COCHIN/ KOCHI
A wonderfully relaxed city, it is the main entry port into Kerala with good domestic air links. It is built around a salt water lagoon of the Arabian Sea and is actually a collection of islands. Mattancherry and Fort Kochi are the older, more attractive and interesting parts of the city.
The Portuguese built a fort here in the 16th century which was later occupied by the Dutch and then the British. The strong European influences can be seen in the architecture, food and ambience of the city with its narrow streets and colonial bungalows.
It is a beautiful location, very photogenic and an ideal place to chill out and watch the sun set behind the Chinese nets. The Brunton Boatyard Hotel is especially wonderful.
Places of Interest:
CHINESE NETS
Symbolic Kerala. People flock to see these in operation but it appears they attract more tourists than fish! They were first erected between 1350 and 1450 and are cantilevered fishing nets. Best viewed at sunset, sitting on an upturned fishing boat on the beach!
SANTA CRUZ CATHEDRAL
Built in 1887 it has impressive murals on the ceiling.
ST FRANCIS CHURCH
Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his body was returned to Portugal 14 years later. The Church was established by the Portuguese in 1500s and it is one of India’s oldest European churches.
MATTANCHERRY PALACE
It was constructed by the Portuguese in the mid 1500s and given tothe ruler of Cochin as a token of goodwill in exchange for trading rights. Later renovated by the Dutch giving it the misnomer the Dutch Palace. Closed Fridays.
PARADESI SYNAGOGUE
There has been a Jewish community in Kochi since1568 and in the heart of Jew Town lies India’s oldest synagogue. Nowadays there are perhaps a dozen families still living in the community. Closed Saturdays.
