In Kerala, dental tourism is taking off well, especially in the tourist season. Tourists from Europe, and even Israel have realized that they get quality treatment with the state-of-the-art technology, at a rate 10 times lower than their respective countries. With attractive charges, skilled expertise and designer clinics the city of Kochi is all set to deal with dental tourism for the long haul.

Popularly referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is located on the west cost of India in the beautiful state of Kerala. Situated very close to the sea, Kochi has a moderate climate, with temperature rises to a maximum of 35°C and 25°C in the winters. The city of Kochi is a perfect holiday package complete with picturesque nature vistas, tranquil backwaters, appetizing cuisine, rich art and culture dating back to centuries, not to forget the magic of Ayurveda.

St. Francis’ Church is the oldest existing European church in India. From this choir, for the first time in India, resounded the sonorous chants of Rome. The church began life as a wooden structure built by the five friars who accompanied the Portuguese to Kochi in 1503. The most enduring impression of FortKochi is the enigma of the Chinese fishing nets. Like totems from another age stranded in time, they perch along the backwaters. The Chinese fishing nets are the most efficient means of backwater fishing and FortKochi is full of them.

The Dutch palace at Mattancherry was actually built by the Portuguese and presented to the Kochi ruler Vira Kerala Varma in 1555 as an act of expiation for the plunder and desecration of a temple near the Raja’s palace by a hot head young Portuguese officer. Mattancherry is also home to Jew Town, a quiet cul-de-sac. A single street of old discolored buildings where the few surviving members of the oldest Jewish settlement in India live, who came to Kochi in the 16th century. The Paradeshi Synagogue built in 1568 is one of the oldest synagogues in the world, a jewel of incomparable beauty, with its brass columns, Belgian hanging lamps, and exquisite hand-painted blue-and-white Chinese porcelain tiles of which no two are alike. There is much more to visit and enjoy in Kochi. Explore the old and new parts of this quaint city that welcomes everyone with wide-open arms and a smile.