Kochi holidays

Cochin, also known as Kochi is renowned as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Cochin is best described as a tightly-packed series of islands. Divided by lakes, tributaries and inland waterways, the city of Cochin is divided up into distinct districts, each with its own unique character. Explore the old colonial charms of Fort Cochin, the sleek, sky-scraper skyline of the city’s commercial centre of Ernakulam, or hit the beautiful beaches on the ever-popular Vypeen Island. With just over half a million inhabitants, Cochin never feels crowded, and the locals are famous for extending a warm welcome to visitors.

Kochi holiday Packages with Qatar Airways Holidays are the ideal way to familiarise yourself with this exceptional part of India’s Kerala region.

• Although not a fort, Fort Cochin is the collective name for the remains of Cochin’s fortified past. This small network of streets houses the impressive Mattancherry Palace. On the coastal tip of Fort Cochin, you’ll find an array of distinctive Chinese fishing nets. You can try your luck at fishing the traditional way, and fishermen will even cook up your catch for a small fee.
• For a huge selection of shops head to Jew Town. This is where Cochin's spice-trading past is most evident, with many of the old warehouses still selling perfumed and aromatic spices and herbs. You'll also find plenty of antiques, and street stalls selling handmade clothing and arts and crafts.
• To find out more about the local culture, head to the outskirts of Cochin to the Kerala Folklore Museum. Packed with artefacts the entire collection is housed in an authentic wooden palace.
• Catch the ferry from Fort Cochin and prepare for a day of lounging around on powder-soft sand with a visit to Vypeen Island.