Cochin or Kochi is the commercial capital and one of the most modernised cities of Kerala. The place offers umpteen tourist magnets with one of its parts displaying a completely laid back lifestyle with its frozen in time colonial structures, serene beaches and tranquil backwaters while the other part absorbed in modernity with its contemporary structures and ultramodern shopping complexes. Cochin is basically an aggregation of islands and narrow peninsulas with Ernakulam being its main land and the hub of all commercial activity.

Cochin being a seaside city experiences hot and humid climate throughout the year. While the humidity can reach unbearable levels during the summer and monsoon season, December to February are the cooler months. The best time to visit the place is from November to March.

Situated on the Bolgatty island, just a short boat ride away from Kochi, the ancient Bolgatty Palace was built in 1744 by a Dutch trader. Now turned into a heritage hotel, the palace is situated amidst lush greenery and a variety of trees and flowering plants and is one of the oldest Dutch palaces outside Holland. The Bolgatty palace was leased to the British at the beginning of the twentieth century and remained their property until 1947 when the British raj in India came to an end.

Originally constructed by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the ruler of Cochin king Veera Kerala Verma, the opulent palace was renovated by the Dutch in 1663 and thus acquired the name Dutch palace. Amongst the remarkable features of the palace are the intricate carvings and beautiful murals on its walls which depict scenes from the Hindu epics.