cochin harbour

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 COCHIN HARBOUR Climate Under the Köppen climate classification, Kochi features a tropical monsoon climate. Kochi's proximity to the equator along with its coastal location results in little seasonal temperature variation, with moderate to high levels of humidity. Annual temperatures range between 23 and 31 °C (73   88 °F) with the record high being 38 °C (100 °F), and record low 17 °C (63 °F).[30] From June to September, the south-west monsoon brings in heavy rains as Kochi lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats. From October to December, Kochi receives lighter (yet significant) rain from the northeast monsoon, as it lies on the leeward side. Average annual rainfall is 3,228.3 mm (127.10 in), with an annual average of 132 rainy days. Economy Kochi is widely referred to as the commercial capital of Kerala. Kochi is home to Cochin Stock Exchange, the only stock exchange in Kerala. Availability of electricity, fresh water, long coastline, backwaters, good banking facilities, presence of a major port, container trans-shipment terminal, harbor terminal and an international air terminal are some of the factors which accelerated the industrial growth in the city and its adjoining district. In recent years the city has Climate data for Kochi Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 35 (95) 37 (99) 37 (99) 34 (93) 35 (95) 33 (91) 35 (95) 35 (95) 38 (100) 35 (95) 34 (93) 33 (91) 38 (100) Average high °C (°F) 30 (86) 31 (88) 31 (88) 31 (88) 31 (88) 28 (82) 28 (82) 28 (82) 28 (82) 29 (84) 30 (86) 30 (86) 30 Average low °C (°F) 23 (73) 25 (77) 26 (79) 26 (79) 26 (79) 25 (77) 24 (75) 24 (75) 25 (77) 25 (77) 25 (77) 23 (73) 25 Record low °C (°F) 17 (63) 18 (64) 20 (68) 21 (70) 22 (72) 21 (70) 21 (70) 20 (68) 22 (72) 20 (68) 20 (68) 19 (66) 17 (63) Precipitation mm (inches) 21.9 (0.862) 22.9 (0.902) 35.3 (1.39) 124.0 (4.882) 395.7 (15.579) 720.7 (28.374) 697.2 (27.449) 367.8 (14.48) 289.4 (11.394) 302.3 (11.902) 175.1 (6.894) 48.3 (1.902) 3,228.3 (127.098) Source no. 1: [32]  Source no. 2: [33]  

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COCHIN HARBOUR Climate

Under the Köppen climate classification, Kochi features a tropical monsoon climate.

Kochi's proximity to the equator along with its coastal location results in little seasonal

temperature variation, with moderate to high levels of humidity. Annual temperatures range

between 23 and 31 °C (73 – 88 °F) with the record high being 38 °C (100 °F), and record low 17

°C (63 °F).[30] From June to September, the south-west monsoon brings in heavy rains as Kochi

lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats. From October to December, Kochi receives

lighter (yet significant) rain from the northeast monsoon, as it lies on the leeward side. Average

annual rainfall is 3,228.3 mm (127.10 in), with an annual average of 132 rainy days.

Economy

Kochi is widely referred to as the commercial capital of Kerala. Kochi is home to Cochin

Stock Exchange, the only stock exchange in Kerala. Availability of electricity, fresh water, long

coastline, backwaters, good banking facilities, presence of a major port, container trans-shipment

terminal, harbor terminal and an international air terminal are some of the factors which

accelerated the industrial growth in the city and its adjoining district. In recent years the city has

Climate data for Kochi

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year

Record high °C (°F)35

(95)

37

(99)

37

(99)

34

(93)

35

(95)

33

(91)

35

(95)

35

(95)

38

(100)

35

(95)

34

(93)

33

(91)

38

(100)

Average high °C (°F)30

(86)

31

(88)

31

(88)

31

(88)

31

(88)

28

(82)

28

(82)

28

(82)

28

(82)

29

(84)

30

(86)

30

(86)30

Average low °C (°F)23

(73)

25

(77)

26

(79)

26

(79)

26

(79)

25

(77)

24

(75)

24

(75)

25

(77)

25

(77)

25

(77)

23

(73)25

Record low °C (°F)17

(63)

18

(64)

20

(68)

21

(70)

22

(72)

21

(70)

21

(70)

20

(68)

22

(72)

20

(68)

20

(68)

19

(66)

17

(63)

Precipitation mm

(inches)

21.9

(0.862)

