Kochi Travel Guide | Cochin

Kochi - Cochin
Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi formerly known by it's colonial name of Cochin is a vibrant city in the Indian state of Kerala. The city is one of the principal seaports of the country and is located in the district of Ernakulam, to the north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram.

With an estimated population of over 600,000 in the city and about 1.5 million within the extended metropolitan area it forms the second largest city in Kerala after Thiruvananthapuram. Kochi or Cochin is now regarded as being the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps second only to Mumbai/Bombay in it's importance as a city on the west coast of India.

Originally an important spice trading centre Kochi was in turn occupied by the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Mysore and the British. Kochi was the first state to embrace the establishment of the Indian Union, when India gained independence in 1947. Kochi experienced many years of stagnation from the time of India's independence until the new millenium when began a period of economic growth, leading to a spurt in the city's development.

As with many of the thriving cities of India, it became a centre of information technology, tourism and international trade. It grew to become the commercial hub of Kerala. In common with other rejuvinated Indian metropolitan areas, it struggles with urbanisation problems such as traffic congestion and environmental degradation.

Nestled amidst coconut tress, green shrubs and the softly lapping water of the sea, you will find Fort Kochi beach. The perfect place to stroll and relax away from the bustle of the city. The Fort Kochi beach is one of the favorite haunts of the locals and tourists alike, soaking up not only the sun but the tranquil atmosphere of the beach. Though quite rocky, it is a popular picnic spot and is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Kerala. The beach is quite famous for its remarkable fishing nets chinese fishing nets called Cheenavala.

Location
Located at a distance of 35 km from Cochin, in the village of Cherai in the Ernakulam district you can find the Cherai beach. With a 15km coastline this is a destination that anyone touring this part of Southern India must visit. The clean and shallow water is the perfect place for swimming and sunbathing and like the Fort Kochi beach, is a favorite haunt of the locals and tourists alike. Cherai beach is the golden beach of Kerala, the sandy shores surrounded by tall coconut trees and green paddy fields. A recent addition is a 400 meter long illuminated walkway.

Climate and when to travel
Cochin is situated just 10 degrees north of the equator, and this combined with its coastal location results in little seasonal temperature variation. The region experiences a moderately hot and humid climate the year round wth an average annual temperature range between 20 to 35 °C (68–95 °F). From June through to September the southwest monsoons cause heavy showers with frequent thunder storms. From October to December the northwest monsoons result in light rain and drizzle.

Flying to Kochi - Cochin
All international flights will arrive at The Cochin International Airport of Kochi. You can read more about the International airport including transfers to the city using the link below:
Cochin (Kochi) Airport | The Cochin International Airport