Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a major port city on the south-western coast of India in the state of Kerala. Located on the Malabar Coast along the Arabian Sea, it lies in the Ernakulam district and forms the largest urban agglomeration in Kerala. Kochi has historically been one of the most important spice trading centres on the western coast of India and is often referred to as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea".
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Kerala |
| District | Ernakulam |
| Region | Malabar Coast, Arabian Sea |
| Civic body | Kochi Municipal Corporation |
| Also known as | Cochin, Queen of the Arabian Sea |
| Languages | Malayalam (official), English |
| Major port | Cochin Port |
| Airport | Cochin International Airport (COK) |
Kochi is situated on a series of islands and a peninsula on the south-western coast of India, bordered by backwaters, estuaries and the Arabian Sea. The city includes mainland Ernakulam, the older settlements of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, and the islands of Willingdon, Bolgatty, Vypin, Vallarpadam and others. Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala, opens into the sea through the Kochi backwaters, providing the city with one of the finest natural harbours in the region.
The site of present-day Kochi rose to prominence after a major flood of the Periyar River in 1341, which is traditionally said to have opened up Kochi's harbour and silted up the older port of Muziris. The Kingdom of Cochin, ruled by the Perumpadappu Swarupam, established its base in the area, with the rulers later known as the Maharajas of Cochin.
Kochi was the first European colonial settlement in India. The Portuguese, led by Pedro Álvares Cabral, arrived in 1500, and Vasco da Gama established a trading post shortly thereafter. Fort Manuel, built in 1503, was the first European fort on Indian soil. The Dutch captured Kochi from the Portuguese in 1663, and the British East India Company took control in 1795. Under colonial rule, the area developed as a key spice trading hub, exporting pepper, cardamom and other commodities.
After Indian independence in 1947, the princely state of Cochin acceded to the Indian Union, and following the reorganisation of states in 1956, Kochi became part of the new state of Kerala.
Kochi is the commercial and financial hub of Kerala. Cochin Port, located on Willingdon Island, is one of the largest ports in India and handles container traffic at the International Container Transshipment Terminal at Vallarpadam. The city is home to the Cochin Shipyard, the largest shipbuilding and ship-repair facility in India, which has constructed vessels including the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
Other major economic drivers include information technology (notably at Infopark and SmartCity Kochi), tourism, seafood exports, and the spice and rubber trades. The Kochi Refinery, operated by Bharat Petroleum, is one of the largest refineries in India. The city also hosts a Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) at Kakkanad.
Kochi reflects a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arab, Chinese and Jewish influences. Notable heritage sites include: