Kochi: Difference between revisions

{{About|the city in India|the city in Japan|Kōchi, Kōchi|other uses}}

{{Use Indian English|date=April 2021}}

| name                           = Kochi

| official_name                   =  

| native_name                     =  

| other_name                     = Cochin

| settlement_type                 = [[Metropolis]]

| translit_lang1_info             =  

| image_skyline                   = Kochi montage2.jpg

| image_caption                   = Clockwise from top: [[Marine Drive, Kochi|Marine Drive]] Skyline, [[Chinese fishing nets|Chinese Fishing Nets]] at [[Fort Kochi]], [[Cochin Shipyard]], [[Queen's Way, Kochi|Queen's Way]], [[Hill Palace, Tripunithura|Hill Palace]], [[InfoPark, Kochi|InfoPark]]

| image_flag                     =  

| image_seal                     =  

| nickname                       = ''Queen of the Arabian Sea''<ref>{{Cite book| author=K. C. Sivaramakrishnan| title=People's Participation in Urban Governance| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TJ9dMtfjMToC&pg=PA156| page=156| year=2006| isbn=81-8069-326-0| publisher=Concept Publishing Company| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208060832/https://books.google.com/books?id=TJ9dMtfjMToC&pg=PA156| archive-date=8 February 2016| df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book| author=Ganesh Kumar| title=Modern General Knowledge| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DbnFSqKSVb0C&pg=PA194| page=194| isbn=978-81-7482-180-5| publisher=Upkar Prakashan| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206092658/https://books.google.com/books?id=DbnFSqKSVb0C&pg=PA194| archive-date=6 February 2016| df=dmy-all| date=September 2010}}</ref>

| image_map                       =  

| map_caption                     =  

| pushpin_map                     = India Kerala#India#Asia#Earth

| pushpin_label_position         = center

| coordinates                     = {{coord|9.97|N|76.28|E|display=inline,title}}

| subdivision_type               = Country

| subdivision_name               = India

| subdivision_type1               = State

| subdivision_type2               = [[List of districts of India|District]]

| subdivision_name1               = [[Kerala]]

| subdivision_name2               = [[Ernakulam district|Ernakulam]]

| subdivision_name3               = [[Founded|1 April 1958 Year]]

| established_title               = Formed

| established_date               = 1 April 1958<ref name="ernakulam.nic.in"/>

| government_type                 = [[Municipal Corporation]]

| governing_body                 = [[Kochi Municipal Corporation]]

| leader_title1                   = Mayor

| leader_name1                   = M Anilkumar([[Communist Party of India (Marxist)|CPI(M)]])

| elevation_footnotes             =  

| elevation_m                     = 0

| unit_pref                       = Metric

| area_footnotes                 = <ref name="Corporation Stats" />

| area_rank                       =  

| area_total_km2                 = 94.88

| area_metro_km2                 = 440

| area_metro_footnotes           = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf|title=Demographia World Urban Areas|website=demographia.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805030244/http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf|archive-date=5 August 2011}}</ref>

| population_total               = 677,381

| population_as_of               = 2011

| population_footnotes           = <ref name="Corporation Stats">{{cite web| url=https://cochinmunicipalcorporation.kerala.gov.in/web/guest/poverty-reduction| title=Profile of Kochi| publisher=[[Kochi Municipal Corporation]]| access-date=15 August 2018}}</ref>

| population_density_km2          = auto

| population_metro                = 2,119,724

| population_metro_footnotes      = <ref name="Metropolitan Stats">{{cite web|title=Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 million and above|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/india2/Million_Plus_UAs_Cities_2011.pdf|publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215163132/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/india2/Million_Plus_UAs_Cities_2011.pdf|archive-date=15 December 2011}}</ref>

| population_demonym              = Cochinite<ref name="Sadasivan2005">{{cite book|work=Political and Administrative Integration of Princely States|last=Sadasivan|first=S.N.|publisher=Mittal Publications|date=2005|title=Territorial Integration|page=64|isbn=9788170999683}}</ref><ref name="Menon1977">{{cite magazine|title=My Kerala|magazine=Sunday|publisher=[[ABP Group|Ananda Bazar]]|volume=4|issue=44|page=31|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.99442/page/n185|last=Menon|first=K.P.S.|author-link=K.P.S. Menon|date=23 January 1977}}</ref>

| demographics_type1              = Languages

| demographics1_title1            = Official

| demographics2_title1            = Spoken

| demographics2_info1            = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], English

| timezone1                      = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]

| utc_offset1                    = +5:30

| postal_code_type                = [[Postal Index Number|PIN code(s)]]

| postal_code                    = 682 XXX, 683 XXX

| area_code                      = [[Telephone numbers in India|+91-484]]

| registration_plate              = KL-7, KL-39, KL-41, KL-42, KL-43, KL-63

| blank_name_sec1                = Judicial Capital

| blank_info_sec1                = [[High Court of Kerala]]

| blank1_name_sec1                = Coastline

| blank1_info_sec1               = {{convert|48|km|mi}}

| blank1_name_sec2               = Development Agency

| blank1_info_sec2                = [[Greater Cochin Development Authority|GCDA]], [[Goshree Islands Development Authority|GIDA]]

| website                        = {{URL|https://cochinmunicipalcorporation.kerala.gov.in}}

| footnotes                      =

| demographics1_info1            = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], [[English language|English]]

| blank2_name_sec1               = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]

| blank2_info_sec1               = 1028 [[female|/♀]] /1000[[male|♂]]

| blank3_name_sec1               = Literacy

| blank3_info_sec1               = 98.5%

| blank2_name_sec2               = [[Climate of India|Climate]]

| blank2_info_sec2               = [[Climatic regions of India|Am]] {{small|([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]])}}

| blank3_name_sec2               = [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]]

| blank3_info_sec2               = {{convert|3228.3|mm|in}}

'''Kochi''' ({{IPA-ml|koˈtːʃi ||Kochi_R1.ogg}}), also known as '''Cochin''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|oʊ|tʃ|ɪ|n}} {{respell|KOH|chin}}), is a major port city on the south-west coast of [[India]] bordering the [[Laccadive Sea]] a part of the [[Arabian Sea]]. It is part of the [[Ernakulam district|district of Ernakulam]] in the state of [[Kerala]] and is often referred to as [[Ernakulam]]. Kochi is the most densely populated city in Kerala. As of 2011, it has a [[Kochi Municipal Corporation|corporation]] limit population of 677,381<ref name="Corporation Stats" /> within an area of 94.88&nbsp;km² and a total urban population of more than of 2.1 million within an area of 440&nbsp;km², making it the largest and the [[Demographics of Kerala#Most populous urban agglomerations|most populous]] [[Kochi Metropolitan Area|metropolitan area]] in Kerala. Kochi city is also part of the [[Greater Cochin]] region<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.urbanindia.nic.in/programme/ud/presentations/banglore/Kochi_region.pdf |title=Urban Sector Kerala |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323132153/http://www.urbanindia.nic.in/programme/ud/presentations/banglore/Kochi_region.pdf |archive-date=23 March 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/09/20/stories/2010092058650300.htm | work=The Hindu | title=Steps to control pollution in Greater Kochi area mooted | date=20 September 2010 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906195839/http://www.hindu.com/2010/09/20/stories/2010092058650300.htm |archive-date=6 September 2013 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> and is classified as a Tier-II city by the [[Government of India]]. The civic body that governs the city is the [[Kochi Municipal Corporation]], which was constituted in the year 1967, and the statutory bodies that oversee its development are the [[Greater Cochin Development Authority]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gcdaonline.com/ |title=GCDA - Greater Cochin Development Authority |access-date=5 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328234500/http://www.gcdaonline.com/ |archive-date=28 March 2015 }}</ref> (GCDA) and the [[Goshree Islands Development Authority]] (GIDA).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |title=Indian Census 2011 list of cities |access-date=5 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113152754/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |archive-date=13 November 2011  }}</ref>  

