Location: South West Coast of Kerala

Languages : Malayalam (state language), English (understood), Hindi and Tamil (occasionally used)

Climate : February - May(24 - 33⁰C), Monsoon : June - September (22 - 28⁰C),
Winter : October - January (22 - 32⁰C)

Best Time : Kerala has a pleasant tropical climate throughout the year, however November to May (Winter and Summer) are the peak tourist seasons. June through October (Monsoon) tourism allows tourists to explore the intrinsic beauty of Kerala with better tourist deals.

Distance from major Indian cities:

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport 30 kms from Cochin

Source: http://www.cochin.org/cochin.htm

Kochi was the centre of Indian spice trade for many centuries, and was known to the Yavanas (Greeks) as well as Romans, Jews, Arabs, and Chinese since ancient times. Kochi rose to significance as a trading centre after the port at Kodungallur (Cranganore) was destroyed by massive flooding of the river Periyar in 1341. The earliest documented references to Kochi occur in books written by Chinese voyager Ma Huan during his visit to Kochi in the 15th century as part of Admiral Zheng He's treasure fleet. There are also references to Kochi in accounts written by Italian traveller Niccolò Da Conti, who visited Kochi in 1440.

According to many historians, the Kingdom of Kochi came into existence in 1102, after the fall of the Kulasekhara empire. The King of Kochi had authority over the region encompassing the present city of Kochi and adjoining areas. The reign was hereditary, and the family that ruled over Kochi was known as the Cochin Royal Family (Perumpadappu Swaroopam in the local vernacular). The mainland Kochi remained the capital of the princely state since the 18th century. However, during much of this time, the kingdom was under foreign rule, and the King often only had titular privileges.

Fort Kochi in Kochi was the first European colonial settlement in India. From 1503 to 1663, Fort Kochi was ruled by Portugal. This Portuguese period was a harrowing time for the Jews living in the region, as the Inquisition was active in Portuguese India. Kochi hosted the grave of Vasco da Gama, the first European explorer to set sail for India, who was buried at St. Francis Church until his remains were returned to Portugal in 1539. The Portuguese rule was followed by that of the Dutch, who had allied with the Zamorins in order to conquer Kochi. By 1773, the Mysore King Hyder Ali extended his conquest in the Malabar region to Kochi forcing it to become a tributary of Mysore. The hereditary Prime Ministership of Kochi held by the Paliath Achans came to an end during this period.

Meanwhile, the Dutch, fearing an outbreak of war on the United Provinces signed the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814 with the United Kingdom, under which Kochi was ceded to the United Kingdom in exchange for the island of Bangka. However, there are evidences of English habitation in the region even prior to the signing of the treaty. In 1866, Fort Kochi became a municipality, and its first Municipal Council election was conducted in 1883. The Maharaja of Cochin, who ruled under the British, in 1896 initiated local administration by forming town councils in Mattancherry and Ernakulam. In 1925, Kochi legislative assembly was constituted due to public pressure on the state.

Towards the early 20th century, trade at the port had increased substantially, and the need to develop the port was greatly felt. Harbour engineer Robert Bristow was brought to Kochi in 1920 under the direction of Lord Willingdon, then the Governor of Madras. In a span of 21 years, he transformed Kochi as one of the safest harbours in the peninsula, where ships berthed alongside the newly reclaimed inner harbour equipped with a long array of steam cranes.

In 1947, when India gained independence from the British colonial rule, Cochin was the first princely state to join the Indian Union willingly. In 1949, Travancore-Cochin state came into being with the merger of Cochin and Travancore. The King of Travancore was the Rajpramukh of the Travancore-Cochin Union from 1949 to 1956. Travancore-Cochin, was in turn merged with the Malabar district of the Madras State. Finally, the Government of India's States Reorganisation Act (1956) inaugurated a new state — Kerala — incorporating Travancore-Cochin (excluding the four southern Taluks which were merged with Tamil Nadu), Malabar District, and the taluk of Kasargod, South Kanara. On 9 July 1960, the Mattancherry council passed a resolution—which was forwarded to the government—requesting the formation of a municipal corporation by combining the existing municipalities of Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, and Ernakulam. The government appointed a commission to study the feasibility of the suggested merger. Based on its report, the Kerala Legislative Assembly approved the corporation's formation. On 1 November 1967, exactly eleven years since the establishment of the state of Kerala, the corporation of Cochin came into existence. The merger leading to the establishment of the corporation, was between the municipalities of Ernakulam, Mattancherry and Fort Kochi, along with that of the Willingdon Island, four panchayats (Palluruthy, Vennala, Vyttila and Edappally), and the small islands of Gundu and Ramanthuruth.

Kochi witnessed economic stagnation in the years following India's independence. The city's economic recovery gathered momentum after economic reforms in India introduced by the central government in the mid-1990s. Since 2000, the service sector has revitalised the city’s stagnant economy. The establishment of several industrial parks based on Information technology (IT) and other port based infrastructure triggered a construction and realty boom in the city. Over the years, Kochi has witnessed rapid commercialisation, and has today grown into the commercial capital of Kerala.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kochi,_India#History

Getting There

Depending on your time and budget, there are many options to get to Cochin – by car, bus, train or airlines.

