Kochi

Travel to Kochi: History, How to Reach, Cuisine and Hotels

History of Kochi

Before the arrival of the Portuguese, the history of Kochi is somewhat obscure. Kochi emerged as an independent kingdom from the ruins of the Kulasekhara Empire.

The arrival of the Portuguese in Kochi proved to be a turning point in its history. The Rajas of Kochi welcomed the Portuguese, seeing them as valuable allies against their common enemy, the Zamorin.

The Jews received royal patronage during the reign of Kesava Rama Varma (1565-1601). These Jews had fled from Kodungallur, which was their original settlement. They participated in trade and commerce as intermediaries for foreigners seeking trading rights.

By the 17th century, the Dutch had managed to capture the port of Kochi. The later rulers of Kochi proved to be incompetent until Saktan Tampuran, also known as Rama Varma, ascended the throne in 1790.

He proved to be a capable administrator, and Kochi flourished under his rule. However, in 1795, Kochi came under British control, and the British ruled the territory until India gained independence.

How to Reach Kochi

By Air

Kochi is connected by an excellent air network to all the major cities of India. Kochi also has an international terminal.

By Train

Kochi is well connected by rail to major destinations in Kerala and other parts of India. Kochi has three major railway stations: Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Harbor Terminus on Willingdon Island.

By Road

Kochi, being an important commercial centre of Kerala, is very well connected by a network of national and state highways linking it with major centres in the region.

Kochi Cuisine

Kochi has some truly mouth-watering delicacies, most of which are mild in flavour and very delicious. Most dishes categorised under Kochi cuisine are fairly light and do not feel too heavy.

The culinary delights of Kochi also offer a wide variety of vegetarian dishes. This is particularly evident during traditional festivals such as Onam, when festive lunches contain many varieties of delicious vegetarian delicacies.

Some of the most popular vegetarian delicacies include Thoran, Paachadi and Kaalan, among others.

Bananas form an integral part of Kochi cuisine. The main reason is that bananas are grown in large quantities in the region. Therefore, this delicious fruit has found its way into a number of local dishes.

One of the most famous Kochi delicacies is banana chips, made by frying thinly sliced bananas.

Kaalan is another culinary delicacy prepared using bananas mixed with yoghurt. Bananas are also used in sweet preparations, where they are dipped in a thick sauce made from melted sugar.

Grated and mashed bananas, mixed evenly with a thick batter prepared from rice flour, are used to make Pootu, a popular breakfast option.

Coconut is also generously used in many traditional Kochi dishes.

Famous Kochi Dishes

• Meen Vevichathu: fish cooked in a spicy sauce.
• Appams
• Vellayappams
• Kallappams

Hotels in Kochi

• Gokulam Park Inn, Kochi
• The Inn, Kochi
• Hotel Cochin Tower, Kochi
• The Metropolitan, Kochi
• Yuvarani Residency, Kochi
• Hotel Abad Metro, Kochi
• Hotel Highway Garden, Kochi
• Nedstar Airport Hotel, Kochi
• Grand Hotel, Kochi
• Sealord Hotel, Kochi