The commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan. Located strategically on the east-west route, it is also Kerala's major port. Centuries ago, traders and sea farers from the Middle east, Persia, China, Portugal and Holland visited Kochi to trade in spices, rubber, coir and seafood. Much of their cultures and traditions have rubbed off on the city as evident from the Chinese nets, Jewish Town and the Synagogue. All these provide Keralas's culture a tapestry of rich contrasts and surprising similarities. 

Commerce 

Most of the city's commercial centres and shops are located in the mainland, the town called Ernakulam, which also lends it's name to the district. Tiny islands can be found in the backwaters that extend east and south of the harbour. Among these are Vypeen, Ramanathuruth, Vallarpadam, Bolghatty and Gundu.  

Landmarks  

Fort Kochi is the site of the St.Francis Church, built in 1510 by five Portugese priests who arrived with Albuquerque. Said to be the oldest European Church in India, 
it was the original burial site of Vasco-Da-Gama. His remains were later exhumed and sent to Lisbon, Portugal. The Santa Cruz Cathedral is a Roman Catholic and lies close to the St.Francis Church.The Dutch palace or the Mattancherry Palace , originally built by the Portugese, was presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555, and was later taken over by the Dutch who repaired it, extended it in 1663. Since then, it was called the Dutch Palace! Today it is a portrait gallery of the Kochi Rajas. Also at Mattancherry, is the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568 AD, by the prosperous jewish trading community. 

A narrow stretch of land, easily accessible from the mainland, Bolghatty Island is the site of the Bolghatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Seat of the British Resident. Another famous island  is Willingdon Island, named after Lord Willingdon, the British Viceroy of India. It sites some of the city's best hotels and industrial houses. 

Travel Stuff 

Cochin is linked by direct air services to all major locations. Periodical ship services plt to Lakshwadeep Islands. It is also well linked by rail and road. 

Culture 

Performances of Kathakali and Mohiniattam are held regularly in Ernakulam at these centres - The Theosophical Society Hall, Pallimukku. 
SeeIndia Foundation, Kalathiparambil Lane. 
Cochin Darbar Hall. 
The Ernakulam Gymnasium hosts Kalaripayattu shows. 
In November/December is an 8-day ulsavom celebration at Tripunithra Temple with a daily procession of 15 elephants, folk dance and music.Tripunithra also hosts a grand procession called Athachamayam during the Onam festival. 

Distances