The South Indian state of Kerala is called 'God's Own Country' for its scenic natural beauty, but today we will know about Fort Kochi, a popular island and coastal town in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. Known for its rich history, captivating cultural diversity, serene ambience, and with its blend of colonial influences and traditional Indian charm, Fort Kochi offers a truly unique travel experience. Arriving at Ernakulam station by train, you can easily go to Fort Kochi from Ernakulam boat jetty by availing of the ferry service. Being by the sea it never gets so-called cold, but the summer is quite hot and the weather is humid all year round.
Among the various attractions in Fort Kochi, the most
popular is the Chinese Fishing Nets, which are permanently placed along the
seashore to catch fish in a special way. These nets are called 'Chinabhala' in
the local language. These nets were made here between 1350 and 1450 AD under
the supervision of a Chinese tourist and fishing is still practiced here today.
Made of bamboo, teak poles and thick rope, these nets, about 10 meters long,
require at least 6 people to operate it and can only be operated during high
tide in the sea. Behind these nets, a spectacular view of the sunset over the
sea is a scene to cherish, without which a trip to Fort Kochi would be
incomplete.
The famous 'Chinese Fishing Net'
Fort Kochi is famous for its Dutch, Portuguese and
British colonial architecture. Among the places of special note here are...
1. St. Francis Church, which houses the tomb of the
famous tourist Vasco da Gama. One of the oldest churches in Fort Kochi, built
in 1503 AD, it is a masterpiece of European architecture.
2. The Mattancherry Palace or Dutch Palace, built in 1555
AD, houses many examples of Kerala's famous mural paintings and houses a rare
collection of full-length portraits of the erstwhile kings of Kochi. This area
was once the center of trade especially the famous spice market of Kerala.
3. The Pardeshi Synagogue or Jewish Synagogue,
established by the Jewish community in 1568 AD, houses a wonderful collection
of antiques and rare artifacts that still bear witness to the lifestyle of that
time. The grandeur of the architectural art of that time is spread at every step
of it.
4. Jew Street, the road from Mattancherry or the Dutch
Palace to the Pardeshi Synagogue, is lined with numerous antique shops, none of
which is less than a museum.
5. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, built by the Portuguese
in 1505 AD, is one of the oldest Catholic churches in India whose architecture
and grandeur are still awe-inspiring.
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
Fort Kochi has emerged as a hub for art and creativity.
The town hosts the renowned Kochi-Muziris Biennale, a contemporary art festival
that attracts artists and enthusiasts from around the world. Explore the art
galleries and installations scattered throughout the town, providing a unique
visual experience. Also, a tour is not complete without seeing the Indian
Coastal Naval Museum, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Dutch Cemetery, Bishop's
residence, numerous old Bungalows and Churches, Galleries, etc.
Church of Our Lady of Life
Other islands around Fort Kochi are also very nice places
to visit especially Vypin and Willingdon Islands. The sunset from Vypin Island
is a wonderful experience for tourists. In Fort Kochi, you can witness Kerala's
famous Kathakali folk dance performance. The town also offers a delectable
array of culinary delights, combining flavors from various cuisines. Relish the
spicy and flavorful seafood delicacies at the local eateries. Savor traditional
Kerala dishes like appam (rice pancakes) with stew, Malabar biryani, and
karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish marinated in spices and grilled in banana
leaf). Be sure to sample the local street food, including delicious banana
fritters and piping hot pazhamporis.
Sunset from Vypin Island
Two to three days are enough for a good tour of Fortkochi which can be planned along with other places in Kerala, but Fortkochi is a phenomenal blend of history, art, culture, architecture, sculpture, society, and tradition that carries each genre uniquely through the ages.
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