Kochi, a city on the southwest coast of Kerala, India, is known for its rich
historical and
cultural significance. Today,
Kochi is a key gateway to Kerala and southern India, with strong connectivity by road, rail, air, and sea. Its
international airport connects the city to many global destinations, making it easily accessible for travelers. Kochi’s natural harbor, home to one of India’s oldest ports, continues to be important for
maritime trade. The city also has modern infrastructure, such as the
Kochi Metro and
water metro , which improves urban transport, and the Kochi Marina, one of India's first marinas. Kochi hosts the
Kochi-Muziris Biennale, a world-renowned contemporary art festival that brings in artists and visitors from across the globe. Blending its cultural heritage with modern advancements, Kochi offers a unique combination of history, art, and development.
Kochi's higher education landscape is characterised by a diverse range of universities, research institutions, and colleges.
Cochin University of Science and Technology,
National University of Advanced Legal Studies,
Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies,
The Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode’s Kochi Campus,
The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, the
Indian Maritime University’s Kochi Campus,
Maharaja’s College,
Sacred Heart College,
St. Teresa’s College,
UC College,
Rajagiri College of Social Sciences,
St. Albert’s College etc., are located in Ernakulam district. Beyond academia, Kochi serves as a vibrant industrial centre, particularly within the Information Technology (IT) sector.
Infopark, one of Kerala's major IT parks, hosts numerous multinational corporations and tech startups. The city's entrepreneurial ecosystem is bolstered by initiatives from the
Kerala Startup Mission. In addition to these, Kochi is known for
shipbuilding,
tourism,
petrochemicals, and spice trading.