Kochi The Queen of Arabian Sea

Earlier Kochi was known as Kochin. Kochi is the commercial capital of state of  Kerala and is known as Queen of Arabian Sea. Kochi lies along the channel facing it's twin city Ernakulam. In the past English, Dutch and Portuguese trading companies had built their factories, houses and fort in Kochi.   The city is spread over several islands. Kochi has one of the best harbours on the coast line of Arabian Sea.  In closer proximity of Kochi are wharves, airport and railway station. For the tourists Kochi is the base from where they can see interior places in Kerala.

Places of interest:-

1. Jewish Synagogue:- It is four centuries old and has a elegant structure.Clock tower of the synagogue was constructed by Ezekiel Rahani in 1760. Synagogue has some invaluable and priceless collection of treasures which include hand written texts of the five books of Moses on goat skin, golden crown presented by the King of Travancore in 1805. The flooring paved with decorative tiles which were specially made in China is a special attraction for the tourists.
2. Kochi Fort:-Kochi fort is a part of old city through which ships come and go. The ships enter and leave the harbour. Fort Kochi is like a big village grown into a city. There are numerous narrow roads which are densely populated. The fort was built by Portuguese in 1503.
3. Devoswam:- In the hearts of Kochi there is beautiful temple dedicated to Venkanteshwara. This temple was built by Konkani Goud Saraswat Brahmins. These Brahmins migrated to Kerala from Goa in 1565. Swami Raghvendra Teertha brought the idol from Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu. The temple is rich with paintings and wooden carvings.The architecture of temple attracts tourists from all over the world.
4. St. Francis Church:- St. Francis Church was constructed by the Portuguese in 1503. This is belived to be the oldest European temple. Originally it was built from wood but later it was rebuilt with stone. There is a tomb where Vasco de Gamma was buried. The remains of Vasco de Gamma  were taken to Portugal after 14 years.It is now a Protestant Church.

Welcome to my blog

Hi,
Welcome to my blog on India Tourism Sites.
India is a nation which has attracted visitors from all over the world since 500 BC. I donot know who was the first person from west who visted India. But it was Alexander the great who came to India in his quest to win the world around 300 b.c.

India is so rich in its culture and heritage that it never fails to mesmerize the visitors. Modern India is on the verge of becoming great economic power in next twenty years.

From the next post I 'll be posting information on the places in India which visitors find interesting.

Goa The Beach Capital Of India

Goa is known as beach capital of India. Mostly the tourists come to Goa to enjoy the Sea and the Sun.
The famous beaches in Goa are Miramar beach,
Anjuna beach, Vagator beach, Bagha beach and
Calangute beach.Here in Goa bikinis, G-strings and skirts outnumber traditional Indian Sarees.
Till 1961 Goa was under Portuguese Rule. Hence the monuments in Goa display mainly western architecture. There are many people in Goa who can still speak Portuguese.
After 1961 for a decade or two Goa was a popular hippie destination. The beaches and cities were full of nudists from all over the world.
Temple Of Lord Mangesh and Shanta Durga temple are popular shrines visited by many devotees and tourist. Church of St. Francis Xavier is also visited by large number tourists from all over the world. Here Christians can pay respect to a centuries old well preserved body of Saint Francis Xavier.
Panjim is the capital city of Goa. Other popular cities visited by tourist are Madgaon, Vasco and Mapusa.
In Goa Alcohol flows like water. Popular local liquor is called Feni. Indian Rum is also also enjoyed by many. The popular food is fish curry with rice.
Goa is also famous for its flora and fauna. National Geographic magazine has compared Goa with Amazon and Congo basins for its rich tropical biodiversity.
You may here borrow two wheelers like motor bikes and scooters on rent and visit all the places of interest on your own.There are many shops on the popular beaches selling exotic handicrafts, fabrics and sea shell items. Here tourists can do shopping and get some remarkable handicrafts for very low prices.
One may also join Yoga or painting classes. These classes are offered at very economical rates.
Fun and enjoyment is a way of life in Goa. Everyday in Goa is full celebration with fun, music and dance.