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-#REDIRECT [[Kochi, India]]
+{{About|the city in India|the city in Japan|Kōchi, Kōchi|other uses}}
+{{Redirect|Cochin}}
+{{pp-protect|small=yes}}
+{{good article}}
+{{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
+{{Infobox settlement
+| name                            = Kochi
+| official_name                   =
+| native_name                     =
+| other_name                      = {{lang-en|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                       =
+| leader_title2                   = City Police Commissioner
+| leader_name2                    = C. H. Nagaraju IPS
+| 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}}), formerly known in English as '''Cochin''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|oʊ|tʃ|ɪ|n}} {{respell|KOH|chin}})<ref name="Makhdoom">{{cite book
+ | author = S. Muhammad Hussain Nainar | year=1942
+ | title= Tuhfat-al-Mujahidin: An Historical Work in The Arabic Language | publisher=University of Madras
+ | url= https://archive.org/details/Tuhfat-al-MujahidinAnHistoricalWorkInTheArabicLanguage
+}}</ref> is a major port city on the [[Malabar Coast]] of [[India]] bordering the [[Laccadive Sea]], which is 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;km<sup>2</sup> and a total urban population of more than of 2.1 million within an area of 440&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>, 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 | title=Steps to control pollution in Greater Kochi area mooted | date=20 September 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906195839/http://www.hindu.com/2010/09/20/stories/2010092058650300.htm |archive-date=6 September 2013 | work=[[The Hindu]] | 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]]. There are still buildings like the [[Old Harbour House]] from this period, some of which have been renovated in more recent times. 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>
+Kochi is known as the [[Financial centre|financial]],<ref name="Financial Capital">{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/setting-a-scorching-pace-the-metro-saga/article18717013.ece|title=Setting a scorching pace: the metro saga|access-date=22 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303164152/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/setting-a-scorching-pace-the-metro-saga/article18717013.ece|archive-date=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[Malayala Manorama]]|url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/2017/06/06/special-features-kochi-metro-three-coach-wonder.html|title=Check out the 10 novelties onboard Kochi Metro|access-date=23 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023064040/http://english.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/2017/06/06/special-features-kochi-metro-three-coach-wonder.html|archive-date=23 October 2017}}</ref> commercial<ref name="Commercial Capital">{{cite web|publisher=[[Kerala Tourism Development Corporation]]|url=http://www.keralatourism.org/kochi/|title=Cochin Chronicle -- Introduction|access-date=22 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022033650/http://www.keralatourism.org/kochi/|archive-date=22 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kochi-emerging-as-tier-2-destination-for-corporates/articleshow/57034187.cms|title=Kochi emerging as tier-2 destination for corporates|access-date=23 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023063614/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kochi-emerging-as-tier-2-destination-for-corporates/articleshow/57034187.cms|archive-date=23 October 2017}}</ref> and industrial<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[Kerala Tourism Development Corporation]]|url=http://www.keralatourism.org/kochi/industrial-capital-kochi.php|title=Industrial areas in Kochi|access-date=22 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022033715/http://www.keralatourism.org/kochi/industrial-capital-kochi.php|archive-date=22 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/lng-the-answer/article19699572.ece|title=LNG the answer?|access-date=23 October 2017}}</ref> capital of Kerala. It has the highest [[GDP]] as well as the highest [[List of Kerala cities by GDP per capita|GDP per capita]] in the state.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://spb.kerala.gov.in/ER2017/web_e/ch12.php?id=1&ch=12| title=National and State Income| publisher=[[Kerala State Planning Board]]| access-date=28 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://community.data.gov.in/top-5-districts-of-kerala-on-the-basis-of-gdp-at-current-price-from-2004-05-to-2012-13| title=Top 5 districts of Kerala on the basis of GDP at current price from 2004-05 to 2012-13| publisher=[[Government of India]]| access-date=28 August 2018}}</ref> The city is home to the [[Southern Naval Command]] of the [[Indian Navy]] and is the state headquarters<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiancoastguard.nic.in/IndianCoastGuard/RegionNews/Western%20Region/Org.htm |title=Indian Coast Guard. Regions. Western Region |publisher=Indiancoastguard.nic.in |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604052501/http://www.indiancoastguard.nic.in/IndianCoastGuard/RegionNews/Western%20Region/Org.htm |archive-date=4 June 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiancoastguard.nic.in/Indiancoastguard/org/org.html |title=Indian Coast Guard. Organization Structure |publisher=Indiancoastguard.nic.in |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031231809/http://indiancoastguard.nic.in/Indiancoastguard/org/org.html |archive-date=31 October 2012 }}</ref> of the [[Indian Coast Guard]] with an attached [[Squadron (aviation)|air squadron]], named ''Air Squadron 747''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiancoastguard.nic.in/Indiancoastguard/aviation/aviation.html |title=Indian Coast Guard. Aviation |publisher=Indiancoastguard.nic.in |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031231643/http://indiancoastguard.nic.in/Indiancoastguard/aviation/aviation.html |archive-date=31 October 2012 }}</ref> Commercial maritime facilities of the city include the [[Port of Kochi]], an [[International Container Transshipment Terminal, Kochi|International Container Transshipment Terminal]], the [[Cochin Shipyard]], offshore [[Single buoy mooring|SPM]] of the [[Kochi Refineries|BPCL Kochi Refinery]]<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/bpcl-rides-high-on-superior-returns-earnings-prospects/articleshow/52892928.cms |title=BPCL rides high on superior returns, earnings prospects |access-date=12 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112161451/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/bpcl-rides-high-on-superior-returns-earnings-prospects/articleshow/52892928.cms |archive-date=12 January 2018  }}</ref> and the [[Kochi Marina]]. Kochi is home for the [[International Pepper Exchange]], [[Marine Products Export Development Authority]], [[Coconut Development Board]], companies like [[Hindustan Machine Tools|HMT]], [[Apollo Tyres]] [[Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore|FACT]], [[Indian Rare Earths Limited|IREL]], [[Kochi LNG Terminal|Petronet LNG]], [[Kochi Refineries]], [[V-Guard Industries|V-Guard]] and industrial parks like the [[Cochin Special Economic Zone]], [[SmartCity, Kochi|Smart City]], [[InfoPark, Kochi|Infopark]] and [[Kinfra|Kinfra Hi-Tech Park]]. Kochi is home for the [[Kerala High Court|High Court of Kerala and Lakshadweep]], [[Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory]] , [[Indian Maritime University]], [[Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit|Sree Sankaracharya Sanskrit University]] and the [[Cochin University of Science and Technology]], [[National Law School]] and [[National University of Advanced Legal Studies]]. Kochi was earlier home to [[Cochin Stock Exchange]] (CSE).
+Kochi has been hosting India's first art biennale, the [[Kochi-Muziris Biennale]], since 2012, which attracts international artists and tourists.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Kochi Biennale Foundation |url=https://www.kochimuzirisbiennale.org/about-kbf/ |title=Facts about Kochi Biennale Foundation |access-date=9 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031012916/http://kochimuzirisbiennale.org/about-kbf/ |archive-date=31 October 2014  }}</ref>
+==Etymology==
+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 [[Arab]] merchants called this place ''Kashi'', which is seen in the books such as ''[[Tuhfat Ul Mujahideen]]''.<ref name="Makhdoom"/> The origin of the name ''Kochi'' is thought to be the [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] word ''kochu azhi'', meaning 'small lagoon'. 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>
+==History==
+{{Main|History of Kochi}}
+{{See also|Kingdom of Cochin}}
+<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:"Infopark-Smartcity Expressway,From Kakkanad,sept 2013.jpeg|thumb|right|[[Smartcity]] [[Infopark]]Expressway]] -->
+[[Muziris]], a port somewhere north of Kochi (mostly identified with [[Kodungallur]] in [[Thrissur district]]), was the centre of Indian [[spice trade]] for many centuries, and was known to the [[Arab]]s, [[Yavanas]] ([[Ancient Greece|Greeks]] and [[Ancient Rome|Romans]]) as well as [[Jews]], Syrians, and Chinese since [[Ancient history|ancient times]].<ref name="Ernakulam Portal">{{cite web
+ |publisher   = National Informatics Centre
+ |work        = Ernakulam Portal
+ |url         = http://ernakulam.nic.in/history.htm
+ |title       = History of Ernakulam
+ |access-date  = 23 May 2006
+|url-status     = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20071115160050/http://ernakulam.nic.in/history.htm
+ |archive-date = 15 November 2007
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref> Kochi 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 }}
+</ref> The earliest documented references to Kochi occur in books written by Chinese voyager [[Ma Huan]] during [[Treasure voyages|his visit to Kochi in the 15th century]] as part of Admiral [[Zheng He]]'s treasure fleet.<ref name="mahuan">{{Cite book
+|author=[[Ma Huan]]: Ying Yai Sheng Lan
+|others= translated by J.V.G. Mills
+|year = 1970
+|title = The Overall Survey of the Ocean's Shores
+|publisher=[[Hakluyt Society]], White Lotus Press
+|isbn = 974-8496-78-3
+}}
+</ref> There are also references to Kochi in accounts written by Italian traveller [[Niccolò Da Conti]], who visited Kochi in 1440.<ref name="[[Niccolò di Conti]]">{{cite web
+ |publisher=win.tue.nl
+ |work=Niccolò di Conti
+ |url=http://www.win.tue.nl/~engels/discovery/conti.html
+ |title=Accounts of Nicolo de' Conti (ca. 1395–1469)
+ |access-date=23 May 2006
+|url-status=dead
+ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221064823/http://www.win.tue.nl/~engels/discovery/conti.html
+ |archive-date=21 February 2013
+}}
+</ref> The ruler of [[Perumpadappu, Malappuram|Perumpadappu]] (near [[Ponnani]]) fled to [[Kodungallur]] in the early medieval period, when the [[Zamorin of Calicut]] annexed [[Ponnani]] region, after [[Tirunavaya]] war.<ref name="askh">A Survey of Kerala History, A. Sreedhara Menon, DC Books, Kottayam (2007)</ref> They later moved to Kochi and established the [[Kingdom of Cochin]].<ref name="askh"/> When [[Vasco Da Gama]] landed at [[Kozhikode]] and the [[Zamorin of Calicut]] fought against the Portuguese with [[Kunjali Marakkar]]s, who were the [[Muslim]] naval chiefs of Zamorin, the ruler of Cochin aligned with the Portuguese.<ref name="askh"/>
+[[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.]]
+On the [[Malabar region|Malabar]] coast during the early 15th century, [[Kozhikode|Calicut]] and Kochi were in an intense rivalry, so the [[Ming dynasty]] of China decided to intervene by granting special status to Kochi and its ruler known as ''Keyili'' (可亦里) to the Chinese.<ref name=sen16-616-7>{{cite journal |last1=Sen |first1=Tansen |title=The Impact of Zheng He's Expeditions on Indian Ocean Interactions |journal=Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies |date=2016 |volume=79 |issue=3 |doi=10.1017/S0041977X16001038| pages=616–617}}.</ref> Calicut had been the dominant port-city in the region, but Kochi was emerging as its main rival.<ref name=sen16-616-7/> For the fifth [[Ming treasure voyage]], Admiral [[Zheng He]] was instructed to confer a seal upon ''Keyili'' of Kochi and enfeoff a mountain in his kingdom as the ''Zhenguo Zhi Shan'' (鎮國之山, Mountain Which Protects the Country).<ref name=sen16-616-7/> Zheng He delivered a stone tablet, inscribed with a proclamation composed by the [[Yongle Emperor]] himself, to Kochi.<ref name=sen16-616-7/> As long as Kochi remained under the protection of Ming China, the [[Zamorin of Calicut]] was unable to invade Kochi and a military conflict was averted.<ref name=sen16-616-7/> The cessation of the [[Ming treasure voyages]] consequently had negative results for Kochi, as the Zamorin of Calicut would eventually launch an invasion against Kochi.<ref name=sen16-616-7/> In the late 15th century, the Zamorin occupied Kochi and installed his representative as the king of the port-city.<ref name=sen16-616-7/>
+[[File:Periplous of the Erythraean Sea.svg|left|thumbnail|Names, routes and locations of the ''[[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]'' (1st century CE)]]
+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">{{cite web|author=C. M. Dinesh Mani, Mayor(2000–2005)|title=Cochin|url=http://www.corporationofcochin.net/Cochin.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719135707/http://www.corporationofcochin.net/Cochin.pdf|archive-date=19 July 2011|access-date=11 October 2010|work=Cochin (A Monograph)|publisher=Corporation of Kochi}}</ref> 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.
