Cochin (now known as
Kochi) is Kerala's most cosmopolitan city with a bustling commercial
port. It is the financial capital of Kerala. Cochin merchants began
trading in spices such as black pepper and cardamom with the Jews,
Arabs, the Dutch, Phoenicians, Portuguese, Chinese more than 600 years
ago.

Cochin has a lot of remnants from the past still clinging on. The
famous landmark in Cochin is a row of Chinese fishing nets at the
mouth of the harbor leading to the Arabian sea. It is a blend of
modern India on one hand and while the old quarter -- the Fort Kochi
area and Mattancherry area -- maintains a colonial air. Now Cochin
includes Ernakulam city, Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi,
Mattancherry, Kumbalangi and outlying islands Cochin is
comparatively cleaner and quieter than many other Indian tourist
places.
Ernakulam is the commercial capital of Kerala
with one of the finest natural harbours in the world. The city lies
about 30 kms north off the airport. The downtown city-area is known
as Ernakulam and the areas surrounding it, comprising mainly of
islands, is collectively known as Kochi (Cochin). From here, ships
set sail for foreign ports with pepper, seafood, rubber and coir,
from time immemorial. Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese
seafarers followed the sea route to Cochin and left their impressions
on the town.
The Chinese fishing nets, believed to be erected in 1350 AD, swaying
in the breeze over the backwaters, the Jewish Synagogue on Jew Street,
The Dutch Palace at Bolghatty, Maharaja’s Palace at Tripunithura,
the narrow streets of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, old temples
and colonial churches attract tourists from all over.
Access by Air:
Cochin International Airport is one of the country's youngest Airports
with modern facilities and conveniences. Located at Nedumbassery,
which is about 30 kms off Kochi (Cochin) city, this is the first
airport in India that was constructed with private participation
,outside the ambit of Airport Authority of India. Government of
Kerala, Non-Resident Indians from over 30 countries, Traveling Public,
Financial Institutions, Airport service providers and others are
the major stake holders.
Currently, more than 70 flights operate in and out of this Airport
daily connecting all major cities across India and International
destinations like Dubai, Sharjah, Chicago, Colombo, Singapore and
more.
Access by Road:
Cochin's National Highway connects it to the major cities of India.
The National Highway connecting Cochin is superbly made with long
driving and motels in between kept while upgrading the highway for
the welfare of the drivers in mind.
Access by Train:
Regular train services connect Kolkatta to all the major cities
in India such as to Mumbai in Western India, New Delhi in North
India, Kolkatta in East India, Chennai in South East India etc.
Location Map of Cochin:
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