People often ask – Is Kochi and Cochin the same? The names create a lot of confusion for travelers. The answer is YES, Kochi and Cochin are the names of the same city in Kerala. The British used to call it Cochin whereas Keralites today call it Kochi. In the 1990s, Kochi was declared its official name, but many residents and tourists still end up calling it Cochin out of habit. Also, the airport is called Cochin International Airport, further adding to the confusion.
Kochi is the economic capital of Kerala and has the best transport infrastructure in Kerala. Kochi and Cochin, also called the Gateway to Kerala, has always been of strategic importance and is one of the most important commercial centers of God’s Own Country today.
ALSO SEE – Best Places to Visit in Kochi
Kochi and Cochin
It is a city that welcomes tourists to Kerala and has multiple tourist places. The top 10 places in Kochi are the Chinese Fishing Nets, Jewish Paradesi Synagogue, Church of Saint Francis, Dutch Palace, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Dutch Cemetery, Hill Palace Museum, Fort Kochi Beach, Jain Temple, Cochin Spice Market, Mattancherry Palace, and more.
Some Fun Facts about Kochi
- Kochi and Cochin are the same. Kochi is the official name and Cochin is the name given by the British.
- There is another city in Japan with the same name – KOCHI. There is a partnership between Kochi in India and Kochi in Japan for cultural exchange.
- Ernakulam is the name of the district in which Kochi, the seaport in Kerala is located. This place is known as Kochi or Ernakulam commonly.
- Cochin International Airport is 28 km northeast of Cochin and is located outside the main city.
- “Kochi” originated from Kochanzhi, which means “small estuary” in Malayalam.
- Fort Kochi is the heritage area in Kochi that has influences from Arabs, British, Portuguese, and Dutch. Around 40 communities live in modern Fort Kochi
- The territory that is now known as Fort Kochi was gifted to the Portuguese in 1503 by the Rajah of Kochi.
- Cochin or Kochi, as one may refer to it, can be called the Industrial capital of this southern state in India.
How to Reach Kochi?
You can reach Kochi by flight, train, or bus.
Reaching Kochi by Flight
If you are coming by flight, do choose Cochin International Airport (COK). Flights are available to Cochin from all major cities in the world. Cochin International Airport is 40 km from the center of the city.
ALSO SEE- Airports in Kerala- Helpful Guide for Tourists
Reaching Kochi by Train
If you want to come to Kochi by train then you need to alight at either North or South. Among Kochites, this station is referred to as “Ernakulam North” or simply “North” as it is in the Northern part of Kochi to distinguish it from Ernakulam Junction which in turn is referred to as (and was officially called for a long time as) “Ernakulam South” or simply “South”. Most of the trains stop in either of these stations and few rare trains stop in both these stations as well.
Kochi is the only city in Kerala with three railway stations and there is one more station called Cochin Harbour Terminus near Cochin Port that is used for goods transport.
Reaching Kochi by Bus
Kochi has a very fast and efficient bus transport system mainly dominated by private operators, known as Red-Buses. For transport within the city, KSRTC buses and taxis are available throughout the day.
How to Travel inside Kochi?
The most common on-street hire option is an auto rickshaw (auto) or tuk-tuk which are economical. Or take the metro which was launched a few years back.
Kaloor Bus Station is a major terminus used by privately operated long-distance buses and local red buses. It is also a major stop for private mofussil services.
Most of the on-street taxis are HM Ambassadors and Tata Indica and as per law, they have to be in white color with yellow plates without any taxi sign on top. Uber and Ola Taxis are also available.
Shopping in Kochi
Kochi has the reputation of a bargain-hunters paradise, though in price terms many items in Kochi can be cheaper and can be “bundled” with more products if you know how to bargain and where to bargain. Shopping in Kochi is an enjoyable experience.
ALSO SEE- Shopping in Kochi
With its Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, European colonial architecture, South-Indian cuisine, and diverse population, Kochi or Cochin is one of the most multicultural cities in India.
In all probability, your predicament over Kochi and Cochin should end here. Kochi is among the best cities for a holiday in Kerala and all the major tourist destinations in Kerala like Munnar, Alleppey, Thekkady, Athirappilly, etc are around Kochi. Kochi and Cochin are rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel and Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Greatest Places of a Lifetime. Enjoy your trip to Kochi in Kerala.
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