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All about Kochi

Kochi is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Kerala. With a population of more than 1 million, Kochi is the third most populous city in Kerala, after Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. The city lies on the west coast of India against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. It is located 613 km from Mumbai, 77 km from Calicut and 320 km from Chennai; it is also 3 km away from International Airport Kochi.

Kochi's city centre is known as Ernakulam which consists of two districts — Ernakulam and North Paravur — that form a metropolitan region with a total population of over 6 million residents. 

Kochi is a major port city located on the Arabian Sea, in the state of Kerala, India. It is part of the Greater Cochin area and is one of the twenty-five districts in the state. Kochi has been a center for international trade since ancient times. Today, it is considered as one of India's most important commercial centers and home to many multinational companies.

Kochi is also well known for its traditional arts and crafts industry. The city's history dates back to 600 BC when it was known as 'Chera'. The city has a population of over 1 million people with an average literacy rate of 90%. Kochi's economy is primarily based on tourism, education, retail and electronics manufacturing industries.

Kochi, formerly Cochin, is one of the largest cities in Kerala and the third largest urban agglomeration. Located on the southernmost tip of peninsular India, Kochi extends over an area of about 30.10 km2 (12 sq mi) with a population of about 3 million people. Kochi is also known as ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’ because of its history as a major port city in the ancient spice trade between Arabia and India.

Kochi is a major tourist destination in Kerala and has been ranked among Asia’s top five diving destinations by National Geographic Traveler magazine (2007). The city hosts several cultural events throughout the year including cultural fests such as Onam, Vishu and Ezhumattoor Bhagavatharattu Festival. Kochi was ranked 10th in the list of 50 cities that best promote culture, international relations and tourism in India (2010).

 Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, is a beautiful town. The city is known as the Gateway to India and has become a hub of tourism in India. Kochi is situated on the west coast of India and is surrounded by water bodies. It has an uninterrupted coastline of more than 100 km with beaches along it.

Kochi was founded by the Portuguese in 1503 and was named after their king Kochu Tharavadu. The Portuguese named it Cochin after its original name, Quilon. It gained importance as an international trade centre when it became part of British India in 1663. It is still one of the major ports in India today. Some of the important historical sites in Kochi include Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace and Dutch Palace (now known as Edappally Palace).

Kochi has always been a centre for manufacturing textiles, spices and rice; thus making it one of the most important trading centres in Asia during those days. The city of Kochi is a beautiful place to visit and live in. It has many interesting places for tourists to visit and enjoy. The main attractions are: Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Velu Thampuran's Shipyard, Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Cochin Jewish Synagogue, Coromandel Coast Museum and Marine Drive

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