The 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' has a distinguished past and a bright future
The travelers lazily wandering the streets of Cochin are only the latest to leave their mark on this lovely port city. A tiny Jewish community thrived here until the Portuguese Inquisition in the 16th century, while the lucrative spice and coffee trade established relationships with the Romans, Chinese and Arabs. It was the first capital of Portuguese India, but was later occupied by the Dutch, Mysore and British in succession. Waves of recent immigration have completed the cultural panoply that is the backbone of Cochin's charm.
Somehow, so many disparate parts came together in a city that is as harmonious as an Indian thali: an aging synagogue can be found alongside Portuguese Catholic churches, mosques and Hindu temples, while crumbling colonial houses overlook gigantic Chinese fishing contraptions. These days, Cochin is a laid-back destination that is ideal for any wanderer, but it also attracts art and antique lovers from around the world - galleries abound, as well as dealers specializing in beautifully handcrafted furniture and decor. For this reason, Cochin is as expensive as any Indian city, but you get what you pay for - lovingly-restored heritage hotels, top-notch Western food, and a unique sense of calm you won't find anywhere else.
