Columbus Cruise Review

Home > Cruise Destination Guide > Cochin

Time Zone: GMT + 5.30.

Currency: Rupee (Rs) = 100 paise.

Language: Malayalam.

Sightseeing: Cochin, in the state of Kerala, is the most important port in Southern India, enjoying a strategic location between China and Europe. The city, which has a strong Portuguese influence, boasts many Portuguese churches, as well as a Jewish synagogue, several mosques and some Hindu temples. No visit to the region is complete without a trip to the 19th-century Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese and given to the Raja of Kochi. Other highlights include the Mangalavanam bird sanctuary in the city centre and the ruins of Fort Cochin, built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD. There are also several museums worth a visit, including the Museum of Kerala History and the nearby Hill Palace Museum. Visitors should definitely stroll along the magnificent beach to see Chinese fishing nets scattered along the waterfront. The state of Kerala is renowned for its backwaters and visitors can take a boat to explore these inland palm-lined waterways surrounded by paddy fields.

Shopping: Rosewood, spices (including cumin, fennel and dill seed), jewellery, sandalwood carvings, grass mats, souvenirs made from coconut shells, saris, antiques and other handicrafts. The main shopping centres are on M G Road and Marine Drive.

Eating Out: The staple food in the region is fish curry and rice. Seafood is available across Cochin – fish, prawns and crabs are cooked in a variety of dishes. Other specialities include: puttu (steam cake made from rice flour and coconut); vellayappam (pancake made with rice flour and yeast batter); and uppmavu (porridge made with semolina). Fresh coconut is readily available from local street stalls. International restaurants, including French, Thai, Chinese and Mexican, are also present.