Called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea", Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India from the 14th century onward, and maintained a trade network with Arab merchants from the pre-Islamic era. Occupied by the [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]] in 1503, Kochi was the first of the European colonies in [[colonial India]]. It remained the main seat of [[Portuguese India]] until 1530, when [[Goa]] was chosen instead. The city was later occupied by the [[Dutch Malabar|Dutch]] and the [[British Raj|British]], with the [[Kingdom of Cochin]] becoming a [[princely state]]. Kochi ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourist arrivals in Kerala.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[Kerala Tourism Development Corporation]]|url=http://www.keralatourism.org/destination-wise-foreign-2010.pdf|title=Destnation [sic] Wide Number of Foreign Tourists Visited Kerala During 2010|access-date=22 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711134819/https://www.keralatourism.org/destination-wise-foreign-2010.pdf|archive-date=11 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="Tourism Statistics">{{cite web|publisher=[[Kerala Tourism Development Corporation]]|url=http://www.keralatourism.org/tourismstatistics/Tourist-Statistics2008.pdf|title=Tourist statistics – 2008|access-date=22 October 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602030623/http://www.keralatourism.org/tourismstatistics/Tourist-Statistics2008.pdf|archive-date=2 June 2010}}</ref> The city was ranked the sixth best tourist destination in India according to a survey conducted by the [[Nielsen Holdings|Nielsen Company]] on behalf of the [[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook Traveller magazine]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[Business Line]] |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/nielsen-retains-top-tourism-destination-grade-for-kerala/article2920128.ece |title=Nielsen retains top tourism destination grade for Kerala |access-date=22 February 2012}}</ref> In October 2019, Kochi was ranked seventh in [[Lonely Planet]]'s list of top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2020.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/10/22/lonely-planet-top-10-cities-2020-kochi-the-only-inclusion-from-india.html|title=Kochi included in list of Lonely Planet top 10 cities for 2020; the only name from India|date=22 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2019/oct/23/kochi-seventh-in-top-10-cities-to-visit-in-2020-lonely-planet-2051543.html|title=Kochi seventh in top 10 cities to visit in 2020: Lonely Planet|date=23 October 2019}}</ref> Kochi was one of the 28 Indian cities among the emerging 440 global cities that will contribute 50% of the world GDP by the year 2025, in a 2011 study done by the [[McKinsey & Company|McKinsey]] Global Institute.<ref name="Urban world: Mapping the economic power of cities">{{cite web|publisher=McKinsey Global Institute|url=http://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/dotcom/Insights%20and%20pubs/MGI/Research/Urbanization/Urban%20world%20mapping%20economic%20power%20of%20cities/MGI_urban_world_mapping_economic_power_of_cities_full_report.ashx|title=Urban world: Mapping the economic power of cities 2011|access-date=3 February 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329070549/http://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/dotcom/Insights%20and%20pubs/MGI/Research/Urbanization/Urban%20world%20mapping%20economic%20power%20of%20cities/MGI_urban_world_mapping_economic_power_of_cities_full_report.ashx|archive-date=29 March 2013}}</ref> In July 2018, Kochi was ranked the topmost emerging future megacity in India by global professional services firm [[JLL (company)|JLL]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/property-/-cstruction/kochi-rated-as-future-mega-city-in-india-by-jll/articleshow/65230138.cms|title=Kochi rated as future mega city in India by JLL|date=1 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2018/aug/02/kochi-ranked-topmost-emerging-city-in-country-1851933.html|title=Kochi ranked topmost emerging city in country|date=2 August 2018}}</ref>

Ancient travellers and tradesmen referred to Kochi, variously alluding to it as ''Cocym'', ''Cochym'', ''Cochin'', and ''Kochi''.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|publisher=Kochi Municipal Corporation |url=http://www.corporationofcochin.net/Cochin.pdf |title=Facts about India |access-date=9 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091229045823/http://www.corporationofcochin.net/Cochin.pdf |archive-date=29 December 2009 }}</ref> The [[Cochin Jews|Cochin Jewish community]] called Cochin ''Kogin'' ({{Lang-he|קוגין}}), which is seen in the seal of the synagogue owned by the community.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cghearth.com/brunton-boatyard/fort-harbour |title=Fort And Harbour |publisher=Cghearth.com |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828215559/http://www.cghearth.com/brunton-boatyard/fort-harbour |archive-date=28 August 2012  }}</ref> The origin of the name ''Kochi'' is thought to be the [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] word ''kochu azhi'', meaning 'small lagoon'. Yet another theory is that ''Kochi'' is derived from the word ''kaci'', meaning 'harbour'.<ref name="Corporation of Kochi">{{cite web|publisher=Corporation of Kochi |work=Cochin (A Monograph) |url=http://www.corporationofcochin.net/Cochin.pdf |title=Cochin |author=C. M. Dinesh Mani, Mayor(2000–2005) |access-date=11 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719135707/http://www.corporationofcochin.net/Cochin.pdf |archive-date=19 July 2011 }}</ref> Accounts by Italian explorers [[Niccolò Da Conti|Nicolo Conti]] (15th century), and Fra Paoline in the 17th century say that it was called ''Kochchi'', named after the river connecting the [[Kerala Backwaters|backwaters]] to the sea.<ref>{{cite book |last=Academy |first=Students |title=Kochi-The Small Lagoon |publisher=[[Lulu (company)|Lulu Press, Inc]] |page=30 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ONgFAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA8|isbn=9781257094110 }}</ref> After the arrival of the Portuguese, and later the British, the name ''Cochin'' stuck as the official appellation. The city [[Renaming of cities in India|reverted]] to a closer transcription of its original [[Malayalam]] name, ''Kochi'', in 1996. This change in name was challenged by the city municipal corporation but court later dismissed the plea.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/198782201/|title=C.Ramachandra Menon vs State Of Kerala on 7 February, 1990|website=indiankanoon.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721000430/https://indiankanoon.org/doc/198782201/|archive-date=21 July 2017}}</ref>

