Originally built by the Portuguese, Kochi (Cochin) has a natural harbour with lagoons and canals and fishing hamlets. Kochi (Cochin), the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is situated on the west coast of India in the beautiful state of Kerala. Kochi can be regarded as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Kochi is the most important city in Kerala. It is the second most important city (after Mumbai) on the western coast of India .

Kochi ormerly known as Cochin) is the economic engine of the Indian state of Kerala, and one of the principal seaports of the country. Kochi is located in the district of Ernakulam, about 220 km north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. The city is spread over an area of 94 km² and has an estimated population of 650,000, with an extended metropolitan population of over 1.6 million, making it the second largest city and the largest urban agglomeration in Kerala.[1]

Since 1102 AD, the city of Kochi was the seat of an eponymous princely state which traces its lineages to the Kulasekhara empire. Heralded as the Queen of the Arabian Sea[2], Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the Arabian Sea coast since the 14th century. Ancient travellers and tradesmen made references to Kochi through their writings, calling it Cocym, Cochym, Cochin, and Cochi. Kochi was the site of the first European colonial settlement in India, and remained the capital of Portuguese India till 1530, before it was moved to Goa. The city was later occupied by the Dutch, Mysore and the British. Kochi was the first princely state to join the Indian Union willingly, when India gained independence from the British colonial rule in 1947.[3]

Successive waves of migration over the course of several millennia, has made Kochi a melting pot of different cultures; a blend of tradition and modernity. Kochi is the commercial hub of Kerala[4], and one of the fastest growing second-tier metros in India.[5]

Kochi was the centre of Indian spice trade for many centuries, and was known to the Yavanas (Greeks) as well as Romans, Jews, Arabs and Chinese since ancient times.[8] Kochi rose to significance as a trading center after the port at Kodungallur (Cranganore) was destroyed by massive flooding of the river Periyar in 1341 AD.[9] The earliest documented references to Kochi occur in books written by Chinese voyager Ma Huan during his visit to Kochi in the 15th century as part of Admiral Zheng He's treasure fleet.[10] There are also references to Kochi in accounts written by Italian traveller Niccolò Da Conti, who visited Kochi in 1440 AD.[11]

The Kingdom of Kochi came into existence in 1102 AD after the fall of the Kulasekhara empire.[12] The Raja of Kochi had authority over the region encompassing the present city of Kochi and adjoining areas. The reign was hereditary, and the family that ruled over Kochi was known as the Cochin Royal Family (Perumpadappu Swaroopam in the local vernacular). The mainland Kochi remained the capital of the princely state since the 18th century.

Kochi was also the scene of the first European colonial settlement in India. From 1503 to 1663, Kochi was ruled by Portugal. This Portuguese period was difficult for the Jews installed in the region, since the Inquisition was active in Portuguese India. Kochi hosted the grave of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, who was buried at St. Francis Church until his remains were returned to Portugal in 1539.[13]

The Portuguese rule was followed by that of the Dutch, who had allied with the Zamorins in order to conquer Kochi. By 1773, the Mysore King Hyder Ali extended his conquest in the Malabar region to Kochi. Kochi was forced to become a tributary of Mysore and the Kochi Raja, who was still the titular head, had to pay a subsidy of 1 lakh Pagodas and four elephants; and an annual tribute of 30,000 Pagodas. The hereditary Prime Ministership of Kochi held by the Paliath Achans came to an end during this period.

Meanwhile, the Dutch, fearing an outbreak of war on the United Provinces signed a treaty with the United Kingdom, under which Kochi was ceded to the United Kingdom in exchange for the island of Bangka. However, even prior to the signing of the treaty, there are evidences of English habitation in the region.[14] Towards the early 20th century, trade at the port had increased substantially, and the need to develop the port was greatly felt. Harbour Engineer Robert Bristow, was thus brought to Kochi in 1920 under the direction of Lord Willingdon, then the Governor of Madras. In a span of 21 years, he had transformed Kochi as the safest harbour in the peninsula, where ships berthed alongside the newly reclaimed inner harbour equipped with a long array of steam cranes.[15] Meanwhile, in 1866, Fort Kochi was made a municipality, and its fist Municipal Council election to a board of 18 members was conducted in 1883. The Maharaja of Cochin, who ruled under the British, in 1896 initiated local administration by forming town councils in Mattancherry and Ernakulam. In 1925, Kochi legislative assembly was constituted due to public pressure on the state. The assembly consisted of 45 members, 10 of who were officially nominated. In 1947, India gained independence from the British colonial rule. Cochin was the first princely state to join the Indian Union willingly.[3]

Kochi is located on the southwest coast of India at 9°58′N 76°13′E, spanning an area of 94.88 km². The city is located at the northern end of a peninsula, about 19 km long and less than 1.6 km wide. To the west lies the Arabian Sea, and to the east are estuaries that are drained by perrenial rivers originating in the Western Ghats. Much of Kochi lies at sea level with a coastline of 48 km.[17]

The current metropolitan limits of Kochi include the mainland Ernakulam, old Kochi, the suburbs of Edapally, Kalamassery and Kakkanad to the northeast; Tripunithura to the south east; and a group of islands closely scattered in the Vembanad Lake. Most of these islands are very small, varying in extent from 6 square kilometre to less than a square kilometre.

Soil consists of sediments such as Alluvium, Teri’s, Brown sands etc. Hydromorphic saline soils are also found in the areas surrounding the backwaters. Predominent rock types found here are Archaean-basic dykes, Charnockites and Gneisses. An ecologically sensitive area, the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is located in the central part of the city. It has a wide range of mangrove species and is nesting ground for a vast variety of migratory birds

Kochi's proximity to equator along with its coastal location results in little seasonal temperature variation, with moderate to high levels of humidity. Annnual temperatures range between 20 to 35 °C (68–95 °F) with the record high being 38 °C, and record low 17 °C.[18] From June through September, the south-west monsoon brings in heavy rains as Kochi lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats. From October to December, Kochi receives light rain from the north-West monsoon, as it lies on the leeward side. Average annual rainfall is 350 cm, with an annual average of 132 rainy days.

Bolghatty Palace

This Dutch palace is situated on the Bolghatty island. At present it is being used as hotel. The island has a fine golf course and the panoramic view makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland.

Chinese Fishing Nets

The chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.

Dutch Palace

The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portugese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

Fort Kochi beach

A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline.

Jewish Synagogue

The synagogue ,magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers ,was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace.

St. Francis Church

It is the oldest church built by European in India.On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portugese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church.

By Air

Connected to Aggati, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Trivandrum by Air.

By Rail

Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Delhi, Madras, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Varanasi are well connected to Cochin by rail.

Back water cruise

The motor launch cruise on the enchanting backwaters through the coconut grovers and quiet lagoons is an exciting tour. Visit Bolghatty Palace,the beautiful Dutch colonial mansionbuilt in the 1744 vypean, Vallarpadom, see tiny fishing hamlets and the fisherfolk in the colourful costumes.

Kochi, has been over years, the shoppers paradise. In Kochi almost anything can be bought. Antiques, coir products and handicrafts are good souvenirs. The main shopping areas for the tourists inside Kochi city are as follows.

The Major Market Places in Kochi (Cochin) are - Durbar Hall Road - Jos Jn. - South Railway Station Areas; Jew Town, Mattancherry; Marine Drive - Park Avenue; M.G. Road North End - Pallimukku; New Road, Mattancherry; Princess Street', Fort Kochi.