"Featured in National Geographic Traveller's '50 greatest places of a lifetime' under the 'Urban Space' category, Cochin (Kochi) has carved an impressive niche for itself. It is the first European colonial settlement in India and is also known as the Gateway to Kerala."
Surrounded by the Western Ghats and the Arabian sea, Kochi or Cochin (Kochi) was formed as an ancient port city after the Great Floods of the Periyar River. Historically rich in culture, the city has witnessed settlements ranging from the Portuguese to the Chinese. Besides being a fast developing commercial and industrial hub, the city also possesses an undeniable vigour. A perfect starting point before exploring the vast diversity of Kerala.