The City of Cochin is a modern cosmopolitan city in the beautiful State of Kerala. Boasting a reputation as being the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," the Port of Cochin is an ancient city influenced by a variety of cultures. The second city of India's west coast, the Port of Cochin is the industrial and commercial capital of Kerala that is proud of its world-class seaport and international airport. With the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats (steps) to the east, the Port of Cochin is both a bustling city and a small town with a growing tourism industry.
Located near the equator, the Port of Cochin experiences little seasonal variation and fairly constant moderate to high levels of humidity. The hottest weather falls from March to May. From June through September, monsoons bring heavy rains. Temperatures range from highs of 35 °C (95 °F) to lows of 17 °C (63 °F).
Visitors to the Port of Cochin will want to see the Chinese Fishing Nets (called Cheenavala) at Fort Kochi. Local legend tells that traders sent by Kublai Khan introduced the nets; however, they are only found in Kochi. Fishing is accomplished using shore-operated lift nets up to 20 meters wide and 10 meters high. Teams of fishermen operate the nets, which are in the sea a short time, and catches are usually modest. Using rocks as counter-weights, the nets present fantastic photo opportunities, and their rhythm is hypnotic. Visitors can purchase the fresh catch and take it to a nearby street vendor who will cook it.
The Hill Palace is about 10 kilometers from the Port of Cochin at Thripoonithura. Residents of the Maharaja of Cochin, the palace was built in 1865, and it is an outstanding example of Kerala traditional architecture. Sitting on 21 hectares of land, the entire complex contains 49 buildings, with the heritage museum and ethno-archaeological museums as the centerpiece. The museum boasts 11 galleries that contain thousands of articles including the numismatic gallery, a portrait gallery, the Maharaja's royal throne, wood carvings, porcelain, a Torah written on goat skin, royal jewelry, ancient bronze and metal items, chariots, weapons, and sculptures.
Visitors to the Port of Cochin will not want to miss a trip to Alappuzha (the Alleppey Backwaters). Famous for boat races, houseboats, lakes, and fish, Alappuzha is a major tourist attraction. Called the "Venice of the East," farmers grow rice here at below sea level stretching for 75 kilometers. The network of navigable backwaters in Kerala contains more than 900 kilometers of serene waterways lined with palm groves and rice paddy fields where visitors learn about rustic life in the Port of Cochin. The pier and the lighthouse guided traders and ferries in the past, although they are shadows of their former selves today. Visitors can take a leisurely cruise, stroll into the town, and observe a host of migratory birds.
Travelers wishing to visit the Port of Cochin and the State of Kerala by sea can find a list of scheduled cruises on the Cruise Compete website.
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