Believed to be the finest natural harbour in the world, Cochin is called the 'queen of the Arabian sea'. With ferry rides commanding it's breath-taking view, cruise around man-made islands with lush green lawns sloping down to the water's edge. Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India; recording a history of visitors who came, saw and stayed for hundreds of years. Layered impressions - Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese, are contained within it's environment.  

Giant Chinese fishing nets, that billow from massive teak and bamboo poles, dot the entrance to the harbour. A narrow, palm-fringed island, easily accessible from the mainland is where the Bolghatty palace is situated. The palace was built by the Dutch in 1744. Later, it became the seat of the British resident of Cochin and today, it has been converted into a hotel run by the KTDC. The palace has a golf course on it's grounds.