Kochin Tourism in Kerala
Cochin is an important port city in Kerala formerly known as Kochi which was termed as the queen of Arabian sea. It is the Kerala’s second largest city a is and is densely populated . Kochi ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourists in Kerala. It has been ranked the sixth best tourist destination in India according to the Outlook Traveller magazine.
The city lies in the north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram and south of Kozhikode. It traces its lineage to the Kulasekhara Empire. Kochi has been an important spice trading centre on the Arabian Sea coast from the 14th century.
Occupied by the Portuguese Empire in 1503, Kochi was the first of the European colonies in India. The city was later occupied by the Dutch and the British, making it as a princely state Kochi is home for the Southern Naval Command, of the Indian Navy. the primary training centre of the Indian Navy. The Cochin Shipyard, which was the largest shipbuilding facility in India till 2008, contributes to the economy of india.
Ancient travellers and tradesmen variously referred to Kochi in their writings. Accounts of Italian explorers Nicolo Conti (15th century), and Fra Paoline in the 17th century say that it was called Kochchi, named after the river connecting backwaters to the sea.
Kochi features a tropical monsoon climate. Kochi’s proximity to the equator along with its coastal location results in little seasonal temperature variation, with moderate to high levels of humidity.
Kochi is widely referred to as the commercial capital of Kerala. In recent years the city has witnessed heavy investment, thus making it one of the fastest-growing second-tier metro cities in India. The district contributes the highest portion, 14.47%, of the state’s GDP.
As in most of Kerala, remittances from non-resident Indians (NRI)s is a major source of income. Kochi Refineries are of much importance. Fishers trawl in traditional boats in the backwaters. Kochi is a major exporter of seafood.
The tourist enclave at Fort Kochi and presence of several historical monuments, museums etc. as well as natural attractions like the Vembanad lake and the backwaters attract large number of tourists to the city. The city has the first marina facility in the country. Kochi Marina which attracts large number of yacht-totters.
Kochi’s historical reliance on trade continues till modern times, as the city is a major exporter of spices and is home to the International Pepper Exchange, where black pepper is globally recognized.
The IT and ITES related industries are growing up in Kochi. Several new industrial campuses are under construction in the suburbs of the city.
Kochi has a multicultural trend consisting of Malayalis, Konkanis, Gujaratis, Bengalis, Marathis, Punjabis, Tamilians, Biharis and a few families of Jews among other denominations. The city once had a large Jewish community. The Syro-Malabar Church, one of the 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches, has its seat at Ernakulam. Kochi celebrates traditional Kerala festivals like Onam and Vishu along with North Indian Hindu festivals like Holi with great fervor and those Christian and Islamic festivals.
The city’s culture is rapidly evolving with Kochiites generally becoming more cosmopolitan in their outlook.
Kochiites are fond of Keralite cuisine, which is generally characterised by an abundance of coconut and spices. Other South Indian cuisines, as well as Chinese and North Indian cuisines are popular. Fast food culture is also very prominent. Being a tourist hotspot, Fort Kochi have a number of restaurants that offer international cuisines also. Being close to the ocean and the backwaters, Kochi has an abundance of seafood.
Kochi was home to some of the most influential figures in Malayalam literature. Prominent social reformers such as Sahodaran Ayyappan and Pandit Karuppan also are from Kochi.
The paintings at the Hill Palace and the Dutch Palace are testimony to the maharaja of Kochis to their love for arts.
Kochiites are known for their enthusiasm in sports, especially football and cricket. The Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi is one of the large multi-use stadiums in India with international class lighting for football matches.
For More Info :Hotels in Cochin and Kochi Tourism
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