About Cochin

Travel Information for Visitors planning to visit Cochin

Information about Cochin Kochi - the name Chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala) Like most cities in India, Kochi has a very long and illustrious history.

But, the origin of the name is still shrouded in mystery. Many theories exist, but none are strong enough to be conclusive. Some historians believe that Kochi is a modified form of the word 'Cochazhi' which in Malayalam means 'small sea'. Others are of the opinion that 'Kochi' was named so by the Chinese.

According to them, traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan, gave Kochi the name of their homeland.

The peculiar Chinese fishing nets found here, the only place outside China where it has been spotted, can possibly be attributed to the heavy Chinese influence the city has had in the past.

Still another theory is that Kochi is derived from the word 'Kaci' meaning 'harbour'. Cochin harbour Spices Kochi earned a significant position on the world trading routes after the world famous port at Kodugallur (Cranganore) was destroyed by massive flooding of the river Periyar in 1340 AD.

Records show that Kodugallur (Cranganore) was known to the Arabs and Chinese traders for centuries. After the Kodugallur port was destroyed, the forces of nature created a natural harbour at the nearby city - Kochi. Kochi started to grow and soon developed into a major trading point dealing in pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, etc., which were and still are famous for their quality.