22.9

(0.902)

35.3

(1.39)

124.0

(4.882)

395.7

(15.579)

720.7

(28.374)

697.2

(27.449)

367.8

(14.48)

289.4

(11.394)

302.3

(11.902)

175.1

(6.894)

48.3

(1.902)

3,228.3

(127.098)

Source no. 1:  [32] 

Source no. 2:  [33] 

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 witnessed heavy investment, thus making it one of the fastest-growing second-tier metro cities in

India. Sales tax income generated in the Kochi metropolitan area contributes heavily to state

revenue. The district contributes the highest portion, 14.47%, of the state's GDP. Construction

and manufacturing combined contributes 37%, and trade, tourism and hospitality together

provides another 20%. Major business sectors include construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding,

transportation/shipping, seafood and spices exports, chemical industries, information technology

(IT), tourism, health services, and banking. Kochi is recognized as one of the seventeen major

industrial cities of India by World Bank, Doing Business Group. However, in the 2009 rankings

of ease to start and operate a business, among the 17 Indian cities selected, Kochi was rated as

the second most difficult city to start business and was ranked 16th, above Kolkata. As in most

of Kerala, remittances from non-resident Indians (NRI)s is a major source of income.

Eloor, situated 17 kilometres (10.5 mi) north of the city-centre, is the largest industrial

belt in Kerala, with more than 250 industries manufacturing a range of products including

chemical and petrochemical products, pesticides, rare earth elements, rubber processing

chemicals, fertilisers, zinc and chromium compounds, and leather products.Fertilisers and

Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT), one of the oldest fertilizers and chemical industry in

Kerala is located in Kochi. Kochi Refineries of (BPCL) at Ambalamugal is one of the largest oil

refining facilities in South India. Petronet India has now almost completed Kochi LNG Terminal,

for importing and storing natural gas, for energy and fueling needs.Central Government

establishments like the Coconut Development Board, the Coir Board and the Marine Products

Export Development Authority (MPEDA) have head offices located in the city.

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 HARBOUR

Harbour Engineering Department continued to work as a Service Department for

Fisheries and Ports Department of the Government of Kerala. The Department undertakes

investigation, planning, design, preparation of project reports for the construction of cargo

harbours, fishery harbours, fish landing centres, fish seed farms, hatcheries in addition to the

routine maintenance of the port and fisheries structures.

The present assignments include the construction work of Fishing Harbours at Moplay Bay,

Chombal, Puthiappa, Munambam, Kayamkulam, Thangassery, Neendakara, and Vizhinjam.

In addition to the above the implementation of fisheries roads and water supply schemes underthe grant of 10th Finance Commission was also entrusted to the department. The works in 10

districts were progressing at various stages.

The operation, management and maintenance of commissioned fishery harbours and fish landing

centres were also vested with this department. An amount of Rs. 115,89,040/- has been collected

by way of revenue from the finishing harbour and fish landing centres during 1999-2000. (The

latest figures awaited)

Organizational Structure

This department was formed in the year 1982 to work as a service department toFisheries and Ports Department of the Government of Kerala. The department has achieved

expertise and experience in the execution of various civil engineering works connected with

ports and harbours. The activity of the department was extended to the fields relating to the

development of Prawn/Fish Farms, Hatcheries, Nurseries etc. A good number of Engineers of the

department are having Post Graduates and Ph.D qualifications in specialised subjects such as

Ocean Engineering, Marine Structure, Ports and Harbours, Hydraulics, Aqua-culture

Engineering, Port Operation and Management etc. and the expertise gained by them reflected in

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 the performance of the department. The organisation was set up to function under a Chief 

Engineer with a Design Wing at Thiruvananthapuram and two regional level circle office (upto

7.2.95) having headquarters at Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. The third circle namely

Thangassery Project Circle was formed on 7.2.95. Superintending Engineers are the Regional

Officers, Executive Engineers are Divisional Officers, Assistant Executive Engineers are Sub

Divisional Officers and Assistant Engineers are Section Officers. The Assistant Engineers areassisted by subordinate field staff, viz., Overseers and Chainmen. Office of the Chief Engineer at

Kamaleswaram is the headquarters.

Design Wing

Design wing is headed by an Executive Engineer

assisted by Assistant Executive Engineers and

this wing is responsible for the preparation of 

Project Reports for development schemes,

planning, monitoring including compilation,preparation/review of progress reports etc.

