The city of Kochi is the biggest and most important port in Kerala. Many small towns and villages like Fort Cochin, Mattanchery, Ernakulam, Edapally, Vytilla, Vennala, Tevara, Manamangalam, Vypin, Vallarpadom, Thopumpady, Kannamali, Eda Kochi, Bolghatty and Palluruthy form a part of Kochi.
There have been different views about the name of the city, but it is not known exactly from where it originated.

The Kochi harbor boasts of a glorious past. It earned a significant position on the world trading routes after massive flooding of the river Periyar in 1340 AD destroyed the world famous port at Kodugallur. After this, Kochi started to grow and soon developed into a major trading port dealing in pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, etc. The Chinese, Arabs, British, Dutch and Portuguese helped Kochi to emerge as a bustling center of commercial activity, connecting the mainland to the rest of the world. Many great travelers, scholars and traders like Fa Hien, Vasco da Gama, Sir Robert Bristow contributed to the growth of the city.

In the year 1530 AD, Kochi was under the rule of the Portuguese; at this time the city grew into a prosperous town. 'Manuel Kotta', was the first European fort in Kochi built by the Portuguese. The Dutch invasion began around 1653 and by 1663 they emerged victorious over the Portuguese. It was then that the Dutch built Fort Williams here.

In the year 1814, Kochi became a part of the British colony. The Willingdon Island, which now accommodates the Kochi Port, Airport and the Head Quarters of Southern Naval Command, was developed under the supervision of the British ruler, Sir Robert Bristow.

After India became independent in 1947, the state of Kerala was formed by the unification of provinces Kochi, Malabar and Travancore in 1956. In 1967 the Corporation of Kochi was formed, which included the towns of Fort Kochi, Mattanchery, Ernakulam and many nearby villages.

By 17th century, the Dutch had managed to capture the Kochi port. The subsequent Kochi rulers turned out to be incompetent, till Saktan Tampuran or Rama Varma ascended the throne in 1790. He proved to be an able administrator, and Kochi flourished under him. However, in 1795, Kochi passed into the hands of the British who ruled the territory till India gained independence.

KOCHI: Under the community water safety programme of the Water and Sanitation Mission, 23,232 samples of water from the 88 grama panchayats in the district will be tested within a year.

This was announced at a district-level workshop organised in connection with the water and sanitation programmes held on Saturday at Kakkanad.

Ten percent of the samples will be sent for further testing at the district-level laboratories.

The workshop was inaugurated by District Panchayat Development Standing Committee chairman Anil Kanjili.

Over the centuries, the princely state of Kochi came under numerous empires. Over time, the original local rulers were controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch , British and even the Zamorin of Kozhikode (Calicut). Around 1530 AD, under the Portuguese, Kochi grew into a prosperous town. The ruler of Kochi gave the Portuguese permission to build a fort at Kochi called 'Manuel Kotta' (Fort Emmanuel) - which is the first European fort in Kochi.

Tourist Attractions in Kochi:

Mattancherry Palace:
The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is a good catch for tourists at Kochi. The place exhibits beautiful mural paintings that depict the scenes from Ramayana. The palace was built by the Portuguese and gifted to the Raja of Cochin, Vira Keralavarma. Some contributions were later on made by the Dutch.

Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochin, KeralaFort Kochi:
Fort Kochi is inhabited by Anglo-Indian community. The whole of the region presents a different aura and ambience. The culture is quite unique and represents the Eurasian culture. Dwelling places built by the British traders and colleges established by the Dutch are worth observing. Present in this part of the city are two art galleries with good collections.

St Francis Church :
St. Francis Church located in the Fort Kochi region is a wonderful attraction. This church was built by the Portuguese in the year 1503 A.D. Initially built in timber, this church was later changed into a stone structure. It is said that Portuguese explorer Vasco-da-Gama was originally buried here and his remains were later brought to Lisbon. Timings of St Francis Church 6 am to 7 pm. Mass timings 6 am and 7.15 am.

Santa Cruz Basilica :
Built by the Portuguese around 500 years back, the Santa Cruz Basilica is known for its Gothic exterior with soaring spires. Apart from imposing facade, the interiors are equally impressive. The stained glass and life-like columns looking over the confessional boxes add to the beauty of the church. The Santa Cruz Basilica is open from 9 am - 1 pm and 3 pm- 5 pm. Mass timings daily 6 am, 7 am and 6 pm (all Malayalam), Saturdays 6 pm (English), Sundays 4.30 pm (English).

Ernakulam:
Ernakulam is the developed on the modern lines and features a commercial centre in the city. Located at Ernakulam are some museums and popular worshipping places. The region also features great eating places in the city. the elephant procession taken out during festival days is a wonderful event, filled with great fun and excitement.