Kochi

State

Lagoon's Country.

Formerly known as Cochin, Kochi in the Ernakulam district of Kerala is one of the leading ports in India. Kochi used to be a small fishing village but today the city has developed into a busy commercial port and has been aptly named “Queen of the Arabian Sea” and ‘Gateway to Kerala”.

The name Kochi comes from the Malayalam word “Koch azhi”, meaning ‘a small lagoon’. Kochi was the centre of the Indian spice trade for many centuries and became an important sea port during the colonial days as merchant ships who would take spices, coffee and wood from Cochin to the European markets.

Cochin now known as Kochi is one of the most visited Kerala Backwater destinations. Kochi port is famous for its spices, exported to the west from ancient times to the present day. The Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi, The Matancherry Palace built by the Dutch and St Francis Church are popular tourist attractions in Kochi, visited by tourists on Kerala Backwater tours.

Formerly known as Cochin, Kochi in the Ernakulam district of Kerala is one of the leading ports in India. Kochi used to be a small fishing village but today the city has developed into a busy commercial port and has been aptly named “Queen of the Arabian Sea” and ‘Gateway to Kerala”.
The name Kochi comes from the Malayalam word “Koch azhi”, meaning ‘a small lagoon’. Kochi was the centre of the Indian spice trade for many centuries and became an important sea port during the colonial days as merchant ships who would take spices, coffee and wood from Cochin to the European markets.

Popularly known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, Cochin is located in Kerala, on the south west coast of India. Regarded as the industrial capital of Kerala, Cochin is the commercial hub of this thriving state. Traveling to Kochi is a great experience and there are many tourist attractions that can be visited. Read on further to know more about what to expect in your travel to Cochin. Check out our related sections that shall provide information on many tourist attractions in Cochin and also guide you about shopping areas, getting there, excursions, etc.

Cochin is popularly referred to as the Gateway of South India. It is an important trade center and many countries prefer this place to export and import their materials. In fact, Cochin has been an important link to the rest of the world since ancient times. Cochin has been ruled over by many empires over centuries. Thus, one can find a cultural amalgamation in this place. Despite being ruled by so many different domains, Cochin still maintains its cultural identity and is fiercely proud of it. The Dutch, British and also the Portuguese have ruled Cochin for many years. This resulted in a unique mix and match of traditional as well Western architecture and lifestyle.

Kochi also called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," receives many visitors round the year who travel to Kerala to see its tourist attractions and because Kochi is Kerala's industrial and commercial capital. Many backwater cruises begin or end in Kochi. You're sure to find a Kerala backwater tour that will enchant and refresh you when you stay in Kochi. Enjoy the Kerala backwater tourist attractions of Kochi while staying at hotels in Kochi.

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History

Kochi or Cochin, a princely state, was the first place in India for European Colonial settlement. The region was occupied by the Portuguese and later by the Dutch and the British. It was the first princely state to join the Indian Union, after India gained Independence in 1947.

Accessibility

Air: Airport at Kochi is Nedumbassery International airport which is about 20 km away from Kochi. Taxi charge from Nedumbassery to Kochi is about Rs 300. This airport is well connected to all airports in India and also to many cities in abroad, including gulf countries and Singapore.

Rail: Kochi has three important railheads, namely, Harbour Terminus on Willingdon Island, Ernakulam town and Ernakulam Junction. Ernakulam Junction is well connected to all cities in India. There are frequent rail services between Harbor Terminus to Junction.

Road: Kochi is well connected by bus services. KSRTC connects Koch with all major cities in Kerala and with many cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Deluxe Volvo buses are available in plenty at any time to Chennai, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Hyderabad and Mumbai from Kochi. These buses charge about Rs 3 - Rs 4 per km.

Shopping

Shopping in Cochin can be interesting if you wish to take back home handicrafts, spices and nuts with a touch of Kerala.

Cochin is famous for its handicrafts, which include a range of items made from coir, wood, bamboo, shells, brass, ivory and sandalwood.

The major shopping centers are on M.G.Road, which cuts across the heart of the city, and the Marine Drive including Broadway. MG Road is dotted with numerous shops selling a variety of things like clothes, handicrafts and jewellery. Spices, nuts and other small items can be picked up from Broadway, the popular shopping center with narrow crowded streets. One can also buy the works of contemporary artists from different art galleries situated around Cochin.

M G Road: M G Road is the place in Kochi to find the perfect shopping experience. Handicrafts made from coir, wood, shells, brass, ivory and sandalwood can be found on this famous stretch of road. Clothing items as well as jewelry are also common wares sold on M G Road. Food items and spices can also be found in the items that can be bought here. In fact, the entire stretch of MG Road is entirely filled with fabulous places to shop. With such quality items readily available here, why not save your Indian shopping experience for Kochi. You will not be disappointed.

Accommodation

Hotels in Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala offers offers a range of options, for the business traveler and the tourist alike. Cochin is a beautiful maritime city described as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

Hotels in Cochin offer well-furnished rooms and the best of facilities. You can savor the best of seafood in Cochin hotels, which serve authentic Kerala cuisine.Your stay at the hotels in Cochin will definitely be an unforgettable experience during your sojourn in Kerala.

Some of the prominent hotels in Cochin are:

Five Star Deluxe Hotels
Taj Malabar Meridian
Le Meridien
Five Star Hotels
Hotel Casino
Hotel Renaissance
Hotel Taj Residency
Hotel Trident
Three Star hotels
Hotel Abad Airport, Cochin
Hotel Abad Fort, Cochin
Hotel Abad Metro, Cochin
Hotel Metropolitan, Cochin
Hotel Riviera Suites, Cochin
Hotel Wood manor, Cochin

District
Ernakulam District
STD Code
0484
Termperature
Summer 22-35°C, Winter 22-25°C
Best time to visit
October to March