Works Section

The works section headed by the Assistant

Executive Engineer (Works) is responsible for

scrutinising estimates, issue of administrative

sanction and technical sanction checking and

finalisation of tenders, etc. connected with

various works under the department.

Electrical Branch

Electrical Branch is responsible for all electrical works undertaken by the department for which

an Assistant Executive Engineer (Electrical) is functioning in the Chief Engineer's Office.

Financial branch

All financial matters were dealt with the Financial Branch headed by the Finance Officer.

Audit Branch

The audit branch is functioning in the Chief Engineer's office headed by Finance Officer in order

to look after all inspection reports, audit paras, draft paras and also to conduct internal audits insubordinate offices.

Regional Centres (Circles)

There are three circles, viz. South circle, Project Circle and North Circle- each headed by a

Superintending Engineer. The regional circles are at Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and

Kozhikode.

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 The Superintending Engineer, South Circle at Thiruvananthapuram is assisted by technical

Assistant in the cadre of Assistant Executive Engineer on the technical side and a Senior

Superintendent on the ministerial side. The jurisdiction of this circle extended to the districts of 

Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad.

Under this circle, there were three divisions viz. Vizhinjam Kayamkulam and Munambam eachheaded by an Executive Engineer. The Executive Engineers are assisted by a Technical

Assistant, Divisional Account and Senior Superintendent etc.

There is one sub division under the Kayamkulam Division. The Sub Division was attending the

various works of Kayamkulam Fishery Harbour Project and the works of Fisheries roads in parts

of Kollam and Alappuzha districts.

Under the Munambam Division there were two sub division controlled by the Assistant

Executive Engineer for attending the various works of Munambam Fishery Harbour and the

works of fisheries roads of Ernakulam and Thrissur districts. The other fisheries works and FishLanding Centres were also attended by the Division.

The Superintending Engineer, project Circle with headquarters at Asramam, Kollam-2 was

assisted in the office by Technical Assistant in the cadre of Assistant Executive Engineer on the

technical side and a Senior Superintendent on the ministerial side. There were two divisions

under this circle, namely Thangassery Fishing Harbour Division, Kollam and Neendakara

Fishing Harbour Division, Sakthikulangara each headed by an Executive Engineer.

The Superintending Engineer with headquarters at Kozhikode was assisted by Technical

Assistant in the cadre of Assistant Executive Engineer on the technical side and a Senior

Superintendent on the ministerial side. Under this Circle two divisions were functioning viz atKozhikode, and Kannur each headed by an Executive Engineer.

Under Kozhikode Division, there were 4 sub divisions two at Beypore and one at Chombal and

one at Puthiappa. Under Kannur Division, there are three sub divisions Mopla Bay, Azhikkal

Mattul.

Important officers

Officer  Address 

Chief Engineer Harbour Engineering Dept. Kamaleswaram. TVPM

Deputy Chief Engineer Harbour Engineering Dept.Kamaleswaram. TVPM

Superintending

Engineer Harbour Engineering Dept. South Circle, TVPM

Superintending

Engineer Harbour Engineering Dept.Project Circle, Kollam

Superintending

Engineer Harbour Engineering Dept.North Circle, Kozhikode

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Executive Engineer

(Design) Harbour Engineering Dept.

Executive Engineer Fishery Harbour Project Division, Vizhinjam

Executive Engineer Fishery Harbour Division,Kollam

Programmes

Investigations Work 

The department continued the investigation works for the preparation of project Reports for the

development of minor and intermediate Ports, Fishing Harbours and Fish Landing Centres.

Achievements

Sanction for the following developmental schemes were obtained during the year under report

ABOUT KOCHI 

Ernakulam is the commercial centre and forms the main land of Kochi. The two main railwaystations of Kochi are located here. The Airport is based on Wellington Island which is an

elongated island west of Erankulam. The Airport is about 6 km from the center of Ernakulam.

Talking about centers, Jos Junction in Ernakulam is known as the heart of the city. This Junction

mostly caters to the needs of the shoppers and Jewellery lover. It is located on M.G. Road which

houses most of the retail shops and shopping centers. You will be amazed to find all that you

need on M.G. Road. The city is pretty clean with the local authorities doing a good job in

maintaining it in that way. Ernakulam is one of the most advanced cities in Kerala, it depicts the

modern life of the Metropolitan Cities of India. The city is filled with glamourous shopping

centers and Jewellery shops. The Hotels and Restaurants are very enchanting and serve

appetizing food. Among the busy roads and business centers the city also caters to the nature

lover with some very beautiful parks, children's playgrounds and beach side pavements.