Kochi was the centre of Indian [[spice trade]] for many centuries, and was known to the [[Yavanas]] ([[Ancient Greece|Greeks]] and [[Ancient Rome|Romans]]) as well as [[Jews]], Syrians, [[Arabs]], and Chinese since [[Ancient history|ancient times]].<ref name="Ernakulam Portal">{{cite web

</ref> It rose to significance as a trading centre after the port [[Muziris]] around [[Kodungallur]] (Cranganore) was destroyed by the massive flooding of [[Periyar River|Periyar]] in 1341.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Centre For Heritage Studies |title=History of Kochi Rajas |url=http://www.centreforheritagestudies.com/heritage/html/history.htm |access-date=12 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214143542/http://centreforheritagestudies.com/heritage/html/history.htm |archive-date=14 February 2009 }}

|others= translated by J.V.G. Mills

</ref>

[[File:Miniature of Pedro Alvares Cabral (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Portuguese explorer [[Pedro Álvares Cabral]] established [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese rule]] in Kochi ({{lang-pt|Cochim}}) in 1500, which lasted until 1663.]]

According to many historians, the precursor state to [[Kingdom of Kochi]] came into existence in the early 12th century, after the fall of the [[Chera Kingdom]].<ref name="Corporation of Kochi" /> The reign of the Kingdom was hereditary, and the family that ruled over the region was known as the ''[[Cochin Royal Family|Perumpadappu Swaroopam]]'' in the local vernacular.

Portuguese navigator, [[Pedro Álvares Cabral]] founded the first European settlement in India at Kochi in 1500.<ref name="First European Settlement">{{cite web|publisher=University of Calgary |title=Early Voyages to the Far East |url=https://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/eurvoya/vasco3.html |access-date=9 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110301225709/http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/eurvoya/vasco3.html |archive-date= 1 March 2011 }}

</ref> From 1503 to 1663, [[Fort Kochi]] ([[Fort Emmanuel]]) was [[Portuguese Empire|ruled by Portugal]]. This Portuguese period was a harrowing time for the [[Saint Thomas Christians]] and the [[Cochin Jews|Jews]], as the [[Goa Inquisition|Inquisition]] was active in [[Portuguese India]]. Kochi hosted the grave of [[Vasco da Gama]], the first European explorer to set sail for India, who was buried at [[St. Francis Church, Kochi|St. Francis Church]] until his remains were returned to [[Portugal]] in 1539.<ref name="Vasco Da Gama">{{Cite web

[[File:Planta de cochim bocarro 1635.jpg|thumb|right|Map of Kochi in the 1635 ''[[:pt:Livro das Plantas de Todas as Fortalezas|Livro das Plantas de Todas as Fortalezas]]'', a catalogue of [[:category:Portuguese forts in India|Portuguese forts in India]].]]

</ref> In 1866, [[Fort Kochi]] municipality was reinstalled and its first [[Municipal Council]] seating contest was conducted in 1883. In 1896, H.H. [[Rama Varma XV]], The [[Maharaja]] of Cochin, initiated local administration by forming town councils in [[Mattancherry]] and [[Ernakulam]]. In 1907, the Governor of the Madras Presidency, Sir [[Arthur Lawley]] and his brother, [[Beilby Lawley, 3rd Baron Wenlock]], Governor of Madras, 1891 to 1896, left for an official tour of Cochin and [[Travancore]], which lasted from 25 January to 14 February. On 26 January, they were met by His Highness the Rajah of Cochin who gave a State Dinner in their honour at [[Ernakulam]].<ref name=Cochin1>Sir Arthur Lawley's Photo Album, Empire and Commonwealth Museum</ref><ref name=Cochin0>The Fourth Tour of His Excellency Sir Arthur Lawley to Cochin and Travancore - 25 January to 14 February 1907. Madras Government Press.</ref><ref name=Cochin2>Letter from Lord Wenlock to his wife Constance, 29 January 1907. Hull University. Forbes Adam Archive.</ref><ref name=Cochin3>Sir Arthur Lawley, Eloquent Knight Errant, Chapter 5. Ruler of the Raj. Lady Lawley Cottage (Western Australian Red Cross) 2008 iBooks</ref> By the 1870s, the capital of Kochi Kingdom was relocated again to Kochi Suburb of [[Tripunithura]]. In 1910, Ernakulam became the administrative capital of Kochi Kingdom with establishment of Royal Secretariat and State Durbar. The offices of the Diwan and High court were soon moved into Ernakulam.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://highcourtofkerala.nic.in/history.html| title=History| publisher=[[National Informatics Centre]]| access-date=15 January 2018| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801131252/http://highcourtofkerala.nic.in/history.html| archive-date=1 August 2017| df=dmy-all}}</ref>

|author=Plunkett, R, Cannon, T, Davis, P, Greenway, P & Harding

Kochi and [[Ernakulam]] district formed on 1 April 1958 carving areas of erstwhile Travancore-Kochi-Malabar kingdoms. Major portion of the district is from the Kochi kingdom.<ref name="ernakulam.nic.in">{{cite web|url=http://ernakulam.nic.in/history.htm|title=Ernakulam_History|access-date=5 April 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071115160050/http://ernakulam.nic.in/history.htm|archive-date=15 November 2007}}</ref>

The city's economic growth gathered momentum after [[economic reforms in India]] introduced by the [[Government of India|central government]] in the early-1990s. Since 2000, the [[Tertiary sector of industry|service sector]] has energised the city's economy. The establishment of several industrial parks based on [[Information technology|IT]] and other port based infrastructure triggered a construction and realty boom in the city. Over the years, Kochi has witnessed rapid commercialisation, and has today grown into the commercial hub of Kerala.<ref name="Trade & Industry in Kochi">

|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDextremes>

| access-date = 29 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDnormals>

|url-status    = live

|df          = dmy-all

The Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency elects six members to the state Legislative Assembly. Out of this, five constituencies, namely Kochi, Ernakulam, Thripunithura, Thrikkakara and Kalamassery represent the city. The elected representative to the state Legislative Assembly from Kochi is K. J. Maxi, Ernakulam is Hibi Eden, Thripunithura is M. Swaraj, Thrikkakara is P. T. Thomas and Kalamassery is V. K. Ibrahim Kunju.<ref name="Assembly Constituencies">{{cite web|publisher=Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala|url=http://www.ceo.kerala.gov.in/pdf/03-DELIMITATION/01-FO-KERALA.pdf|title=Delimitation of Constituencies, Final Order|access-date=3 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626221747/http://www.ceo.kerala.gov.in/pdf/03-DELIMITATION/01-FO-KERALA.pdf|archive-date=26 June 2011}}</ref>

  |publisher   = Rediff.com

|url-status    = live

|df          = dmy-all

| caption4  = The [[Kochi Marina|Kochi International Marina]] is the only marina in India

| image5    = TCS Centre, Infopark.jpg

| caption5  = [[Tata Consultancy Services|TCS]] centre at [[InfoPark, Kochi|Infopark]]

