Destination Features

Between the clamour of this and that invasion by some or the other raider, we forget that India was once a mighty sea-faring nation. The testament to this is Kochi – which houses an indigenous port that has seen commercial operations for more than 600 years.

Kochi is truly a cultural melting pot. The city has been a host to the Greeks, Romans, Jews, Arabs and the Chinese since ancient times. The medieval period saw another wave of European visitors, each trying to mould it into the image of their own country. Over the centuries, it has been nick-named Mini England, Homely Holland and Little Lisbon.

Modern Kochi (or Cochin as the colonizers called it) is the inheritor if all these diverse influences – whether cultural or religious.  Synagogues and mosques stand side-by-side and Chinese fishing nets dot the old harbour. Streets and neighborhoods have romantic European names, while the old palaces are constructed in the traditional Kerela style.

The city now known as the gateway to God’s Own Country, Kerela, Kochi used to be the pleasure ground of the colonial traders. It was the hub of international spice trade and because of its importance as a shipping center, it was called the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

Once in Kochi, do not miss your chance to taste the wide variety of Keral appams and stews. Couple them with freshly grilled sea-food and you would have reached gastronomic heaven.