cochin

Cochin, officially Kochi, is a coastal city and port in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It lies in the Ernakulam district at the entrance to the Kerala backwaters, facing the Arabian Sea. The city comprises several islands and peninsulas linked by bridges and waterways, with historic neighborhoods such as Fort Kochi and Mattancherry that retain a colonial-era character alongside bustling modern neighborhoods.

Historically, Cochin has been a hub of maritime trade for centuries and was among the first Indian ports to engage with European traders. The Portuguese established Fort Kochi in the early 16th century, followed by Dutch and British hegemony, which left a legacy of churches, palaces, and synagogues. Notable sites include St. Francis Church, the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), Santa Cruz Basilica, and the Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town. The area is also famous for its Chinese fishing nets along the harbor.

The port remains central to the city’s economy. Cochin Port Trust operates one of India's oldest and largest ports, Willingdon Island hosts port facilities and logistics, and the international container terminal handles substantial cargo and cruise ships. The city is connected by Cochin International Airport near Nedumbassery, national and state highways, and rail services. The economy blends traditional fishing, spice trade, and tourism with growing information technology and service industries, while maintaining a strong cultural tourism sector rooted in its multicultural heritage.

Cochin attracts visitors with backwater trips, historic architecture, and culinary diversity, reflecting its historic role as a cosmopolitan harbor city.