Kochi, Kerala, India

A wonderful coastal city on the shores of the Arabian Sea in the western part of Kerala, Kochi (also known as Cochin) is a medium-sized coastal urban area and a major center of the state’s commercial, educational, social, and cultural life. The city developed around the scenic Vembanad Lake, which creates a unique natural setting for Kochi and several nearby towns.

Kochi is located on a narrow peninsula between the backwaters and the Arabian Sea, which is why the city is famous for its many bridges connecting different islands and districts. It lies about 125 miles north of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, 120 miles east of Coimbatore, and 370 miles west of Chennai.

Together with neighboring areas such as Ernakulam, Kakkanad, Panangad, Perumpalam, and others, Kochi forms a large metropolitan region with an overall area of more than one hundred square miles. Known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, Kochi is considered one of the most modern and colorful cities in southern India.

Visiting Kochi is a dream for travelers who want to experience the vibrant and refined side of Indian city life, with its upscale restaurants and hotels, golf courses and cricket facilities, historic temples and museums, modern buildings, and clean, well-organized streets in the central districts. The city is also rich in cultural institutions, including libraries, art galleries, and concert halls.