Cochin,
city also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea and also by the name
of Kochi is the biggest and one of the most important port in India
and definetly the most important port of Kerala. Cochin is basically
a collage of several towns and villages like Fort-Kochin, Vypeen,
Mattancherry, Palluruthy, Thevara, Ernakulam, Palarivattom,
Edappally, Vyttila, Vallarpadam, Bolghatty, etc. Kochi also has a
unique diffrence as probably being the only city in India formed
from diffrent parts of three states, viz. the two princely states of
Travancore and Cochin, and the British Malabar. Cochin's history is
a bright collage of many coloured threads woven through centuries
together present the fabric of the present. Cochin's involvment with
the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British are evident in the
architecture of city buildings. The origin of the name ‘Kochi’ is still not known exactly, but several diffrent theories exist and is considerd a wonderful way of passing time by the locals by having a calm discussion over its origin. Kochi, has been around for a long time, and was formed when the dreaded river Periyar flooded over and washed away the then renowned port of Cranganore (Kodungallur) in 1340 AD. The harbour then created is considered one of the most beautiful natural harbour. Kochi earned a significant position on the world trading routes. Kochi plays an important role in the development of shipping and trade in the region. Kochi's prime location is the west coast, its fine bay and protected harbour makes it one of the most popular for seafares and merchant ships who make frequent stops to stock up on the spices, coffee and wood enroute to the rich markets of Europe and West Asia. One of the most busiset ports of India Kochi still is baked in the natural god given beauty.
Kochi's location between the blue waters of the Arabian Sea and Kerala’s backwaters, its rich and divers combination of Indian and foregin architeture, its sights of the Chinese fishing nets and its quiet localities like that of the Jewish Quarters, grabs the attention of all who travel to Kerala.