Cochin

Editor's Note

It's not for nothing that Kochi, aka Cochin, is called Queen of the Arabian Sea. The Chinese fishing nets floating lazily above the surface of the sea make for a picture-perfect setting and the Western Ghats in the east make for an imposing sentry. Lovingly referred to as the Gateway to Kerala, which is in turn lovingly referred to as God's Own Country, Cochin is another paradise in the state that reminds one of times gone by and offers visitors a laid-back ambience. While there is a lot to be seen and done in Cochin, the very best things you could probably do here are relax and take in the opulent culture of the city and binge on the amazing South Indian food. Cochin reflects the influences of several kingdoms that have played a major role in the creation of modern-day Kochi, namely Portuguese, Chinese, Dutch, Arab and British. The architecture and culture speak volumes of all these dynasties which make Cochin a must-visit destination for art and history lovers. Not to mention, Cochin has also been named as one of the top 3 tourist destinations by the World Travel and Tourism Council. If you are planning a trip to this city any time soon, make sure you book one of the lovely hotels in Cochin well in advance. Following is a quick guide to the countless sights and sounds of this grand old city that a visitor must explore, and a few facts to make your trip hassle-free.