Kochi has been rated ‘one of the 50 must see destinations of a lifetime’ by the National Geographic Traveler, and for good reason. Kochi is filled with history and culture as we can see from the influences provided by the Arabs, the Chinese, the Portuguese and the British seafarers that considered Kochi to be an important sea port to trade, almost six centuries ago. Due to the mixed influences that can be seen in Kochi, This city is a very interesting destination for tourists who are interested in culture and history.
Tourists, both international and domestic alike prefer Kochi for its beauty and ease of communication, while accommodation can be set up at a hotel Kochi is also famous for its boating experience as house boats (where staying for one or more nights is possible), catamaran boats, speed boats etc. are available for a short ride or to go on tours to other parts of Kerala on water. This is a good way to explore the backwaters that Kerala is famous for and also to appreciate the tranquil beauty that Kerala has to offer during the ride. While more international tourists visit Kochi during the peak season, from the month of October thru April, mainly due to the dry climate Kochi provides at the time, visiting from June thru April is also a wonderful experience as the monsoon rains bring out another scenic side of Kochi. The sound infrastructure that Kochi offers to the tourists is also a major factor as to why tourists prefer visiting Kochi year after year, making commuting, banking, and communication with loved ones back at home much easier than expected.
Not only is Kochi considered a ‘cultural melting pot’, but now, it is also considered as a serious source of income to the Indian economy with a number of important sites and institutions strategically placed in Kochi. For example, the Cochin Shipyard, Southern Naval Command Headquarters, the Cochin Stock Exchange, the International Pepper Exchange etc. are all located in Kochi, making Kochi one of the most important cities in the world.