+The port at [[Kozhikode]] held superior economic and political position in medieval Kerala coast, while [[Kannur]], [[Kollam]], and Kochi, were commercially important secondary ports, where the traders from various parts of the world would gather.<ref name="Malekandathil">''The Portuguese, Indian Ocean and European Bridgeheads 1500–1800''. Festschrift in Honour of Prof. K. S. Mathew (2001). Edited by: Pius Malekandathil and T. Jamal Mohammed. Fundacoa Oriente. Institute for Research in Social Sciences and Humanities of MESHAR (Kerala)</ref> The Portuguese arrived at [[Kappad]] [[Kozhikode]] in 1498 during the [[Age of Discovery]], thus opening a direct sea route from [[Europe]] to [[India]].<ref>DC Books, Kottayam (2007), A. Sreedhara Menon, A Survey of Kerala History</ref> 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]], [[Muslim]] [[Mappila]]s, and the [[Cochin Jews|Jews]], as the [[Goa Inquisition|Inquisition]] was active in [[Portuguese India]]. The ruler of the [[Kingdom of Tanur]], who was a vassal to the [[Zamorin of Calicut]], sided with the Portuguese, against his overlord at [[Kozhikode]].<ref name="askh"/> As a result, the [[Kingdom of Tanur]] (''[[Tirur Taluk|Vettathunadu]]'') became one of the earliest Portuguese Colonies in India. The ruler of [[Tanur, Malappuram|Tanur]] also sided with [[Kingdom of Cochin|Cochin]].<ref name="askh"/> Many of the members of the royal family of Cochin in 16th and 17th centuries were selected from [[Vettom Grama Panchayath|Vettom]].<ref name="askh"/> However, the [[Tanur, Malappuram|Tanur]] forces under the king fought for the Zamorin of Calicut in the [[Battle of Cochin (1504)]].<ref name="Logan">{{Cite book|title=Malabar Manual (Volume-I)|last=Logan|first=William|publisher=Asian Educational Services|year=2010|isbn=9788120604476|location=New Delhi|pages=631–666}}</ref>  However, the allegiance of the [[Mappila]] merchants in [[Tanur, Malappuram|Tanur]] region still stayed under the [[Zamorin of Calicut]].<ref name="Makhdoom"/> 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
+ |publisher   = [[Department of Tourism (Kerala)|Department of Tourism, Kerala]]
+ |url         = http://www.keralatourism.org/kochi/st-francis-church.php
+ |title       = St. Francis Church in Ernakulam
+ |access-date  = 19 January 2018
+|url-status  = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20180119175542/http://www.keralatourism.org/kochi/st-francis-church.php
+ |archive-date = 19 January 2018
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}</ref> The Portuguese rule was followed by that of the Dutch who renamed Fort Immanuel as Fort Stormsburg. In meantime, the Royal Family of Kochi relocated the capital of Kochi Kingdom to [[Thrissur]], leaving nominal authority over Islands of Kochi. In 1664, Fort Kochi Municipality was established by Dutch, making it the first municipality in Indian subcontinent, which got dissolved when Dutch authority got weaker in the 18th century. The remaining part of Kochi were governed by governors of Kochi Kingdom. By 1773, the [[Kingdom of Mysore|Mysore]] ruler [[Hyder Ali]] extended his conquest in the [[Malabar region]] to Kochi forcing it to become a tributary of [[Mysore]]. The hereditary Prime Ministership of Kochi held by the [[Paliath Achan]]s ended during this period.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://ernakulam.nic.in/kochi.html| title=Kochi 'Queen Of Arabian Sea'| publisher=[[National Informatics Centre]]| access-date=8 January 2018| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607151236/http://ernakulam.nic.in/kochi.html| archive-date=7 June 2017| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
+[[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]].]]
+Meanwhile, the Dutch, fearing an outbreak of war on the [[Dutch Republic|United Provinces]], signed the [[Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814]] with the United Kingdom, under which Kochi was ceded to the United Kingdom in exchange for the island of [[Bangka Island|Bangka]], east of [[Sumatra]]. However, there are evidences of English habitation in the region even before the signing of the treaty.<ref name="charitram">
+{{Cite book
+|author=KP Padmanabha Menon.
+|year = 1914
+|title =Kochi Rajyacharithram
+}}
+</ref> In 1866, [[Fort Kochi]] municipality was reinstalled. [[Fort Kochi]], which was a part of [[Malabar District]] until 1956, was made a municipality on 1 November 1866,  along with [[Kannur]], [[Thalassery]], [[Kozhikode]], and [[Palakkad]], according to the Madras Act 10 of 1865 (Amendment of the Improvements in Towns act 1850)<ref name="Ref1">{{cite web|url=http://www.lawmin.nic.in/chronology.doc |title=CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF CENTRAL ACTS (Updated up to 17-10-2014) |website=Lawmin.nic.in |access-date=2016-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Lewis McIver |first1=G. Stokes |title=Imperial Census of 1881 Operations and Results in the Presidency of Madras |date=1883 |publisher=E.Keys at the Government Press |location=Madras |page=444 |edition=(Vol II) |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Imperial_Census_of_1881/b_YIAAAAQAAJ?hl=en |access-date=5 December 2020}}</ref><ref name="google.co.in">{{cite book |last1=Presidency |first1=Madras (India |title=Madras District Gazetteers, Statistical Appendix For Malabar District. |date=1915 |publisher=The Superintendent, Government Press |location=Madras |page=20 |edition=Vol.2 |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Madras_district_gazetteers_Malabar_distr/aUEwnQEACAAJ?hl=en |access-date=2 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=HENRY FROWDE, M.A. |first1=Imperial Gazetteer of India |title=Imperial Gazetteer of India |date=1908–1909 |publisher=Clarendon Press |location=Oxford |edition=New |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/ |access-date=2 December 2020}}</ref> of the [[British Indian Empire]]. 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>
+[[File:Kochi Jewish Synagogue B.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Paradesi Synagogue]] is the oldest active synagogue in both India and the [[Commonwealth of Nations]].]]
+In 1925, Kochi legislative assembly was constituted due to public pressure on the state. Towards the early 20th century, trade at the port had increased substantially, and the need to develop the port was greatly felt. Harbour engineer [[Robert Bristow (engineer)|Robert Bristow]] was brought to Kochi in 1920 under the direction of [[Freeman Freeman-Thomas, 1st Marquess of Willingdon|Lord Willingdon]], then the Governor of [[Madras Presidency|Madras]]. In a span of 21 years, he transformed Kochi as one of the safest harbours in the peninsula, where ships berthed alongside the newly reclaimed inner harbour equipped with a long array of steam cranes.<ref name="ekm-safe">
+{{cite web
+ |publisher=Government of Kerala
+ |work=Official website of Ernakulam District
+ |url=http://www.ekm.kerala.gov.in/places.htm
+ |title=Cochin Harbour and Willingdon Island
+ |access-date=21 August 2006
+|url-status=dead
+ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061107141411/http://www.ekm.kerala.gov.in/places.htm
+ |archive-date= 7 November 2006
+}}
+</ref>
+In 1947, when India gained independence from the [[British colonial rule]], Cochin was the first [[princely state]] to join India willingly.<ref name="Corporation of Kochi" />
+In 1949, [[Travancore-Cochin]] state came into being with the merger of Cochin and [[Travancore]]. The King of Travancore was the [[Rajpramukh]] of the [[Travancore-Cochin Union]] from 1949 to 1956. Travancore-Cochin, was in turn merged with the [[Malabar district]] of the [[Madras State]]. Finally, the [[Government of India]]'s [[States Reorganisation Act]] (1956) inaugurated a new state—Kerala—incorporating Travancore-Cochin (excluding the four southern Taluks which were merged with [[Tamil Nadu]]), Malabar District, and the [[tehsil|taluk]] of [[Kasaragod taluk|Kasargod]], [[South Kanara]].<ref name="lonelyplanet">
+{{Cite book
+|author=Plunkett, R, Cannon, T, Davis, P, Greenway, P & Harding
+|year = 2001
+|title = Lonely Planet South India
+|isbn=1-86450-161-8}}
+</ref> On 9 July 1960 the [[Mattancherry]] council passed a resolution—which was forwarded to the government—requesting the formation of a [[municipal corporation]] by combining the existing municipalities of [[Fort Kochi]], [[Mattancherry]], and [[Ernakulam]]. The government appointed a commission to study the feasibility of the suggested merger. Based on its report, the [[Kerala Legislative Assembly]] approved the corporation's formation. On 1 November 1967, exactly eleven years since the establishment of the state of Kerala, the [[Kochi Municipal Corporation]] came into existence. The merger leading to the establishment of the corporation, was between the [[municipalities]] of Ernakulam, Mattancherry and [[Fort Kochi]], along with that of the [[Willingdon Island]], four [[panchayat]]s ([[Palluruthy]], [[Vennala]], [[Vyttila]] and [[Edappally]]), and the small islands of [[Gundu Island|Gundu]] and [[Ramanthuruth]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Academy |first=Students |title=Kochi-The Small Lagoon |publisher=[[Lulu (company)|Lulu Press, Inc]] |page=25 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ONgFAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303164152/https://books.google.com/books?id=ONgFAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA25&lpg=PA25 |archive-date=3 March 2018  |isbn=9781257094110 }}</ref>
+Kochi and [[Ernakulam]] district formed on 1 April 1958 carving areas of erstwhile Travancore-Kochi-Malabar regions. 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">
+{{cite web
+ |publisher=Govt. of Kerala
+ |title=Statistical data
+ |url=http://www.kerala.gov.in/statistical/panchayat_statistics2001/ekm_shis.htm
+ |access-date=22 August 2006
+|url-status=dead
+ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060528151219/http://www.kerala.gov.in/statistical/panchayat_statistics2001/ekm_shis.htm
+ |archive-date=28 May 2006
+}}
+</ref>
+==Geography and climate==
+{{Main|Geography of Kochi}}
+[[File:ThevaraDSW.jpg|thumb|800px|center|<center>A view of [[Thevara]] from Kundannur bridge.</center>]]
+=== Geography ===
+Kochi is located on the southwest coast of India at {{Coord|9|58|N|76|13|E}}, with a corporation limit area of 94.88&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> (36.63 sq mi).<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[Kochi Municipal Corporation]]|title=Cochin City Profile|url=https://cochinmunicipalcorporation.kerala.gov.in/documents/10157/32ef97a6-beb2-45ab-b6c1-20c0759023fd|access-date=15 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303164100/https://cochinmunicipalcorporation.kerala.gov.in/documents/10157/32ef97a6-beb2-45ab-b6c1-20c0759023fd|archive-date=3 March 2018}}</ref> Over the years, the city has expanded considerably outside the corporation limit set in 1967, although the official city limits hasn't yet been increased.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jnnurm.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/KOCHICDP.pdf#page=7 |publisher= [[Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission]]| title=Kochi City Development Plan |access-date=19 January 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803123428/http://jnnurm.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/KOCHICDP.pdf#page=7 |archive-date=3 August 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lsg.kerala.gov.in/htm/CDPKochi/Executive%20Summary.htm |title=Govt of Kerala, CDP Kochi |access-date=21 January 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412053245/http://www.lsg.kerala.gov.in/htm/CDPKochi/Executive%20Summary.htm |archive-date=12 April 2010 }}</ref> The city straddles the backwaters, encompassing the northern end of a peninsula, several islands and a portion of the mainland. To the west lies the [[Laccadive Sea]], and to the east is the urbanised region in the rest of the mainland area. Much of Kochi lies at sea level, with a coastline of 48&nbsp;km.<ref name="Corporation of Kochi" />
+The current metropolitan limits of Kochi include the mainland [[Ernakulam]], [[Fort Kochi]], the suburbs of [[Edapally]], [[Kalamassery]], [[Aluva]] and [[Kakkanad]] to the northeast; [[Tripunithura]] to the southeast; and a group of islands closely scattered in the [[Vembanad Lake]]. The state government and the GCDA have plans to include [[Mala, Kerala|Mala]] and [[Kodungallur]] in Thrissur district, [[Angamaly]], [[Perumbavoor]], [[Piravom]] and [[Kolenchery]] in Ernakulam district, [[Thalayolaparambu]] and [[Vaikom]] in Kottayam and [[Cherthala]] in Alappuzha district within Kochi metropolitan limits. The newly formed metropolis would be put under the charge of a new authority called Kochi Metropolitan Regional Development Authority.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130212/news-current-affairs/article/metro-status-kochi-soon |title=Metro status for Kochi soon |access-date=12 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426072151/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130212/news-current-affairs/article/metro-status-kochi-soon |archive-date=26 April 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article1459708.ece|title=Kochi forward for Metro status|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=5 April 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418084918/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article1459708.ece|archive-date=18 April 2015}}</ref> However, ''The Hindu'' reported that the state government is yet to take any concrete steps in this regard.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/metro-status-eludes-kochi-as-government-drags-its-feet/article4611185.ece | work=The Hindu | title=Metro status eludes Kochi as government drags its feet | date=13 April 2013 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414194234/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/metro-status-eludes-kochi-as-government-drags-its-feet/article4611185.ece | archive-date=14 April 2013 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
+Soil consists of [[sediment]]s such as [[alluvium]], teris, brown sands, etc. Hydromorphic [[Soil salinity|saline soils]] are also found in the areas surrounding the backwaters.<ref name="Corporation of Kochi" />
+Predominant rock types found here are [[Archean|Archaean]]-basic [[Dike (geology)|dykes]], [[Charnockite]]s and [[Gneiss]]es. An ecologically sensitive area, the [[Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary]] is located in the central part of the city. It has a wide range of mangrove species and is a nesting ground for a vast variety of migratory birds.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[Kerala Tourism Development Corporation]]|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/kerala-article/mangalavanam-bird-sanctuary/181/|title=Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary|access-date=10 January 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110174456/https://www.keralatourism.org/kerala-article/mangalavanam-bird-sanctuary/181/|archive-date=10 January 2018}}</ref>
