Cochin, also spelled Kochi, is located in the state of Ernakulam and is one of India’s most prominent sea ports. It’s among India’s most visited and respected cities with its picture perfect location between the Arabian sea and Kerala’s winding backwaters. The diverse mix of architecture from Indian to European and its cultural texture is found in few other places in the country. For many centuries the city, with its great bay and well protected harbour, has played an important role in India’s west coast trade.

Cochin has a strong multi-cultural and secular ambience with inhabitants from many Indian ethnic groups and members of various religions including: Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Sikhs. This cultural mix has seen Cochin evolve throughout the years into a sophisticated and modern society, where people from all religions live in harmony, their cultural traditions embraced and accepted.

The buildings seen throughout the city are a testament to the colonial rulings by the Portuguese, British and Dutch. The city offers strong sporting backgrounds particularly in cricket and football and the main stadium is also one of the largest in all India.

Today Cochin’s tourist infrastructure offers visitors a range of choices from top-end hotels to budget accommodation. Excursions, attractions and cultural events abound, combined with fabulous beaches and scenic nature: there is something in Cochin to suit everyone.

The exact origins of Cochin’s name are uncertain. Some believe it’s a modification of the Malayalam word ‘Cochazhi’ meaning ‘small sea’. Others say the name was given to the city by the Chinese, named after their homeland. And yet others say it is a derivation of the word ‘Kaci’ meaning simply, ‘harbour’.

Whenever or however the name came into being, the city itself has been a highly important trading port for many centuries. Its prominence came into effect in 1340 after the devastating floods of the Periyar river destroyed the once major port of Kodugallur.

Nature took a grand turn of events and created the superb port that is to this day one of the city’s major features and centres for trade. The early days saw its rise in the trade of spices such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and cloves.

Travellers from all over the world are attributed to the development of Cochin as an important city, one of India’s main connections to the rest of the world. Chinese, Arab, British, Dutch and Portuguese influences have all played a role in the development of the city into what is today a bustling centre for tourism and commercial happenings.

Cochin is the site of the first European fort in India and was the first city to have been colonised by a European country. This Portuguese colonisation brought with it great prosperity for the city and has played a major role in its cosmopolitan atmosphere today.

The magnificent forts built by the Portuguese came under attack when the British took control of India in the early 1800s. The British reign did, however, bring about developments, particularly that of the harbour and the creation of the Willingdon island. Today is home to the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command, the Cochin Port Airport, and several other commercial outlets as well as numerous hotels and leisure facilities.

In 1947, India gained independence from Britain. Nearly a decade later the province of Kerala was formed comprising the states of Cochin, Malabar and Travancore. Today it is the most important port after Mumbai (Bombay) and among the busiest trading, commercial and tourist centres in the south of India.

The best months to visit Cochin are by far November through May. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall for the months of June, July and August; while the northeast monsoon brings about lighter showers from September to December. Temperatures at their highest rise to about 35°C during the summer months but in winter the cooler climate is perfect for being able to go out during the day without falling over with heat exhaustion. During this period temperatures range in and around 30°C and more often below this mark.