Ernakulam

	Ernakulam, Cochin or Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea is a major tourist attraction that has crowds trooping in hordes to enjoy the plush and majestic backwater rides along the kayal or lagoon that promises to be an idyllic experience for the holidayer. A trip to the lush  backwaters of Kochi is a feast for the tired mind and body. It is the haven of vintage architecture, lip-smacking delicacies and pure solitude. The Wellingdon Island is a popular tourist haunt that is a must visit on a cruise to the Kochi backwaters. The Bolgatty Island also claims huge footfalls primarily due to the Bolgatty Palace Hotel. It is a relic of the Dutch Empire dating back to 1744. It has been a major retreating haven for the golf freaks as it houses the only teeing ground of Kochi. Besides the boat ride and boat cruises in the backwaters of Kochi, you can also saunter down the Goshree Bridge that connects Vypeen and Ernakulam. Vintage centre The island of Vypeen is cocooned by the Kochi backwater and the Arabian Sea. People flock to visit this island because its unique selling point is its teeming millions which crowns it as one of the thickly peopled sites on earth. The Ochanthuruthu lighthouse is a celebrated landmark of the Vypeen islands that provides the visitors with a brilliant and exhilarating bird’s–eye view of Kochi. The sights and sounds of Fort Kochi are also among the famed tourists destinations of the Kochi backwaters. It is an eclectic mix of the British, Dutch, Portuguese and Arab architectural exploits. The tourists can take a trip to St.Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and various other vintage architectural delights and walk down the history lane. A voyage to the exotic backwaters of Kochi will entail a visit to the oldest Jewish tabernacle, the Pardesi Synagogue, dating back to 1568. Embellished with floor art and housing history-laced copper plates, this repository of heritage is a must visit. The Fort Kochi beach and the Vasco da Gama Square are some of the other visitors’ highlights ofFort Kochi during the backwater cruise.The Mattancherry Palace, a relic of the Portuguese era, is an absolute feast for the history freaks.The beautiful Kochi backwaters with its vibrant flora and fauna makes it a majestic tourists’ paradise. The coconut and palm orchards along with sun-kissed and moon-lit sparkling watercourses is guaranteed to make your journey a memorable one