A short trip from the heart of the bustling mini-metro city of Kochi, many tourism guides point Fort Kochi as the most popular destination in Kochi. Summer or monsoon, the charm of Fort Kochi attracts thousands of tourists – to delve into the historic past, for a stint with the Chinese fishing nets and a stroll through the lanes of Fort Kochi, takes you to the once dominant Portuguese era.
The Portuguese made Kochi their first European settlement during 15th century and books mention it to be India’s first European settlement too. In AD 1663, the Dutch took over Fort Kochi and over hundred years later, the British ruled the settlement. The real exposure hit Fort Kochi during 1660′s, when the settlement became popular as a commercial center. In the years to come, Fort Kochi made name as a well-known military base, a dependable shipbuilding center and trade town.
Walk through the streets of Fort Kochi, takes you through different cultures, that ruled the town centuries ago. Evidences of prominence of the colonial periods – those of Portuguese, Dutch and British are still visible in the old houses that stand like a rock. Some of these houses are now converted as home stays and hotels. For instance, Vasco House, believed to have once belonged to Vasco Da Gama is over 500 years old and is now maintained as a homestay.
Vasco House, Fort Kochi, Kerala.
Fort Kochi has a close association with history, more so because Vasco Da Gama, who died in 1524, was buried in St.Francis Church, before taking his mortal remains to Portual, 14 yeas later. St.Francis Church, built in early 1550’s is also one of India’s oldest churches.
Another place of interest is Santa Cruz Basilica, a church originally built by the Portuguese around the 16th century. When British demolished the structure, a new building took its place during the 19th century and rose to the position of Basilica in 1984.
Tired of too much historic exploration? Head to the beach side. Here, you can feel the warmth of fresh air and view the movement of cargo vessels and tourist boats. The Chinese fishing nets are lined up along the coast. Said to have reached the shores of Kochi 700 years back, Chinese fishing nets are made of teak wood and bamboo poles. They are fast under decline owing to high maintenance cost. The fishermen confess their income comes from tourists, who try their hand at fishing. You can also buy fresh fish from the stalls along side the beach pavement.
Chinese Fishing Net, Fort Kochi, Kerala.
Except for the tourists and the road side stalls that sells clothes to paintings, handicrafts to fancy gifts, tender coconuts to fresh snacks, or the occasional film shoots, Fort Kochi is a place to relax, go for a walk and see or smell the once glorious fishing and historic village.
Santa Curz Basilica, Fort Kochi, Kerala.
And when you are ready for a break, drop in at one of the many restaurants: Tea Pot, Mango Tree, Dal Roti, Chariot Beach Restaurant or any other, you spot as you explore Fort Kochi.