Cochin, also referred to as Kochi, is a tropical paradise of waving palm trees and sandy beaches. It is located in the Indian state of Kerala, which is a strip of coastal territory in Southern India that stretches down the Western Ghats, and reaches up to the Arabian sea.
It is cleaner and quieter than many other Indian tourist places. In fact, you could easily mistake the look and feel of the place for a small, traditional European city. The influence of the Portuguese, Dutch and British, who all ruled there during past centuries, is still noticeable in many aspects of life, not limited to architecture, infrastructure, language, and social attitudes.
It is a deeply religious place, and people who live there have varied ethnic backgrounds. You will find Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Jews living in harmony and celebrating all religious festivals enthusiastically. All places of worship exist there (temples, mosques, churches and even synagogues), and there are some fantastic examples of them, dating back hundreds of years.
The most famous landmark in Cochin is a set of Chinese fishing nets at the mouth of the harbor leading to the Arabian sea. These fishing nets are over a hundred years old, yet they are still in full operation today. Not only can you watch the fishermen at work, it is also possible for you to join in and help them should you wish to do so. There are, of course, lots of other worthwhile sights there too, more than enough to occupy you for a week or two.
Cochin, and coastline that extends from it, has some of the most exotic beaches in the whole of India. The coconut lined sands and clear blue sea, make a picture perfect destination to spend to your vacation. They are unspoilt too, as there are typically just a few beach huts and restaurants along the shores, so you can enjoy the surroundings pretty much as nature created them.
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