Cochin

Cochin is located close to the equator, the mountains and the sea, making it an attractive place for a holiday or an adventure. Cochin is undeniably a small town that has outgrown its bounds. This city is no doubt the ideal starting point for exploring the beauty and cultural diversity of India. The state of Kerala has been featured in the National Geographic and in the World travel and Tourism Council as one of the must visit places in India.

Believe it or not, the must do activity in Cochin is house boating. The traditional name for these houseboats is Kettuvallom and they were originally used to transport rice, spices and other goods between Kuttanad and the Cochin port. Now these boats are used for tourists to have a relaxing water inspired holiday. They come in all different shapes and sizes depending on your budget and group size. By spending a few days on a traditional Cochin houseboat you will be able to see the beauty of this area through the comfort of your own little home. Keep an eye out for the elephants, monkeys, fishing vessels, rainforests, man-made islands and so much more. You will never see the same landscape twice on your little houseboats during your holiday in Cochin.

Due to Cochins extensive history and international influence there are various temples, sanctuaries and synagogues that are all intriguing attractions. The most famous of these temples is the Guruvayoor Guruvayoor Sri Krishna which attracts ten million Hindu pilgrims each year. The building itself is unique in design and very provides awe inspiring views. Another famous temple is the Dharmanath Jain Temple, Mattancherry that is over 200 years old. There are also a number of synagogues and churches that stand out from all the other Indian buildings of Cochin. 

Are you in India or in Europe? You will start to question yourself when you visit the Mattancherry Palace. In 1555 this palace was a gift presented to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma, as a gesture of kindness by the Portuguese. Then in 1663 the Dutch renovated and repaired the palace. This gave the palace its other name as the Dutch Palace. The main attractions here are the amazingly conserved Hindu murals, which depicts scenes of the legends from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends.

It is best to fly for your holiday to Cochin. If you are flying in from another country, Cochin has an international airport that is about 30kms from the city. The airport has regular flights to and from all cities in India.  There is also an extensive railway that connects three main stations: namely Ernakulam junction, Ernakulam town and the Harbour terminus. You can train in from other close by cities however flying is the best way to reach Cochin and the trains are often delayed.  The road network is modern and free of traffic most of the time however the population is steadily catching up. Other local transportation such as motorbikes and auto-rickshaw’s are available for short distance trips while long distance road travel would demand you get a ticket on one of the buses or to hire a car. Holidays to Cochin cannot be disrupted by bad transportation systems. There is also an extensive boat network to take you to other areas within Cochin. Using the boats are a great way to see the beautiful landscapes.

Holidays in Cochin are best when the weather is not too hot. Expect heavy rains between June and September and between October to December. December to February is the best time to experience a Cochin holiday because you can expect the coolest temperatures compared to other seasons.

The weather in Cochin is quite consistent compared to other major towns. The city is located 10 degrees north of the equator, making it a humid place year round. When raining heavily, expect temperatures can reach up to 36 degrees Celsius, while the midwinter temperatures may range from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. The temperature ranges between 5 degrees and 20 degrees Celsius from December to February. This is the best time to enjoy Cochin Holidays.

Winter Winner

The winter season is short and begins from December and finishes in February. The temperatures are usually around 20°C and 32°C. This is the best time to visit Cochin as the weather is bearable and rain is minimal.

Sizzling Summers

Summers are long and start in March and lasts until May. Cochin has a hot and humid summer during this season because it is close to the equator. The maximum temperature sits around 33°C or more. If you decide to travel during this season make sure you drink lots of clothing, wear sunscreen and wear light clothing.

Monsoon

The wet months are long and start from June and don’t stop until October. Even though this season is not pleasant, the rains wash away the dust and wash in the lush landscapes.