Cochin, one of the cities to receive the erstwhile European colonization

Cochin is one of the most important cities in South India. It is a part of Kerala state and is largely known as a port city. Filled with every parameter of modernization and also bestowed by a great past, the city is also a popular tourist destination in South India. Visit the city to explore it for real, and for lodging choose from best hotels in Cochin.

Cochin, now majorly known as Kochi is one of the significant cities in South India. Located in the state of Kerala, the city falls within the territory of Ernakulam, and thus is sometimes referred as Ernakulam. It is a historic city with a great past. Plus, it is also one of the most urbanized cities in the state and is home to a number of industries, commerce, and people engaged in the trading industry. The city has a distinct definition of being one of the chief port cities in India. About ninety percent of the total pepper that are produced in the country are traded from Cochin, making the Cochin's International Pepper Exchange perhaps the most important pepper market in India. Other than that, the city also largely depends on fishing. The city has a long coast between Fort Kochi and Vypeen where major fishing activities are done. The area is basically covered by the fishermen villages and they use huge nets for fishing purposes. Locals call these nets Cheenavala. It is said that these nets were introduced in the city by the Chinese traders in the medieval era, and it is only in Kochi, outside the boundaries of China, where these nets are found and used.

Meanwhile, the history of Kochi is an attribute that simply prevails others. The city is bestowed by a glorious history where the European powers, namely Portuguese and Dutch played major roles. The city is one of the sites in India to receive erstwhile colonization. It were the Portuguese who were the first Europeans to colonize the city. The year 1503 marked the beginning of the reign of the Portuguese Empire in the city. They built a fort in the city and called it Fort Emmanuel. Besides, they made significant contributions to develop the city. Meanwhile, the city owned a huge trading-significance as it was an important port city during that era. So, there were multiple invasions; the Dutch in particular made multiple attacks in the city. An interesting fact about the city; Kochi is the first ever city to record a battle fought with vessels. The battle was fought between the Dutch and the Portuguese.

The year 1663 marked the beginning of Dutch reign over the city. Kochi further grew into a prosperous port city under their rule. Meanwhile, the Dutch also built a fort called Fort Williams, in the city. The Dutch then lost Kochi to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Finally, it were the British who ruled the city till India's independence. Today, although the city no longer house residential Dutch or Portuguese, but the city is filled with the remnants, forts, palaces, old buildings, and other testaments left by them. These old monuments and testaments are today the imperative parts of places to visit in Cochin, and are must visit.

Talking about the places of interest and sightseeing in Kochi, the city is filled with interesting tourist places. The most significant places in the city that one may like to checkout include: Chottanikkara temple, Kochi Beach, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Marine Drive, Museum of Kerala History, Cherai beach, Chinese Fishing Nets, Bolgatty Palace, Shiva temple, and St. Francis CSI Church etc. Meanwhile, the good thing is that there exist a number of good hotels in Cochin located in the vicinity to prime tourist spots. These hotels are ideal lodging options to consider as they have the benefits of connectivity and are known to offer content stay.

Sandeep is an experienced travel consultant, who enjoys travelling and loves to write about the destinations he has been to and shares his experience. He also writes about travel tips, world's best holiday destinations, best hotels in a destination,