Cochin or Kochi, along with its surrounding islands, towns and conurbations, forms the biggest urban area in the state of Kerala, situated on the south-east coast of India.

Across the water from Cochin is the main town of Ernakulam, which is the centre for transport, shipping and thriving local businesses.

Strictly speaking, Fort Cochin is just the top section of the Cochin island and this is really where you want to be as a tourist. The area is quite serene and peaceful with historic buildings, churches, narrow streets lined with trees and access to Vypin Island, which has a white sand beach called Cherai, popular with locals and tourists alike.

Of course, Cochin is also the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. Here, the sea meets Vembanad Lake and the nearby backwaters of Kumbalangi are truly beautiful.

Cochin has been a trading port for over 600 years now. The Portuguese, French and British have all come here, primarily due to the spice trade, and they have all left a lasting impression on the architecture and culture of this green city.

We recommend visiting Cochin for 1 to 3 days, during which you can soak up the history, get a feel for Keralan urban life and then, time permitting, embark on a trip through the backwaters or head inland to see some of Kerala’s beautiful countryside.