Aug 302010
Cochin, or Kochi, is the historical capital of Kerala; Trivandrum is the new modern capital city. Cochin is by far the most interesting and is probably most famous for its Chinese Fishing Nets which line the harbour front along historic Fort Kochi – now a World Heritage site. Set on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Kochi is a city of cultural diversity – winding streets, shady trees, Kathakali dance, modern Indian art, 500 year old Portuguese houses, mosques, a tiny Jewish community with ancient roots – and ferry boats scuttling backwards and forwards. We can organise an English speaking guide to escort you around the places of interest. In order to fully appreciate this fascinating city, we would recommend a stay of at least 2 nights in Cochin.
Things to see
Chinese Fishing Nets
 Brought to Cochin by early Chinese traders between 1350 and 1450 AD, these fascinating fishing mechanisms remain a way of life for the fishermen of Cochin. Groups of six to eight men lower the nets into the sea and after a while heave them back up, usually with a very modest catch. The collection of spread out nets on their frames of masts and poles forms a unique backdrop to Cochin’s harbour, particularly in the evening against the magnificent crimson sunsets. |
Jewish Synagogue
 Cochin is also home to what must be one of the world’s most far-flung Jewish communities. While the date of their arrival here is debated, they came to trade spices and stayed. Today, only a handful remain, since most left India in the 1950’s after being given free passage to Israel. But the Paradesi Synagogue, with its elaborate glass chandeliers and 17th century blue ceramic floor tiles, is a charming testament to their once powerful presence in the city. |
Kathakali
 No trip to Kerala would be complete without a visit to a Kathakali performance. Tracing its origins to 17th century India, Kathakali, the masked dance drama of Kerala, is an art form so widely appreciated that it almost defines the people and culture it originates from. This spectacular dance draws its inspiration not only from religious myths and legends, it is also firmly grounded in various forms of martial arts, folktales and stylised drama. Elaborate costumes and makeup together with intricate facial and hand movements, portray the various stories. It takes up to an hour prior to the performance for the actors to apply their make-up and undergo the transformation into their Kathakali character. This is performed on stage and is very much part of the experience. We can arrange tickets to a Kathakali performance at one of two theatres in Cochin – personally we would recommend the non-air conditioned theatre. |
The Dutch Cemetery
 The tomb stones here are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans who left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires and changed the course of history of this land. The cemetery was consecrated in 1724 and is today managed by the Church of South India. |
Santa Cruz Basilica
 This historic church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. In 1795 it fell into the hands of the British when they took over Cochin, and was demolished. About a hundred years later Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site in 1887. The church was proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. |
St. Francis Church
 Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, this is India’s oldest European church. It was initially built of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry. It was restored in 1779 by the Protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican church by the British in 1795 and is at present governed by the Church of South India. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal. The tombstone still remains. |
Vasco House
 Believed to have been the residence of Vasco de Gama, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Cochin. Built in the early sixteenth century, Vasco House sports the typical European glass paned windows and balcony cum verandahs characteristic of the times. |
Parade Ground
 The four acre Parade Ground was where once the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British colonists conducted their military parades and drills. The buildings around the ground housed their defence establishments. Today, the largest open space in Fort Cochin, the Parade Ground is a sports arena. |
City Laundry
 Not one of the normally listed sights of Cochin but we think this is a fascinating place. A vast outdoor laundry catering primarily for the needs of the city’s tourists with immense fields of brightly coloured laundry swaying in the breeze. The local workers each pay a rental fee to the laundry to have a washing ‘station’ and a room for their belongings. The ironing & pressing equipment is out of the arc but the results are amazing! |
Places to Stay
Brunton Boatyard
Malabar House Residency
Trinity
Tea Bungalow
Old Harbour Hotel
Old Lighthouse Hotel
 The Old Lighthouse Bristow hotel is situated right on the Fort Cochin beach. Surrounded by abundant greenery and the great Arabian sea, the hotel couldn’t be in a more perfect location |
