Fort Kochi

Kochi is a small town in the district of Ernakulam in the state of Kerala, India. It is situated on the west coast of India near the southern tip of the mainland. Kochi is often called the Gateway to Kerala. Kochi was an important spice trading center on the Arabian Sea coast from the 14th century onward. The city is famous for its architecture, culture and its traditional cuisine. The city is home to the venerable Jewish community, the oldest in India.

 

The city is also home to the Cochin Royal Family, the Hindu Nairs and the Christian Syrian Nasranis. Kochi is a popular tourist destination and it is home to a large number of historic and cultural monuments, such as the Dutch Palace, the Mattancherry Palace, the Bolghatty Palace, the Chinese Fishing Nets and the Santa Cruz Basilica. The city is also home to a number of museums, such as the Kerala Folklore Museum, the Marine Museum and the Indo-Portuguese Museum. Kochi is well connected to the rest of India by rail, road and air. The city has a large number of hotels and restaurants, and there is a wide range of tourist attractions in and around the city.