Kochi and its surroundings like Paravur (old Muziris) were the first urban settlement in
Kerala. It attracted traders from all over the world for over two and a half millenia.
It is still the only place in India (probably in the world too) where you can see a Jewish Synagogues, Sikh Gurudwaras, Jainteerths together.
The wonder is still Kochi is the
only Metropolis of south Indian state Kerala
and the fourth biggest in South India after Chennai (Madras), Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Jew Town in Mattanchery Heritage area
Quote:
Israel to tap Cochini-Indian tourism potential
Nevatim (Israel), Aug 13: Israel is to tap Cochini-Indian tradition to promote tourism in southern Negev, where a 'moshav' (collective agricultural settlement) has been allocated one million shekels for the purpose.
"We all recognise the contribution of the Cochini community in making the desert bloom. The move to turn Nevatim (Cochini agricultural settlement in south Israel) into a tourist attraction was initiated by our Nobel laureate President Shimon Peres himself," a representative of the Keren Kayemet foundation said.
Peres served as the minister for developing the Negev and the northern bordering areas during his vice premiership, before being elected President, and was closely connected to the Cochini community in Nevatim.
He also participated in a special event two years ago in the agricultural settlement to celebrate 50 years of immigration of Cochini Jews to Israel, praising their contribution in the development of the Negev desert.
The members of the Cochini community said efforts are underway to turn the settlement into a replica of their place of origin Kochi (Cochin) in India.
"We intend to bring up a Cochin-Indian model of tourist attraction here. We feel very attached to our tradition and culture," Abraham or the chairman of the 'Moshav', said.
Nevatim, a place closely associated with Cochini Jews in the country, has for long attracted the attention of Israeli leaders for their contribution in making the Negev desert in south Israel bloom. Zee news link
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