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Fortkochi beach

Fort Kochi Beach also known as kochi beach is one of the finest beach in Kerala. It is located 12 Km far from kochi city in Kerala. The main attraction of fort kochi beach is the historic fort that is the best example of indo- european architecture. It is an obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India.

A favourite haunt of Kochi, the beach at Fort Kochi is a tranquil experience at any time of the day. Do it alone or in the company of your loved ones, it offers the ideal ambiance to relax and to let your thoughts soar to new heights of creativity.

Chinese Fishing Nets

The Chinese fishing nets are one of the fascinating attractions of Kerala. Their beauty is attributed to their size, elegant construction and the way they work. The Chinese fishing nets are popularly known as Cheenavala in Kerala. The very name of these beautiful nets indicates that they are Chinese in origin. These were first introduced in Kochi, Kerala by the Chinese explorer Zheng He. Today these nets are mostly found on the beaches of Kochi and Vasco-da-Gama Square near the Fort Kochi. The places around Bastion Bungalow, Santa Cruz Basilica and VOC Gate are also dotted with the nets.

Chinese fishing nets are fixed land installations set up on bamboo or teak poles and are operated from the shores. Used for fishing, each net is at least 10 m in height and consists of a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea. For counterbalance large stones are suspended by rope at the other end. In order to operate each fishing net a team of at least six fishermen is required. The net is suspended in the mid air all along the coast. It is then left untouched for few minutes and then lifted gently by the team. Balance has to be maintained while raising the net.

Visit Kochi and see the fishermen using the Chinese fishing nets for catching fish in a unique way. Within few minutes they are able to catch a moderate amount of fish and crustaceans which you can buy for gratifying your taste buds. The best time to have a look at the Chinese fishing nets at Kochi is during sunset. That is the time when it looks perfect and picturesque. It seems as if a page from a fairy tale has been presented before you.

Dutch Palace, Mattancherry

The Mattancherry palace or Dutch palace is situated barely 10 km from Kochi. This grand and beautiful palace was built in 1555 by the Portuguese and presented to the King of Kochi, Shree Veera Kerala Varma. Later the kingdom was taken over by the Dutch. When the Dutch made some renovations in the palace, it was renamed as Dutch Palace in 1663. Today, the Dutch Palace is not merely a historical monument but a renowned portrait gallery of the Kings of Kochi and murals (paintings) revealing Hindu art.

There are beautiful paintings (frescoes) on the walls of the Coronation Hall on the second floor. These paintings are based on the scenes from the ancient epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Apart from this, an area of 1000 sq ft is devoted to paintings based on the themes of Tretayug, (from “Putra Kameshthi Yagya” to Rama’s return to Ayodhya after Lanka’s war). These are the best examples of Kerala’s mural paintings, which are world famous for their unique styles. Various articles used by the royal kings like turbans, dresses and palanquin lined with ivory are also exhibited in the palace.

The entrance to the palace is typically Portuguese in design. At some places, you can observe the traditional Kerala style of architecture known as ‘nalukettus’. In the palace, there is a small temple of ‘Pazhayannur Bhagavati’, the goddess of the Kochi Royal family. Two more temples are situated on either side of the Palace dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Siva.

Vasco da Gama Square, St. Francis Church, Fort Cochin

* Bolghatty Island

* Willingdon Island

* Loafer’s Corner/Princess Street

* Cherai Beach

* The Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura

* Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry