Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. Kochi is located in the district of Ernakulam, about 220 km north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. Today Kochi includes Ernakulam, old parts of Kochi, Kumbalangi, and outlying islands. Much of Kochi lies at the sea level and the city has a rich network of backwaters, which has been declared as National Waterways by the Central Government. Kochi's climate is generally tropical, with no harsh extremities. Heavy rains accompanied by thunder are common from June through September due to the South-West monsoon. Light showers are experienced from October to December due to the North-West monsoon. The winds are moderate, with slight increase during summer and the monsoon seasons.

January is the best time to visit temples in Kochi.

Kochi, also known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. It includes picture-sque islands like Bolgatti, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam and has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Kochi, having possessed a very good harbour from ancient times, naturally attracted mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Portugal and Britain over the years. They all have left their mark on this beautiful island city. Kochi derives its name from the Malayalam word 'Kochazhi' meaning small lagoon. This was shortened to 'Cochin' by the westerners for easy pronunciation. It reverted back to its original name 'Kochi' in 1996.

Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala. Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide.

Kochi is located in the district of Ernakulam, about 220 km north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.

If you want to hit the road to reach Kochi, then you can either enquire at the KSRTC bus junction at Ernakulam or cross the bridges to Willingdon Island and avail NH 47A.

If rail journeys fascinate you,then you can enquire at Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Junction. Mangla Lakshadweep and Netravati Expresses from Mumbai, Trivandrum Rajdhani from Delhi, Ernakulam and Kanyakumari Expresses from Bangalore, Trivandrum Mail from Chennai and Howrah-Trivandrum Express from Kolkata are some of the major trains plying to Kochi.

Travellers who want to avail the aerial route can alight at Cochin International Airport at Nedumbessary.

The New Year festivities of Onam sees Ernakulam all decked to host the Indira Gandhi Boat Race that generates a lot of thrill and anticipation.

Kochi enjoys cosmopolitan culture. In Kochi one can find all kinds of people tasting different way of living

Sri Hariharasudha Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, and is located at Palarivattom, Cochin, Kerala. Apart from Lord Ayyappa other deities in the temple complex are MahaGanapathy, MahaVishnu, SreeParvathy, SubramaniaSwamy, SreeParameswaran, Panchamukha Hanuman, Navagrahas, NagaRaja, NagaYekshi and Rakshas.

Sri Hariharasudha Temple Palarivattom Junction,
Cochin - 682 025, Kerala, India.
Phone: +91 484 2346475
E-mail: mail@ayyappatemple.com

Shiva Temple: The temple is located on Cross Road in the city. The name Ernakulam is derived from the pond of this temple. The temple pond is known as Rishinagakulam. Probably Rishinaga was softened to Erna and when the kulam (pond) joined to it, the name Ernakulam was born.

Vasco House: Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi. Built in the early sixteenth century, Vasco House sports the typical European glass paned windows and balcony cum verandahs characteristic of the times.

Wanpark Kochi: Wanpark Kochi is a children's park separated into seven distinct zones such as Animal Land, Play Land, and an adventure park with a waterfall. Wanpark Kochi is accessible to children of all ages and fun for everyone. It is a great place to spend a day with your family.

There are a couple of bars of some interest in Cochin, but the main attraction at night is the Kathakali performances, bookable from any hotel.

Wanpark Kochi: Wanpark Kochi is a children's park separated into seven distinct zones such as Animal Land, Play Land, and an Adventure Park with a waterfall. Wanpark Kochi is accessible to children of all ages and fun for everyone. It is a great place to spend a day with your family.

M. G Road in Ernakulam and Mattancherry and Jew Street in Fort Kochi are the shopping spots. You can collect old world charm exuding mementoes, intricately carved rose-wood chairs and tables, metal art and a host of other artifacts.

South Indian vegetarian food.

Cochin Hill Palace Museum: It is about 13 km from Cochin, displays the wealth and prosperity of the royal family of Cochin, including the king's throne and crown. Also on display are other trapping of royalty like majestic beds paintings, carving and samples of epigraphy.

Indo Portuguese Museum: The Indo-Portuguese Museum of Kochi highlights the Portuguese impact in both art and the architecture. The Indo Portuguese museum in Cochin is a recognized centre to know the still-surviving Indo-Portuguese Christian Art heritage. The museum is the product of the determined and persistent efforts of late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, Bishop of Kochi.

Wanpark,  Kochi: Wanpark Kochi is a children's park separated into seven distinct zones such as Animal Land, Play Land, and an adventure park with a waterfall. Wanpark Kochi is accessible to children of all ages and fun for everyone. It is a great place to spend a day with your family.

• While visiting religious places, remove your shoes outside and respect the traditions of the place
• Prefer carrying traveler's cheques instead of cash
• These cheques can be easily exchanged at various money exchangers
• Don't leave your personal belongings unattended
• Rather than travelling alone, prefer moving in groups

Government of India Tourist Office,
Willington Island, Cochin - 682003.
Working Hours: 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM
Phone: 0091-484-668352

KTDC Tourist Reception Centre,
Shanmugham Road, Cochin - 682011.
Working Hours: 8.00 AM to 7.00 PM
Phone: 0091-484-353234

Tourist Information Office,
Old Collectorate, Cochin - 682011.
Working Hours: 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM
Phone: 0091-484-381743

Vijaya Bank ATM:
Palarivattom No.35/1881, Janatha Junction,
Palarivattom, Kochi - 682025.
Phone: 0484-2224508

Union Bank of India ATM:
Convent Road Junction,
Union Bank Bhavan,
P.B No.3661, Mg Rd, Ernakulam,
Kochi - 682035.
Phone: 0484-2385209, 2385210, 2385211

Syndicate Bank ATM:
Kaloor No.44/3302, Deshabhimani Junction,
Kaloor, Kochi- 682017.
Phone: 0484-2709685

State Bank of India ATM:
Ambalamugal Ambalamukal,
Kochi - 682302.
Phone: 0484-18004254722