cochin

Cochin has one of the best natural harbors in India. Traders from the west, the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British, came to Kerala for trading spices, ivory and teak in the 15th century and each nationality left its imprint on this coast. Visit St. Francis church (1510 AD), which has the accolade of being the oldest church on Indian soil. The Dutch or MattencherryPalace built in 1555 is worth a view for its coronation hall and the murals depicting Ramayana, one of the great Hindu epics. The Jewish Synagogue, the oldest in Asia, was built in 1568 and is a treat for those passionate about history and culture. Finally, the Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against the sunset present a spectacular sight of Cochin’s multicultural and kaleidoscopic waterfront.

CHINESE FISHING NETS

The northern shores of FortCochin with huge elegant Chinese fishing nets add grace and charm to the already charming backwaters. The nets, which hark back to the early traders, who vid this coast during 1350 – 1450 AD, are suspended from arced poles and operated by levers and weights. They require at least four to six men to control. These nets are mainly used at high tide, when the system of counter balancing stones is quite a sight. The Chinese fishing nets have become a very popular tourist attraction, their size and elegant construction is very photogenic and the rhythm of their operation is quite hypnotic. The catch, usually modest, may be sold to passers-by within minutes and need be taken only a short distance to a street entrepreneur who will cook it for you to local perfection.

Getting There

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 1½ km from the main boat jetty

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 30 km from Ernakulam