New Delhi, Feb 27 (IANSlife): Kochi or Cochin is one of the most eclectic places Kerala has to offer. Occupied by the Portuguese, in the early 1500s, Kochi has witnessed the arrival of the Dutch, English, Arabs and among many trading and colonial powers who added much vibrancy of the port-city.
A bustling economic hub, Kochi boosts of exciting local food, architecture, adventure options. The most beautiful aspect of the city would probably be the fact it never lost it's unique charm over the time.
A blending of small villages on the Malabar coast of the Arabian Sea created the current incarnation of Kochi where sunset strolls, sampling fresh fish from seaside vendors and boat rides through the islands just offshore are all part of the charm.
It is filled with cool cafes, art centers and stunning historic sites, including beautiful Portuguese-built churches and forts, ancinet Jewish quarters, etc.
No wonder, Kochi has clinched the numero uno place on the global 'Trending" destinations by TripAdvisor2020 Travellers' Choice Destination list. Well connected by air to a host of domestic and international locations, it has trumpled popular picks like Tel Aviv in Israel and Porto in Portugal, among many other destinations across Asia, Europe and the Americas.
"It is a proud moment for Kerala Tourism that our Kochi is named the world's number one Trending destination on Tripadvisor. It is to the credit of excellent tourism marketing and promotion strategy of government and enterprising tourism industry partners. This achievement will propel Kochi and Kerala to great heights in the Tourism sector" said Kadakampally Surendran, State Minister, Tourism.
Are you someone who is already scrolling your mobile to plan for your next travel destination, while, may be returning from a vacation? Then look no further!! Remembering India is a vast country with a wide geographical expanse, if the jewel of the Malabar coast, Kochi topped the list of the Trending list, then the city of eternal love, the Taj Mahal, Agra is not left behind far. The city has entered the list hot travel destinations such as Kaliningrad in Russia, La Paz, Mexico and many more. It featured on the global "Emerging" list of travel hotpicks.
Connected to Delhi by train and road within just 5 hours, it has always been a top picks for tourists across the domestic as well as international tourists.
"It's fantastic to see Indian destinations making their presence felt on the world map and given this achievement is based on feedback and growing interest from travellers, it becomes even more noteworthy!
"Everyone seeks inspiration from various quarters while planning their travel and the best trips often turn out to be inspired and guided by people similar to you who've been there before," said said Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager, Tripadvisor India, which conducted the study by factoring a host of methodologies like review ratings for accommodations, restaurants and attractions, and increase in booking interest and searches across destinations worldwide.