The district contributes 15.1% of the state GDP.<ref>https://www.nabard.org/demo/auth/writereaddata/tender/221016023907_Ernakulam_PLP%202016-17%20%20.split-and-merged.pdf</ref> Construction and manufacturing industries combined contributes 37% of the district's total GDP, and trade, tourism and hospitality industries together provides another 20%. Major business sectors include construction, manufacturing, [[shipbuilding]], transportation/shipping, seafood and spices exports, chemical industries, information technology (IT), tourism, [[Medical tourism|health services]], and banking. Kochi is recognised as one of the seventeen major industrial cities of India by the World Bank Group. However, in the 2009 rankings of ease to start and operate a business, among the 17 Indian cities selected, Kochi was rated as the second most difficult city to start business and was ranked 16th, above Kolkata.<ref name=" World Bank and International Financial Corporation ">{{cite web|url=http://www.doingbusiness.org/~/media/FPDKM/Doing%20Business/Documents/Subnational-Reports/DB09-Sub-India.pdf |title=Doing Business in India 2009 |publisher=[[World Bank]] |access-date=8 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019143135/http://www.doingbusiness.org/~/media/FPDKM/Doing%20Business/Documents/Subnational-Reports/DB09-Sub-India.pdf |archive-date=19 October 2010 }}</ref>

}}</ref> [[Kochi Refineries]] of (BPCL) at [[Ambalamugal]] is the largest [[State ownership|state owned]] [[Oil refinery|refinery]] in India. [[Petronet LNG|Petronet India]] has now almost completed [[Kochi LNG Terminal]], for importing and storing natural gas, for energy and fuelling needs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/petronet-lng-kochi-terminals-operating-capacity-goes-up/article9707274.ece |title=Petronet LNG Kochi terminal's operating capacity goes up |newspaper=[[Business Line]] |date=18 May 2017 |access-date=18 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303164153/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/petronet-lng-kochi-terminals-operating-capacity-goes-up/article9707274.ece |archive-date=3 March 2018  }}</ref> Central Government establishments like the [[Coconut Development Board]], the [[Coir Board of India|Coir Board]] and the [[Marine Products Export Development Authority]] (MPEDA) have head offices located in the city.

[[Kalamassery]] which is situated around 16.5&nbsp;km from the City Center is one of the major Industrial areas. Leading factories like [[Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore|FACT]], [[HMT Limited|HMT]] and IT/Biotechnology park like [[Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation|KINFRA Hi-Tech Park]] are located here. The headquarters of Neera Development Center is located at Kalamassery . The [[Cochin University of Science and Technology]] is located at Kalamassery.

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The Cochin International Airport is in the process of setting up an [[aerotropolis]] at [[Nedumbassery]].<ref>{{cite news | author=The Hindu | url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/28/stories/2009022852710300.htm | title=CIAL presents 'Aerotropolis' roadmap | work=The Hindu | date=5 June 2008 | access-date=28 February 2009 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629042634/http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/28/stories/2009022852710300.htm | archive-date=29 June 2011 | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author=The Hindu | url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/28/stories/2009022858700300.htm | title=Kochi airport presents 'Aerotropolis' roadmap | work=The Hindu | date=5 June 2008 | access-date=28 February 2009 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303231619/http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/28/stories/2009022858700300.htm | archive-date=3 March 2009 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The Cochin airport provides direct connectivity to popular international destinations in the Middle East, [[Malaysia]], [[Thailand]] and [[Singapore]] and to most major Indian cities apart from tourist destinations like [[Lakshadweep]]. Kochi is also the headquarters of the [[Air India Express]] service. With a terminal area of {{convert|840000|sqft|abbr=on}}, and a passenger capacity of 2200 (international and domestic), it is the largest and busiest airport in the state.<ref name="CIAL Info">{{cite web| publisher=Airports Authority of India| url=http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/cochin_TI.jsp| title=CIAL Technical Information| access-date=13 October 2010| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720142555/http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/cochin_TI.jsp| archive-date=20 July 2011| df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is also the fourth busiest airport in India in terms of international passenger traffic, and seventh busiest overall.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2018/jan/07/cial-to-enhance-solar-power-generation-1747253.html|title=CIAL to enhance solar power generation|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|access-date=19 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119175554/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2018/jan/07/cial-to-enhance-solar-power-generation-1747253.html|archive-date=19 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/cial-hopeful-of-crossing-the-1-crore-passenger-milestone/articleshow/61625091.cms|title=Cial hopeful of crossing the 1-crore passenger milestone|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=19 January 2018}}</ref>

| image4    = Kochi Metro from Lulu Mall.jpg

Kochi is served by [[National Highway 66 (India)|National Highway 66]], [[National Highway 544 (India)|National Highway 544]], [[National Highway 966A (India)|National Highway 966A]] and [[National Highway 966B (India)|National Highway 966B]].<ref name="Golden Quadrilateral">{{cite web| publisher=National Highway Authority of India| url=http://www.nhai.org/images/Nov10/NSEW%20%20%20Eng%20.jpg| title=NS&EW Corridor Map| access-date=24 January 2011| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727123029/http://www.nhai.org/images/Nov10/NSEW%20%20%20Eng%20.jpg| archive-date=27 July 2011| df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="NSEW Chainage">{{cite web| publisher=National Highway Authority of India| url=http://www.nhai.org/chain_NS.asp| title=NS&EW Corridor Chainage Chart| access-date=24 January 2011| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820143051/http://www.nhai.org/chain_NS.asp| archive-date=20 August 2010| df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Four-laned NH47C">{{Cite news| work=The Hindu| url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/11/stories/2011021155350500.htm| title=A mammoth task achieved| access-date=22 March 2011| date=11 February 2011| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109013852/http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/11/stories/2011021155350500.htm| archive-date=9 November 2012| df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The city has four major railway stations – [[Ernakulam Junction]], [[Ernakulam Town]] (locally known as the ''South'' and ''North'' railway stations respectively), [[Aluva railway station|Aluva]] and [[Tripunithura railway station|Tripunithura]] followed by smaller stations, [[Edappally railway station|Edapally]] and Kalamassery. There is also the [[Cochin Harbour Terminus railway station|Cochin Harbour Terminus]] providing rail connectivity to the southern segment of the [[Port of Kochi]]. The terminus is currently under renovation for the suburban rail networks in the city. The main rail transport system in Kochi is operated by the [[Southern Railway Zone (India)|Southern Railway Zone]] of [[Indian Railways]], and comes under [[Thiruvananthapuram Railway division]]. The [[Ernakulam Junction|South]] station is one of the busiest railway stations in South India, with more than 128 scheduled train services daily.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://indiarailinfo.com/arrivals/52| title=Ernakulam Junction (South)/ERS Railway Station – Today's Train Arrival Timings – All Trains – India Rail Info – Database of Indian Railways Trains & Stations| publisher=India Rail Info| date=19 June 2010| access-date=14 October 2010| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713025143/http://indiarailinfo.com/arrivals/52| archive-date=13 July 2011| df=dmy-all}}</ref> The [[Ernakulam Town|North]] station situated on the northern side of the city, caters mostly to long-distance services that bypass the [[Ernakulam Junction|South]] station, and also is an additional halt station for many trains.

