Just 13 km from Jose jn, in the heart of Ernakulam, lies Fort Kochi, by far the best part of Kochi. Once an obscure fishing village, it became the first European township in India.

Today, Fort Kochi, with the arresting sight of the sun setting into the Arabian sea behind the mesh of Chinese nets and home to some very interesting history, is a tourists' paradise, especially for those from abroad as well as a peaceful residential area. Fort Kochi has probably the best preserved history of colonial times. Its culture and the architectural styles used in its various churches, bungalows, and forts vividly reflect a rich and vibrant bygone era. The best way to see Fort Kochi is either by walking or cycling. A walk along the shoreline by the beach is a pleasure.

Fort Kochi has many places worth visiting. The trees near the private bus stand are several centuries old. Kerala tourism has brought out a useful walking tour map and guide of Fort Kochi, obtainable from the Kerala Tourism office or from the private tourist desk at the dock side ticket office of Ernakulam main boat jetty.



Reaching Fort Kochi: Fort Kochi is accessible both by road and by boat. Buses are very frequent from Ernakulam and can be boarded from the many city bus stops. The journey from Jose junctionin the centre of the city, is likely to take 40 minutes. If you choose to travel by boat, you can board at the main boat jetty. The trip takes 30 minutes. Fort Kochi has quite a few attractions for you to explore. It is located at a distance of 8 km from Kochi city and 30 km from the Kochi International Airport.

Beach

This is the ideal location form which to view the sunset. The view of the sea, with Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the foreground and the setting sun as the background, is really mesmerizing. It's a delightful experience that is difficult to express in words.

Chinese Fishing Nets

The Chinese fishing nets, known as Cheenavala in Kerala, have been a unique characteristic of Kochi for ages. These nets have a long history and it is believed that they were introduced to Kerala by Chinese traders in ancient times. Apart from China, Kochi is the only place where these nets can be seen. The real fun is in watching the skilled fishermen using these nets to catch fish. The procedure of catching fish with these nets is quite simple, yet effective. These large fishing nets made of teak and bamboo, with lights to attract fish as they are lowered into the water is a treat to watch. They owe their origin to travellers from the court of Kubla Khan, who arrived on the Malabar coast between 1350 and 1450 AD. Today, if you go to the Vasco Da Gama Square, a narrow promenade on the beach at Fort Kochi, you can see these nets at close quarters. They have more or less come to become a mascot of Kochi.

Vasco House

Located on Rose Street, Vasco house is amongst the few of the oldest Portuguese houses in India. Built in the early sixteenth century, it is believed that Vasco da Gama, the great Portuguese explorer, who discovered an ocean route from Portugal to India, lived in this house. Hence the name Vasco house. The house is beautified by European glass paned windows, verandas and a balcony.

St. Francis Church

This is the oldest Church in India that was built by the Europeans. It is believed that this church was built in 1503. History says that the renowned Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524. Later, some 14 years later, his son shifted his remains to Lisbon, Portugal. However, the site where he was buried has been clearly marked out by the tombstone. The patron of this church has changed many times.

The only church spared by the Dutch, it possesses a register of all baptisms and marriages from 1751 to 1804 in the 'Doob Book'. The old clock on the top of the church is of vintage value. Built first of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry, the church was renovated in 1779 by the Protestant Dutch. In 1795, the British converted it into an Anglican Church. The church is located near Kamalakada, close to Fort Kochi beach.

Santa Cruz Basilica

It is believed that the Portuguese built the original church in 1505 and elevated it as a Cathedral in 1558. However, the British destroyed the original Cathedral, during their reign, in 1795. The current structure that you can see was built in 1905. The Basilica status was bestowed on the Santa Cruz Church by Pope John Paul II in 1984. This Roman Catholic Cathedral, near St. Francis Church, has several beautiful paintings.