The Naval base and the Cochin shipyard are also based in Ernakulam. Marine drive is also

another business area in Ernakulam which has a beautiful view of the sea and the islands of 

Cochin. You can also see the merchant ships and the cruise liner halting for fueling.

Cochin City Information 

Area 95 sq.km.

Population 1.35 million (2001)

Time Zone Indian Standard Time (IST) - UTC +5:30

Altitude Sea level

Rainfall 350cm annually

Temperature 20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)

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Seasons 

Monsoon season: June - September (heavy

rains)

Mild winter: October - February (cool, dry with

occassional rain)

Summer: March - May (hot and humid)

Languages 

State language: Malayalam

English is widely understood. Hindi and Tamil

are used occasionally.

Religions 

Being a city in a secular country, almost all

major religions are represented including

Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Jewism,

Jainism and Buddhism.

Main Occupation Trading, fishing, heavy industry and information

technology

Airport code IATA: COK, ICAO: VOCC

Telephone Code +91 484

Emergency numbers Police: 100, Fire: 101, Ambulance: 102.

Power supply 230V, 50Hz

Currency 

Indian Rupee (INR), 1 Rupee = 100 paise.

Approximate rates: $1 = Rs 45, £1 = Rs 85, €1

= Rs 58

The Interactive Currency Table

Marine Drive

Also called as Shanmugham Road, Marine Drive is a long gracefully curving road along the

buttressed seacoast of Kochi City. The view of the backwaters and the harbor from here is really

breathtaking.

 

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The Walkway here, along the edge of the backwaters starting from behind the Children's Park to

the end of the Shanmugham Road, has become popular with both locals and tourists. The 140-

metre walkway is paved with black-dotted, red-carpet ultra tiles. Cast-ironed, wooden benches,

weather-proof seating on ash grey tiles and the breeze blowing in, provide recreational

relaxation. Film music filters through the speakers fixed at the Renewable Energy Park, in thewalkway area behind the Park. Now there are two beautiful bridges along the walkway. At the

other end of the walkway, a number of country boats and motor boats are parked which are

available for rides in the backwaters.

At night, twinkling lights of ships anchored at the harbor is beautiful. There are a number of 

buildings along the Marine Drive which are good examples of modern architecture like Asoka

Apartments, Taj Residency, etc. The famous shopping centers GCDA complex and the Pioneer

Towers at the Marine Drive houses many showrooms and restaurants. The surrounding area of 

the marine drive has become a favorite location for shooting sequences for movies.

Jewish Synagogue at MattancherryThis imposing structure was built in 1568 when the Jews

settled in Mattancherry, aftertheir expulsion from the

Rahabi. They built a clock tower and paved the floor of 

the synagogue with 18th century hand painted willow

pattern tiles brought from China. Its most important relics

are the impressive copper plates recording King Bhaskara

Ravi Varma's 4th century decree that guaranteed the

Jewish settlers domain over Cranganore (Kodungalore) as

well as the Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, great

scrolls of the Old Testament etc. The Synagogue itself is

elaborately decorated with crystal chandeliers and carved

wood with blue and white ceramic tiles. Located in Jew

town, Mattancherry, the synagogue is open from 10 am to

12 noon; 3 pm to 5pm and closed on Saturdays and

Jewish holidays.

Dutch Palace, Mattancherry

Built by the Portuguese in the middle of the 16th century,

this palace was taken over in 1663 by the Dutch, who

added some improvements before presenting it to the

Rajas of Cochin. The rajas also made moreimprovements. The palace is notable for some of the best

mythological murals in India, particularly in the bed

chambers. In that room one can see the entire story of 

Ramayana on the walls. The palace also houses Dutch

maps of Old Kochi, royal palanquins, coronation robes of 

former maharajas of Kochi and displays an example of traditional Kerala flooring, which looks

like polished black marble but is actually a mixture of burned coconut shells, charcoal, lime,

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 plant juices and egg whites. It is situated at Palace Road, Mattancherry. Open to Tourists -

Saturday to Thursday from 10 am - 5 pm, Closed on Fridays and National holidays. More

details...

Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi Beach

Chinese traders from the court of Kublai Khan arebelieved to have introduced thesehuge cantilevered

fishing nets in the late14th century. The nets are built of 

teak wood and bamboo poles. They can best be seen at

sunset, on the north end of the promontory, a few metres

from Fort Kochi, or from a boat tour of the harbour.

Vasco da Gama square just behind the nets is an idle

place to sit and savour the delicious seafood freshly

caught in the nets, catered by the stalls here.

The Bishops House

Built by the Portuguese in A.D.1506 as residence of thePortuguese governor, Bishop house is the oldest Catholic

Dioceses in India located near the Parade ground, Fort

Kochi. A prominent heritage of Fort Kochi, it is

characterised by large arches in Gothic Style and has

circular garden path winding up to the main entrance. The

building was acquired by Dome Jos Gomes Ferreira, the

27th Bishop of the Diocese of Cochin whose jurisdiction

extended over Burma, Malaya and Ceylon in addition to

India. Inside the Bishop's house there is a parlour room

with large walls. These walls are painted in bright colours-telling the arrival of Portuguese, the

origin of Christianity in Kerala and the establishment of the Diocese. The Indo Portuguese

Museum within the palace compound has some historically significant invaluable collections.

There is also the dinning area, known as Dr. Mario Sorais Hall, senate hall, teak staircase, large

attics, collection of Portuguese maps, small collection of antiques and the other historic materials

preserved here.

The Cochin Club

Formerly known as the English Club, this club stretches majestically between the Fort Cochin

Commandant's house and the ancient Governor's residence. The club with its high roofs and arch

styled windows is housed in a beautifully landscaped park and has an impressive library and a

collection of sporting trophies. In the early19th century when the club was established by theBritish, admission was restricted to them and men only. Today its rules are more liberal and the

membership of 250 includes women as well.

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Tourist spots in Cochin

Fort Kochi beach A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the chinese

fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a memorable

experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen alongthe shoreline. The coastal stretch has loads of small stalls, whichmake on demand mouth-watering traditional cuisines using

freshly caught fish.

St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his

3

rd

visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader whoreached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He

was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were

taken back to Portugal. In spite of that, his burial spot inside thechurch has been clearly marked out.

Vasco House, Fort Kochi Vasco house, located on Rose Street, is believed to be one of the oldest Portuguese houses in

India. Vasco da Gama is believed to have lived here. This house features European glass panedwindows and verandahs.

Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi The original church, situated in Fort Kochi, was built by thePortuguese in 1505 and named as a cathedral in 1558. The

British colonists destroyed the cathedral in 1795. The current

structure was built in 1905 and raised to the status of a basilicaby Pope John Paul II in 1984.

Bolghatty Palace, Bolghatty Island

This Dutch palace is situated on Bolghatty island which is just a short boat ride away from the

mainland. The palace has been converted to a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development

Corporation (KTDC). The island has a tiny golf course and the panoramic views of the port andthe harbour, makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the

mainland.

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 Hill Palace, Tripunithura Built in the 19th century by the Raja of Kochi, this palace served as the seat of the Raja of theKochi province. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of 

articles showing the wealth and splendour of the Rajas of Kochi,

including the thone and the crown. The musuem also houses a

large collection of archaeological findings. Hill Palace is located16km east of Cochin in Tripunithura, a satellite town of Cochin.

Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort

It is the oldest surviving European fort in India, built by the Portuguese in 1503. Its situated in

Pallipuram on Vypeen island.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary 

Mangalavanam is a protected bird sanctuary situated right in theheart of Kochi city. It is the home of many exotic and rarevarieties of migratory and resident birds. Mangalavanam is

located right next to the High Court of Kerala.

Museum of Kerala History, Kalamassery 

The museum has on display spectacular audio-visual exhibitsdepicting the history and culture of Kerala along with many life

size statues of many famous personalities and several paintingsdepicting Kerala history.

Parikshith Thampuran Museum

This Rajas of Cochin used to conduct their durbars in thisimpressive building located within the Durbar Hall grounds. It

was later converted to a museum which has a treasure trove of archaeological findings and relics including old coins,sculptures, oil paintings and murals. The building has been

taken over by the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy and now houses

the Gallery of Contemporary Art. All the exhibits of themuseum have been moved to the Hill Palace museum.