The [[Kochi Metro]] is a [[Rapid transit|metro rapid transit system]] serving the city of Kochi, intended to considerably ease traffic congestion in the city and its surrounding metropolitan area.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/07/stories/2010030761160300.htm/ |title=More funds for metro rail; sanction yet to be granted |work=The Hindu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805025944/http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/07/stories/2010030761160300.htm |archive-date=5 August 2011 }}</ref> It is being set up at an overall estimated cost of {{INR convert|5146|c|nolink=nos}}. The Phase-1 of the metro system will have 22 stations connecting the suburban towns of [[Aluva]] and Pettah while passing through downtown.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Kochi Metro Rail Ltd|url=http://www.kochimetro.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=27|title=Metro Stations|access-date=24 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328052413/http://www.kochimetro.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=27|archive-date=28 March 2012}}</ref>

{{See also|Cochin Jews|Saint Thomas Christians|Latin Church}}

Kochi's major religions are [[Hinduism]], [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]]. [[Jainism in Kerala|Jainism]], [[Judaism]], [[Sikhism]] and [[Buddhism]], with smaller followings, are also practised in Kochi. Though 44% practice Hinduism, Christianity's large following (38%) makes Kochi a city with one of the largest Christian populations in India.<ref name="Census GIS Household">

{{cite web|title=Census of India, 2011, Religion PCA|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/Religion_pca/RL-3200.xlsx|access-date=20 September 2020|publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India}}

</ref>

The majority of the city's residents are [[Malayali]]s. However, there are significant ethnic minority communities including [[Tamils]], [[Gujaratis]], [[Jews]], [[Anglo-Indian]]s, [[Sikhs]] and [[Konkani people|Konkanis]]<ref name="Jain Temple turns 100, Kerala">{{Cite news|work=The Hindu|url=http://www.hindu.com/lf/2004/11/25/stories/2004112501310200.htm|title=Jain Temple turns 100|access-date=1 March 2011|date=25 November 2004|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629042907/http://www.hindu.com/lf/2004/11/25/stories/2004112501310200.htm|archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="Kochi Sikh Community">{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/06/03/stories/2002060300240100.htm|title=The Punjabi part of Kochi|access-date=3 June 2002|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020615232412/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/06/03/stories/2002060300240100.htm|archive-date=15 June 2002}}</ref> Malayalam is the main language of communication and medium of instruction for primary education, although a number of schools do offer English medium education. The higher education is invariably in English medium, and it is the preferred language in business circles. [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Hindi]] are widely understood—albeit rarely spoken.

| caption2  = [[LuLu International Shopping Mall|LuLu Mall]] is one of the [[List of shopping malls in India|largest shopping malls]] in India

Kochi has a diverse, multicultural, and secular community consisting of Malayalis, Konkanis,<ref name="Konkani Library, Kochi">{{cite web|publisher=University of Chicago|url=https://coral.uchicago.edu:8443/display/lasa/Kerala+Konkani+Akademi+Library+(Kochi,+India)|title=Konkani Akademi Library|access-date=1 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725102924/https://coral.uchicago.edu:8443/display/lasa/Kerala+Konkani+Akademi+Library+(Kochi,+India)|archive-date=25 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="Konkanis in Kochi">{{Cite news|work=The Hindu|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/08/13/stories/2009081351590100.htm|title=Konkanis in Kochi|access-date=1 March 2011|date=13 August 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629043045/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/08/13/stories/2009081351590100.htm|archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> Gujaratis,<ref name="Jain Temple turns 100, Kerala"/> Bengalis,<ref name="Bengali Community, Kochi">{{Cite news|work=The Hindu|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/19/stories/2007101961831100.htm|title=Bengalis celebrate Durga Puja|access-date=1 March 2011|date=19 October 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629043058/http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/19/stories/2007101961831100.htm|archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> [[Ethnic groups in Kerala|Marathis]],<ref>{{Cite news|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/From-the-land-of-Marathas/article14469004.ece|title=From the land of Marathas|access-date=19 January 2018}}</ref> Punjabis,<ref name="Kochi Sikh Community"/><ref name="Sikh Community in Kochi">{{cite news |last=Rajagopal |first=Shyama |date=25 July 2008 |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/Sikhs-love-peace-loving-Kochi/article15265943.ece|title=Sikhs love peace-loving Kochi |access-date=1 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214003551/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/Sikhs-love-peace-loving-Kochi/article15265943.ece |archive-date=14 December 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Tamilians, Kannadigas, Biharias, Anglo Indians and a few families of Jews among other denominations. The city once had a large Jewish community, known as the ''Malabar Yehuden''—and now increasingly as [[Cochin Jews]]—who figured prominently in Kochi's business and economic strata<ref name="Jerusalem centre for Public Affairs">

Kochiites generally partake of [[Kerala cuisine|Keralite cuisine]], which is generally characterised by an abundance of [[coconut]] and [[spices]]. Other [[South Indian culture#Cuisine|South Indian]] cuisines, as well as [[Chinese cuisine|Chinese]] and [[Indian cuisine|North Indian]] cuisines are popular. Fast food culture is also very prominent.<ref name=" Fast food overtakes the spice route">{{cite news | url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/11/28/stories/2005112801410100.htm | title=Fast food overtakes the spice route | work=The Hindu | date=28 November 2005 | access-date=23 May 2006 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014191133/http://hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/11/28/stories/2005112801410100.htm | archive-date=14 October 2007 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Being a tourist hotspot, Fort Kochi have a number of restaurants that offer international cuisine, like Italian, French, Mexican etc. Being close to the ocean and the backwaters, Kochi has an abundance of seafood, which reflects in the cuisine. Cochin is also called the official food capital of Kerala with largest number of restaurants and cafeterias in Kerala that serves every kind of delicious cuisine. A service known as ''You Buy, We Cook'' is available at the waterfront of Fort Kochi, where the fresh seafood purchased from the nets is cooked as per the customers needs.<ref name="South India Handbook">{{cite book |last1= Bradnock|first1= Robert|last2= Bradnock|first2= Roma|title= South India handbook|url= https://archive.org/details/footprintsouthin00foot|url-access= registration|publisher= Footprint Travel Guides|year= 2000 |page = [https://archive.org/details/footprintsouthin00foot/page/255 255]}}</ref> Arabian food joints that serve [[Shawarma]] and roasted chicken are a new addition to the fast food scene in the city.

