Cochin means different things to different people. To some, it is a world-famous port, while to others it is a business centre and a glamorous mirror to Kerala/'s vivid multifaceted personality. To many travellers, however, this natural harbour is synonymous with its famous geographical hallmark-the underwater mud banks of Malabar. Cochin (also Kochi) has been an important trading port since ancient times.

Today, the land of spices that attracted the European traders is a quaint blend of the old and the new, the Indian and the Western. Popularly referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is today the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Cochin has a moderate climate with heavy rains during the monsoon period from June to August. A visit to Cochin enriches one about the historical and cultural past of Kerala.

Sightseeing
Being a major harbour from the times of the British and Portuguese, Cochin has a rich heritage of forts, churches and temples. A visit to these ancient marvels gives you an overview of the political, religious and commercial developments of the city. Some of the major attractions of the city are the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Cemetery, the Chinese Nets, Willingdon Island, and Hill Palace Museum.

Excursions
The excursions around Cochin are equally interesting experiences. Some of the well-known places where one can go for daylong trips are Trichur, the cultural capital of Kerala; Pallipuram Fort, one of the oldest existing European monuments in India; Kalady, the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya; Cherai Beach, an ideal place for swimming; and Chennamanagalam, an important centre of handloom weaving and coir manufacturing in Kerala.