Cochin(Kochi)
Formerly
known as Cochin, Kochi is located along the Arabian Sea, on the south-west
coast of India. Kochi is one of the seven taluks of Ernakulam district in the
state of Kerala. Straddled by the backwaters, it is bordered by the Arabian Sea
in the west and urbanised region in the east. The major part of the city lies
at sea level along the coastline of around 48 km. Spread over an area of 94.88
sq km, Kochi is the second largest city of Kerala. Inhabited by 601,574 people,
the city of Kochi is a part of an extended metropolitan region.
Comprising
Kakkanad in the north-east, Tripunithura in the south-east and mainland
Ernakulam, Kochi is a part of the Greater Cochin region. Areas like Old Kochi,
Kadavanthra, the suburbs of Edapally, the exurbia of Kalamassery and some
islands of the Vembanad Lake, are also included in Kochi. It also encompasses
areas like Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, Palluruthy and Thoppumpady.
History
of Kochi
According
to legend, Kochi was the centre of the Indian spice trade and was immigrated by
the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese for trade purposes. During
this period, the city was referred to as Cochym, Cochin, Cochi and even Cocym.
The city
of Kochi gained importance as a port in 1341 AD, when the port at Kodungallur
was ruined by flooding of the Periyar River. In the 15th century, this port
city began prospering, as the Portuguese penetrated the Indian Ocean. The first
Portuguese factory was established by Vasco da Gama, while the first European
fort in India was built by the Portuguese Viceroy, Afonso de Albuquerque. In
1635, the British settled in Kochi; however, the Dutch forced them out in 1663.
Under
the Dutch rule, Kochi developed as an important trade centre. Haidar Ali, the
militant prince of Mysore, took over the city in 1776. However, his son Tipu
Sultan surrendered to the British in 1791.
After
the Anglo-Dutch Treaty in 1814, Kochi came under the administration of the
British. Under the command of Sir Robert Bistrow, the forts built across the
city were destroyed and Kochi was developed into a major Indian harbour.
Willingdon
Island, which now houses the Naval Airport, Cochin Port and Southern Naval
Command headquarters, was built during the British rule in Kochi. In 1866, Fort
Kochi was converted into a municipality and its first Municipal Council
election was conducted in 1883. Later, when India gained independence in 1947,
Kochi became the first princely state to join the Indian Union willingly. In
1956, the state of Kerala was formed by the merger of Travancore, Malabar and
Kochi.
People
& Culture of Kochi
Eleven
years later, the Corporation of Kochi was formed by the unification of Fort
Kochi, Mattancherry and Ernakulam along with some nearby villages. From then
on, Kochi became a major commercial and industrial centre of India.
Over the
course of time, successive waves of migration of Malayalis, Konkanis,
Gujaratis, Punjabis, Tamilians and Jews have made Kochi a cultural melting pot.
Home to the Cochin Stock Exchange, Cochin Special Economic Zone and Infopark
and International Container Transshipment Terminal, Kochi is referred to as the
commercial capital of Kerala. Renowned as one of the fastest growing
second-tier metros in India, Kochi is a booming centre of information
technology, tourism and international trade.
Things
to do in Kochi
The city
has also emerged as a tourist hub of South India and is commonly referred to as
the ‘Gateway to Kerala’. Attracting tourists from around the world, Fort Kochi,
Bolghatty Palace and the backwaters are major highlights of the city. The city
also has a strong inclination towards the arts and tourists visiting Kochi can
visit places like the Kerala Folklore Theatre where people can watch plays or
even spend time at the museum. Also know for its Ayurvedic centres, tourists
can also indulge in some treatments at the many Ayurvedic spas in the city. A
wholesome experience of Kochi and its sights and sounds can also be taken by
opting for attractive Kochi holiday packages.
Food
& Shopping in Kochi
The best
way to get around in Kochi is by local transport. Buses and auto rickshaws are
good options. As for food, Kochi is a haven for sea food lovers. Local
restaurants serve dishes like fish fry- also known as fish molly locally -
calamari, dosas, appams, tapioca fry and curries among other South Indian
delicacies. Kochi also enjoys a vibrant nightlife with many lounge bars and
discos located in and around M.G. Road. Shopping in Kochi too can be a pleasant
experience for tourists. Travellers can try the market in Jew Town, M.G. Road
or the government shop called Kairali where local handicrafts and textiles are
sold.
Travelling
to Kochi
Tourists
can reach Kochi by air, rail and road. The international airport of Kochi is
located at Nedumbassery, 20 km away from the city centre. It connects Kochi to
major cities in India as well as international destinations. Travellers can
also reach Kochi by road. It is well connected to Bangalore (565 km),
Coimbatore (223 km) and Chennai (470 km) among other cities. Kochi’s railway
stations – one in Ernakulam and the other near the harbor – have trains
connecting this port to major cities across India.
Accommodation
options in Kochi
Kochi
has a range of staying options and they cater to all kind of travellers.
Popular hotels in Kochi are located in areas like Fort Kochi and the main city
of Ernakulam as well as places like the Willingdon Island. They range from
budget options, homestays to luxury and boutique hotels.
The best time to visit Kochi is from October through March.