By Plane

Cochin International Airport, COK, is located 30 kms north-east of the city. Direct flights are connected to Singapore, Colombo, major cities in India and the Middle East. Airlines operating from Cochin include Air Deccan, Air India, Air India Express, Air Sahara, Emirates, Go Air, Gulf Air, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Mahan Air, Oman Air, Saudi Arabian Airlines, SilkAir, SriLankan Airlines, and Qatar Airways, making it the fifth busiest airport in India.

By Train

Train is one of the most economical means to travel in India. Kochi (and Ernakulam) are connected to the rest of India by an extensive network of rails. There are three main railway stations in Cochin: Ernakulam Junction (main station), Ernakulam Town and Cochin Harbour Terminus. Many important trains start from here and many others from/to the south of kerala stop at these stations. Check the http://www.irctc.co.in for schedules and rates.

By Bus

One can also get to Kerala by road as there are plenty of bus services in Kerala linking all the major cities and towns. You can choose according to speed or comfort level from a range of super- fast, super- express or luxury buses run by private bus companies and state transport departments as well. Bangalore (Karnataka) to Kochi (Kerala) is 511 km and takes approx 7 hrs, 48 mins by road.

By Car

Bangalore (Karnataka) to Kochi (Kerala) is 511 km and takes approx 7 hrs, 48 mins by road.

By Ship

Those interested to get to Kerala by boat would be a pleasure to experience the adventure and the fun while traveling. Kerala can be reached by passenger ships from Lakshadweep and Colombo.

Getting Around

By Rickshaws

Autorickshaws are cheap and dependable means of transportation. The open-air sides are ideal for sightseeing. They are mainly used for short distances. Most rickshaw stands are located near bus stops. It is advised to agree on the fee before leaving.

By Taxi

Taxis are popular in transportation due to the comfort and air conditioning systems, although both non-air conditioning and air conditioning are available. The prices should be negotiated before hand. The drivers are knowledgeable and useful.

By Car

Cochin includes many car rental services with or without drivers. A tourist coach is recommended for larger groups. It is suggested to check prices before departure.

There are several places around Cochin that easily accessible by road, rail or boat.

Source:http://www.cochin.org/tourism.htm

Kumarakom is a tourist village in Kerala in India. It is a made made reclaimed cluster of small islands on the Vembanad backwaters. It houses the popular Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. By road, it is approximately 2 hours ((75 km) from Cochin International Airport and has several eco-friendly and ayurvedic resorts.

Alleppey(Alapuzha)
Situated 63 kms south of Cochin along the coast, Alleppey is connected to Kochi by rail and road. It is called the Venice of the East due to the extensive canal network here. Every year the famous snake boat race is held here.

Cheruthuruthy
Cheruthuruthy is about 110 kms away from Kochi. It is the base of the Kerala Kalamandalam-the world famous art and dance academy where training in various traditional forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam etc are imparted.

Kalady
 Situated 48 kms north-east of Kochi, on the banks of river Periyar (Poorna). Kalady is the birthplace of Sri Adi Sankaracharya, the monotheist Hindu philosopher. He lived in the 8th century AD and died at the early age of 32 years. He traveled throughout India, on foot, debating with scholars and spreading his theory of Advaita or monotheism. The Adi Sankara shrine and the 8-storey painted Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthambam (see picture) are a must-see for any visitor here.

Kodanad
 Kodanad is 30 kms north-east of Kochi situated on the lower ranges of the Western Ghats on the banks of river Periyar. The wildlife reserve is famous for the elephants and the largest elephant training centre is situated here. The reserve also features a mini zoo. Kodanad is close to St. Thomas church in Malayatoor.
» Kodanad - Kerala Forests & Wildlife

Munnar
About 140 kms on NH49, Munnar is a hill resort ideal for a relaxing holiday away from the tropical lowlands. The tea gardens and cardamom plantations give Munnar a beautiful look. Anai Mudi, the highest peak in South India is in these hills. The Munnar - Kodaikanal (another hill resort) road is believed to be the steepest road in South-East Asia.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady
Elephants, bisons, antelopes, samburs, monkeys and bears can be found in their natural habitat in this world famous wild life sanctuary, situated 190kms east of Cochin. A boat ride through the man-made lake in the heart of the sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to observe these animals in their natural surroundings.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad bird sanctuary is located 60kms east of Cochin near Kothamangalam. Thattekad is located on the northern bank of river Periyar is a tropical evergreen forest in the foothills of the Wester Ghats. Spread over 25 sq kms, this bird sanctuary was once regarded as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India. In spite of recent developments and deforestation, this sanctuary is still home to a large number of rare and exotic bird species.

Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep (meaning thousand islands), a haven of unspoiled natural beauty, lies 220-440kms off the coast of Kochi. Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. Only 10 islands are inhabited while 17 are uninhabited islands with a total geographical area of 32 sq. kms. Lakshadweep is connected to the mainland by air and sea links to Cochin. The sea route takes around 18-20 hours. Miles and miles of sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut groves will leave anyone mesmerised.
» Union Territory of Lakshadweep  - Official website of the Government of India