+Kochi's water needs are entirely dependent on ground water and the two rivers flowing through the district viz., [[Periyar (river)|Periyar]] and [[Muvattupuzha]]. Periyar serves the entire northern part of the city<ref>{{cite web |url= http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/11646/9/09%20ch.2.pdf |title= Growth response of phytoplankton exposed to industrial effluents in River Periyar |publisher= [[CUSAT]] |access-date= 12 January 2018 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180113093002/http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/11646/9/09%20ch.2.pdf |archive-date= 13 January 2018 |df= dmy-all }}</ref> whereas [[Muvattupuzha]] river under the JnNurm project covers the western part.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/west-kochi-water-project-to-be-commissioned-tomorrow/article19362432.ece |title= West Kochi water project to be commissioned tomorrow |newspaper= [[The Hindu]] |access-date= 12 January 2018 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180303164152/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/west-kochi-water-project-to-be-commissioned-tomorrow/article19362432.ece |archive-date= 3 March 2018 |df= dmy-all }}</ref>
+===Climate===
+Under the [[Köppen climate classification]], Kochi features a [[tropical monsoon climate]] (''Am''). Kochi's proximity to the equator along with its coastal location results in little seasonal temperature variation, with moderate to high levels of humidity. Annual temperatures range between {{convert|23|and|31|C|F}} with the record high being {{convert|36.5|°C|°F|abbr=on}}, and record low {{convert|16.3|°C|°F|abbr=on}}.<ref name=IMDextremes />
+From June to September, the [[monsoon|south-west monsoon]] brings in heavy rains as Kochi lies on the windward side of the [[Western Ghats]]. From October to December, Kochi receives lighter (yet significant) rain from the northeast monsoon, as it lies on the leeward side. Average annual rainfall is {{convert|3,014.8|mm|abbr=on}}, with an annual average of 124 rainy days.<ref name=IMDnormals />
+{{Weather box
+| location = Kochi ([[INS Venduruthy|Kochi Naval Base]]) 1981–2010, extremes 1951–2012
+| metric first = Yes
+| single line = Yes
+| temperature colour =
+| Jan record high C = 36.4
+| Feb record high C = 35.7
+| Mar record high C = 36.0
+| Apr record high C = 36.5
+| May record high C = 35.2
+| Jun record high C = 34.2
+| Jul record high C = 33.1
+| Aug record high C = 32.5
+| Sep record high C = 34.2
+| Oct record high C = 34.6
+| Nov record high C = 35.0
+| Dec record high C = 35.2
+| year record high C = 36.5
+| Jan high C = 31.9
+| Feb high C = 32.0
+| Mar high C = 32.6
+| Apr high C = 33.0
+| May high C = 32.4
+| Jun high C = 30.3
+| Jul high C = 29.6
+| Aug high C = 29.5
+| Sep high C = 30.2
+| Oct high C = 30.7
+| Nov high C = 31.3
+| Dec high C = 31.9
+| year high C = 31.3
+| Jan low C = 23.0
+| Feb low C = 24.2
+| Mar low C = 25.5
+| Apr low C = 25.9
+| May low C = 25.7
+| Jun low C = 24.2
+| Jul low C = 23.8
+| Aug low C = 24.0
+| Sep low C = 24.2
+| Oct low C = 24.1
+| Nov low C = 24.1
+| Dec low C = 23.2
+| year low C = 24.3
+| Jan record low C = 16.5
+| Feb record low C = 16.3
+| Mar record low C = 21.6
+| Apr record low C = 21.2
+| May record low C = 21.1
+| Jun record low C = 20.4
+| Jul record low C = 17.6
+| Aug record low C = 20.6
+| Sep record low C = 21.1
+| Oct record low C = 19.2
+| Nov record low C = 19.2
+| Dec record low C = 17.7
+| year record low C = 16.3
+| rain colour = green
+| Jan rain mm = 24.3
+| Feb rain mm = 27.1
+| Mar rain mm = 45.0
+| Apr rain mm = 113.1
+| May rain mm = 284.5
+| Jun rain mm = 700.3
+| Jul rain mm = 575.5
+| Aug rain mm = 378.8
+| Sep rain mm = 310.3
+| Oct rain mm = 366.6
+| Nov rain mm = 150.4
+| Dec rain mm = 39.0
+| year rain mm = 3014.8
+| Jan rain days = 1.1
+| Feb rain days = 1.2
+| Mar rain days = 2.6
+| Apr rain days = 6.9
+| May rain days = 11.0
+| Jun rain days = 23.0
+| Jul rain days = 22.8
+| Aug rain days = 19.0
+| Sep rain days = 13.4
+| Oct rain days = 14.2
+| Nov rain days = 7.2
+| Dec rain days = 1.8
+| year rain days = 124.1
+|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
+| Jan humidity = 61
+| Feb humidity = 65
+| Mar humidity = 68
+| Apr humidity = 70
+| May humidity = 73
+| Jun humidity = 82
+| Jul humidity = 83
+| Aug humidity = 82
+| Sep humidity = 79
+| Oct humidity = 77
+| Nov humidity = 72
+| Dec humidity = 64
+|year humidity = 73
+|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDextremes>
+{{cite web
+| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
+| archive-date = 5 February 2020
+| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
+| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)
+| publisher = India Meteorological Department
+| date = December 2016
+| page = M107
+| access-date = 29 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDnormals>
+{{cite web
+| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
+| archive-date = 5 February 2020
+| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
+| title = Station: Cochin (N.A.S) Climatological Table 1981–2010
+| work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010
+| publisher = India Meteorological Department
+| date = January 2015
+| pages = 201–202
+| access-date = 29 February 2020}}</ref>
+}}
+==Civic administration==
+{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; text-align:center; width:230px; margin:0 0 0 1em;"
+|-
+!colspan=2|Kochi Municipal Corporation officials
+|-
+|Mayor
+|Soumini Jain
+|-
+|[[Deputy Mayor]]
+|T J Vinod
+|-
+|[[Police Commissioner]]
+|M.P.Dinesh IPS
+|}
+{{multiple image
+| align     = right
+| direction = vertical
+| image1    = Ernakulam Town Hall.JPG
+| width1    = 220
+| alt1      =
+| caption1  = [[Kochi Municipal Corporation]] Town Hall
+| image2    = High_Court_of_Kerala_Building.jpg
+| width2    = 220
+| alt2      =
+| caption2  = The [[Kerala High Court|High Court of Kerala]] located in the city is the highest court in [[Kerala]]
+}}
+The city is governed by the [[Corporation of Kochi|Kochi Corporation]], headed by a [[mayor]]. For administrative purposes, the city is divided into 74 [[Ward (country subdivision)|wards]],<ref name="Corporation Wards">{{cite web|publisher=Kochi Municipal Corporation |url=http://www.corporationofcochin.net/files/DivisionMap_2010_Revised_Cochin.pdf |title=Kochi Municipal Corporation, Division Map |access-date=3 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105233225/http://www.corporationofcochin.net/files/DivisionMap_2010_Revised_Cochin.pdf |archive-date= 5 November 2010 }}</ref> from which the members of the corporation council are elected for five years. Earlier; [[Fort Cochin|Fort Kochi]], Mattancherry and Ernakulam were the three Municipalities in Cochin area, which was later merged to form the Cochin Corporation. The Corporation has its headquarters in Ernakulam, and zonal offices at [[Fort Kochi]], Mattancherry, [[Palluruthy]], [[Edappally]] and [[Pachalam]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Kochi Municipal Corporation]] |url=https://cochinmunicipalcorporation.kerala.gov.in/web/guest/camp-office |title=Zonal Office |access-date=11 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165310/https://cochinmunicipalcorporation.kerala.gov.in/web/guest/camp-office |archive-date=11 January 2018  }}</ref> The general administration of the city is handled by the Personnel Department and the Council Standing committee Section.<ref name="Academy 30">{{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=PA30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303164152/https://books.google.com/books?id=ONgFAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA30&lpg=PA30 |archive-date=3 March 2018  |isbn=9781257094110 }}</ref> Other departments include that of [[Urban planning|town planning]], health, engineering, revenue and accounts. The corporation is also responsible for [[waste disposal]] and sewage management. The city produces more than 600 tons of waste per day and a large portion of waste is decomposed at Brahmapuram Soild Waste plant into organic manure.<ref name="Academy 30"/> The supply of [[potable water]], sourced from the [[Periyar River]] is handled by Kerala Water Authority with support of Water works department of Kochi Corporation.<ref name="watersource">
+{{Cite news
+ |url         = http://www.hindu.com/2003/09/09/stories/2003090907690300.htm
+ |title       = Private firm allowed to draw Periyar water
+ |date        = 9 September 2003
+|access-date  = 22 August 2006
+|url-status     = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20071001031905/http://www.hindu.com/2003/09/09/stories/2003090907690300.htm
+ |archive-date = 1 October 2007
+|work        = [[The Hindu]]
+ |df          = dmy-all
+}}</ref> Electricity is provided by the [[Kerala State Electricity Board]].
+The [[Greater Cochin Development Authority|GCDA]] and [[Goshree Islands Development Authority|GIDA]] are the government agencies initiating and monitoring the development of [[Greater Cochin]] area, mainly in developing infrastructure facilities for the city.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Greater Cochin Development Authority]] |url=http://gcda.kerala.gov.in/aboutus |title=About |access-date=11 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802162304/http://gcda.kerala.gov.in/aboutus |archive-date=2 August 2017  }}</ref>
+===Law and order===
+Kochi is the seat of [[Kerala High Court|High Court of Kerala]], the highest judicial body in the state of Kerala. The [[Kochi City Police]] is headed by a [[Police Commissioner]], an [[Indian Police Service]] (IPS) officer. The city is divided into five zones and each zone under a circle officer. Apart from regular law & order, the city police comprises the Traffic Police, Narcotics Cell, Riot horse, Armed Reserve Camps, District Crime Records Bureau and a [[Women's Police station]].<ref name="KCP">
+{{cite web
+ |publisher=Kochi City Police
+ |url=http://kochicitypolice.org/organizational-chart.htm
+ |title=Organisational chart
+ |access-date=22 August 2006
+|url-status=dead
+ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060824052900/http://www.kochicitypolice.org/organizational-chart.htm
+ |archive-date=24 August 2006
+}}</ref> It operates 19 police stations functioning under the Home Ministry of [[Government of Kerala]]. An [[Political corruption|anti-corruption]] branch of the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] also operates out of the city. [[Central Industrial Security Force|CISF]] maintains 3 squadrons for providing security to various central and state heavy industries, airport and seaport zones. Other major central agencies are [[National Investigation Agency|NIA]], [[Directorate of Revenue Intelligence|DRI]] and [[Indian Revenue Service|Indian Customs]] due to the presence of major port. According to [[National Crime Records Bureau]] (NCRB), Kochi reported significant increase of 193.7 per cent IPC crimes in 2010 compared to 2009, and reported a crime rate of 1,897.8 compared to the 424.1 in whole Kerala.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/article2577288.ece | work=The Hindu | first=S. Anil | last=Radhakrishnan | title=Alarming crime rate in Kochi | date=28 October 2011 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031190040/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/article2577288.ece | archive-date=31 October 2011 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> However, the city [[Police commissioner#India|police commissioner]] defended that in major crimes such as murders and kidnapping, the city registered a low crime rate even behind other cities in the state.<ref name="auto1">{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/kochi-city-police-set-record-straight/article2582826.ece | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=Kochi city police 'set record straight' | date=30 October 2011 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518140012/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/kochi-city-police-set-record-straight/article2582826.ece | archive-date=18 May 2014 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
+===Politics===
+Kochi is part of the [[Ernakulam (Lok Sabha constituency)|Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency]] in [[Indian Parliament]]. The current elected Member of Parliament representing the constituency is Prof. [[K. V. Thomas]] of [[Indian National Congress]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/from-may-1-mallikarjun-kharge-set-to-replace-kv-thomas-as-pac-chairman-4569278/|title=From May 1: Mallikarjun Kharge set to replace KV Thomas as PAC chairman|access-date=11 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165256/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/from-may-1-mallikarjun-kharge-set-to-replace-kv-thomas-as-pac-chairman-4569278/|archive-date=11 January 2018}}</ref>
+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.
+==Economy==
+{{Main|Economy of Kochi}}
+Kochi is widely referred to as the financial<ref name="Financial Capital"/> and commercial<ref name="Commercial Capital"/> capital of Kerala. [[Federal Bank]], the fourth-largest [[Private-sector banks in India|Private-sector bank in India]] is located in [[Aluva]] which is a suburb of Kochi. Being a major online trading centre in the country, Kochi has a newly opened [[SEBI]] office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/stock-markets/sebi-opens-office-in-kochi/article4763365.ece|title=SEBI opens office in Kochi|author=Our Bureau|work=The Hindu Business Line|access-date=5 April 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016092858/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/stock-markets/sebi-opens-office-in-kochi/article4763365.ece|archive-date=16 October 2015}}</ref>
+{{multiple image
+| align     = left
+| direction = vertical
+| image1    = Greater Cochin Development Authority.JPG
+| width1    = 220
+| alt1      =
+| caption1  = The [[Greater Cochin Development Authority]] is the statutory body overseeing the development of the city
+| image2    = Cochin_Port_Trust.jpg
+| width2    = 220
+| alt2      =
+| caption2  = Established in 1926, the [[Cochin Port Trust]] overlooks the activities of Cochin Port
+| image3    = Veegaland_full_view.JPG
+| width3    = 220
+| alt3      =
+| caption3  = [[Wonderla]] amusement park, Kochi
+| image4    = Cityscape view from Kakkanad.jpg
+| width4    = 220
+| alt4      =
+| caption4  = [[Kakkanad]] is a major industrial center and is home to the [[Cochin Special Economic Zone]], [[InfoPark, Kochi|Infopark]] and [[SmartCity, Kochi|Smart City]]
+}}
+Availability of electricity, fresh water, long coastline, backwaters, good banking facilities, presence of a major port, container trans-shipment terminal, harbour terminal and an international air terminal are some of the factors which accelerated the industrial growth in the city and its adjoining district.<ref name="Trade & Industry in Kochi"/> In recent years the city has witnessed heavy investment, thus making it one of the fastest-growing [[Status of Indian cities|second-tier metro cities]] in India.<ref name="Kochi shining">
+{{Cite news
+ |author      = George Joseph
+ |url         = http://www.rediff.com/money/2005/oct/06kochi.htm
+ |title       = Check out how Kochi is shining!
