Cochin is the financial capital of Kerala and is also a thriving cosmopolitan city, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.. This city, with its scenic beauty and commercial significance has developed into an important tourist destination in India. Cochin has excellent connectivity both in terms of roads and waterways. Good infrastructure is therefore a advantage for this city, while its pleasant climate boosts the city's tourism. Besides these factors, the main reason why Cochin features in the tourist map is due to its tourist destination. Kochi (Cochin), is situated on the west coast of India in the beautiful state of Kerala. It is flanked by the Arabian Sea on the western side and the Western Ghats on the eastern side.Cochin also known as Queen of Arabian Sea.

Best Time & Climate
Being situated very close to the sea, Kochi has a moderate climate. Heavy showers are experienced during the months June, July and August due to the South-West Monsoon. In summer the temperature rises to a maximum of 35 ºC while in winter it is around 25 ºC. The best time to visit Cochin is between December to February when the weather is cool and pleasant.

Cochin has innumerable Accommodation facilities which are priced depending on the location your budget. Some of the hotels are - Malabar House Hotel, White House, Ballard bungalow, Abad Airport Hotel Cochin, Abad Plaza, Abad Fort, Abad Metro, Hotel Mermaid, Taj Residency, Trident Hilton, Gokulam Park Inn, Le Meridien Presidency, Thomas Inn etc. While in Cochin make sure you experience the local dishes and cuisines, also dine at the countless restaurants in the city. Essentially a port town, Cochin has all the elements for a perfect holiday destination and so the tourism in Cochin has also developed over the period.

Chinese Fishing Nets/Vasco da Gama Square
These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is the Vasco da Gama Square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach. The Square is an ideal place to idle, with stalls serving fresh delicious seafood, tender coconut etc.

Vasco House
Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi. Built in the early sixteenth century, Vasco House sports the typical European glass paned windows and balcony cum verandahs characteristic of the times.

The Cochin Club
The club, with its impressive library and collection of sporting trophies, is housed in a beautifully landscaped park. In the early 1900s, when the club had just become operational, admission was restricted to the British and to men only. Today, though the club retains its traditional English ambience, its rules are more liberal and the membership of 250 includes women as well. Strangely enough, alcohol is not served on the premises.

Other Places of Interest

• Dutch Palace
• Jewish Synagogue
• St.Francis Church
• Bolghatty
• Gunda and Willingdon Islands
• Kerala History Museum
• Hill Palace Museum
• Parishath Taamburan Museum
• Santacruz Cathedral (Basilica)

How to Reach

• By Air
  Cochin city is directly connected Delhi, Mumbai, Madras, Goa, Bangalore, and Thiruvananthapuram. All major domestic airlines have their services to Cochin.
• By Rail
  Cochin is connected by rail to most of the important cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
• By Road
  Cochin is connected by road with several tourist centers in India. It is 565 km from Bangalore, 223 km from Coimbatore, 848 km from Goa, 694 km from Chennai, 470 km from Mysore, and 312 km from Ootacamund.
• Ferries
  Ferry service is available for travel between the island towns.