Kochi (Cochin)

The port city of Kochi (Cochin) was built on several islands and peninsulas on India's southwestern coast. It is sometimes nicknamed the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. Ever since antiquity, Kochi used to be an important spice trading center. In the 16th century, the Portugues established a fort in Kochi. It was alter taken by the Dutch, who ceded it to the United Kingdom. As a result, in the old town you will find Portuguese, Dutch and English-style medieval buildings, as well as India's oldest church, St. Francis Church, near the waterfront. Other interesting buildings in Kochi include the 16th century Portuguese Mattanchery Palace and synagogue. Most of the historical sights are in Fort Cochin or Mattancherry. They include Marine Drive, Venduruthy Bridge and Mattanchery Bridge.

Kochi's various islands are interconnected with ferries and dolphins can frequently be seen in the city's waters. The city is the only place in India that has a water metro system. It is the largest electric-boat water metro system in the world.

Accommodation and restaurants are widely available in town, mostly in the district of Ernakulam. Kochi has air, rail and bus connections with numerous other cities in India. The city is 2020 km south of Delhi.