FAST GAINING a reputation on the international resort itinerary, Kochi, formerly Cochin, offers more than scenic beauty, sun and sea.
It is in the state of Kerala, known as 'God's own country', although Kerala means 'land of coconuts'.
Kochi is made of up the island of Fort Cochin, Ernakulam on the mainland, where commercial activities take place, and Willingdon Island, which provides a link between the two locations. Willingdon Island is a man-made island built by the British in the 1920s. As Cochin Port developed, the island became the centre for customs, importing and export. Recently, the quiet and laid-back location has become home to luxury resorts, such as the five-star Taj Malabar and Le Meridien.
For many visitors, a big reason to come to Kerala is for Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicinal science. Clinics and spas offering rejuvenation and therapeutic programmes under the Ayurvedic banner proliferate, so it is important to decide whether you are taking the opportunity to simply relax or gear up for a more serious consultation.
The port shows the influence of its former rulers - the Portuguese, Dutch and British.
At Fort Cochin and Mattan-cherry, there is St Francis Church, built in 1510 by the Portuguese. It is believed to be the first European church built in India.