The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi along with its mainland part, Ernakuam is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. With one of the finest natural harbours in the world, this was once a major centre of commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch etc.Kochi is the most modern city of Kerala where the best shopping markets are located. From Cochin ships set sail for foreign ports with pepper, seafood, rubber and coir. The harbour is the nucleus around which Cochin has grown to become the Queen of Arabian Sea. The word Ernakulam comes from a Tamil word Erayanarkulam which means abode of Lord Shiva.
