Kochi is a part of Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala. Kochi is a primary port city on the south-west coast of India. Kochi is also known as Cochin. It is the Laccadive Sea, a part of the Arabian Sea. Kochi is the most populous city in Kerala. Kochi is a bustling commercial port city with a trade history of at least 600 years. Kochi is known as the queen of the Arabian Sea from the trade and port. The city is the financial, commercial, and industrial capital of Kerala.
Kochi has been an important center of the spice trade on the west coast of India since the 14th century. The Kochi colony was the first of the European colonies in India. Kochi was occupied by the Portuguese in 1503. The Portuguese ruled here until 1530. According to a survey conducted by Nielsen Company on behalf of Outlook Traveler magazine, the city was declared the sixth best tourist destination in India.The city is home to the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy and the state headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard.
Visiting place in Kochi
Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace. The palace was included in the “provisional list” of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This palace is also known as the Dutch Palace. The palace was built by the Portuguese in 1545 to present as a present to the king of Cochin. The palace is known for some of the mythical murals of India, which are among the best traditions of Hindu temple art. The area was occupied by Haider Ali and later by the British East India Company. Mattancherry Palace is now a museum displaying Equipment belonging to the rajas of Kochi.
Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi was a fishing village in the state of King in pre-colonial Kerala. The region later became known as Fort Kochi. The fort was given to the Portuguese by the King of Kochi in 1503. The Portuguese built their colony behind the castle, which included a wooden church. A church here is a permanent structure built-in 1516. The church is now known as St. Francis Church.
Willingdon Island
Willingdon Island is an artificial island and is the largest artificial island in India. The island is named after the British Viceroy, Lord Willingdon. The man-made island also serves as the headquarters of India’s Southern Naval Command. This beautiful island provides various links between Kochi port and other national and international ports.
Bolgatty Palace
Bolgatty Palace is located on Bolgatty Island in Kochi. The palace was built in 1744 by Dutch merchants. The palace is constructed in Kochi style. The building at the time was the governor’s palace for the commander of the Dutch Malabar and was leased to the British in 1909. The palace is considered one of the oldest Dutch palaces outside of Holland.
Santa Cruz Basilica
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica Kochi is one of the nine basilicas of Kerala. This church is one of the best and most influential churches in India. This church was built by the Portuguese. Then in 1558 Pope Paul IV led a cathedral. This Cathedral holds a special significance for the Christians residing in the city of Kochi as it celebrates the dawn of their religion in the land of India.
