Cochin now known as Kochi is one of the most visited Kerala Backwater destinations. Cochin port is famous for its spices, exported to the west from ancient times to the present day. The Jewish Synagogue, Fort Cochin, The Matancherry Palace built by the Dutch and St Francis Church are popular tourist attractions in Cochin, visited by tourists on Kerala Backwater tours.

Kochi also called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," receives many visitors round the year who travel to Kerala to see its tourist attractions and because Cochin is Kerala's industrial and commercial capital. Many backwater cruises begin or end in Cochin. You're sure to find a Kerala backwater tour that will enchant and refresh you when you stay in Cochin. Enjoy the Kerala backwater tourist attractions of Cochin while staying at hotels in Cochin.

Cochin Tourist Attractions:

Cochin is a historic town where many colonial rulers of the past have left their mark. The Portuguese, Dutch and English all have made their presence felt in Cochin. Some of the tourist attractions that you will see on Kerala tours of Cochin, with Kerala Backwater are:

Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin Harbor: The fishing nets in Cochin harbor are a beautiful sight. Suspended from a wooden framework these cobweb-like structures form a delicate silhouette as the sunset paints the twilight sky in shades of ochre and crimson.

St Francis Church, Cochin: This Portuguese church is the first European church to be built in India. Vasco do Gama, the Portuguese explorer was laid to rest at St Francis Church, Cochin, in Kerala, India in 1524. Later his body was moved to Portugal. His sepulcher can be seen in the historic St Francis Church at Cochin, on Kerala tours.

Matancherry Palace, Cochin: Also called the Dutch Palace, this structure was built by the Portuguese and given to the Raja of Cochin in 1555 AD. It was renamed the Dutch Palace in 1663. The central hall is an impressive auditorium where the coronation ceremonies of the Rajas of Cochin were held.

Jewish Synagogue, Cochin: Located in Mattancheri near Kochi, this historic synagogue was built by a thriving Jewish community in 1568 A.D. Now the community has dwindled in numbers, however the synagogue is beautifully preserved. You can see the religious scrolls and the beautiful hand-painted tiles from China, which decorate the synagogue.

Dutch Palace, Cochin: Situated on an island off the coast of Cochin, and accessible by boat, the palace was built by the Dutch in 1744. Previously used as the residence of the Governor by the Dutch and the British, the palace is now a heritage hotel in Cochin and is famous for its canopied garden.