#Kochi also known as #Cochin is a city in the southwest state of #Kerala, #India. located in the coastal belt #Kochi has a port since 1341. This port was created due to a flood and since then it has been visited by #Arab, #Chinese, and #European travelers and traders, thereby becoming an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India.
The city derives its name from the Malayalam word Kochazhi meaning small lagoon. Occupied by the Portuguese in 1503, Kochi was the first of the European colonies in colonial India. The best site to see that influence is Fort Kochi, a settlement with colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship. Also, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, typical of Kochi, that are now seen nowhere else in the world can be found the #backwaters and at sea.
Kochi is a place that displays an amalgamation of the past and the present through its architecture. Kochi is worth visiting to understand the culture of Kerala. Popularly known as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, the city also flaunts one of the finest natural harbors of the world and was the center of the world spice trade for many centuries. Old Kochi (presently called West Kochi), loosely refers to a group of islands that comprise #Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi, #Mattancherry, etc.
Kochi is home to lakes, backwaters, beaches, ancient monuments, lush greenery and hills. It has been described as the most beautiful city in India by many ancient travellers. Located in the region of Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church is said to have been established by the Portuguese in the year 1903 and is the oldest European church in the country. It is also the place where the dead body of Vasco da Gama was originally buried. Also Fort Kochi, the Vasco House is said to be one of the oldest Portuguese houses in the country.
As per records, it is believed to be the residence of Vasco da Gama during his stay in Kochi. A major #tourist attraction, the Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in India and the largest lake in Kerala. It has a length of about 97 km and is spread over an area of about 2033 sq km. The fourth-cleanest city in the Swachh Bharat rankings Kochi the city is home to numerous churches, palaces, museums, mosques and temples. The most important section of the city is the Jew Town with its Synagogues and Jewish houses that attracts hoards of foreign tourist to Kochi.
Kochi is known as the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. It has the highest GDP as well as the highest GDP per capita in the state as such Kochi is home to numerous #business enterprises. Well connected by rail, road, air, and sea the city is a major education hub that attracts students from across India. The city is a major Naval base for #IndianNavy and a major shipbuilding centre, where large ships are built including aircraft carriers. #Touris in Kochi is centered around Fort Kochi and Old Kochi area.
The important tourist attraction of Kochi include Backwaters of Kochi, Marine Drive, Fort Kochi, Hill Palace museum, Mattancherry Palace,Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Jewish Synagogue, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Bolgatty Palace, Kochi International Marin. Willingdon Island, Museum of Kerala History, St.Francis Church, Koonankurishu Church, St. George Orthodox Church, ,Fort Emmanuel, Pallipuram Fort, Kodungallur Bhagavathy TempleKodungallur or Cranganore, Parikshit Thampuran Museum, Kanjiramattom Mosque, and Bastion Bunglow.
Nature lovers and birdwatchers also visit Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. #Tourism is not limited to the city, there are several places worth visiting in and round Kochi, these include #Athirappilly waterfalls, Cherai Beach, Kalady, Bhoothathankettu dam, Chottanikkara temple, Paliam Palace, Malayattoor, Kadamattom Church there are numerus hotels, lodges that provide luxurious, mid range and budget accommodation.
There are numerous restaurants that sell a variety of Kerala #cuisine. The street food is also very popular. #Shopping in Kochi cannot be complete without checking out the Cotton Spice Market. The market has all the spices like cardamom, anise, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, pepper, etc. Cashew nuts are another popular item sold here. The best time to visit Kochi is from October to February. A visit to Kochi is a mesmerizing experience and is not complete without an #Ayurvedic oil session
