Kochi, Land of spices, has a wealth of historical and cultural diversity. For centuries various spices, tea and coffee were exported to amny parts of the world from its harbour. The Portuguese occupied it in the 16 th century and then the Dutch took over. The Dutch palace at Mattancherry, near the harbour, was actually built by the Portuguese in 1557 and later renovated by the Dutch in 1663.

Kochi is also the home to the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Though constructed only in 1568, Jewish immigrants came to Kerala as early as the first century AD as refugees fleeing Roman persecution in Jerusalem. It is only here that one can come across Chinese fishing netsstill being put to use. One can watch dolphins frolicking on Willingdon island or enjoy a quiet walk along the winding paths on Vypeen island. Kochi is called the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. It is a very interesting port town in India and the biggest in Kerala.

Ernakulam photos