Cochin, formerly known as Kochi, gained its importance in the world trading routes after the world famous port at Kodugallur (Cranganore) were destroyed by the massive flood, giving the way to the then Kochi, the nearby city, to rise to be one of the busiest ports in the region. By this, Cochin has developed to be a major trading point in pepper, cardamom, cloves, etc

Early history of Cochin is in obscurity, but it is evident that it was the princely state and came under numerous empires of southern India through centuries of its history. Later, during the period of colonialism, the local rulers were dominated by the foreign powers. Starting with the Portuguese who settled in Cochin in the 15th century, the local rulers and the Portuguese had planted relations with each other as the allies. Soon after, the Portuguese became controller in spice trade, and finally held also the political power in Cochin. Under the Portuguese, Cochin grew into even more thriving city.

Until A.D.1663, the Dutch invaded and gained the victory over the Portuguese. Under the Dutch, Cochin continued to enjoy its prosperity from being an important port in the region; meanwhile, culturally influenced by the Dutch as seen in architectural monuments like Fort Williams.

Even if the great ruler of Mysore could defeat the Dutch, the whole nation came under the British power, making Cochin, too, became a part of the British colony in 1814. It was during the British rule that Cochin port was developed to be what see today; the Willingdon Island which accommodates the Cochin Port, Airport, and the Head Quarters of Southern Naval Command apart from being a hub of other trading and commercial organizations.

After India's independence in 1947, the state of Kerala was formed by the unification of provinces Kochi, Malabar and Travancore in 1956. The Corporation of Cochin was formed in 1967 by the merger of towns of Fort Kochi, Mattanchery, Ernakulam and many nearby villages. Today, Cochin is one of the most important industrial, trading and commercial centers of southern India.