Advertisements

 At a Glance

  History
  Topography
  Art & Culture
  Dance & Music
  Fairs & Festivals
  Flora - Fauna
  Cuisine
  Religion
  Mythology

 Worth a Dekho !!

  States & Cities
  Hill Stations
  Beaches
  Pilgrimages
  Adventure stuff
  Sanctuaries
  Forts & Palaces
  Monuments
  Places of Worship

Cochin Fort, Cochin

      The Cochin fort is a half-hour leisurely walk across the canal, northwest of Mattancherry which is also a focus of interest. In an assortment of architectural style city’s extraordinary history of foreign influence is reflected. The architecture of the quiet streets in this enclave is definitely European, with fine houses built by wealthy British traders, and Dutch cottages with split farmhouse doors.

Places to visit:
Chinese Fishing Nets
The northern shore of Fort Cochin has huge, elegant Chinese fishing nets – that add grace and charm to an already characteristic waterside view. It is said that the traders from the court of Kublai Khan have introduced these cantilevered fishing nets known in Malayalam as 'cheena vala', they can also be seen further south. The nets, which are suspended from arced poles and operated by levers and weights, require at least four men to control. These nets are mainly used at high tide, when the system of counter balancing stones is quite a sight. One can buy fresh fish from the market here and have it grilled on the spot at one of the stalls.

St. Francis Church
In one corner stands the church of St. Francis, when walking on from the Chinese fishing nets, in the typically English village green, the first and oldest church in India constructed in 1503, and was associated with the Franciscan friars from Portugal. The original structure was made of wood, but the church was rebuilt in stone around the mid-16th century – the earliest Portuguese inscription found in the church is dated 1562.
    In 1663, after the Portuguese the Dutch renovated the church and made it Protestant then with the advent of the British in 1795 it became Anglican and since 1949 has been attached to the Church of South India. In 1524, Vasco da Gama was buried here for fourteen years before his remains were later taken to Lisbon in Portugal, but his tombstone can be seen inside the church.

Santacruz Basilica
This large and impressive Cathedral which lies south of St. Francis Church and dates back to the early twentieth century. The interior is a combination of the Indo-Romano-Rococo school of decoration. The pastel coloured interior is fantastic and is a delight for the visitor.

Getting there:
Air: Kochi’s busy airport is served by flights from and to Mumbai, Goa, Delhi, Lakshwadeep Islands, Kozhikode and Madras.

Rail: Ernakulam Junction closest to the centre is the most important. Ernakulam town is 4 km to the north. No trains run to Fort Cochin. The Cochin Harbour Terminus is only useful to people using the airport or staying at one of the luxury hotels at the island.

Road: Buses from Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore and other neighbouring places regularly ply the KSRTC Central bus station. Local Transport

Ferry: A good option to explore the places between Kochi and Ernakulam. The ferry system is exciting and provides good views of the surrounding countryside. Mattancherry, Ernakulam, Vypeen, Willingdon Island and other nearby places are connected by ferry.

Bicycles: A convenient way to explore old Kochi.

Tourist Information:

• Information and Tourist Office Government of India Tourist Office
  Willingdon Island.
  Tel: -668352

• KTDC’s Reception Centre
  Shanmugham Road, Ernakulam.
  Tel: -353234

• Tourist Desk at the entrance to the Main Boat Jetty in Ernakulam is the best place to check timings for buses and ferries.

Accomodations:

• Hotel Delite
  (Tel: -28658),

• Tharavadu Tourist Home
  (Tel: -226897) and

• Hotel Seagull
  (Tel: -228128) are few of the good hotels available