+ |work   = Rediff.com
+ |date        = 10 June 2005
+|access-date  = 6 January 2006
+|url-status     = live
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20060428020241/http://www.rediff.com/money/2005/oct/06kochi.htm
+ |archive-date = 28 April 2006
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref><ref name="Developing metro and quaint environs">{{Cite news
+ |url         = http://www.keralatourism.org/kochi/industrial-capital-kochi.php
+ |title       = Developing metro and quaint environs
+ |work        = [[Kerala Tourism Development Corporation]]
+ |location    = India
+ |access-date  = 24 July 2017
+|url-status  = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20170709230040/https://www.keralatourism.org/kochi/industrial-capital-kochi.php
+ |archive-date = 9 July 2017
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}</ref> [[Sales tax]] income generated in the Kochi metropolitan area contributes heavily to state revenue.<ref name="Commercial Tax">
+{{Cite news
+ |author      = Staff Reporter
+ |url         = http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/26/stories/2009022653140300.htm
+ |title       = Rs.620-crore rise in revenue collection in Ernakulam district
+ |date        = 20 January 2009
+|access-date  = 1 March 2009
+|url-status     = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090228071148/http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/26/stories/2009022653140300.htm
+ |archive-date = 28 February 2009
+|work      = [[The Hindu]]
+ |df          = dmy-all
+}}</ref><ref name="State Exchequer">
+{{Cite news
+ |author      = Staff Reporter
+ |url         = http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/government-starves-the-golden-goose/article4231544.ece
+ |title       = Government starves the golden goose
+ |work        = The Hindu
+ |date        = 23 December 2012
+|access-date  = 21 January 2013
+|url-status     = live
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20130126133351/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/government-starves-the-golden-goose/article4231544.ece
+ |archive-date = 26 January 2013
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}</ref>
+{{multiple image
+| align     = right
+| direction = vertical
+| image1    = Kochi LNG Terminal DSW.jpg
+| width1    = 220
+| alt1      =
+| caption1  = [[Kochi LNG Terminal]]
+| image2    = Kochi City-Vembanad Rail Bridge at Vallarpadam, is the longest rail bridge in India.jpg
+| width2    = 220
+| alt2      =
+| caption2  = [[Vembanad Rail Bridge]] is the longest railway bridge in India
+| image3    = Container terminal.JPG
+| width3    = 220
+| alt3      =
+| caption3  = [[International Container Transshipment Terminal, Kochi|Vallarpadam Terminal]] is the first [[container terminal|transshipment terminal]] in India
+| image4    = Kochi International Marina, Bolgatty Island, Kerala, India.jpg
+| width4    = 220
+| alt4      =
+| caption4  = The [[Kochi Marina|Kochi International Marina]] is the only international marina in India
+| image5    = Carnival Info Park Phase - 4.jpg
+| width5    = 220
+| alt5      =
+| caption5  = [[InfoPark, Kochi]]
+}}
+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>
+As in most of Kerala, remittances from [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|non-resident Indians]] (NRI)s is a major source of income.<ref name="NRI investments">{{Cite news
+ |author=Director, Kerala Tourism
+ |url=http://www.cbcglobelink.org/cbcglobelink/events/IndiaTourism05/Presentation/KT%20Investment%202005-London.ppt
+ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060617072209/http://www.cbcglobelink.org/cbcglobelink/events/IndiaTourism05/Presentation/KT%20Investment%202005-London.ppt
+ |url-status=dead
+ |archive-date=17 June 2006
+|title=Kerala, Gods Own Country: Where Business Blooms
+ |publisher=cbcglobelink.org
+ |access-date=7 February 2006
+}}
+</ref> [[Eloor]], situated {{convert|13|km|mi|abbr=off}} north of the city-centre, is the largest industrial belt in Kerala, with more than 250 factories manufacturing a range of products including chemical and [[petrochemical]] products, [[pesticide]]s, [[rare earth element]]s, rubber processing chemicals, [[fertiliser]]s, [[zinc]] and [[chromium]] compounds, and leather products.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Greenpeace]] |url=http://www.greenpeace.org/india/Global/india/report/2003/8/status-of-human-health-at-the.doc |title=Status of Human Health at the Eloor Industrial Belt, Kerala- India |access-date=12 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160106/http://www.greenpeace.org/india/Global/india/report/2003/8/status-of-human-health-at-the.doc |archive-date=12 January 2018  }}</ref> [[Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited]] (FACT), one of the oldest fertilizers and chemical industry in Kerala is located in Kochi.<ref name="History : Timelines of FACT">{{Cite news
+ |author      = Money Control
+ |url         = http://www.moneycontrol.com/company-facts/fertiliserschemicalstravancore/history/FCT
+ |title       = Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore
+ |publisher   = Money Control
+ |access-date  = 2 October 2010
+|url-status     = live
+ |archive-url  = https://archive.today/20130129070114/http://www.moneycontrol.com/company-facts/fertiliserschemicalstravancore/history/FCT
+ |archive-date = 29 January 2013
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}</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 fueling 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 [[Cochin University of Science and Technology]] is located at Kalamassery.
+[[Irumpanam|Irimpanam]] is another major industrial area in Kochi. The [[Seaport-Airport Road]] (SPAP Road) passes through this place and oil giants like [[Indian Oil Corporation]], [[Bharat Petroleum]] and [[Hindustan Petroleum]] have plants here.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/tanker-lorry-strike-at-irumpanam-ioc-plant-ends-english-news-1.1527637 |title=Tanker lorry strike at Irumpanam IOC plant ends |newspaper=[[Mathrubhumi]] |access-date=11 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170032/http://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/tanker-lorry-strike-at-irumpanam-ioc-plant-ends-english-news-1.1527637 |archive-date=11 January 2018  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/2017/05/01/drivers-strike-affects-lpg-supply-in-kerala-tuesday.html |title=LPG truck employees in Kerala call off scheduled strike |publisher=[[Malayala Manorama]] |access-date=11 January 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165340/http://english.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/2017/05/01/drivers-strike-affects-lpg-supply-in-kerala-tuesday.html |archive-date=11 January 2018  }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/bpcl-to-set-up-lpg-pipeline-from-kochi-to-coimbatore/article4927296.ece |title=BPCL to set up LPG pipeline from Kochi to Coimbatore |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=11 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321084217/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/bpcl-to-set-up-lpg-pipeline-from-kochi-to-coimbatore/article4927296.ece |archive-date=21 March 2014  }}</ref>
+Like elsewhere in Kerala, [[List of Tourist attractions in Kochi|tourism]] is one of the major contributors of the local economy. [[Ernakulam district]], in which Kochi is situated, ranks first in the total number of domestic tourists visiting Kerala,<ref name="Tourism Statistics"/> and thus contributes to the economy of the city. The tourist enclave at [[Fort Kochi]] and presence of several historical monuments, museums etc. as well as natural attractions like the Vembanad lake and the backwaters attract large number of tourists to the city. Presence of several leading hospitality brands have been a major source of employment for locals. The Kochi Port is one of the leading ports where international cruisers call on regularly.<ref name="Cochin Port Cruises">{{cite web|publisher=Cochin Port Trust |url=http://www.cochinport.com/cruise/index.html |title=Cochin Port Trust, the Cruise Destination |access-date=3 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417011338/http://www.cochinport.com/cruise/index.html |archive-date=17 April 2010 }}</ref> The city has the first marina facility<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/kochi-marina-set-to-start-operations/392303/ |title=Kochi marina set to start operations |publisher=Business-standard.com |date=19 April 2010 |access-date=14 October 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708110543/http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/kochi-marina-set-to-start-operations/392303/ |archive-date=8 July 2011  }}</ref> in the country, [[Kochi Marina]] which attracts large number of yacht-totters.
+Real Estate industry is also one industry which is contributing a lot to the economy of Kochi. Many players have entered the market and have developed residential properties.
+Kochi is the headquarters of the [[Indian Navy|Southern Naval Command]], the primary training centre of the Indian Navy.<ref name="nav">{{cite web
+|publisher=Bharat Rakshak
+|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/SNC.html
+|title=Southern Naval Command
+|access-date=29 August 2006
+|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060825162539/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/SNC.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 25 August 2006}}
+</ref> The [[Cochin Shipyard]], contributes to the economy of the city.<!-- Pipavav shipyard in Gujarat is the largest in public sector and ABG shipyard Mumbai is the largest in private sector. --><ref>In terms of [[deadweight tonnage]] of ships built</ref><ref name="CSL">
+{{cite web
+|publisher=Shipping Ministry of India
+|url=http://shipping.nic.in/shipwing2.htm
+|archive-url=https://archive.today/20050915045113/http://shipping.nic.in/shipwing2.htm
+|url-status=dead
+|archive-date=15 September 2005
+|title=List of ship building centres in India
+|access-date=23 May 2006
+}}
+</ref> The fishing harbour at [[Thoppumpady]] is a minor [[fishing port]] in the state and supplies fish to local and export markets. To further tap the potential of the all-season harbour at Kochi, an international cruise terminal was also constructed.<ref>{{Cite news
+ |url         = http://cochinport.gov.in/index.php?opt=cruisedestination
+ |title       = Cochin – The Leading Cruise Destination In India
+ |work        = [[Kochi Port|Cochin Port Trust]]
+ |date        = 30 June 2007
+|access-date  = 29 August 2007
+|url-status  = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120114064025/http://www.cochinport.gov.in/index.php?opt=cruisedestination
+ |archive-date = 14 January 2012
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}</ref>
+Exports and allied activities are also important contributors to the city's economy. The [[Cochin Port Trust|Cochin Port]] currently handles export and import of container cargo at its terminal at [[Willingdon Island]]. The [[International Container Transshipment Terminal, Kochi|International Container Transshipment Terminal]] operating out of [[Vallarpadam]], is India's largest transshipment terminal.<ref name="Vallarpadam">{{cite news
+ |url         = http://www.hindu.com/2005/04/02/stories/2005040202321500.htm
+ |title       = Kochi terminal handed over to Dubai Ports International
+ |date        = 2 April 2005
+|access-date  = 23 May 2006
+|url-status     = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20060518050522/http://www.hindu.com/2005/04/02/stories/2005040202321500.htm
+ |archive-date = 18 May 2006
+|work        = [[The Hindu]]
+ |df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref><ref name="Vallarpadam1">{{cite news
+ |url         = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/06/13/stories/2006061302240700.htm
+ |title       = Vallarpadam phase I by early 2009: DP World
+ |work        = The Hindu
+ |date        = 2 April 2005
+|access-date  = 23 May 2006
+|url-status     = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20060630052532/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/06/13/stories/2006061302240700.htm
+ |archive-date = 30 June 2006
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref><ref name="ICTT Vallarpadam">{{cite news
+ |url         = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/10/27/stories/2008102750370600.htm
+ |title       = Vallarpadam ICTT: Set to make Kochi a key hub
+ |work        = The Hindu Business Line
+ |date        = 27 October 2008
+|access-date  = 14 November 2008
+|url-status     = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20081210182904/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/10/27/stories/2008102750370600.htm
+ |archive-date = 10 December 2008
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref><ref name="Logistic Hub">{{cite news|url=http://trbaalu.nic.in/minister/press/2005/Feb05/16_02.pdf |title=Statement by the Government of India |publisher=Press Information Bureau, Govt of India |date=27 October 2008 |access-date=14 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225121423/http://trbaalu.nic.in/minister/press/2005/Feb05/16_02.pdf |archive-date=25 February 2009 }}
+</ref>
+[[Port of Cochin|Cochin Port Trust]] also planning to build an Outer Harbour near [[Puthuvype]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cochinport.com/tenders/Tender%20Document.pdf |title=Cochin Port Trust |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708171944/http://www.cochinport.com/tenders/Tender%20Document.pdf |archive-date=8 July 2011 }}</ref> Kochi's historical reliance on trade continues into modern times, as the city is a major exporter of spices and is home to the [[International Pepper Exchange]], where [[black pepper]] is globally traded. The [[Spices Board of India]] and World Spice Organisation are headquartered in Kochi.
