Kochi - Living Like A Queen

By Author: Rashmiranjan Patil
Total Articles: 261
Comment this article

Kochi, earlier known as Cochin, is a port city located along the coast of the Arabian Sea in the state of Kerala.

Fort Kochi and the Cherai beaches are worth visiting. A ferry ride around the islands of Willingdon, Bolghatty and the popular Marine Drive is a must.

The other major attractions in Kochi are St. Francis Church which is the first and oldest European church in India, Chinese Fishing Nets which are believed to be introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He, Mattanchery Palace, Hill Palace Museum, Museum of Kerala History, Pareekshith Thampuran Museum, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Indian Naval Maritime Museum, Santa Cruz Basilica and Pierce Leslie Bungalow among others.

All types of accommodation, heritage, luxury, mid-range and budget, are available in Kochi. Kochi hotels costs more during the holiday season which is from October to April. The room rates of the hotels increase about 50% than the off season tariff.

Kochi has a plethora of charming heritage hotels that have all the five star amenities. Malabar House holds the distinction of being Kochi's first heritage hotel. This Kochi Hotel ...
... offers 17 luxurious rooms and suites, an ayurvedic spa, fine-dining restaurant and lounges. The rooms are in the range of Rs. 20,000 to 30,000 in the peak season.

Neemrana’s Le Colonial is a 16th century building and has retained some of the original structures. The rooms here cost around Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 24,000. The 19th century Brunton Boatyard is a luxurious Kochi Hotel on the harbour.

The Old Harbour Hotel is a 300 year old building and had been redesigned to accommodate 13 plush rooms ranging around Rs. 8000 to Rs. 15,000. The Poovath Heritage is a 100-year old Dutch building and all the rooms promise an Arabian Sea view. Previously belonging to the Brooke Bond Tea Company, the Tea Bungalow has 10 beautifully furnished rooms.

Kochi is also home to popular chain hotels like the Taj Malabar, Le Meridien, Vivanta, and the Ramada Resort.

Kochi has its own share of home stays. The last couple of years has seen a rapid proliferation of home stays where every second family opening their bungalows to tourists. Secret Garden is a 70 year old mansion and has four colonial styled rooms. Oy's La Home Stay, Bernard's Bungalow, Walton's Home Stay, and Seaside Manor are few of the other home stays. These Kochi Hotels are priced Rs 2000 upwards for an a/c room, and breakfast inclusive.

Kochi Hotels also include several budget hotels that include many basic amenities at one-fifth the rates of these luxury hotels. Some of the budget hotels here are Wintergreen Waterfront Hotel, Hotel Hill Palace, Dwaraka Hotel, Abad Plaza, BTH Sarovaram, Orchid Hotel, Avenue Regent and several others.