For centuries Kochi is at the center stage of Kerala's history. Having a natural harbour has been one of the major reasons why Kochi became an important center for trade, commerce and culture. The city's pan-Indian nature is highlighted by the substantial presence of various ethnic communities from different parts of the country. For instance the city has a Jewish quarter with a historic synagogue, a community of Sikkimese, Buddhists, a large number of Gujarati business families . The presence of the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command adds to the cosmopolitan nature of the city.

Business hub

Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala. The city is vibrant with the sprawling commercial ventures. Huge shopping malls, modern super markets, sleek jewelry shops, up-market restaurants, automobile showrooms and cyber cafes , which is the main thorough fare of the city.There is an influx of people coming into the city from different regions of the state daily to attend jobs in the city offices and for shopping.

Judicial centre

The city is the abode of the High Court of Kerala which is the top judicial body in the state. Among the scores of colleges for legal education in the city the Govt. Law College is among the best of its kind in Kerala.

Beautiful environments

Kochi City is blessed with an ambience unique to itself. The ship-lined harbour forms a colourful and permanent backdrop to the city.The City with tree-lined avenues and public parks with a number of public grounds and auditoriums is a witness to political processions and events on a daily basis.

Area

87.341 kms comprising of mainland Ernakulam, old Kochi including Mattanchery, Fort Kochi Palluruthi and Thoppumpadi, Wellington Island, the suburb of Edapally and the exurbia of Kalamassery, and Kakkanad to the northeast, and Tripunithura to south east.

Population

16.6 lakhs(Greater Kochi [2001 census])

Location

Latitude 9 degree 57’ N; Longitude 76 degree 15’ E. The city lies between Tripunithura, the seat of the erstwhile Kochi royalty to its southeast and the Eloor-Kalamassery industrial belt to its north. To the west Lies the Arabian Sea.

Language

Malayalam the youngest in the Dravidian family, is the official language of the state of Kerala. English is widely used in business circles.

Religion

Hindus account for the largest community followed by Christian and Muslims. Kochi has a small population of Jains,Jews and Sikhs

Time

Indian STD Time +5.30 hrs GMT.

Altitude

Sea level.

Climate

The summer temperature (march to may) vary from a high of 35 degree Centigrade to a low of 22.5 degree Centigrade. With winter months from December to February having a mean minimum of 20 degree Centigrade, Kochi experience both the south west monsoon, from June to September and the northwest, from October to December. The average annual rainfall is 3099.1mm with 132 average annual rainy days.