Popularly known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, Cochin is located in Kerala, on the south west coast of India. Regarded as the industrial capital of Kerala, Cochin is the commercial hub of this thriving state. Traveling to Kochi is a great experience and there are many tourist attractions that can be visited. Read on further to know more about what to expect in your travel to Cochin. Check out our related sections that shall provide information on many tourist attractions in Cochin and also guide you about shopping areas, getting there, excursions, etc.

Cochin is popularly referred to as the Gateway of South India. It is an important trade center and many countries prefer this place to export and import their materials. In fact, Cochin has been an important link to the rest of the world since ancient times. Cochin has been ruled over by many empires over centuries. Thus, one can find a cultural amalgamation in this place. Despite being ruled by so many different domains, Cochin still maintains its cultural identity and is fiercely proud of it. The Dutch, British and also the Portuguese have ruled Cochin for many years. This resulted in a unique mix and match of traditional as well Western architecture and lifestyle.

Like most cities in India, Kochi has a very long and illustrious history. But, the origin of the name is still shrouded in mystery. Many theories exist, but none are strong enough to be conclusive. Some historians believe that Kochi is a modified form of the word 'Cochazhi' which in Malayalam means 'small sea'. Others are of the opinion that 'Kochi' was named so by the Chinese. According to them, traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan, gave Kochi the name of their homeland. The peculiar Chinese fishing nets found here, the only place outside China where it has been spotted, can possibly be attributed to the heavy Chinese influence the city has had in the past. Still another theory is that Kochi is derived from the word 'Kaci' meaning 'harbour'.

Cochin, also known as Kochi, is one of the finest backwaters and beach destinations of Kerala, India. Beautifully spread across string of picturesque and lovely islands, lagoons, small rivulets and swaying coconut palm trees, Cochin is one of the most sought after and tourist destinations in Kerala. Cochin is located at 220 km north of the capital city of Trivandrum in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Famous as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', Cochin also houses one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Frequented by thousands of foreign traders and visitors from as far as Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal, Cochin was the most famous center of Indian spice trade for many centuries. Today, Cochin has emerged as most important commercial and industrial center of Kerala and called the 'Gateway to South India'. In addition to all, what really attracts tourists to Cochin is its colorful and vibrant culture and unmatched hospitality of the local people. Undoubtedly, Cochin tour promises to be an exciting and rewarding experience for all its visitors.

Tourist Attractions in Cochin

Fort Cochin:
Also known as the 'Old Fort', Fort Cochin is the very first fort built by the Europeans in India. Started by the Dutch and then British, the Fort has many amazing structures. Vasco de Gama, the first European to land on Indian coasts in 1498, died in Fort Cochin on Christmas eve in 1524. The Fort houses a huge Portuguese-style Mansion, the St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica among other attractions.

Chinese Fishing Nets:
They are huge cantilevered fishing nets brought by the Indian traders from the court of Kublai Khan, the famous Mongol Emperor who founded the Yuan Dynasty of China. Erected between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to enjoy the nets being lowered into the sea and its catch is the Vasco de Gama square.

Mattancherry Palace:
 Built by the Portuguese in 1557, the beautiful Palace was gifted to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin. The Palace is famous for its beautiful murals, depicting scenes from the epics Ramayana, Mahabharata and other Puranic Hindu legends. Also on display are the Dutch maps of old Cochin, royal palanquins and coronation outwears of former maharajas of Cochin. Also known as the 'Dutch Palace', the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch.

Jewish Synagogue:
Built in the year 1568, the Jewish Synagogue is probably the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. The greatest attractions of this synagogue are the amazing 18th century hand painted willow pattern floor tiles imported from China, the copper plates on which the privilege granted by the kings were recorded, a dock tower and Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs among many others.

st-francis-chruch St. Francis Church:
Built by the Portuguese in 1503 AD, it is the first church built by the Europeans in India. Vasco De Gama, the famous Portuguese trader and sailor, was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal in 1538.

Bolghatty Island:
 An enchantingly beautiful and narrow long island, it's famous for housing the Bolghatty Palace, built by the Dutch in 1744. The only golf course of Cochin is located on this picturesque island. Other major attraction of the Bolghatty is an exciting Boat cruising on the island connecting Cochin to Bolghatty Island.

Willington Island:
Surrounded by beautiful backwaters of Cochin, Willington Island is an artificial island created by the dumping of the materials that were dug out while Cochin Port was being deepened. It houses the city's best hotels and trading centers, the port trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.

Cochin Museum:
One of the most famous museums of Kerala, Cochin Museum is known for its rich collections of paintings, coins and sculptures. The museum displays the 19th century oil paintings, mural paintings, wooden sculptures, sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris and old coins. Earlier the museum was situated at the Durbar Hall but now it has been shifted to the Hill Palace at Tripunithura.

 How to get here:
Cochin is connected by excellent air, rail and road networks to all major cities in India. Ferry service is available to travel between the island towns.

By Air:
Cochin is well linked by air to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and other metropolitan cities of India.

By Rail:
By rail as well, Cochin is connected to various other cities of South India and the rest part of India.

By Road:
Cochin is also well connected by road to various tourist cities in the south.