Cochin

Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin does live up to its name. Set among lagoons, islands and waterways on Kerala’s Malabar Coast, this historic port has been welcoming travellers, traders and adventurers for centuries. Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British all left their mark here, creating a fascinating blend of cultures that remains woven into the character of the city.
The atmospheric lanes of Fort Cochin, where elegant colonial buildings, old churches, spice warehouses and shaded streets evoke another era and you could wander past the iconic Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront and visit the 16th-century St Francis Church. Mattencherry is totally different vibe, with the former royal quarter of Mattancherry, with its spice-scented bazaars and historic Jewish synagogue.
For a more intimate perspective, take to the water. A private boat trip through Cochin’s backwaters reveals a quieter world of coconut palms, narrow canals and small villages, while an evening performance of Kathakali, Kerala’s extraordinary classical dance-drama, offers an unforgettable introduction to the state’s rich artistic traditions.
Cochin is the perfect introduction to Kerala – not simply a gateway to the backwaters and spice country beyond, but a captivating destination in its own right. Spend a few days here and the layers begin to reveal themselves: a city of old-world elegance, fascinating cultural encounters and the gentle rhythms of life on India's tropical Malabar Coast.