+The [[Information technology|IT]] and [[Information technology enabled services|ITES]] related industries are growing up in Kochi. Availability of cheap [[Bandwidth (computing)|bandwidth]] through [[Submarine communications cable|undersea cables]] and lower operational costs compared to other major cities in India, has been to its advantage. Various technology and industrial campuses including the government promoted [[InfoPark, Kochi|InfoPark]], [[Cochin Special Economic Zone]] and [[Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation|KINFRA Export Promotion Industrial Park]] operate in the outskirts of the city. Several new industrial campuses are under construction in the suburbs of the city. [[SmartCity, Kochi|SmartCity]] at Kakkanad is one of the prominent projects.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/smartcity-kochi-inaugurated/article8264427.ece | work=The Hindu | title=SmartCity Kochi inaugurated | access-date=11 January 2018 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303164153/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/smartcity-kochi-inaugurated/article8264427.ece | archive-date=3 March 2018 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Cyber City, Kochi|Cyber City]] at [[Kalamassery]] is another integrated IT township SEZ being planned in the private sector.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/hdil-says-it-will-not-exit-cybercity-project-in-kochi/article4788645.ece|title=HDIL says it will not exit Cybercity project in Kochi|access-date=11 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920082549/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/hdil-says-it-will-not-exit-cybercity-project-in-kochi/article4788645.ece|archive-date=20 September 2013}}</ref>
+Kochi has an established electronics hardware industry with companies such as V-Guard Industries, OEN India Limited, FCI OEN Connectors and SFO Technologies. The Government of Kerala has announced a project to build an industrial park named Electronic City<ref name="Electronics City">{{cite web
+ |publisher   = The New Indian Express
+ |url         = http://newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article210131.ece
+ |title       = Kochi, the next electronic city
+ |date        = 31 August 2010
+|access-date  = 11 October 2010
+|url-status     = live
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095921/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article210131.ece
+ |archive-date = 4 March 2016
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref> spanning an area of {{convert|340|acre}}, to cater to the electronic hardware industries. The private operator NeST<ref name="NeST Hitech Park">{{cite web
+ |publisher   = The Hindu
+ |work        = NeST Electronics City in Kochi soon
+ |url         = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/07/09/stories/2010070950191900.htm
+ |title       = Kochi, the next electronic city
+ |author      = The Hindu Business Line, 9 July 2010
+ |access-date  = 11 October 2010
+|url-status     = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20101216122739/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/07/09/stories/2010070950191900.htm
+ |archive-date = 16 December 2010
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref> is building a [[Electronics City, Kochi|Special Economic Zone]] specifically for electronics hardware spanning an area of {{convert|30|acre}}.
+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 | date=5 June 2008 | access-date=28 February 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629042634/http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/28/stories/2009022852710300.htm | archive-date=29 June 2011 | work=[[The Hindu]] | 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 | date=5 June 2008 | access-date=28 February 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303231619/http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/28/stories/2009022858700300.htm | archive-date=3 March 2009 | work=[[The Hindu]] | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
+==Transport==
+{{Main|Transport in Kochi}}
+{{Panorama
+|image   = File:Vyttila_Mobility_Hub_BNC.jpg
+|height  = 230
+|alt     = A panoramic view of Vyttila Mobility Hub
+|caption = <center>A panoramic view of [[Vyttila Mobility Hub]]</center>
+}}
+===Air===
+The air gateway to Kochi is the [[Cochin International Airport|Cochin International Airport (CIAL)]] located at [[Nedumbassery]], which is about {{convert|28|km|abbr=on}} north of Kochi city, and handles both domestic and international flights.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cochin-airport.in/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=80&linkId=80 |title=The Official Website of Cochin International Airport |publisher=Cochin-airport.in |access-date=14 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326160159/http://www.cochin-airport.in/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=80&linkId=80 |archive-date=26 March 2010 }}</ref> It is the first international airport in India to be built without Central Government funds<ref name="Cochin International Airport">{{cite web|publisher=Cochin International Airport |url=http://www.cochin-airport.com/html/0100fram.htm |title=A novel venture in the history of Indian Aviation |access-date=23 May 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060523081313/http://www.cochin-airport.com/html/0100fram.htm |archive-date=23 May 2006 }}</ref> and is the world's first fully solar energy powered airport.
+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>
+{{multiple image
+| align     = right
+| direction = vertical
+| image1    = Cochin_International_Airport_Limited.jpg
+| width1    = 220
+| alt1      =
+| caption1  = The [[Cochin International Airport]] is one of the busiest airports in the country and the first fully solar powered airport in the world
+| image2    = Double Decker Bus Kochi.JPG
+| width2    = 220
+| alt2      =
+| caption2  = A [[Kerala State Road Transport Corporation|KSRTC]] [[Double-decker bus]] on service in the city
+| image3    =
+| width3    = 220
+| alt3      =
+| caption3  = [[Ernakulam Junction]] is one of the busiest railway stations in South India
+| image4    = Kochi Metro from Lulu Mall.jpg
+| width4    = 220
+| alt4      =
+| caption4  = [[Kochi Metro]] is the fastest completed metro project in India
+| image5    = Ernakulam_Boat_Jetty_Entrance.JPG
+| width5    = 220
+| alt5      =
+| caption5  = Ernakulam Boat Jetty is one of the main boat jetties in the city
+| image6    = Ernakulam_ferry_service.jpg
+| width6    = 220
+| alt6      =
+| caption6  = Ferry Service boat at Kochi backwaters
+}}
+===Road===
+Kochi is well connected to neighbouring cities and states via several highways. It is a node in the [[North–South and East–West Corridor|North-South Corridor]] of the National Highway system.<ref>{{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=11 January 2018| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304191352/http://www.nhai.org/images/Nov10/NSEW%20%20%20Eng%20.jpg| archive-date=4 March 2016| df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| publisher=National Highway Authority of India| url=http://www.nhai.org/chain_NS.asp| title=NS&EW Corridor Chainage Chart| access-date=11 January 2018| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701140723/http://www.nhai.org/chain_NS.asp| archive-date=1 July 2017| df=dmy-all}}</ref> The road infrastructure in Kochi has not been able to meet the growing traffic demand and hence traffic congestion is a major problem in the city.<ref>{{cite news| newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]| url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2017/oct/20/kochi-metro-extension-decongests-traffic-brings--much-needed-breather-to-city-roads-1678222.html| title=Kochi Metro extension decongests traffic, brings much-needed breather to city roads| access-date=19 January 2018| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235050/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2017/oct/20/kochi-metro-extension-decongests-traffic-brings--much-needed-breather-to-city-roads-1678222.html| archive-date=19 January 2018| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
+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| 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=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109013852/http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/11/stories/2011021155350500.htm| archive-date=9 November 2012| work=[[The Hindu]]| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
+Several [[List of state highways in Kerala|state highways]] also connect Kochi with other parts of Kerala.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.keralapwd.gov.in/getPage.php?page=maps&pageId=248 |title=State Highways in Kerala |access-date=17 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201055331/http://www.keralapwd.gov.in/getPage.php?page=maps&pageId=248 |archive-date=1 December 2010  }}</ref> [[State Highway 15 (Kerala)|SH 15, Ettumanoor-Ernakulam Road]], connects the city to [[Kottayam]], [[Palai|Pala]], [[Kumily]], [[Changanacherry]], [[Pathanamthitta]] etc. [[State Highway 41 (Kerala)|SH 41, Palarivattom-Thekkady Road]], provides a corridor to the eastern parts of the district. [[State Highway 63 (Kerala)|SH 63, Vypeen Pallipuram Road]] and [[State Highway 66 (Kerala)|SH 66, Alappuzha – Thoppumpady road]] are coastal roads that serve the narrow sliver of land between the backwaters and the sea.
+The main arterial roads of the city are the [[Mahatma Gandhi Road (Kochi)|Mahatma Gandhi Road]] and [[S.A Road|Sahodaran Ayyappan Road]] in Ernakulam, constructed in 1925 & 1962 respectively which runs parallel & perpendicular to the coast and having the proposed Metro Rail connectivity. The [[Seaport-Airport Road]] is another major road and connects the [[Cochin Port|Cochin Seaport]] to the [[Cochin International Airport]]. The Infopark Expressway in [[Kakkanad]] is connected to the Seaport-Airport Road and stretches all the way to [[Infopark, Kochi|Infopark]]. Other major roads include [[Chittoor Road]], [[Banerji Road]], [[Shanmugham Road]], [[Kochi Bypass]], [[Kaloor-Kadavanthra Road]], [[Park Avenue, Kochi|Park Avenue]] etc. A new ring road is proposed for Kochi city by the state government for which a project study is being currently undertaken by NATPAC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mydreamhouse.in/ring-roads-kochi-city |title=Ring roads for Kochi city |publisher=MyDreamHouse.in |date=17 February 2012 |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426000744/http://www.mydreamhouse.in/ring-roads-kochi-city |archive-date=26 April 2013 }}</ref>
+===Public transport===
+====Road====
+The primary form of public transport within the city is largely dependent on privately owned bus networks. The state-run also operates its services in the city through the Thirukochi service. The major bus terminals in the city are Ernakulam Town, Ernakulam Jetty and the private bus terminal at Kaloor. An integrated transit terminal namely The [[Vyttila Mobility Hub, Kochi|Mobility Hub]] at [[Vytilla]] is under 2nd phase of construction. The terminal acts as a hub for long-distance bus services away from the city centre, and also a converging point for different modes of public transport, namely bus, metro and ferry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vyttilamobilityhub.com |title=Vyttila Mobility Hub |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302091308/http://www.vyttilamobilityhub.com/ |archive-date=2 March 2011  |access-date=3 March 2018 }}</ref>
+Kochi is one of the few cities to be granted the new-generation air-conditioned low-floor and non-air-conditioned semi-low-floor buses under the [[Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission|JNNURM]] city transport development project. KURTC and private buses operate frequent schedules to neighbouring areas of [[Nedumbassery]], [[Perumbavoor]], [[Aluva]], [[Muvattupuzha]], [[Kothamangalam]], [[Cherthala]] and [[Poochakkal]]. Taxis and [[auto rickshaw]]s (called ''autos'') are available for hire throughout the day.
+Development of road infrastructure not keeping pace with the increase in traffic is a major problem faced by Kochi, like most other parts of Kerala.<ref name="Traffic">{{cite web|publisher=Kochi Municipal Corporation |url=http://www.corporationofcochin.net/urban_kb/Traffic%20&%20Transportation.pdf |title=Kochi Municipal Corporation – Urban Knowledge Base |access-date=25 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125004643/http://www.corporationofcochin.net/urban_kb/Traffic%20%26%20Transportation.pdf |archive-date=25 January 2011 }}</ref>
+====Rail====
+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]], [[Angamaly]] 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.
+There is also a historic station named as [[Ernakulam Terminus]](station code:ERG) situated behind the [[High court of Kerala|High Court]]. Great personalities like [[Mahatma Gandhi]] and The [[British Viceroy]] have visited Cochin through this old railway station. Ernakulam Terminus was the first station to serve the city but had to be abandoned in the early 1960s. Now this station operates as a goods depot of Southern Railway.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irfca.org/gallery/Trips/south/csr-erg/ |title=Cochin State Railways |publisher=Irfca.org |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120143755/http://www.irfca.org/gallery/Trips/south/csr-erg/ |archive-date=20 January 2012  }}</ref>
+====Metro====
+{{Main|Kochi Metro}}
+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 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805025944/http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/07/stories/2010030761160300.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |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>
+The first half of the Phase-1 of [[Kochi Metro]] was inaugurated on 17 June 2017 by Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]]. Currently [[Kochi Metro]] is operational from [[Aluva]] till Maharaja's College along the Kalamassery - Edappally - Kaloor - MG Road stretch, covering a total of 18.4&nbsp;km with 16 operational metro stations.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/kochi-metro-inauguration-in-pictures/article19093908.ece |title=Kochi metro inauguration in pictures |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303164152/http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/kochi-metro-inauguration-in-pictures/article19093908.ece |archive-date=3 March 2018  }}</ref>
+====Water====
+{{See also|Kochi Water Metro}}
+Kochi ranks among India's major seaports, partly due to being one of the safest harbours in the Indian Ocean.<ref name="Trade Logistics – India Seaports">{{cite web| publisher=National Informatics Centre| url=http://www.indiainbusiness.nic.in/trade-india/ports.htm| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061215061719/http://www.indiainbusiness.nic.in/trade-india/ports.htm| archive-date=15 December 2006| title=Trade with India—major ports in India| access-date=23 May 2006}}</ref> The port, administered by a statutory autonomous body known as the [[Cochin Port Trust]], offers facilities for [[Bunker oil|bunkering]], handling cargo and passenger ships and storage accommodation. The port is a complex of three islands, [[Willingdon Island|one]] of which is man-made.<ref name=Madan>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= [https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/177 177]|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref>
+It also operates passenger ships to [[Colombo]] and [[Lakshadweep]]. Boat services are operated by [[Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation]], the [[Kerala State Water Transport Department|State Water Transport Department]] and private firms from various [[jetty|boat jetties]] in the city. The ''junkar'' ferry for the transshipment of vehicles and passengers between the islands are operated between Ernakulam and [[Vypin]], and between Vypin and Fort Kochi. However, with the construction of the [[Goshree bridges]] (which links Kochi's islands), ferry transport has become less essential. The main boat jetties are Ernakulam Main Boat Jetty near Park Avenue, High Court Jetty in Banerjee Road, Embarkation Jetty in Willingdon Island and Fort Kochi Jetty.<ref>{{cite news| newspaper=[[The Hindu]]| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/ernakulamwest-kochi-circular-ferry-services-from-tomorrow/article5032933.ece| title=Ernakulam-West Kochi circular ferry services from tomorrow| access-date=12 January 2018| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112215256/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/ernakulamwest-kochi-circular-ferry-services-from-tomorrow/article5032933.ece| archive-date=12 January 2018| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
+==Demographics==
+{{bar box
+| title    = Religions in Kochi
+| left1    = Religion
+| right1   = Percentage
+| float    = right
+| bars     =
+{{bar percent|[[Hindu]]|#FF7E00|43.78}}
+{{bar percent|[[Christians|Christian]]|#5218FA|38.12}}
+{{bar percent|[[Muslim]]|#00693E|17.56}}
+{{bar percent|Others|#FF007F|0.54}}
+}}
+{{See also|Hinduism in Kerala|Cochin Jews|Saint Thomas Christians|Islam in Kerala|Latin Church}}
+Kochi has the highest population density in Kerala with 7139 people per km<sup>2</sup>. [[File:Kochi Santa Cruz A.jpg|thumb|left|220px|The [[Santa Cruz Basilica]] at [[Fort Kochi]] is one of the eight Basilicas in India]]{{As of|2011}}, Kochi had a metropolitan area population of 2,117,990. The female-to-male ratio is 1,028:1,000, significantly higher than the all-India average of 933:1,000. Kochi's literacy rate is 97.5%. The female literacy rate lags that of males by 1.1%, amongst the lowest such gaps in India.
