Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate.
Kochi International Airport (COK) has regular flights connecting major cities. Three stations serve Kochi, among which the largest and perhaps the busiest one is the Ernakulam Junction South. Trains are a cheap and easy mode of travel. Major South Indian cities have buses plying to Kochi. You can also drive to Kochi as the National Highways and connecting roads ensure a smooth drive.
October to March (Winter) is the best time to visit Kochi although it's an all year long destination. Summers (March to June) and monsoon (July - September), although a tad difficult due to the extreme weather, are equally attractive in Kochi, especially for budget travellers.
Kochi - Queen of Arabian Sea, Situated on the south-west coast of India, Kochi or Cochin is a bustling commercial port city with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years. Called as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city is the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala.
A gaggle of islands interconnected by ferries, this cosmopolitan town has upmarket stores, art galleries and some of the finest heritage accommodations. In a true vintage-meets-future fashion, pubs, restaurants, shopping hubs and futuristic stores crowd Ernakulum, Jew Town and Fort Kochi while palaces, beaches, temples and heritage sites marking their presence too. Kochi is also an important place to see Kathakali and Kalarippayattu performances and annual Biennale Festival.