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Metropolis in Kerala, India
Photo: http://wikitravel.org/shared/User:Renikk, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Primarily a tourist enclave. Fort Kochi forms the upper part of the district with neatly arranged colonial buildings, narrow well-paved roads, Anglo-Dutch influenced structures and large antiques shops. Mattancherry is primarily a trading city, famous for its thriving Gujarati settlement brought to the city in the 16th and 17th centuries by the spice trade.
Bolgatty is where the British established a Royal Residency, which has been converted into a five-star hotel. Famous for its large golf course, horse riding tracks, marina and boatyards. Vypin is one of the most densely populated islands in the world with numerous fishing villages, tourist villages and the popular Cherai Beach.
The heart and transport hub of Kochi with three distinct parts: the "Central Business District" (CBD) which has Mahatma Gandhi Road (MG Road) as the main arterial road along with Marine Drive and Chittoor Road; "Downtown" with upscale residential areas and the business district at SA Road and Vytilla Junction and the "Suburb" which has many business and commercial areas.
Famous for the large Vamana Temple, the focal centre of Onam, the national festival of Kerala. Also the home of Cochin University and other educational institutes.
The erstwhile capital of the Kingdom of Cochin, famous for various historical palaces, museums and temples, and as a centre of the arts.
By plane
The airport has a hotel with rooms for hourly or per-night stays for ₹750-2,000. The international terminal has reasonably priced international cuisine restaurants and a terrace garden lounge bar.
By train
Kochi is well connected by train from all parts of India. Most Kerala-bound trains have a major stop here. There are two major rail terminals inside the city limits.
By bus
Kochi is accessible from all southern parts of the country as well as other parts of the state, through the extensive state run Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services and services of…
By car
Kochi is well connected by road from all parts of the state as well as other major cities. Three major national highways connect Kochi with other parts of the country.
By boat
Kochi can be reached by sea in yachts or the occasional cruise ship from Goa, Mumbai, Lakshadweep, Colombo and Male.
Orientation
The main city arterial road is Mahatma Gandhi Road. Traveling inside the city at peak times (8-10AM, 1:30-2:30PM, 5:30-7PM) takes a lot of time, with frequent road blocks and traffic congestion.
By bus
Kochi has an excellent public bus network with four types of buses operated by the government-run KSRTC and private operators.
By metro
The Kochi Metro is the metro system serving the city. It consists of a single line of 25 stations, with more lines under construction. It runs in a U-shape between Aluva to Thrippunithura.
By train
Some suburban areas are well-connected via regular passenger and long-distance express trains. The most used route is Ernakulam-Aluva.
By auto-rickshaw
This is a cheap method of transport between attractions. You can find an auto stand at almost every bus stop and important places near junctions and residential areas.
By taxi
Taxis are convenient, comfortable, and safer than auto rickshaws. If you are alone or going to an unknown destination, this is a good option, though the rates are double that of an auto.
By private car
Driving in Kochi is not recommended as traffic is bad and drivers do not obey the road rules.
By ferry
Kochi has an excellent system of cheap (₹6 from Park Jetty in Ernakulam to Fort Kochi) inter-island ferries.
By water metro
In addition to ferries, water metros are also an option in Kochi, the first of its kind in India.
On foot
Kochi is traditionally not a pedestrian-friendly city considering the humid tropical climate, poor pedestrian walkways and reckless traffic.
By bicycle
Fort Kochi is a perfect place for cycling with dedicated tracks and walkways. However, there are no separate bike paths on roads on the mainland.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Kochi · International · COK
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