+[[File:Kerala jain temple.jpg|thumb|220px|Dharmanath Jain Temple at [[Mattancherry]]]]
+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|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=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629042907/http://www.hindu.com/lf/2004/11/25/stories/2004112501310200.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|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=dead|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.
+Like other fast-growing cities in the developing world, Kochi suffers from major [[urbanisation]] problems. The city was ranked 10th among Indian cities in terms of house-cost and availability, urban household crowding and household incomes.<ref>
+{{cite web
+ |author=Institute of Competitiveness
+ |url=http://competitiveness.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Liveability-Report.pdf
+ |title=Liveability Index 2011, The Best Cities in India
+ |publisher=IFC
+ |date=12 December 2011
+|access-date=11 July 2012
+|url-status=dead
+ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426181029/http://competitiveness.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Liveability-Report.pdf
+ |archive-date=26 April 2013
+}}</ref>
+The government has plans to make the city slum-free by 2016.<ref name="City Development Plan – Kochi">{{cite web
+|url= http://jnnurm.nic.in/cdp_apprep_pdf/CDP_Appraisals_ASCI/COCHIN/KOCHI_AR1.pdf
+|title=City Development Plan—Kochi
+|publisher=Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission
+|access-date=20 March 2008
+|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080529183519/http://jnnurm.nic.in/cdp_apprep_pdf/CDP_Appraisals_ASCI/COCHIN/KOCHI_AR1.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 29 May 2008}}
+</ref> According to the [[NCRB|National Crime Records Bureau]], the city holds the fourth position in the number of recorded crimes in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ncrb.nic.in/cii2008/Statistics2008.pdf |title=TABLE-1.6 |access-date=14 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628215223/http://ncrb.nic.in/cii2008/Statistics2008.pdf |archive-date=28 June 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Crime Statistics">{{cite web|url=http://ncrb.nic.in/CII-2009-NEW/cii-2009/Chapter%202.pdf |title=IPC crime rate in Mega Cities: Table Table-2 (A), page-44 |access-date=9 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628215631/http://ncrb.nic.in/CII-2009-NEW/cii-2009/Chapter%202.pdf |archive-date=28 June 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metrovaartha.com/2010/03/29032404/CRIME-LIST-KOCHI-20100329.html |title=Crime rate high in Kochi |publisher=Metrovaartha.com |date=29 March 2010 |access-date=14 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714080836/http://www.metrovaartha.com/2010/03/29032404/CRIME-LIST-KOCHI-20100329.html |archive-date=14 July 2011 }}</ref> In 2009, the city recorded an average crime rate of 646.3 against the national average of 181.4.<ref name="Crime Statistics"/> But Kochi City Police Commissioner later clarified that this anomaly was due to higher reporting rates of minor crimes in Kochi than in other Indian cities.<ref name="auto1"/>
+The State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) report gives further credence to this as it finds that Kochi has the fewest crime against women in the state of Kerala.<ref name="SCRB">{{cite news
+ |url         = http://archive.asianage.com/kochi/kochi-safest-kerala-women-168
+ |title       = Kochi is safest in Kerala for women
+ |work        = AsianAge
+ |date        = 9 October 2012
+|access-date  = 21 January 2013
+|url-status  = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20170218143649/http://archive.asianage.com/kochi/kochi-safest-kerala-women-168
+ |archive-date = 18 February 2017
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}</ref>
+According to the 2011 CII/Institute of Competitiveness report on Liveability,<ref name="Liveability">{{cite web|publisher=CII/Institute of Competitiveness |url=http://competitiveness.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Liveability-Report.pdf |title=Liveability Index 2011, The Best Cities In India |access-date=11 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426181029/http://competitiveness.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Liveability-Report.pdf |archive-date=26 April 2013 }}</ref> Kochi stands first in the state, and 6th in the country. Kochi is ranked seventh in the list of the top ten most affluent cities in India by 2009 study by Nielsen Company.<ref name="Affluent Cities">{{cite web|publisher=Nielsen Company|url=http://in.nielsen.com/news/20090902.shtml|title=Top 10 affluent Indian cities ranked|access-date=4 November 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714181633/http://in.nielsen.com/news/20090902.shtml|archive-date=14 July 2011}}</ref> Kochi was ranked the fourth cleanest city in India in the [[Swachh Bharat Abhiyan|Swachch Bharat]] rankings for cities. It was selected as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a [[smart city]] under Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] flagship [[Smart Cities Mission]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/business/why-only-98-cities-instead-of-100-announced-all-questions-answered-about-smart-cities-project-2410576.html|title=Only 98 cities instead of 100 announced: All questions answered about the smart cities project - Firstpost|website=www.firstpost.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119003746/http://www.firstpost.com/business/why-only-98-cities-instead-of-100-announced-all-questions-answered-about-smart-cities-project-2410576.html|archive-date=19 January 2017}}</ref>
+==Culture==
+{{Main|Culture of Kochi}}
+{{See also|Cuisine of Kerala|List of Tourist attractions in Kochi}}
+{{Panorama
+|image   = File:Marine_Drive_Kochi_Night_View_DSW.jpg
+|height  = 230
+|alt     = Marine Drive, Kochi
+|caption = <center>[[Marine Drive, Kochi]]</center>
+}}
+As a result of successive waves of migration over the course of several centuries, the population of the city is a mix of people from all parts of Kerala and most of India. The pan-Indian nature is highlighted by the substantial presence of various ethnic communities from different parts of the country.<ref name="Kochi's 'mini-India' NDTV">
+{{cite news
+| author=T S Sudhir
+| url=http://www.ndtv.com/template/template.asp?template=Assemblypolls2006&slug='Mini-India'+votes+for+better+Kerala&id=87395&callid=1&category=National
+| title=Kochi's 'mini-India'
+| publisher=NDTV
+| date=29 April 2006
+| access-date=23 May 2006
+}}
+</ref>
+{{multiple image
+| align     = right
+| direction = vertical
+| image1    = Musical-walkway.jpg
+| alt1      =
+| caption1  = Pedestrians can stroll along the [[Marine Drive, Kochi|Marine Drive]], a waterfront promenade of Kochi
+| image2    = Nethaji Nagar, Edappally, Ernakulam, Kerala 682024, India - panoramio.jpg
+| alt2      =
+| caption2  = [[LuLu International Shopping Mall|LuLu Mall]] is one of the [[List of shopping malls in India|largest shopping malls]] in India
+| image3    = Kettuvallam Bridge DSW.jpg
+| alt3      =
+| caption3  = The Kettuvallom Bridge at [[Marine Drive, Kochi|Marine Drive]]
+}}
+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|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=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629043045/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/08/13/stories/2009081351590100.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> Gujaratis,<ref name="Jain Temple turns 100, Kerala"/> Bengalis,<ref name="Bengali Community, Kochi">{{Cite news|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=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629043058/http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/19/stories/2007101961831100.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|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">
+{{cite web
+ |publisher   = Jerusalem Centre for public affairs
+ |work        = An Interview with Nathan Katz
+ |url         = http://www.jcpa.org/cjc/cjc-katz-f05.htm
+ |title       = The Jews, Israel, and India
+ |access-date  = 17 May 2006
+|url-status     = live
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20060905125230/http://www.jcpa.org/cjc/cjc-katz-f05.htm
+ |archive-date = 5 September 2006
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref> and owned [[List of Synagogues in Kerala|several Synagogues]] across Kochi and nearby areas such as [[Chendamangalam]], [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]] or [[Mala, Kerala|Mala]].
+Kochi was one among the seven diocese of Syrian Orthodox ([[Jacobite Syrian Christian Church]]) in Kerala formed in 1876. The seat of the Bishop is at St George Cathedral, Karingachira. Also At Mary's Cathedral Elamkulam, seat of bishop of Simhasana churches of Jacobites is in the City. The seat of [[Roman Catholic]] Cathedral of Kerala's first Archdiocese [[Archdiocese of Verapoly]] and the first diocese [[Diocese of Cochin]] are located in the city. The [[Syro-Malabar Church]], one of the 22 ''[[sui iuris]]'' [[Eastern Catholic Churches]] and a part of the [[Saint Thomas Christians|Saint Thomas Christian]] community, has its seat at Ernakulam. Prominent places of Christian worship include the [[St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam]], St. Francis Assisi Roman Catholic Cathedral, Ernakulam, [[Vallarpadam Church|Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam-Ernakulam]], [[Santa Cruz Basilica]] Roman Catholic Cathedral, [[Fort Kochi]], [[St. Antony's Shrine, Kaloor|St. Antony's Shrine]] at [[Kaloor]], St. George Forane Church, [[Edappally]] and . Appropriate to its multi-ethnic composition, Kochi celebrates traditional Kerala festivals like [[Onam]] and [[Vishu]] along with [[North India]]n Hindu festivals like [[Holi]] with great fervour. Christian and Islamic festivals like [[Christmas]], [[Easter]], [[Eid ul-Fitr]] and [[Milad-e-sherif]] are also celebrated. A merry making fest called the [[Cochin Carnival]] is celebrated at Fort Kochi during the last ten days of December.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cochin celebration and carnival 2016|url=http://english.mathrubhumi.com/travel/kerala/kerala-events/cochin-carnival-1.33994|newspaper=[[Mathrubhumi]]|access-date=12 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102014857/http://english.mathrubhumi.com/travel/kerala/kerala-events/cochin-carnival-1.33994|archive-date=2 January 2018}}</ref>
+The residents of Kochi are known as Kochiites; they are an important part of the [[South Indian culture]]. However, the city's culture is rapidly evolving with Kochiites generally becoming more cosmopolitan in their outlook.<ref name="Developing metro and quaint environs"/> The people are also increasingly fashion-conscious, often deviating from the [[South Indian culture#Traditional clothing|traditional Kerala wear]] to western clothing.
+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 is the official food capital of Kerala because of the highest number of restaurants and the varieties of foods available. Kochi serves every type of food available in Kerala. Its very famous for different varieries of non vegetarian food <ref>https://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-4-indian-cities-that-will-dominate-culinary-map-of-2025-2109426</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.
+The Maharajas of Kochi (then Cochin) were scholars who knew the epics and encouraged the arts. The paintings at the [[Hill Palace]] and the [[Dutch Palace]] are testimony to their love for arts.
+Kochiites are known for their enthusiasm in sports, especially [[soccer|football]] and [[cricket]].<ref name="Kerala sports">
+{{cite web
+ |publisher   = Information and Public relations office of Kerala
+ |work        = Sports and Games in Kerala
+ |url         = http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/sportsmain.htm
+ |title       = Football and Cricket—the Most Popular Games
+ |access-date  = 12 June 2006
+|url-status     = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20060428081830/http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/sportsmain.htm
+ |archive-date = 28 April 2006
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref>
+The [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi|Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium]] in Kochi is one of the largest stadiums in India with floodlights for Cricket and Football matches.<ref name="Stadiums in India">
+{{cite web
+ |publisher   = cricInfo
+ |url         = http://www.cricinfo.com/india/content/ground/58230.html
+ |title       = Nehru Stadium
+ |access-date  = 2 April 2010
+|url-status     = live
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20100330143224/http://www.cricinfo.com/india/content/ground/58230.html
+ |archive-date = 30 March 2010
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref> The [[Regional Sports Centre, Kochi|Regional Sports Centre]] is an important centre of sporting activity in the city.
