Kochi is an utterly vibrant city incorporating breathtaking scenic panoramas and centuries of history just dying to be delved into.

In its rather strategic position Kochi is referred to as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”.  Set against the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other it is in no doubt a veritable smorgasbord of visual overload.

Kochi is without a doubt a brilliant place for one to start their sojourn into the exploration of the rest of Kerala, although there is plenty in and around the city to keep tourists and travelers busy on its own.  It is continuously high ranked in several “top 50” lists.

Kochi Today

Today the city of Kochi like many of India’s Cities has its hands dabbling in the IT industry, but it also has a handle on the Health sector, ship building, international trade and tourism.  Amazingly it is considered one of India’s fastest growing metros but the local government goes to great pains to keep its natural beauty exactly that…Natural.

Kochi is very proud of its world class port and international airport.  And it has done wonders opening up Kochi to the world both for trade and enterprise purposes and for that of tourism too.  In fact over time Kochi has become a major commercial and industrial center for India. Kochi has many different cultures living within its walls. The majority of Kochi residents are Malayali's.

Tourism in Kochi

There is a strong legacy of European influence in this city as from time to time it experienced waves of migration.  Not only were Arab cultures present but the British, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese all came here mostly to instigate trade opportunities, as is the case with the Chinese fishing nets. This is still very clear today as Kochi has numerous forts, many churches which are still frequented today by Kochi’s many Christians. And not only Forts and Churches but there is also the Dutch palace of Mattancherry here in Kochi and that has absolutely exquisite examples of tempera murals.  Everywhere you look there is a subtle and sometimes not so subtle mix of European history in there complimenting Kochi’s Indian heritage as well.

Kochi is teeming with history; there are many temples, and places of religious worship, and museums and the like to keep those history buffs challenged.  One of the most fascinating sights one can find here can be seen on many of the stretches of waterfront and beaches, a sign of Ancient International trade with the Chinese.  The giant Chinese fishing nets are singularly unique to Kochi. And are the only place outside of china where they can be found.  Even more so when this is coupled with a walk along the beach at sunset you could be forgiven for thinking you saw fireworks.  One of the singularly most beautiful panoramas India has to offer for photography lovers.