Kochi formerly known as Cochin, is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. The city is one of the principal seaports of the country and is located in the district of Ernakulam, about 220 kilometres (137 mi) north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. It has an estimated population of 600,000, with an extended metropolitan population of about 1.5 million, making it the largest urban agglomeration and the second largest city in Kerala after the capital.In 1102 CE, Kochi became the seat of the Kingdom of Cochin, a princely state which traces its lineage to the Kulasekhara empire. Heralded as the Queen of Arabian Sea, Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the Arabian Sea coast since the 14th century. Ancient travellers and tradesmen referred to Kochi in their writings, variously alluding to it as Cocym, Cochym, Cochin, and Cochi. Occupied by the Portuguese in 1503, Kochi was the site of the first European colonial settlement in India. It remained the capital of Portuguese India until 1530, when they opted for Goa as their capital. The city was later occupied by the Dutch, the Mysore and the British.

Dream Catcher Home Stay

Vasavan Lane Road (Near Thamaraparambu Schoo), Good home-cooked food, clean rooms, but host quite unpleasant. Will pick up from Bus/Railway station free of charge Rs. 600-1200.

Green House Home Stay

Kunnumpuram Road, Njaliparambu, Fort Kochi. Very nice and friendly home stay in a good location close to Princess Street (where Kumar has a shop, so try to track him down there if you can't reach him otherwise), which also offers a TV and a fridge in the common room/living room In high season doubles are around Rs500 (or more if you want A/C), whereas we paid Rs250 during the low season (May 2008).

Leelu Home, Fort Kochi

Cheerans Ebenezer, Behind Fort Kochi Post Office, Quirose Street,Fort Kochi (Hardly a 2 minute walk from the famous Santa Cruz Basilica), A recently renovated Victorian building in the heart of Fort Kochi. Cooking classes are conducted at the kitche every day from 11a.m. - 1p.m. and from 6p.m. - 8p.m.

The Gateway Hotel,

Marine Drive, Kochi, . Formerly Taj Residency near the harbour with good views over the sea from some rooms.

Maple Regency Hotel

Cannon Shed Road, Ernakulam, Near the main boat jetty is well located, friendly place with a good restaurant Rooms are from USD 6.50 to 10.00.

The Royal Kerala Boats

, 304 - Lalan Towers, Marine Drive Kochi Kerala. If you are traveling to Kerala and are looking for a place to stay, there is nothing better than a One night stay on a House Boat. The boats are build on traditional transport boats and have now been modified into luxury house boats with all modern amenities.

Taj Malabar,Willingdon Island

On the tip of Willingdon Island is has to be one of the best located properties in Kochi. In its heritage wing, built in 1935, is full of Victorian interiors, while it's tower wing is more modern.