Kochi is often referred to as Ernakulam, one of the earliest district – towns of Kerala and Southern India. Also known as Queen of Arabian Sea, Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India from the 14th century and maintained trade relations with Arab merchants from the pre-Islamic era.

Today, Kochi is the commercial hub of Kerala, and one of the fastest growing tourist destination and second-tier metropolises in India.