Kochi also has a number of shopping malls including [[Oberon Mall]], Gold Souk Grande, Bay Pride Mall, Centre Square Mall, [[Abad Nucleus Mall]] and [[LuLu International Shopping Mall|LuLu Mall]], which is one of the largest shopping malls in India in terms of total leasable area of {{convert|17|acres|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=nielargest>{{cite news|title=Biggest shopping mall in India opens in Kochi|url=http://newindianexpress.com/business/news/article1496045.ece|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=10 March 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524163220/http://newindianexpress.com/business/news/article1496045.ece|archive-date=24 May 2013}}</ref><ref name=thlargest>{{cite news|title=India's biggest shopping mall opens in Kochi|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/indias-biggest-shopping-mall-opens-in-kochi/article4496042.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=11 March 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516014736/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/indias-biggest-shopping-mall-opens-in-kochi/article4496042.ece|archive-date=16 May 2013}}</ref><ref name=dclargest>{{cite news|title=Kochi boasts of Asia's largest shopping mall |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130310/news-current-affairs/article/kochi-boasts-asia%E2%80%99s-largest-shopping-mall |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle |date=10 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525093655/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130310/news-current-affairs/article/kochi-boasts-asia%E2%80%99s-largest-shopping-mall |archive-date=25 May 2013 }}</ref> Various shopping malls are expected to open in the city in the near future including [[Forum Thomsun Mall]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kochi to get three more malls|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Kochi-to-get-three-more-malls/articleshow/19656867.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=12 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802234951/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Kochi-to-get-three-more-malls/articleshow/19656867.cms|archive-date=2 August 2017}}</ref>

Kochi also has the most [[five star hotel]]s in the state. These include international hotel brands like [[Crowne Plaza]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/kochi/cokch/hoteldetail | title=Crowne Plaza Kochi| publisher=[[InterContinental Hotels Group]]}}</ref> [[Marriott International]],<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cokmc-kochi-marriott-hotel| title=Kochi Marriott Hotel| publisher=[[Marriott International]]| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630022245/http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cokmc-kochi-marriott-hotel/| archive-date=30 June 2017| df=dmy-all| access-date=12 January 2018}}</ref> [[Grand Hyatt]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/india/grand-hyatt-kochi-bolgatty/cokgh| title=Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty | publisher=[[Hyatt]]}}</ref> [[Sheraton Hotels and Resorts|Sheraton]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cokfp-four-points-kochi-infopark| title=Four Points by Sheraton Kochi Infopark| publisher=[[Marriott International]]| access-date = 11 February 2019}}</ref> [[Le Méridien]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cokmd-le-meridien-kochi/| title=Le Méridien Kochi| publisher=[[Marriott International]]}}</ref> [[Radisson Blu]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-kochi| title=Radisson Blu Kochi| publisher=[[Radisson Blu]]| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113093039/https://www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-kochi| archive-date=13 January 2018| df=dmy-all| access-date=12 January 2018}}</ref> [[Holiday Inn]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/cochin/coker/hoteldetail| title=Welcome to Holiday Inn Cochin| publisher=[[InterContinental Hotels Group]]| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113093059/https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/cochin/coker/hoteldetail| archive-date=13 January 2018| df=dmy-all| access-date=12 January 2018}}</ref> [[Ramada]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/ramada/cochin-india/ramada-resort-cochin/overview| title=Ramada Resort Cochin| publisher=[[Wyndham Worldwide]]| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104193230/https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/ramada/cochin-india/ramada-resort-cochin/overview| archive-date=4 November 2017| df=dmy-all| access-date=12 January 2018}}</ref> [[Ibis (hotel)|Ibis]],<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.ibis.com/gb/hotel-7928-ibis-kochi-city-centre-/index.shtml| title=ibis Kochi City Centre| publisher=[[Ibis|Ibis (hotel)]]| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113093128/http://www.ibis.com/gb/hotel-7928-ibis-kochi-city-centre-/index.shtml| archive-date=13 January 2018| df=dmy-all| access-date=12 January 2018}}</ref> [[Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces|Taj Malabar]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-malabar-cochin/| title=Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin| publisher=[[Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces]]}}</ref> The Gateway<ref>{{cite web| url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/marine-drive-ernakulam| title=The Gateway Hotel Marine Drive Ernakulam| publisher=The Gateway Hotels and Resorts| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624103731/https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/marine-drive-ernakulam/| archive-date=24 June 2017| df=dmy-all| access-date=12 January 2018}}</ref> etc.

Kochi was home to some of the most influential figures in [[Malayalam literature]], including [[Changampuzha Krishna Pillai]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.keralasahityaakademi.org/sp/Writers/PROFILES/Changanpuzha/Html/Changanpuzhagraphy.htm|title=Changampuzha Krishna Pillai - Biography|website=www.keralasahityaakademi.org|access-date=15 January 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619124229/http://www.keralasahityaakademi.org/sp/Writers/PROFILES/Changanpuzha/Html/Changanpuzhagraphy.htm|archive-date=19 June 2017}}</ref> [[Kesari Balakrishna Pillai]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/kesari-a-documentary-on-kesari-balakrishna-pillai-by-k-r-manoj/article8528109.ece| title= History of ideas |newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=15 January 2018}}</ref> [[G. Sankara Kurup]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/a-house-for-a-poet/article7089536.ece|title=A house for a poet|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=15 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115185909/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/a-house-for-a-poet/article7089536.ece|archive-date=15 January 2018}}</ref> and [[Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/one-for-the-road/article5839510.ece|title=One for the road|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=15 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328103553/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/one-for-the-road/article5839510.ece|archive-date=28 March 2014}}</ref> Prominent social reformers such as [[Sahodaran Ayyappan]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/the-making-of-a-brotherhood-4697780/|title=The Making of a Brotherhood: An anti-caste communal feast in Kerala and its relevance in current culture wars|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=15 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116004227/http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/the-making-of-a-brotherhood-4697780/|archive-date=16 January 2018}}</ref> and [[Pandit Karuppan]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Sadasivan|first=S N|title=A Social History of India|year=2000|publisher=A P H Publishing Corporation|location=New Delhi|page=551|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Be3PCvzf-BYC&q=pandit+karuppan&pg=PA532|isbn=9788176481700|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227045417/https://books.google.com/books?id=Be3PCvzf-BYC#v=onepage&q=pandit%20karuppan&f=false|archive-date=27 December 2016}}</ref> also are from Kochi. The [[Kochi International Book Festival]] is an annual event.

