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, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. 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. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate.

This impressive monumental church was built in 1558 and showcases a large number of allure paintings created on its ceiling. It is a Roman Catholic Cathedral and has being a site of devotion, carrying a rich historical significance. Moreover, you will come across amazing architectures, astounding gracefulness, and colors of the gothic style.

This is the country's oldest European church, constructed by Portuguese Friars in 1503. It was renovated in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, transformed into an Anglican Church by the British in 1795, and is currently exercised by the church of South India. What's more, the remains of Vasco da Gama were interred here in 1524, but later shifted to Lisbon, Portugal. However, his tombstone still stands in the compound of the church.

This tremendously beautiful palace was established in 1557 by the Portuguese. It was later gifted to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin. The Dutch rebuilt the palace in 1663. Today, it is a showcase of some marvelous murals demonstrating scenes from the famous epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, while awe-inspiring showcases of Puranic legends can also be found.

Bolghatty Palace is situated on a pulchritudinous Bolghatty Island, located near Ernakulam district. This famous and immensely breathtaking Bolghatty Palace was constructed by the Dutch and was once the residence of the British residents of Cochin. The palace is now renewed into a grandiose and luxurious hotel. Tourists fall in love with the picturesque scenic beauty encircling the palace.

Beaches in Kochi are magnificent and one such is the astonishing Cherai Beach. It borders the sublime Vypeen Island which is deemed to be an ideal destination for enjoying great swimming sessions. Interestingly, dolphins are also spotted here occasionally. Tourists can explore the nearby typical Kerala village, blessed with lush paddy fields and lovely coconut groves.

The Hill Palace is the official habitat of the royal family of Cochin and was constructed in 1865. The palace complex comprises of 49 amusing buildings, encircled by 52 acres of beautifully terraced land, featuring a Deer Park and horse riding facilities. The museum, located in the palace premises, has 13 galleries which showcase stunning oil paintings, murals, 19th century paintings, manuscripts, stone sculptures, and plaster of Paris sculptures, inscriptions, and coins. All these exhibited antiques belong to the Cochin royal family.

This dazzling architecture was constructed in 1568 and is the oldest synagogue in the list of commonwealth countries. It is highly popular for the mid 18th century hand printed, willow pattern floor tiles from Canton in China, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, a dock tower, ancient scripts on copper plates, and much more.