- Cochin (Kochi), Kerala
- District: Ernakulam
- Nickname(s): Queen of the Arabian Sea
- Coordinates: 9.97°N 76.28°E
- Elevation: 0 cm (0 ft)
- Area: 94.88 km² (36.63 sq mi)
- Area code: +91 (484)
- Official Language(s): Malayalam, English
Spread over a series of islands and crisscrossed by the sea and backwaters, Cochin speaks of the old world charm and leisure. The culturally and historically rich port city is the gateway for several visitors to start their tour of Kerala in south India. Located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Cochin has been one of the most sought-after destinations in India. Situated on the southwest coast of India, Cochin or Kochi, also called the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city is the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala.
With its interesting monuments, geographic peculiarities, and emerging cosmopolitan nature, Cochin can keep a tourist engrossed for days. A gaggle of islands interconnected by ferries, this cosmopolitan town has upmarket stores, art galleries and some of the finest heritage accommodations. In a true vintage-meets-future fashion, pubs, restaurants, shopping hubs and futuristic stores crowd Ernakulum, Jew Town and Fort Cochin while palaces, beaches, temples and heritage sites mark their presence too. Cochin is also an important place to see Kathakali and Kalarippayattu performances and the annual Biennale Festival.
It was the vast Arabian Sea that brought Cochin in contact with countries across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The Sea helped the port and the city establish itself as a focal point of trade and commerce, and the sea has opened doors to many emerging tourist activities such as cruise tourism and yachting. The setting up of the International Marina is part of Cochin’s endeavours to explore the potential of these emerging trends in Tourism.
Cochin represents different things to different people. To many, it is an emerging cosmopolitan city with bustling life in the streets, the cinema halls, the shopping malls, and the skyscrapers; the commercial capital of the state, with a style statement different from the rest of the State - whether in clothes or lifestyle. To some others, Cochin is a place with deep roots in history and its streets exude an old-world charm; a place with beautiful monuments and a variety of linguistic and ethnic communities including Jews, Konkinis, Gujaratis and so on. Yet another group looks at Cochin as a thriving, expanding market, providing opportunities for growth and prosperity to all who knock at her doors. In short, Cochin offers a cocktail of modernity, old-world charm and a global outlook that, at the same time, facilitates continuity and change.
With its spice markets, Jewish synagogue, European church, Chinese fishing nets, Portuguese palace and 17th-century Dutch homes, Cochin stands testimony to the irresistible pull felt by wanderers and traders for over 600 years. Kumarakom, known for houseboat rides on the backwaters and its bird sanctuary and Alappuzha (formerly called Alleppey) are situated just a few hours to the north of Cochin. It serves as the gateway to the hill stations of Munnar and Vagamon in Idukki and the wildlife hot-spots of Eravikulam National Park and Periyar National Park.
Cochin is by far an exquisite halting destination to unwind amidst its posh environment. Touring in Cochin will leave you awestruck from the backwaters to beaches to hill stations; this south state is radiant’s with a jade green glow and staggering palm trees. This scenic destination of Cochin is best described as bountiful and beautiful because of its rich flora and fauna and you can also visit other beautiful places of the state as well.