Then: Popularly referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is located on the west cost of India in the beautiful state of Kerala. Being situated very close to the sea, Kochi has a moderate climate, with heavy rains during June–August due to the southwest monsoon. Winter starts from December and continues till February. Kochi, with its natural harbour, rose to prominence in the 14th century, when Kodungalore port, 35 km north of Kochi, was destroyed due to changes in sea level. Kochi became a major centre of attraction for the Arabs, Jews and Europeans, because of this region’s spice wealth. The Portuguese, who were friendly with the local ruler, settled here in 1500 and Vasco da Gama established a trading station in 1502. The British built a port in late 19th century and the Corporation of Kochi was formed in 1967. Cochin was declared a major port in 1936. With its opening, there was a complete reorientation of shipping and commercial activities on the Malabar Coast.

Now: Kochi is the first district in India to obtain 100% percent literacy. The Kochi (Cochin) skyline has changed dramatically over the last few years and is today one of the fastest growing cities of India. The city can be regarded as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. The city is famous for its export industries and is a major attraction for tourists with its forts, museums, palaces, shopping centres and other landmarks. Kochi is the main port for reaching the islands of Lahsdweep. The city houses several institutions of repute like Coconut Development Board, Centre for Fish Disease Diagnosis and Management (CFDDM) and the Lakshadweep Office. The population of Kochi is multi-religious with Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Jains and Sikhs living in harmony. The Kochi economy centres on its export industries, maritime activity (the Indian Navy has a naval base here), spice and coir trade, tourism, fishing and fish processing industry. With its year-round shipping facilities, it is the busiest port south of Bombay, lying as it does on the direct route to Australia and the Far East from Europe and serving the vast southern hinterland of industrial areas and plantations. It is a passenger port for the United Kingdom and America in South India. Moreover, it is one of the few ports of the world with all the three main forms of transport – land, sea, and air, centred in the same place.

The Kerala Government has encouraged and supported the tourism industry tremendously. The city is used as a hub by tourists for journeys to wildlife sanctuaries, culture tours, health and rejuvenation centres and other places of tourist interest. The city’s excellent connectivity is the primary reason for this.