100,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Kochi

Kochi (Cochin), The Queen of the Arabian Sea, is the commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan capital of Kerala. Kochi is the landing point for all visitors visiting Kerala and was a major center of commerce and trade with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the British in the past. Kochi has one of the finest natural harbours in the world and is strategically located on the East - West sea trade route from Europe to Australia.

Kochi trade links with the Arabs and Chinese is said to be atleast 2000 years old. The first Europeans arrived here in the 15th Century. Trade links with the Portuguese flourished Kochi soon became a Portuguese colony. The Dutch arrived towards the end of the 15th century overthrowing the Portuguese.

The Queen of the Arabian Sea has gone through periods of colonization and has been exposed to all to all major cultures and types of businesses. The city has a numerous nature, water sports, Ayurveda and heritage tourist centers which no visitor to this famed city can avoid. Not to speak of the variety of merchandise available for the Shopper. It houses the Stock Exchange Center in Kerala State and is also a major auction center for tea and spices like ginger, cinnamon, pepper and cardamom.

The tourism industry in Kochi city over the years has developed to an extent where nearly 2 Lakhs tourists visit her annually. There is much scope for further development in the tourism industry in Kochi due to her strategic location and the modern facilities offered here unlike other cities in South India. The weather is reasonably warm and is plenty in Sunshine and fresh Water.

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