About Kochi

Cochin has now been renamed Kochi . Kochi comprises 10 islands in the midst of the Arabian Sea and the-backwaters. Vembanad Lake also meets the sea at Kochi . Kochi is the beauty spot of Kerala. On the Malabar Coast Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture find their best expressions in the construction of Kochi port. Kochi emerged in the floods of 1341. In 1405 the Mujiris settled here coming from Kodangalur 50 km north. The town came up quite fast. The Arabs, Jews and the Christians also came from West Asia to settle at Kochi. The place came to be known as Kocchazh (means new) and later Cochin . People of all religions-be they Hindus, Muslims, Jews or Christians-live here side by side. Kochi is the second most important port in West India after Mumbai. Ships from foreign countries are found in the berths at Kochi port.

Kochi is divided into three parts. Dredging had been done in 1920 to get a draught of 11 metres at the port. The soil thus removed was used by British sculptor Lord Willingdon to build the Willingdon Island . The southern fleet of the Indian Navy, Airport, Railways and Government of India's tourist office are based at Willingdon. On the other side of the island is the main commercial town of Ernakulam . It is connected with the rest of the country by roadways and railways. It is the place for markets, State Tourism office, hotels, etc. On the outer side of the coast stands the once museum town of Fort Kochi . Willingdon, Bolaghati and Gundudwip in fact fall in the orbit of the port. Fort Kochi or Mattancherry is located in the subisland on the west side. Opposite to this is Bapeen Island . The Portuguese built a fort in 1503. The place can be reached in half an hour by bus, autorickshaw or by taxi. Some 18 km off Bapeen is the calm, quiet and beautiful place of Cherai Beach , good for swimming. Dolphins are found here. Ferry launches from Ernakulam go from island to island. The islands are connected by beautifully curved bridges because of which Ernakulam, Willingdon and Mattancherry ( Kochi ) have a roadway of 12 km. There is an avenue of coconut trees on both sides. Buses. taxis and autorickshaws ply along the road. The illuminated port town is a beautiful sight in the night. There are sellers on roads with wrist watches. Cameras and other foreign made items. But it will be advisable to do the shopping in Ernakulam at the shops of M G Road. Among these are Kerala State Handicrafts Development Corporation showroom Kairali, Saurabhi Emporium of Handicrafts Society-both in the Pallimukhu area of M G Road, opposite to each others. Khadi Gramodyag Bhawan is also an ideal place for shopping.

Though Kochi is an old town, it was the British who actually founded Fort Cochi . The fort which the Portuguese built in 1503 has been destroyed. The houses built by the wealthy British people charm the people. Much earlier, Kochi had trading relations with the outside world. Christopher Columbus made his discovery while he sailed in search of the land which is Kerala. Coir, rubber, spices and sea fish were exported from Kochi . China also set up trading centres at Kochi during the reign of Kublai Khan. That link exists till today. The fishermen's net was actually created by the Chinese. The cantiliver type Chinese net is called Cheena Vala, being used since the 14th century. These are seen on the northern coast near the bus stand. These fishermen use Chinese type hats also. Even the temples carry the styles of pagodas of China . At Fort Kochi there are bus stands, jetties and hotels.

Area

87.341 sq.kms. Comprising of mainland Ernakulam. Old Cochin, including Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, Palluruthy, and Thoppumpady, Willingdon Island, the suburbs of Edappally and the exurbia of Kalamassery, Thrikkakara and Kakkanad to the northeast, and Tripunithura to the southeast.

Population

16.6 lakhs, Greater Cochin (1991 census)

Location

Latitude, 9 degree 15 E, The City lies between Tripunithura, the seat of the erstwhile royality to its southeast and the Eloor-Kalamassery industrial belt to is north. To the west lies the Arabian sea.

Language

Malayalam, the youngest in he Dravidian family, is the official language of the State of Kerala. English is widely used in business circles.

Religion

Hindus account for the largest community followed by Christians and Muslims. Cochin has also a small population of Jains, Jews and Sikhs.

Time

(Indian standard Time +5.30 hours GMT).

Altitude

Sea level.

Climate

The warm tropical climate recommends light cotton clothes, waterproofing is essential during monsoons.

Water

Drink only bottled mineral water. Drink boiled water, particularly during the monsoons.

Electricity

220 volts. You'll require plug adaptors.

Radio

Cochin FM 102.3 MHz. (Timings: 1658 hrs to 2300 hrs (all days)