Kochi Tours, Kerala

Built by the Dutch in 1744, this palace is on an island, off Cochin in the Arabian sea. The building was once a Governor's palace, for the Dutch and later the home of the British Governors. Today, this is one of the prestigious hotels of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

Fort Cochin is township in itself. Cochin was flourishing in trade as one of the most desirable destinations approachable by sea.

The places to see in the fort are:
Vasco Da Gama Square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach.

Pierce Leslie Bunglow, the charming mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862.

Santa Cruz Basilica, the church was built by the portugeese and elevated to a cathederal by Pope Paul in 1558.

Princess Street, one of the earliest streets to be constructed in Fort Cochin.

Vasco House, believed to have been the residence of Vasco Da Gama.

Believed to be the finest natural harbour in the world, Cochin is called the 'queen of the Arabian sea'. With ferry rides commanding it's breath-taking view, cruise around man-made islands with lush green lawns sloping down to the water's edge. Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India; recording a history of visitors who came, saw and stayed for hundreds of years. Layered impressions - Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese, are contained within it's environment.

Giant Chinese fishing nets, that billow from massive teak and bamboo poles, dot the entrance to the harbour. A narrow, palm-fringed island, easily accessible from the mainland is where the Bolghatty palace is situated. The palace was built by the Dutch in 1744. Later, it became the seat of the British resident of Cochin and today, it has been converted into a hotel run by the KTDC. The palace has a golf course on it's grounds.