Kochi – The queen of the Arabian Sea
Kochi was previously known as Cochin and is a major commercial port city in India’s southwest coast. The history of Kochi dates back to 1500 when Pedro Alvarez Cabral, a Portuguese navigator who came ashore India founded the first European settlement in the very region. The city in the state of Kerala is a major trade centre for spices. Besides, Kochi is known for its heritage buildings, museums and forts which appeal to tourists from across the country.
Tourist attractions in Kochi
Kochi is all about serene beaches, islands, backwaters, forts and churches influenced by colonial architecture. One of the most popular tourist attractions here is the Fort Kochi, a small village along the coastline that is home to St. Francis Church. Other places worth visiting include the Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue and Santa Cruz Basilica, Hill Palace Museum, Bolgatty Island and Cherai Beach.
Places to shop in Kochi
Popular shopping destinations in Kochi include Mahatma Gandhi Road, Jew Town, Oberoi Mall, Centre Square Mall and Lulu Mall. These markets sell a variety of clothing, footwear, jewellery and artefacts. You can also hop for authentic, aromatic spices as souvenirs from Kochi’s Spice Market.
Modes of transport in Kochi
Taxis and cabs are easy and convenient modes of transport in Kochi. The city also has a wide network of buses run by private operators and KSRTC for local sightseeing.
Weather in Kochi
The weather in Kochi remains humid and hot throughout the year. March marks the onset of summer, which lasts until June. The temperature may rise above 30 degrees Celsius in April, making it the hottest month of the season. The city enjoys moderate to heavy rainfall during monsoons (July to September). Winters last from December to February, during which the average temperature hovers between 20 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.
Airport in Kochi
Kochi (Cochin) International Airport (IATA: COK) is the only airport in the city. To know about IndiGo’s Kochi bound flights, visit its official website, goIndiGo.in.