Kochi also known as Cochin, is a major port city on the west coast of India by the Arabian sea and is part of the district of Ernakulam in the state of kerala . Kochi is often called by the name Ernakulam, which refers to the mainland part of the city. Kochi ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourist arrivals in Kerala. Kochi has been ranked the sixth best tourist destination in India. The Maharajas of Kochi (then Cochin) were scholars who knew the epics and encouraged the arts. The paintings at the Hill Palace and the Dutch Palace are testimony to their love for arts.