KERALA

KOCHI

Kochi (Malayalam: [koti]( listen)), formerly known as Cochin (the colonial-era name), is a major city and seaport located on the south-west coast of India by the Arabian Sea in Ernakulam district of Kerala state. Kochi is also often called by the name Ernakulam, which refers to the mainland part of the city. The Corporation of Cochin was formed in 1967 and includes Ernakulam, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and several other towns. The city of Kochi (pop. 564, 589) is Kerala's second largest city and is part of an extended metropolitan region (pop. 1.35 million), which is the largest urban agglomeration in Kerala. Kochi city is also a part of Greater Cochin region[5][6] and is classified as a B-1 grade city[7] by the Government of India, making it the highest graded city in the state. Climate Under the Kppen climate classification, Kochi features a tropical monsoon climate. Kochi's proximity to the equator along with its coastal location results in little seasonal temperature variation, with moderate to high levels of humidity. Annual temperatures range between 23 to 31 C (7388 F) with the record high being 38 C (100 F), and record low 17 C (63 F).[19] From June through September, the south-west monsoon brings in heavy rains as Kochi lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats. From October to December, Kochi receives lighter (yet significant) rain from the northeast monsoon, as it lies on the leeward side.

Average annual rainfall is 3228.3 mm (127.098 in),[20] with an annual average of 132 rainy days.