Kochi. The name itself conjures up images of the Chinese fishing nets, the spices, ayurveda and the ships sailing out into the ocean. The ever vibrant, ever developing and the ever booming city. It appears to be growing daily. Distinctly different from other parts of Kerala, Kochi is everybody?s delight. An ideal blend of tradition with the modern. The city of Ernakulam wears the new age look with some sky scrappers scattered here and there. And the old rustic charm of colonial days makes the island of Fort Kochi a study of contrasts. The only common factor between both the cities are the red painted city buses, the yellow hooded autorickshaws, friendly people and of course the mosquitoes. Be sure to pack a lot of mosquito repellents when you come to Kochi. The queen of the Arabian sea is also a paradise to mosquitoes. From time immemorial, Kochi has played host to guests from far off lands. The Arabs, the Chinese, the Dutch, the Portuguese, the French, the British, all came here for trade. Though for different reasons, follow their footsteps for a peek into a slice of God?s Own Country.

History
History dwells in every nook and corner of Kochi. The Chinese fishing nets, the Jewish synagogue, the historic churches, all speak of her past grandeur. Of her busy colonial days.

Kochi is a natural harbour. A cataclysmic flood in the Periyar River wiped out the port of Kodungaloor- identified with the legendary Muzris, a hub of trade in South India- in ad 1340, diverting the traders to the newly formed Kochi port. The kings of Kochi shifted his residence to Kochi soon after. The traders came in hordes, both from within the country and abroad. The Arabs, the Chinese, and the Europeans landed here, their ships laden with luxury goods, and took back with them pepper and other spices.

The enterprising traders from Gujarat and Bombay set up shops, making Kochi a cultural cauldron. And now, the prospect of new business opportunities and IT brings to Kochi people from different part of India. And Kochi welcomes all.

How to Reach
Air
The Kochi International Airport at Nedumbassery is about 30 km from the city and has daily flights to the Middle East and Singapore. Domestic flights to Bangalore, Chennai, Calicut, Trivandrum, New Delhi, Mumbai take off on a daily basis from here. The airport is built in keeping with the traditional temple architecture of Kerala. It gives a feeling that you are really in God?s Own Country.

Rail
So you have decided to come to Kochi. But here, you will find yourself facing a small problem. The reservation counter at the railway station may say, sorry, we do not have trains to such a place. Do not feel lost, tell that that you need to go to Ernakulam. Kochi, is part of Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala, the God?s Own Country. The city boasts of three railway stations: Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Junction stations cater to the passenger needs where as the Harbour terminus has been degraded to a container terminus. There are regular trains to all parts of Kerala in addition to long distance trains to Chennai, Bangalore, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

Road
The government-run Kerala State Road Transport terminus is very near the Ernakulam Junction Railway station. You can get buses to all cities in Kerala from here. Private buses and long-distance luxury buses to Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa and other cities in India operate out of Kaloor Bus Station.

Water
Cruise ships to Singapore operate out of Kochi. Ships to Lakshadweep sail out of the port twice a week.

Religious Places
Chottanikkara Temple
Is a major pilgrim centre, just around 12kms away from the city. Devotees believe that the mother goddess can cure mental disorders. There are buses every 5 minutes to this temple from Kaloor bus stand.

St Francis Church
Constructed in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, this is the oldest European-built church in India. It was here that the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was interred for 14 years before being taken back to his homeland. The headstone still talks about this. It is closed to visits on Sundays due to the masses.

Santa Cruz Basilica
This 16th century Catholic church is still in service. Masses are held every Sunday.

Vallarpadam church
Situated in the Vallarpadam Island, this church is devoted to the Mother Mary. It is an old church dating back to 1522.

Jewish synagogue
Originally built in 1568 and rebuilt by the Dutch in 1662, it is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Look out for the exquisitely hand-painted blue inlaid floor tiles specially ordered in from China. What makes it more remarkable is the fact that no two tiles are similar. The synagogue is open daily from 10 am to noon, and 3 pm to 5 pm, except Saturdays and Jewish holidays.