In recent times, it has attracted many patients from India, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the United States looking for relatively inexpensive advanced medical care. Kochi is the only city from [[Kerala]] that have carried out successful heart transplantations.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/21/stories/2004122115190300.htm | work=The Hindu | title=Gift of life | date=21 December 2004 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108184759/http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/21/stories/2004122115190300.htm | archive-date=8 November 2012 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre]], [[Sunrise Hospital Kochi|Sunrise Hospital]], [[Specialist Hospital]], [[Medical Trust Hospital]], PVS Memorial Hospital, [[Renai medicity|Renai Medicity]], [[Lakeshore Hospital]], [[Lisie Hospital, Kochi|Lisie Hospital]], [[Aster Medcity]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.astermedcity.com|title=Top Angioplasty Surgery Hospital In Kerala, India, Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Asia|access-date=5 April 2015}}</ref> [[Rajagiri Hospital|Rajagiri Institute of Medical Sciences]] are some of the advanced tertiary/quaternary healthcare facilities in Kochi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.medicaltrusthospital.com|title=Medical Trust Hospital|access-date=5 April 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324032703/http://www.medicaltrusthospital.com/|archive-date=24 March 2015}}</ref> Other reputed institutions in the city include Ernakulam Medical Centre, [[KIMS Hospital]], Gautham Hospital, Lourdes Hospital and [[Saraf Hospital]]. Some of the reputed fertility related treatment centres in India – like Vijaya Hospital, Bourn Hall Clinic<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bournhall-clinic.in|title=Best IVF, Surrogacy and Infertility treatment clinic in India|work=Bourn hall IVF clinic|access-date=5 April 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315023605/http://www.bournhall-clinic.in/|archive-date=15 March 2015}}</ref> and CIMAR – are located in Kochi. [[General Hospital, Ernakulam]] and [[Government Medical College, Ernakulam]] are the notable medical institutions in the government sector in Kochi.

In August 2019, a home daycare program in the district, Arike has started for extending the service of the home palliative care. Nurses who have undergone training in palliative care will be reaching out to patients at home every day on two-wheelers. The service will be available to those who have registered with the General Hospital's home palliative care programme.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/home-palliative-day-care-service-launched/article28872337.ece|title=Home palliative day care service launched|publisher=[[The Hindu]]| date= 7 August 2019| access-date=9 August 2019}}</ref>

The pattern of primary education is essentially the same all over the state. There are government owned schools and government aided schools, which are affiliated to the [[Kerala State Education Board]]. A few privately owned schools are also affiliated to the system. Most of the schools owned by private organisations or individuals are affiliated to the [[Central Board of Secondary Education|Central Board for Secondary Education]] (CBSE).<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[National Informatics Centre]] |url=http://ernakulam.nic.in/cbsekv.htm |title=CBSE Schools in Ernakulam District |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704125639/http://ernakulam.nic.in/cbsekv.htm |archive-date=4 July 2017  }}</ref> [[Indian Certificate of Secondary Education]] (ICSE) have some schools affiliated to them as well.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/good-show-by-kochi-schools-in-icse-exams/article3444966.ece |title=Good show by Kochi schools in ICSE exams |access-date=15 January 2018}}</ref> The state education board offers both Malayalam and English medium instruction, while the other boards offer English medium alone. There are a few schools that follow international curricula, such as IB and IGCSE.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kerala-parents-opt-for-home-schools-for-their-children/articleshow/62262561.cms |title=Kerala parents opt for home-schools for their children |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115192103/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kerala-parents-opt-for-home-schools-for-their-children/articleshow/62262561.cms |archive-date=15 January 2018  }}</ref>

Being the seat of the [[High Court of Kerala]], several top legal education institutes are here. The [[Government Law College, Ernakulam|Government Law College-Ernakulam]] is one of the oldest law schools in Kerala.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/edu/2004/12/28/stories/2004122800050100.htm |title=Education Plus Thiruvananthapuram : In the name of law |work=The Hindu |date=28 December 2004 |access-date=14 October 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820172641/http://www.hindu.com/edu/2004/12/28/stories/2004122800050100.htm |archive-date=20 August 2010  }}</ref> The ''School of Legal Studies (SLS)'', [[CUSAT]] is one of the leading graduate, post-graduate, and research institutes in the country. The [[National University of Advanced Legal Studies]] (NUALS) is located in the city, which is a premier law university in India and the only Law college listed in CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) in Kerala.

}}</ref> The night shelter for women run by Kochi Municipal Corporation near [[Kerala State Road Transport Corporation]] bus stand provides free and safe accommodation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/09/15/stories/2003091500530200.htm |title=Keeping Kochi updated |work=The Hindu |date=19 January 2004 |access-date=2 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100810151044/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/09/15/stories/2003091500530200.htm |archive-date=10 August 2010  }}</ref> Peoples Council for Social Justice was found in 1985 under the patronage of Justice [[V. R. Krishna Iyer]] with the aim to work for human rights protection, free legal aid and to strive for social justice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kelsa.nic.in/accorg.htm |title=Accredited Organisations |publisher=KELSA |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203074014/http://www.kelsa.nic.in/accorg.htm |archive-date=3 December 2012  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://keralawomenscommission.gov.in/vanithaweb/images/pdf/serv.pdf |title=List of Service Providers |access-date=23 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124195736/http://keralawomenscommission.gov.in/vanithaweb/images/pdf/serv.pdf |archive-date=24 January 2011 }}</ref>

There are also people doing independent social services within the city. The Italian Sister Fabiola conducts a home at [[Fort Kochi]] known as "Ashwasa Bhavan", for young orphaned children.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://globalsistersreport.org/blog/q/ministry/q-sr-fabiola-fabbri-bringing-love-orphans-southern-india-43471|title=Q & A with Sr. Fabiola Fabbri, bringing love to orphans in southern India|newspaper=[[National Catholic Reporter]]|access-date=12 January 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113093026/http://globalsistersreport.org/blog/q/ministry/q-sr-fabiola-fabbri-bringing-love-orphans-southern-india-43471|archive-date=13 January 2018}}</ref> Br. Judson run his own "Mobile Bath Service" in his vehicle for the abandoned.<ref>{{cite web|author=Catholic Online |url=http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=19477 |title=Indian Catholic's 'mobile bathroom' serves sick, abandoned - International - Catholic Online |publisher=Catholic.org |date=17 April 2006 |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011192145/http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=19477 |archive-date=11 October 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/'Mobile+bath'+serves+the+sick+and+abandoned+in+southern+Indian+city.-a0145836561 |title='Mobile bath' serves the sick and abandoned in southern Indian city. - Free Online Library |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |date=5 May 2006 |access-date=12 November 2012}}</ref>

