Fort Kochi - heartthrob of Ernakulam!!!

Fort Kochi is the heartthrob of Ernakulam district. Fort Kochi is famous among tourists for its beaches, churches, Jew street, Mattancheri Palace,thriving art scene,etc. Streets of present day Fort Kochi and Mattancherry are lined with colonial mansions, heritage hotels, beautiful churches, trendy cafes, boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, old cemeteries and fragrant spice markets.

A restaurant in Fort Kochi

An artwork in one of the old building structure.

Thoppumbady Bridge

Coming to the history of Fort Kochi.

Coast of Kerala was an important center of spice trade. In 1497, the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, made his way from Portugal to the Malabar coast, via a maritime route, paving the way for the Portuguese to establish a base in India, and control spice trade in the region. Vasco da Gama visited India thrice during his lifetime. He died in Fort Kochi during his third visit and was buried in St. Francis Church. He was buried here for 14 years  before being dug up and taken back to Lisbon.  

St. Francis Church

Dutch cemetery 

Dutch cemetery 

In the 17th century, the Dutch snatched Fort Kochi from the Portuguese after a siege and made it a part of their territories on the west coast, collectively known as the Dutch Malabar. They controlled Kochi for about a century, and then ceded it to the British. After independence, the princely state of Kochi joined the Indian Union.

Kochi also has a rich Jewish legacy, which lingers on in the Mattancherry neighborhood adjacent to Fort Kochi.In 1567, the Sephardic Jews built the Paradesi Synagogue on land granted to them by the Raja of Kochi.

Traditional Chinese Fishing happens here. These are cantilevered fishing nets that are lowered into the sea to trap fish, crabs,etc, and then raised to collect the catch. It takes about 5 men to pull in the net using a pulley system made of rope, rocks, teak, and bamboo.

Filled with ancient buildings, built by a combination of the Dutch, British, and Portuguese - who at various points in history had control of the city. This is the place where past meets present.

Santa Cruz Basilica is a church first built by the Portuguese, later rebuilt by the British.

There are many other things the city offers.  Biennale : an art exhibition, Kerala Kadhakali centre, Pier. The city has a vibe of its own. The look and corner painted by the youngsters here is really awesome. 

Fort Kochi beach has a paved side walk where you can stroll around enjoying the breeze. Sun set or Sun rise would be the ideal time to visit. 

Dutch cemetery and St. Francis Church are near the Pier. 

Cochin carnival is another attraction here which is a carnival held during last week of December. The carnival ends on 1st January. The origin is traced back to Portuegese New Year celebration. The main highlight of the carnival is the massive procession on the New Year's Day, led by elephants in ornamental trappings. It is a combination of different cultures like Portuguese, Gujarati, Punjabi, Malayalee, Kannada, Arab, Dutch, and Anglo Indian culture.

Burning of Papanji is another ceremony held during midnight of New Year. Papaanji is a giant statue of an old man. Papanaji is burned exactly at stroke of midnight signifies the end of a passing year and welcome New Year. This symbolises the burning of all the ills and a new beginning. The burning of Papanji will be accompanied with fire works. This ceremony is held at the pavement of Fort Kochi beach. The beach will be crowded to site this spectacular ceremony. Every year Papanji statue have a different get up. 
Tip: Planning to go to Fort Kochi on New Year eve,  better to take bike rather than Car. You won't be able to make it to the beach on that day otherwise.

Fort Kochi decorated with lights

Foreigners are seen in abundance in Fort Kochi and hence there are many foreign restaurants too. There are also boat services/trips available here to promote the tourism.