Cochin or Kochi, as it is called now, has been an important trading port since the ancient ages. European traders were lured to this port as it offered them the lucrative opportunity to trade in Indian spices, an item much in demand in Europe during those days. Cochin or Kochi, is one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast of India. Cochin- renamed. Kochi has been a port of call for foreign traders from very early times. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city of Cochin.

One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Cochin has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala's commercial hub.

Kerala's prime tourist destination, it spreads across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and Backwaters. Its main sections: modern Ernakulam in the east and the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin on a peninsula in the west are linked by a complex system of ferries.

Backwaters of Cochin :
More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam.The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Cochin a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of the explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land.

Churches in Cochin

» Santa Cruz Basilica - This monumental church dates back to 1558 and has beautiful paintings on the ceiling.

» St. Francis Church - Built in 1503 by Portuguese Francisan Friars, this is the India's oldest European church. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795, and is presently used by the church of South India. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 and later moved to Lisbon, Portugal but his tombstone still remains.