+Kochi is reportedly the 6th best city in India according to the livability index of 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://competitiveness.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Liveability-Report.pdf |title=Liveability Index 2011 - The Best Cities in India |access-date=11 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426181029/http://competitiveness.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Liveability-Report.pdf |archive-date=26 April 2013 }}</ref>
+==Healthcare==
+[[File:Aster_Medcity_Hospital_Entrance.jpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Aster Medcity]] is one of the largest hospitals in the country]]
+With many advanced tertiary/quaternary care facilities, Kochi has one of the best healthcare facilities in India. It is the prime destination for people seeking advanced healthcare facilities from across Kerala.<ref>{{cite news
+ |author      = Sudha Nambudiri
+ |url         = http://newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article383139.ece
+ |title       = Kochi, the new medical hub
+ |date        = 19 April 2011
+|access-date  = 19 March 2013
+|url-status     = live
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20130526153004/http://newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article383139.ece
+ |archive-date = 26 May 2013
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
+ |url         = http://www.news18.com/news/india/kochi-set-to-be-hub-of-plush-hospitals-404036.html
+ |title       = Kochi set to be hub of plush hospitals
+ |work        = [[News 18]]
+ |date        = 26 September 2011
+|access-date  = 12 January 2018
+|url-status     = live
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160348/http://www.news18.com/news/india/kochi-set-to-be-hub-of-plush-hospitals-404036.html
+ |archive-date = 12 January 2018
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}</ref>
+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 | title=Gift of life | date=21 December 2004 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108184759/http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/21/stories/2004122115190300.htm | archive-date=8 November 2012 | work=[[The Hindu]] | 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|work=[[The Hindu]]| date= 7 August 2019| access-date=9 August 2019}}</ref>
+==Education==
+{{See also|Education in India|Education in Kerala|Educational Institutions in Ernakulam District}}
+{{multiple image
+| align     = right
+| direction = vertical
+| image1    = Maharajas_College,_Ernakulam.jpg
+| width1    = 220
+| alt1      =
+| caption1  = Established in 1875, the [[Maharaja's College, Ernakulam|Maharaja's College]] is one of the oldest colleges in the state
+| image2    = Mec_aryabhatta.jpg
+| width2    = 220
+| alt2      =
+| caption2  = The main building of [[Model Engineering College]] was inspired from India's first satellite, [[Aryabhata (satellite)|Aryabhatta]]
+| image3    = Administrative Block , Cusat.jpg
+| width3    = 220
+| alt3      =
+| caption3  = The [[Cochin University of Science and Technology]] is one of the top educational institutions in the country
+| image4    = Rajagiri college of social science.jpg
+| width4    = 220
+| alt4      =
+| caption4  = Rajagiri College of Social Sciences at [[Kalamassery]]
+}}
+=== Secondary education ===
+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>
+There 34 government schools, 67 private aided schools and 31 unaided schools affiliated to the Kerala State Education Board in the city and suburbs.<ref name="List of Schools">{{cite web|publisher=Government of Kerala, Education Department |url=http://www.education.kerala.gov.in/schoollist/lp/ekm.pdf |title=List of Schools in Ernakulam District |access-date=24 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627005413/http://www.education.kerala.gov.in/schoollist/lp/ekm.pdf |archive-date=27 June 2011 }}</ref> There are 62 CBSE Schools, 2 IGCSE and 9 ICSE Schools as well.<ref name="CBSE Schools">{{cite web|publisher=Central Board of Secondary Education|url=http://cbse.nic.in/|title=Central Board of Secondary Education|access-date=24 November 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122131931/http://www.cbse.nic.in/|archive-date=22 November 2010}}</ref><ref name="ICSE Schools">{{cite web|publisher=Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations |url=http://www.cisce.org/LocateSchool.jsp |title=Locate Affiliated Schools |access-date=23 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417190534/http://cisce.org/LocateSchool.jsp |archive-date=17 April 2011 }}</ref>
+The notable schools in the government sector are [[Sree Rama Varma High School]], Edappally High School, Government School-Kochi and Govt Girls Higher Secondary School, Ernakulam. There are [[Kendriya Vidyalaya]], [[Chinmaya Mission]] and [[Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan]] run several quasi-private charter schools within the city limits, as well as in the suburbs. There are several private schools (both aided & unaided0 that are owned by secular and religious trusts which are of particular renown, such as:[[St. Albert's HSS, Ernakulam]], St. Teresa's CGHSS, St. Mary's CGHSS Ernakulam, St. Antony's CGHSS, [[Model Technical Higher Secondary School, Kaloor]] [[The Delta Study]], Rajagiri Public School, Campion School, [[Assisi Vidyaniketan]], [[Cochin Refineries School]], Gregorian Public School, Greets Public School, Toc-H Public School, [[Navy Children School Kochi|Navy Children School]], Global Public School, [[Choice School]], [[Vidyodaya School]], Mar Thoma Public School, Nava Nirman Public School and St. Pauls International School, Kalamassery, The Charter School Kochi.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Government of Kerala, Education Department |url=http://www.education.kerala.gov.in/schoollist/lp/ekm.pdf |title=List of Schools in Ernakulam District |access-date=24 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627005413/http://www.education.kerala.gov.in/schoollist/lp/ekm.pdf |archive-date=27 June 2011 }}</ref>
+=== Higher education ===
+The [[Cochin University of Science and Technology|Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)]] is a major university named after the city. Most of the colleges in Kochi offering tertiary education are affiliated either with the [[Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala|Mahatma Gandhi University]] or with the [[Cochin University]]. Kochi has one of the campuses of the [[Indian Maritime University]] at [[Willingdon Island]]. [[Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit]] in [[Kalady]] is a research-oriented university located at the outskirts. Other national educational institutes include the [[Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training]], the [[National University of Advanced Legal Studies]], the [[National Institute of Oceanography, India|National Institute of Oceanography]] and the [[Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_subcategory/task/show/title/NIO%20at%20a%20Glance/tid/1/sid/117/thid/118 |title=NIO at a Glance |publisher=[[National Institute of Oceanography, India|National Institute of Oceanography]] |access-date=12 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819073812/http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_subcategory/task/show/title/NIO%20at%20a%20Glance/tid/1/sid/117/thid/118 |archive-date=19 August 2017  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nuals.ac.in/Who-are-we.aspx |title=NUALS - An Overview |publisher=[[National University of Advanced Legal Studies]] |access-date=12 January 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907084851/http://nuals.ac.in/Who-are-we.aspx |archive-date=7 September 2017  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cmfri.org.in/about-us |title=About Us |publisher=[[Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute]] |access-date=12 January 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113093204/http://www.cmfri.org.in/about-us |archive-date=13 January 2018  }}</ref>
+Kochi has some of the leading B-Schools in the region. The [[Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode]] (IIMK) has set up its first satellite campus at Athulya building in [[InfoPark, Kochi]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Our Bureau |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article3512160.ece?ref=wl_industry-and-economy |title=IIM-K Satellite campus in Kochi |publisher=Thehindubusinessline.com |access-date=12 November 2012}}</ref> Cochin University's [[Cochin University of Science and Technology#School of Management Studies|School of Management Studies]] (SMS) is the first and oldest managerial education institution in South India. [[School of Communication and Management Studies|SCMS Cochin]] is one of the emerging B-Schools in the country.<ref>{{cite web |author=Our Bureau |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/education/article3981367.ece |title=Award for SCMS-Cochin |publisher=Thehindubusinessline.com |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024115132/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/education/article3981367.ece |archive-date=24 October 2012  }}</ref> Another major B-School [[Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship|XIME]] is opening a new campus in Kochi.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mbauniverse.com/article/id/6188/ |title=XIME Bangalore to inaugurate Kochi campus in November 2012 |publisher=Mbauniverse.com |date=4 September 2012 |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008092127/http://www.mbauniverse.com/article/id/6188 |archive-date=8 October 2012  }}</ref> Other leading managerial institutions include [[Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies]], Kochi Business School, Amrita School of Business, [[Albertian Institute of Management]] and Toc-H B school.
+The city and outskirts are home to four medical schools—[[Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre]] at Ponekkara, Cochin Medical College at [[Kalamassery]], Sree Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, and M.O.S.C. Medical College, [[Kolenchery]]. Some of the prestigious general colleges are [[Maharaja's College, Ernakulam|Maharaja's College]], [[St. Albert's College]], [[St. Teresa's College]], [[Sacred Hearts College]], Bharata Matha College, Aquina's College, [[De Paul Institute of Science & Technology (DIST)]] and [[Cochin College]]. The major Engineering and Technology colleges in the city are [[School of Engineering, CUSAT|School of Engineering CUSAT]], [[SCMS School of Engineering and Technology]] at [[Kalamassery]], [[Model Engineering College]], [[Rajagiri School of Engineering & Technology]] and FISAT (Federal Institute of Science & Technology).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.e-grantz.kerala.gov.in/ViewInstitution.aspx?courseid=102&coursename=B.Tech |title=List of Institutions having B.Tech |publisher=[[Government of Kerala]] |access-date=12 January 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113093140/http://www.e-grantz.kerala.gov.in/ViewInstitution.aspx?courseid=102&coursename=B.Tech |archive-date=13 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 |date=28 December 2004 |access-date=14 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820172641/http://www.hindu.com/edu/2004/12/28/stories/2004122800050100.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |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.
+==Social service organisations==
+Some of the main orphanages and rehabilitation shelters in Cochin City are [[Palluruthy Relief Settlement]] in Palluruthy Veli, Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan, Don Bosco Big Boys, Crescent Girls Orphanage, [[YMCA]] Boys Home, Bal Bhavan, Valsalya Bhavan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://makeadiff.in/blog/cochin/centres/ |title=Centres |access-date=23 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820130526/http://makeadiff.in/blog/cochin/centres/ |archive-date=20 August 2011 }} 8</ref>
+[[Palluruthy Relief Settlement]] is under [[Kochi Municipal Corporation]] and managed in association with Peoples Council for Social Justice. There are about 300 inmates and many of them are mentally ill.<ref name=Reporter2011>{{Citation
+| title = Journey home for relief centre inmates
+| year = 2011
+| author = Staff Reporter
+| journal = The Hindu
+| issue = 20 February
+}}</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>
+The orphanages for children under [[John Bosco|Don Bosco]] Sneha Bhavan Cochi are Sneha Bhavan Annexe, SnehaBhavan, Valsalya Bhavan, Don Bosco and Bosco Nilayam. The [[Childline India]] project in Cochin is taken in collaboration with Don Bosco. Children in distress and in need of help can contact in '1098' (toll free number).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.childlineindia.org.in/1098/CHILDLINE-Kochi-unearths-bonded-Labor.htm |title=News » Childline Kochi unearths bonded Labor |publisher=Childlineindia.org.in |date=22 September 2010 |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022151623/http://childlineindia.org.in/1098/CHILDLINE-Kochi-unearths-bonded-Labor.htm |archive-date=22 October 2012  }}</ref> Sneha Bhavan Annexe is the first point of contact with children and children can stay as a safe night shelter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dbbangalore.org/houses/kerala/kochi/palluruthy/ |title=Palluruthy |publisher=dbbangalore.org |date=26 May 1974 |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124002632/http://dbbangalore.org/houses/kerala/kochi/palluruthy/ |archive-date=24 November 2012 }}</ref> Sneha Bhavan is a home for the children from the streets and for those from unhealthy and risky situations. The Valsalya Bhavan centre is solely for the girls who are rescued from the streets. Runaways, street children, children of sex workers, abused children and child labourers all live here. Along with primary and high school education at a local school, the centre provides shelter, food, clothing and educational support.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dbsnehabhavan.org/overview.htm |title=Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan, Street Children, Young at Risk, Welfare, Palluruthy, Kochi |publisher=Dbsnehabhavan.org |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103222719/http://www.dbsnehabhavan.org/overview.htm |archive-date=3 November 2012  }}</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>
+==Media==
+[[File:Akshara mandiram - ernakulam.JPG|thumb|right|220px|Akshara Mandiram at [[Marine Drive, Kochi|Marine Drive]]]]
+Major Malayalam newspapers published in Kochi include ''[[Malayala Manorama]]'', ''[[Mathrubhumi]]'', ''[[Siraj Daily]]'', ''[[Madhyamam]]'', ''[[Deshabhimani]]'', ''[[Deepika (newspaper)|Deepika]]'', ''[[Kerala Kaumudi]]'', ''[[Janmabhumi]]'', etc. Popular English newspapers include ''[[The Hindu]]'', ''[[The New Indian Express]]'', ''[[The Times of India]]'', ''[[The Pioneer (daily)|The Pioneer]]'' and ''[[The Deccan Chronicle]]''. A number of evening papers are also published from the city.<ref name="Evieningers">{{cite news
+ |url         = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/09/15/stories/2003091500530200.htm
+ |title       = Keeping Kochi updated
+ |work        = The Hindu
+ |date        = 15 September 2003
+|access-date  = 2 June 2006
+|url-status  = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20050507005936/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/09/15/stories/2003091500530200.htm
+ |archive-date = 7 May 2005
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}</ref> Newspapers in other regional languages like Hindi, [[Kannada language|Kannada]], Tamil and [[Telugu language|Telugu]] are also available.
+A number of financial publications are also published in the city. These include ''[[The Economic Times]]'', ''[[Business Line]]'', ''[[The Business Standard]]'' and ''[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]''.
+Prominent magazines and religious publications like the ''[[Sathyadeepam]]'', ''[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]'' and ''[[Vanitha]]'' are also published from the city.
