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Fort Kochi in Kerala, India

Chinese Fishing nets

Fort Kochi (Cochin) is a must see for both lndian and International travelers interested to know about a bit of history. The place has its influences from the Dutch, Portugese, British and Chinese cultures through the ages. See history of Fort Kochi -Wiki

Boat Jetty at Ernakulam

Though this historical place is accessible by A/c buses from Ernakulam, the best way to travel would be to get to the state boat jetty (see pic) located off Marine drive at Ernakulam and boats ferry passengers to Fort Kochi and Mattancherry at regular intervals. The twenty or so minute boat ride takes you past the huge oil tankers and cruise ships anchored around the area and stops at the Fort Kochi jetty where you get down and walk down to the beaches.

Aida Diva off Fort Kochi

The walk past the jetty takes you to the Kathakali Arts Centre where Tourists get to see the Kathakali dance (a traditional dance form of Kerala) performance . A popular dance form, traditionally confined to palace halls, courtyards of Nair families and temple festivals, is performed here for tourists. For reservations and shot timings visit the link above.The address of the location is Behind Santa Cruz Bazilica, K.B.Jacob Road, Fortkochi-682001. The contact numbers and email Id's are Tel: +91 484 2215827, Res: +91 484 2217552/ kpvijayan@yahoo.com  , vijayan@kathakalicentre.com

Old houses near the beach

One of the most  interesting and unique attraction is the Chinese fishing nets near the beaches.

Locally known as the cheenavala in Kerala, these fishing nets have an ancient history and it is popularly believed that these nets were introduced here by the traders from the court of the Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan. These nets are still used today and it is really a great sight for tourists and photogs to see the fishermen in action.



Other attractions include the old houses near the beach, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European Church in India, where Vasco Da Gama was initially buried and his remains moved to Lisbon later, Cochin Jewish Synagogue at Mattanchery, the oldest active synagogue in the Common wealth of Nations and the Mattanchery palace in Jew Town.

Tourists at Fort Kochi

Tourists relax at the beaches

For tourists and photographers, The best time to visit Fort Kochi is during the month of December and January to take part in the Cochin Carnival in the last week of December and the Kite festival on January 21.