Kochi

Kochi is a city of the Indian State of Kerala. The city derived its name from Malayalam word koch azhi, meaning 'small lagoon'. The Kingdom of Kochi came into existence in 1102. Since 14th century, Kochi became an important spice-trading center on the Arabian Sea coast. The Portuguese ruled the city from 1503 to 1663. Till 1530 it remained the capital of Portuguese. Later its capital was shifted to Goa. Dutch, Mysore and the British later occupied the city and it became the first princely state to join the Indian Union, when India gained independence in 1947. In 1866, Fort Kochi was made a municipality. The city was transformed into a safest harbor under the direction of Lord Wellington. In 1949, Travancore-Cochin state came into existence and on 1 November 1967 the corporation of Cochin was formed. It is now one of the principal seaports of the country.

Tourist Attractions: Sits on the coast of Arabian Sea, the city is a popular tourist destination.

Transportation: Cochin International Airport, also known as Nedumbassery Airport is the main gateway to the city from other parts of the world.

The two stations in the city-Ernakulam North and Ernakulam South handles the trains that link the city with other parts of India. Cochin Port Trust that handles cargos and passenger ships connects the city with other regions across the sea. Boats, ferries, buses both transport and private, taxis and auto rickshaws are the public transportation in the city.

Hotels: The city has many restaurants and hotels that expect the arrival of tourists. Fast food restaurants very common in the city.

Seafoods, Chinese and South Indian hotels are the3favorite hangouts of the Kochiites. The well-known hotels in the city are Raintree Lodge- Fort Cochin, Marari Beach Resort, Koder House, Fort House, Taj Malabar, Brunton Boatyard, Harbor View, The Malabar House, Grand Hotel Cochin, Trident Hilton Cochin, Hotel Arches, Le Meridien Cochin Resort & Convention Center, Bolgatty Palace, Renaissance Cochin, Mermaid Hotel, Taj Residency and Abad Plaza.

Places of Attraction: Known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, the city has a wonderful shipyard, which is the main landmark of the city. Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Vasco da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, Cherai Beach and Hill Palace of Tripunithura ar the interesting sites in the city. Marine Drive-a Park in the lakeside is a fantastic place to spend the evenings. A boating through the lake provides a thrilling experience.

STATE	Kerala
COUNTRY	India
LOCATION	Located in the Ernakulam district the city lies on the southwest coast of India.
GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES	Latitude 9º58' N, Longitude 76º13' E
AREA	94.88 square km
POPULATION	596473 (in 2001)

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