Kochi- The Queen of the Arabian Sea

Natural Harbours

One of the world’s greatest natural harbours and known even to the ancient Sumerians, Greeks and Romans, the "Queen of the Arabian Sea" was part of a trade network with Arab merchants from the pre-Islamic era. From the 14th century onward it became perhaps the most important centre for the spice trade. The Chinese treasure ships of Admiral Huang Zhe came, then the Portuguese, Vasco da Gama was laid to rest in Cochin as they called it, then came the Dutch and finally the British.

Population

In 1947, when India gained independence from the British colonial rule, Cochin was the first princely state to join India willingly. The population of the city is a mix of people from all parts of Kerala and most of India. The pan-Indian nature is highlighted by the substantial presence of various ethnic communities from different parts of the country as well as Anglo Indians and a few families of Jews who still remain from a once large Jewish community, thought by some to date back to the time of Solomon, known as the Malabar Yehuden who built several Synagogues across Kochi most of which are still standing.

Cuisine

Of course we cannot talk about Kochi without mentioning Keralan cuisine. With Arabic Persian Portuguese and Chinese influences, 600 miles of coastline and numerous rivers Kerala cuisine has already spread its influence around the world. Coconut which is abundant along is 100s of miles of beaches features in many curries and sweets

Top 10 City

In October 2019, Kochi was ranked seventh in Lonely Planet's list of top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2020, and the Malabar coast is growing rapidly as one of the top tourist destinations of India.

The Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy has its headquarters in Kochi and the Cochin Shipyard Limited is building India's first homebuilt aircraft carrier.

Kochi International Airport is only a 30 minute drive from downtown Ernakulam. In 2015 it became the first fully solar powered airport in the world and in 2020 it won the coveted Best Airport in Asia Pacific award.