A boat cruise along Marine drive at Kochi ( Cochin), Kerala

Kochi ( also Cochin, Ernakulum) is known as the “ Queen of Arabian Sea”. With water bodies all around Cochin, passing thru Kochi is virtually a visual treat. Kochi is also the financial capital of Kerala ( just like Mumbai to India).

Kochi is famous for its spices trade along with its coconut trade. Hence Kochi always found a prime place among traders; from time immemorial. Due to this trading opportunity, a wide spectrum of trading community from world over can be found in Kochi - like the Jews and a variety of Gujarati traders. Kochi also is very warm and friendly to all her visitors and people find it convenient to shop here and move around.

Among other attractions in Kochi are the Chinese fishing nets, the only Jewish Synagogue ( Jewish place of worship) , the marine drive – which is on the banks of back waters and the Boulgatti Palace islands – which used to be the holiday palace of the Kochi kings.

Leisure trips on boats along backwaters are available from the Marine Drive – which is a picturesque promenade in Kochi, Kerala, India. It is built facing the backwaters, and is a popular hangout for the local populace. Ironic to its name, no vehicles are allowed on the walkway. Marine Drive is also an economically thriving part of the city of Kochi.

The cruise will give a visitor an opportunity to pass the places of interests like the Cochin shipyard ( the largest ship building yard in India), the naval base at Southern Naval Command and a look at the beautiful coast line of Kochi.

Various package deals are available for boat cruise. We went for an hour boat cruise along the backwaters – which cost us Rs.40 per head. There were around 40 people – who were conveniently seated at the roof of a boat of moderate size. There are exclusive boats available for a family – but the deals will be expensive. There are also boat rides available which are of 3 hr duration.

Hungry Kya ? Here' s the unlimited Kerala buffet lunch and enjoy photos....

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Cochin shipyard

Marine drive

Boat cruise starts from Marine drive