+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>
+Kochi is considered to be the hub of the vibrant [[Malayalam movie]] industry,<ref name="Mollywood">
+{{cite news
+ |author      = Subin Mananthavady
+ |url         = http://www.passlinebusinessmagazine.com/
+ |title       = Mollywood comes to Kochi
+ |work        = Passline Business Magazine
+ |date        = 30 April 2011
+|access-date  = 21 January 2013
+|url-status     = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20130121192920/http://www.passlinebusinessmagazine.com/
+ |archive-date = 21 January 2013
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref> especially contemporary Malayalam movies. The rise of Kochi to the centre stage of the entertainment industry occurred coinciding with the economic boom of the last couple of decades. Many movies are shot in Kochi every year.<ref name="Movie shoot">
+{{cite news
+| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-05/news-and-interviews/36149497_1_mattancherry-trivandrum-lodge-young-filmmakers
+| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426090200/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-05/news-and-interviews/36149497_1_mattancherry-trivandrum-lodge-young-filmmakers
+| url-status=dead
+| archive-date=26 April 2013
+| title= Kochi takes centrestage in Mollywood
+| date=5 January 2013
+| work=[[The Times of India]]
+| access-date=21 January 2013
+}}
+</ref> Kochi also has a host of state-of-the-art production and post-production facilities.<ref name="Filmmakers' hotspot">
+{{cite news
+| author=G. KRISHNAKUMAR
+| url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/15/stories/2006091500800200.htm
+| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411021324/http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/15/stories/2006091500800200.htm
+| url-status=dead
+| archive-date=11 April 2013
+| title= Filmmakers' hotspot
+| date= 15 September 2006
+| work=[[The Hindu]]
+| access-date=19 February 2013
+}}
+</ref><ref name="Megamedia">
+{{cite news
+| url=http://www.postproductionbuyersguide.com/megamedia-films_12_15_08.php
+| title=Megamedia Films launches post-production facility in Kochi
+| work=Post Production Buyer's Guide
+| date=15 December 2008
+| access-date=21 January 2013
+| url-status=dead
+| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216162450/http://www.postproductionbuyersguide.com/megamedia-films_12_15_08.php
+| archive-date=16 February 2013
+| df=dmy-all
+}}
+</ref><ref name="Chithranjali unit coming to city">
+{{cite news
+ |url         = http://newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article255393.ece
+ |title       = Chithranjali unit coming to city
+ |work        = The New Indian Express
+ |date        = 6 March 2010
+|access-date  = 21 January 2013
+|url-status     = live
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095733/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article255393.ece
+ |archive-date = 4 March 2016
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref><ref name="Chithranjali opens studio in Kochi">
+{{cite news
+ |url         = http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/07/stories/2010030750830200.htm
+ |title       = Chithranjali opens studio in Kochi
+ |date        = 7 March 2010
+|access-date  = 21 January 2013
+|url-status     = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20100514110731/http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/07/stories/2010030750830200.htm
+ |archive-date = 14 May 2010
+|work        = [[The Hindu]]
+ |df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref><ref name="Kochi sizzling onscreen">
+{{cite news
+ |url         = http://newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article1439876.ece
+ |title       = Kochi sizzling onscreen
+ |work        = The New Indian Express
+ |date        = 29 January 2013
+|access-date  = 3 February 2013
+|url-status     = live
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20130526145345/http://newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article1439876.ece
+ |archive-date = 26 May 2013
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref>
+Due to these reasons, major section of film personalities including of actors, technical experts and other related workers reside in Kochi.<ref name="Making the right move">
+{{cite news
+ |url         = http://www.deccanchronicle.com/
+ |title       = Making the right move
+ |work        = Deccan Chronicle
+ |date        = 10 October 2011
+|access-date  = 21 January 2013
+|url-status     = live
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20130120125730/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/
+ |archive-date = 20 January 2013
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref><ref name="Kamal in Kochi">{{cite news
+| url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=11528395&tabId=20
+| title=Kamal in Kochi
+| work=Malayala Manorama
+| date=6 May 2012
+| access-date=21 January 2013
+| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531112231/http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=11528395&tabId=20
+| archive-date=31 May 2014
+| url-status=dead
+}}</ref>
+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.
+The district has the largest number of telephone connections in Kerala.<ref name="largest number of telephones">
+{{cite web
+ |publisher   = Public Relations Department, Kerala
+ |work        = Communications
+ |url         = http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/industryinfra_main.htm
+ |title       = PRD Kerala
+ |access-date  = 19 February 2013
+|url-status     = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20130425184054/http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/industryinfra_main.htm
+ |archive-date = 25 April 2013
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}</ref> [[Telephony]] services are provided by various private sector players like [[Aircel]], [[Bharti Airtel|Airtel]], [[Idea Cellular]], [[Hutch (Indian cellular company)|Vodafone]], [[Reliance Infocomm]], [[Tata Docomo]], [[Jio]], [[Tata Indicom]] and the state owned [[Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited|BSNL]]. All the private sector telecom companies have their headquarters for Kerala circle located in Kochi.
+== Sports ==
+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 |date=29 April 2010 |access-date=14 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629043133/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/04/29/stories/2010042951760100.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |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.
+{{multiple image
+| align     = left
+| direction = vertical
+| image1    = JNU-Stadium-kaloor-cochin.jpg
+| width1    = 220
+| alt1      =
+| caption1  = [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] is one of the largest stadiums in India
+| image2    = Rajiv_Gandhi_Indor_Stadium_Side_View.JPG
+| width2    = 220
+| alt2      =
+| caption2  = [[Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium|The Regional Sports Centre]] at Kadavanthra houses the [[Mahesh Bhupathi Tennis Academy]]
+}}
+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>
+The [[Regional Sports Centre, Kochi|Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex]] at [[Kadavanthra]] is a major indoor stadium, mainly used for conducting badminton, tennis and basketball tournaments. The 25m X 10m swimming pool<ref name="RSC cochin">{{cite web|url=http://www.rsccochin.org/show_sport.html?id=8 |title=Swimming pool complex |publisher=Rajiv Gandhi Sports Centre |access-date=12 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100801234948/http://www.rsccochin.org/show_sport.html?id=8 |archive-date= 1 August 2010 }}</ref> at the centre is one of the larger water sports facility in the state, where regular swimming competitions and coaching are conducted.
+The FACT Grounds at Udyogamandal, Sacred Heart's College Grounds, HMT Grounds at [[Kalamassery]] and St. Albert's College Grounds are the other major training facilities for various games like volleyball, badminton, cricket etc.
+Kochi has two [[golf courses]] in the city, and one in the suburbs. The oldest golf club is located at Bolgatty Palace constructed in 1903, which is a nine-hole facility run by Cochin Golf Club society.<ref name="Bolgatty Golf Course">{{cite web
+ |publisher   = Cochin Golf Club Society
+ |url         = http://www.cochingolfclub.com/
+ |title       = Kochi Golf Club and Golf Course, Bolgatty
+ |access-date  = 24 October 2010
+|url-status  = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110208034454/http://cochingolfclub.com/
+ |archive-date = 8 February 2011
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}</ref> The Cochin Golf and Country Club located near to Cochin Airport, operated by CIAL, is Kerala's first 18-hole golf course with a playing area of over 7,200 [[yards]]. The first phase of the all-weather golf course comprising nine holes was opened in May 2010 for members and public. The expansion to an 18-hole course is progressing, which is scheduled to be open in September 2012.<ref name="CIAL Golf Club">{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2688787.ece | work=The Hindu | title=18-Hole Golf Course To Be Opened Next Year | date=5 December 2011 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207104602/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2688787.ece | archive-date=7 December 2011 | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>
+{{cite news
+ |url         = http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/15/stories/2009031555941400.htm
+ |title       = Cochin Golf Cup
+ |date        = 15 March 2009
+|access-date  = 25 October 2010
+|url-status     = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110629043214/http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/15/stories/2009031555941400.htm
+ |archive-date = 29 June 2011
+|newspaper   = [[The Hindu]]
+ |df          = dmy-all
+}}
+</ref>
+Being surrounded by water bodies, the city is ideal for [[Yachting]]. The Kerala Yachting Association and<ref name="KYA">{{cite web
+ |publisher   = Kerala Yachting Association
+ |url         = http://www.keralayachting.com/
+ |title       = Kerala Yachting Association, Kochi
+ |access-date  = 12 October 2010
+|url-status  = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20100923210831/http://www.keralayachting.com/
+ |archive-date = 23 September 2010
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}</ref> the Cochin Yacht Club<ref name="KYC">{{cite web
+ |publisher   = Cochin Yacht Club
+ |url         = http://www.cochinyachtclub.com/home.html
+ |title       = Cochin Yacht Club
+ |access-date  = 12 October 2010
+|url-status  = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20100213215521/http://www.cochinyachtclub.com/home.html
+ |archive-date = 13 February 2010
+|df          = dmy-all
+}}</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]].
+==Navy==
+{{Main|Southern Naval Command}}
+The Southern Naval Command, one of the three main formations of the [[Indian Navy]] has its headquarters in Kochi at [[INS Venduruthy|INS ''Venduruthy'']]. It is commanded by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief. The Southern Naval Command consists of Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST), a training squadron, training establishments and bases, and land forces and survey ships. It has a naval air station, and a ship repair yard.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/organisation-southern-naval-command-kochi |title=Organisation of Southern Naval Command, Kochi |publisher=[[Indian Navy]] |access-date=12 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709113148/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/organisation-southern-naval-command-kochi |archive-date=9 July 2017  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-grauda-aviation-establishment |title=INS Grauda (Aviation Establishment) |publisher=[[Indian Navy]] |access-date=12 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112214842/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-grauda-aviation-establishment |archive-date=12 January 2018  }}</ref>
+The Indian Navy Day is also celebrated here. It is a week-long event showcasing warships, planes, helicopters etc. of the Indian Navy at INS Venduruthy. It is a public event attended in large numbers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/Navy-Day-celebrations/article14879509.ece |title=Navy Day celebrations |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=12 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303164100/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/Navy-Day-celebrations/article14879509.ece |archive-date=3 March 2018  }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2017/oct/26/navy-week-celebration-in-kochi-from-november-28-1683183.html |title=Navy Week celebration in Kochi from November 28 |newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]] |access-date=12 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113093134/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2017/oct/26/navy-week-celebration-in-kochi-from-november-28-1683183.html |archive-date=13 January 2018  }}</ref>
+The close by located [[Cochin Shipyard|Cochin Shipyard Limited]] is the largest shipbuilding and maintenance facility in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cochinshipyard.com/credentials.html |title=Welcome to Cochin Shipyard : ISO 9001 Certified Shipyard of the Millenium |publisher=Cochinshipyard.com |access-date=15 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914061304/http://cochinshipyard.com/credentials.html |archive-date=14 September 2013 }}</ref>
+Presently it is building the first indigenous [[aircraft carrier]] for the Indian Navy.
+==Sister cities==
+{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in India}}
+Kochi is [[twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:
+* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Norfolk, Virginia]], United States<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Norfolk Sister City Association|url=http://www.norfolksistercities.org/sister-cities/kochi-india/|title=Kochi, India - Norfolk Sister City Association|access-date=13 January 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220135136/https://www.norfolksistercities.org/sister-cities/kochi-india/|archive-date=20 December 2017}}</ref>
+* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Menlo Park, California]], United States<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/kochi-menlo-park-sign-agreement-on-cultural-and-economic-exchange/article6885223.ece |title=Kochi, Menlo Park sign agreement on cultural and economic exchange |access-date=13 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303164100/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/kochi-menlo-park-sign-agreement-on-cultural-and-economic-exchange/article6885223.ece |archive-date=3 March 2018  }}</ref>
+* {{flagicon|Russia}} [[Pyatigorsk]], Russia<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development |url=http://www.c-hed.org/?p=2108 |title=Association with Pyatigorsk |access-date=13 January 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026150305/http://www.c-hed.org/?p=2108 |archive-date=26 October 2016  }}</ref>
+* {{flagicon|Lithuania}} [[Vilnius]], Lithuania<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |url=https://deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/101118/kochi-signs-mou-with-vilnius.html |title=Kochi signs MoU with Vilnius |access-date=10 November 2018}}</ref>
+==See also==
+{{portal|India}}
+* [[Neighbourhoods of Kochi]]
+* [[List of tallest buildings in Kochi]]
+* [[List of tourist attractions in Kochi]]
+*[[Portuguese Cochin]]
+==References==
+{{reflist}}
+==Further reading==
+* [[Ma Huan]]: Ying Yai Sheng Lan, ''The Overall Survey of the Ocean's Shores'', translated by J.V.G. Mills, 1970 Hakluyt Society, reprint 1997 White Lotus Press. {{ISBN|974-8496-78-3}}
+* Plunkett, R, Cannon, T, Davis, P, Greenway, P & Harding, P (2001), Lonely Planet South India, Lonely Planet, {{ISBN|1-86450-161-8}}
+* Manorama Yearbook 2003 (English Edition) {{ISBN|81-900461-8-7}}
+* Robert Charles Bristow. ''Cochin Saga'', Paico Pub. House; 2d ed. edition (1967), {{OCLC|1659055}}
+* ''Unemployment in Kerala at the turn of the 20th century Insights from the CDS gulf migration studies'' by K. C. Zachariah, S. Irudaya Rajan
+* ''Kochi Rajyacharithram'' by KP Padmanabha Menon. P (1914)
+* "Akhilavijnanakosam". ''Malayalam Encyclopedia''. D C Books Multimedia Series.
+==External links==
+{{commons category|Kochi, Kerala}}
+{{Sister project links|Kochi|voy=Kochi}}
+<!-- NO COMMERCIAL LINKS PLEASE -->
+* {{Official website|http://www.ekm.kerala.gov.in}} (Government of Kerala)
+* {{Official website|http://ernakulam.nic.in}} (Government of India)
+* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/india/gal_india_south_04.shtml The Story of India: South India], Cochin, BBC
+{{Kochi (India)}}
+{{Neighbourhoods of Kochi}}
+{{Million-plus cities in India}}
+{{Ernakulam district}}
+{{Kerala}}
+{{Authority control}}
+[[Category:Kochi| ]]
+[[Category:Metropolitan cities in India]]
+[[Category:Cities and towns in Ernakulam district]]
+[[Category:Former capital cities in India]]
+[[Category:Former Portuguese colonies]]
+[[Category:Historic Jewish communities]]
+[[Category:Populated coastal places in India]]
+[[Category:Port cities in India]]

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