Cochin, the mercantile center of Kerala has a great historical significance. Portuguese arrive to Kerala for trade and settled here in 16th century in the Fort Cochin area. The sight now lies in the World Heritage Zone. As a main trading point since Roman times, the city lies on the main trade route between Europe and China.

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Cochin is divided into 3 main zones, embellished with Fort Kochi, Willingdon Island and Ernakulam. Fort Kochi engrosses the South projection on the seaside of the Bay. Next the Willingdon Island established in 1920 by scooping the bay for the ships to enter the harbor. Ernakulam lies athwart the causeway from Willingdon Island on the opposite side of Bolghatty Island, a stretched confined peninsula.

Cochin is the commercial capital of Kerala, and is sometimes referred to as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. Cochin proudly boasts a rich cultural heritage, but is one of the most fast paced and modern cities in India. It is also one of the finest natural harbours of the world and a major Indian port. Cochin is basically a collection of islands and narrow peninsulas and can be divided into Ernakulam, Willingdon Island, Mattancherry and Fort Kochi. An international airport and seaport connect to the rest of the world.

Being situated very close to the sea, Kochi has a moderate climate. Heavy showers are experienced during the months June,July and August due to the South-West Monsoon. The North-East Monsoon brings light rainfall during the months September, October, November and December. December to February is pretty cool. The annual rainfall is about 310 cm . In summer the temperature rises to a maximum of 35 ºC while in winter it is around 25 ºC.

Attractions

• St. Francis Church
  This Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 A.D. It is considered to be India's oldest European church. Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI). Vasco Da Gama was buried here before his remains were taken back to Portugal 14 years later.
• Cherai Beach
  The lovely Cherai beach, situated in Vypeen, is just a 15 minute ferry ride from Fort-Kochi. Besides the sea, sand and the sun, a typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby completes the idyllic picture that the beach paints.
• Jewish Synagogue at Mattancherry
  Jewish elegant Synagogue was constructed in the year 1568 with the arrival of the Jews in the south of Kerala. The structure is highly bedecked with crystal a chandelier that sparks as the light falls on them and designed wood carvings with blue and white ceramic tiles. Timing: open from 10 am to 12 noon; 3pm to 5pm, closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
• Hill Palace Museum
  The Palace was the erstwhile residence of the royal Kochi family. The Hill Palace is at the distance of 10 km from Kochi and was contrived in 1865. The palace complex is embellished with 49 structures depicting typical traditional style of architectural splendor of Kerala. The Palace also treasures gold crown engraved with precious stones, 13 galleries of oil paintings, 19th century paintings, artistic scene, sculpture in stone and manuscripts are exhibited. Timings: Open from 9.00 am to 12.30pm; 2pm to 4.30pm, Closed on Mondays and National Holidays.
• Backwaters of Cochin
  More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Lochi a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land. Boat cruises from Kochi harbor to Willingdon Island, Mattancherry Place, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and Bolgatty Island. Sunset cruise. 3 hour backwater village cruises which include visits to coir villages and coconut plantations.

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How to reach

• Air
  International flights are operated from and to the Cochin International Airport (Tel: 2610087/2610115), located 25 kms northeast of the city at Nedumbassery.
• Rail
  Cochin is connected to various parts of the country by the Indian Railways, the largest railway system in Asia.
• Road
  The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation operates shuttle, long-distance, and interstate express and super fast services from the KSRTC bus station (Tel: 2372033).