No place so typifies the culture and spirit of Kerala as the city of Kochi.
Kerala is a land of such exquisite beauty that most people who have not visited it simply cannot conceive of the incredible bounty that nature has bestowed upon his exotic land. So convinced are the natives of Kerala that theirs is an exceptionally beautiful land that the government officially eulogizes the state in its tourism brochures by depicting it as nature’s most favorite country. And in this naturally endowed territory, no place so typifies the culture and spirit of the land as the city of Kochi.
The Commercial capital Of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan of the state’s cities, Kochi is a fascinating amalgam of culture, lifestyles, sights, sounds and tastes.
Kochi is also one of India’s most historically interesting cities. The older parts of the city reflect a distinct imprint of the different European influences that had once prevailed over this land-and what emerges as a result of this unusual cultural potpourri are several streets with the ambience of medieval villages in Portugal, Holland and England all grafted together upon a typical Keralite cityscape.
Formerly known as Cochin, this green city is nestled between the azure Arabian Sea in the west and the heavily wooded mountainous region in the east. The city is often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Arabian sea’ both in ancient and present-day travel literature. Kochi’s advantageous geographical location, combined with the gift of a great haven for ships, has made it an important destination for travellers and merchant vessels since the past 500 years. Furthermore, it has an undulating coastline that beckons visitors with its scenic palm-fringed beaches.
Experience Kochi
“If China is where you make your money, then Cochin is surely the place to spend it,’ Nicolas Conti, the legendary Italian traveller, wrote many centuries ago. Indeed, as then, today Kochi is one of the most desirable destinations. The natural harbor, serene backwaters, beautiful lagoons, wooded isles, historical charm, shopping delights, tastes that linger long on the palate, and a magnificent seascape, indeed justify the city’s claim to being the Queen of the Arabian Sea.
As a final attraction, you have a choice of transport to reach Kochi – it is one of the few cities on the global tourist map with all the three travel avenues land, sea and sky- equally available to bring in visitors.
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