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 Cherai Beach

This lovely beach ideal for swimming is located on the north end of Vypeen island, one of the

many small islands just off the mainland. The beach is lined by gorgeous coconut groves and

paddy fields. Vypeen can be reached by land or by boat.

Veega Land

Veega Land is South India's largest amusement park situated 14kms from Cochin. The park 

includes a range of attractions including mini castles, water theme park, ferris wheel, rides,

slides, shows and fountains. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the fun and activities.

Marine Drive

A stroll along the long tree-lined coastal pathway that lines the

backwater is well worth the time spent, especially late afternoon

or dusk. The bustling backwaters, dotted with fishing boats,speedboats, ships, tankers and passenger boats, can be observed

from this walkway that lines the coast.

Willingdon Island This man-made island was created in 1933 by sand dredged

while deepening the backwaters for the Cochin Port, under thedirection of Sir Robert Bristow. A while back the Airport, Sea

port and the railway terminus (Cochin Harbour Terminus) were

situated on this island. Today, it is the home of the Cochin Portand the headquarters of the Sourthern Naval Command. Theairport continues to be the naval air station, while the main

airport has been moved to Nedumbassery, 30kms north-east of 

Cochin. Most of the trains now terminate at Ernakulam Junctioninstead of Cochin Harbour Terminus.

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 Boat ride The backwaters separating Ernakulam from Fort Kochi and Mattanchery are dotted with many

small and mid-sized islands. A boat ride through the backwaters is an

unforgettable experience.

Tourist Spots (near Cochin)

Alleppey(Alapuzha) Situated 63 kms south of Cochin along the coast, Alleppey is connected to Kochi by rail and

road. It is called the Venice of the East due to the extensive canal network here. Every year the

famous snake boat race is held here.

Cheruthuruthy Cheruthuruthy is about 110 kms away from Kochi. It is the base of the Kerala Kalamandalam-theworld famous art and dance academy where training in various traditional forms like Kathakali,

Mohiniyattam etc are imparted.

Kalady Situated 48 kms north-east of Kochi, on the banks of river

Periyar (Poorna). Kalady is the birthplace of Sri AdiSankaracharya, the monotheist Hindu philosopher. He lived in

the 8th century AD and died at the early age of 32 years. He

traveled throughout India, on foot, debating with scholars andspreading his theory of Advaita or monotheism. The Adi

Sankara shrine and the 8-storey painted Adi Sankara Keerthi

Sthambam (see picture) are a must-see for any visitor here.

Kodanad Kodanad is 30 kms north-east of Kochi situated on the lower

ranges of the Western Ghats on the banks of river Periyar. Thewildlife reserve is famous for the elephants and the largest

elephant training centre is situated here. The reserve also

features a mini zoo. Kodanad is close to St. Thomas church in

Malayatoor.

Kodungalloor(Cranganore) Kodungalloor is 35 kms north of Kochi. The world famous port here was destroyed by a flood

which led to the formation of Kochi harbour. St. Thomas, the apostle, is believed to have landedhere in 52 AD. Cheraman mosque, the first mosque in India, built in the form of a Hindu temple,

is situated here.

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Munnar

About 140 kms on NH49, Munnar is a hill resort ideal for a relaxing holiday away from the

tropical lowlands. The tea gardens and cardamom plantations give Munnar a beautiful look. Anai

Mudi, the highest peak in South India is in these hills. The Munnar - Kodaikanal (another hillresort) road is believed to be the steepest road in South-East Asia.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady Elephants, bisons, antelopes,

samburs, monkeys and bearscan be found in their natural

habitat in this world famous

wild life sanctuary, situated

190kms east of Cochin. A boatride through the man-made

lake in the heart of thesanctuary provides a uniqueopportunity to observe these animals in their natural surroundings.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Thattekad bird sanctuary is located 60kms east of Cochin near Kothamangalam. Thattekad is

located on the northern bank of river Periyar is a tropical evergreen forest in the foothills of the

Wester Ghats. Spread over 25 sq kms, this bird sanctuary was once regarded as the richest bird

habitat in peninsular India. In spite of recent developments and deforestation, this sanctuary isstill home to a large number of rare and exotic bird species.  

Malampuzha Dam 

Malampuzha, a little township on the foothills of the Western Ghats takes its name from the

River Malampuzha. Nurtured by this tributary of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathappuzha,

Malampuzha is a lush green town is a major tourist attraction for its trekking trails and the large

irrigation dam.