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Kochi houses several leading Malayalam television channels like ''[[Asianet Plus]]'', ''[[Flowers (TV channel)|Flowers]]'', ''[[Jeevan TV]]'', ''[[Mazhavil Manorama]]'', ''[[We TV (Indian TV channel)|Kairali We]]'', ''[[Manorama News]]'' and ''[[Reporter TV]]'' as well as major news bureaus of ''[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]]'', ''[[Kairali TV]]'', ''[[Amrita TV]]'' and ''[[Doordarshan]]''. [[Prasar Bharati]] maintains its earth station and broadcasting centre in Kakkanad, Kochi. Satellite television services are available through [[DD Direct+]], [[Dish TV]], [[Airtel digital TV]], [[Reliance Digital TV|Reliance DTH]], [[Sun Direct DTH]] and [[Tata Sky]]. FM radio channels broadcast from Kochi<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vipinmpd08.wordpress.com/all-stuffs/radio/ |title=Online Radio " Vipindas.co.nr |publisher=Vipinmpd08.wordpress.com |access-date=14 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227121346/http://vipinmpd08.wordpress.com/all-stuffs/radio/ |archive-date=27 February 2009 }}</ref> are [[All India Radio#South regional service|Rainbow FM]] (AIR) 101.9&nbsp;MHz, [[All India Radio#South regional service|AIR Kochi]] 102.3&nbsp;MHz, [[Club FM 94.3]] MHz,<ref name="Club FM">{{cite web|title=Club FM |url=http://clubfm.in/|publisher=Club FM |access-date=7 March 2011}}</ref> [[Radio Mango 91.9]]&nbsp;MHz,<ref name="Radio Mango Cochin">{{cite web|title=Radio Mango Cochin|url=http://www.radiomango.in/cgi-bin/fm.dll/FM/home.do?tabId=1&BV_ID=@@@|access-date=7 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312114947/http://www.radiomango.in/cgi-bin/fm.dll/FM/home.do?tabId=1&BV_ID=@@@|archive-date=12 March 2011}}</ref> [[Red FM 93.5]]&nbsp;MHz,<ref name="RED FM Kochi">{{cite web|title=RED FM Kochi|url=http://www.sunnetwork.org/redfm/kochi/index.asp|publisher=Kal Radio Limited|access-date=7 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707152436/http://www.sunnetwork.org/redfm/kochi/index.asp|archive-date=7 July 2011}}</ref> [[Radio Mirchi|Radio Mirchi 104.0]]&nbsp;MHz.<ref name="Radio Mirchi">{{cite web|title=Radio Mirchi Kochi Launches|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/biz/radio/private-fm-stations/160418-radio-mirchi-launches-kochi|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419155327/http://www.radioandmusic.com/biz/radio/private-fm-stations/160418-radio-mirchi-launches-kochi|archive-date=19 April 2016|access-date=10 June 2016}}</ref>

</ref><ref name="Chithranjali opens studio in Kochi ">

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</ref><ref name="Kochi sizzling onscreen ">

There are over 50 [[movie theater|cinema halls]] that screen movies in Malayalam, Tamil, English and Hindi. The city hosts Kerala's first cine multiplex, at the [[Oberon Mall]] with four screens. Gold Souk Grande also has a cine multiplex operated by Q cinemas with four screens. [[PVR Cinemas|PVR]] with 9 screens is another national multiplex brand that has presence in Kochi and is based out of [[LuLu International Shopping Mall]]. [[Cinepolis]] at Centre Square Mall with 11 screens is the first international megaplex brand in the state. 16 more multiplex screens are expected in the city in the near future.

Like elsewhere in Kerala, [[association football|football]] is the most passionate sport among locals. Kochi is home to two of India's major professional football teams, [[FC Kochin]] and [[Chirag United Club Kerala|Chirag United Kerala]] and also teams like Josco FC since 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cochinsquare.com/first-soccer-city-in-kochi/ |title=First Soccer City in Kochi &#124; Kochi Cochin News |publisher=Cochinsquare.com |date=30 April 2010 |access-date=14 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918230844/http://www.cochinsquare.com/first-soccer-city-in-kochi/ |archive-date=18 September 2010  }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/04/29/stories/2010042951760100.htm |title=Metro Plus Kochi : A home for Josco |work=The Hindu |date=29 April 2010 |access-date=14 October 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629043133/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/04/29/stories/2010042951760100.htm |archive-date=29 June 2011  }}</ref> In 2014, cricketer [[Sachin Tendulkar]] and [[PVP Ventures]] won the bid to own Kochi based football team, [[Kerala Blasters FC]] in the [[Indian Super League]]. Blasters reached the finals of Indian Super League in the [[2014 Indian Super League season|debut]] season as well as in the [[2016 Indian Super League season|2016 season]], finishing as runners-up on both occasions.

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India's third largest stadium and second largest cricket stadium, the [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi|Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium]] located in Kaloor, is a major facility for football and cricket.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.35thnationalgames.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=142&Itemid=54 |title=Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium |publisher=35th National Games |access-date=11 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630144529/http://www.35thnationalgames.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=142&Itemid=54 |archive-date=30 June 2017  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/specials/cricket/ipl2011/VenueDetails.aspx?venueid=73 |title=Nehru Stadium |publisher=Hindustantimes.com |date=11 April 2011 |access-date=11 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412225901/http://www.hindustantimes.com/specials/cricket/ipl2011/VenueDetails.aspx?venueid=73 |archive-date=12 April 2011 }}</ref> Recently, the stadium was renovated to facilitate more cricket tournaments as well as for hosting [[Indian Premier League|IPL Matches]]. Kochi was home to the [[Indian Premier League]] cricket team, the [[Kochi Tuskers]] which won franchise rights to play IPL which participated in the 2011 edition of IPL. Kochi is selected as one of the six host cities for the [[2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup]] to be held in India.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kochi to host U-17 FIFA World Cup matches |url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/sports/football/kochi-to-host-u-17-fifa-world-cup-matches.html |publisher=Manoramaonline |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408234845/http://english.manoramaonline.com/sports/football/kochi-to-host-u-17-fifa-world-cup-matches.html |archive-date= 8 April 2015 }}</ref> Because of this selection, huge investments and business opportunities are expected to come to the city.

The Maharaja's Stadium located on MG Road in the heart of the city, is the major athletic facility in the state with synthetic tracks and turf grass as per international standards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zimbio.com/COCHIN/articles/251/NEW+INTERNATIONAL+STADIUM+CONFIRMED+COME+ERNAKULAM |title=New International Stadium Confirmed To Come In Ernakulam (Cochin) – Cochin |publisher=Zimbio |access-date=14 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323165933/http://www.zimbio.com/COCHIN/articles/251/NEW%2BINTERNATIONAL%2BSTADIUM%2BCONFIRMED%2BCOME%2BERNAKULAM |archive-date=23 March 2010  }}</ref> The Ambedkar stadium, maintained by [[Greater Cochin Development Authority|GCDA]], will be developed exclusively for Football with funds from [[Government of Kerala]] and [[FIFA]].<ref name="Ambedkar stadium to be developed">{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article3230015.ece | work=The Hindu | title=Development should go beyond city limits | date=26 March 2012 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120804182551/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article3230015.ece | archive-date=4 August 2012 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Spanish club [[Real Madrid]] has proposed to set up a football school in Kochi.<ref name="Real Madrid football school in Kochi">{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/madrid-plan-to-open-football-school-in-kerala/244229-5-21.html |title=Real Madrid plan to open football school in Kerala- Football- IBNLive |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=30 March 2012 |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502165211/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/madrid-plan-to-open-football-school-in-kerala/244229-5-21.html |archive-date=2 May 2012 }}</ref>

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}}</ref> are located in the city. Both organisations conduct regular yachting tournaments. Kochi was the only Indian city chosen for stopover during the [[2008–09 Volvo Ocean Race|

Volvo Ocean Race 2008]].