kerala but my appeal to you all that make a plan for Kerala visit and enjoy real natural beauty, culture, and tradition.

for more information visit click here "Kerala tourism"