Fishing Nets
Mattancherry Palace
Kochi Beach
Kochi

Fort Cochin

Co-Chin, meaning 'Like-China'...

13kms from Ernakulam Town, Fort Cochin is a reminder of the colonial times. Cochin named for its natural harbour, one of the finest in the World earned the name "Queen of the Arabian Sea". Arabs were the first traders of spices and then came Chinese in large numbers settled along the coast of Kerala. Even today we can able to see the Chinese Fishing nets. Fort Cochin transformed itself into a European town between 1500 and 1520. The Portuguese were the first to set foot in 1500 by the landing of Vasco-da-gama. The Dutch followed the Portuguese in 1660. Finally, the British took over the charge of Fort Cochin in 1795. Cochin is one of the largest port in India. All the islands like Wellington island, Bolgatty, Gundu, Fort Cochin and Vypeen are connected by Ferry.

Sights at a glance:

Jewish Synagogue,
Mattancherry Palace,
Santa Cruz Basilica,
St. Francis Church

Jewish Synagogue

Called Paradesi Synagogue...

Founded in 1568, destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and restored in 1664 by the Dutch. The corner tower has clocks on four sides in different scripts (Malayalam, Hebrew, Roman and Arabic). The floor tiles, blue and white in color were brought from China. Three scrolls of Torah are kept in gilded and embossed containers of metal. Every Saturday there is a Sabbath - a weekly holiday for the Jew Community. Opening all the days except Friday and Saturday. Decent dress code is must.

Quick Glimpses:

Timings - 10:00 am to 01:00 pm and 03:00 pm to 05:00 pm,

Entrance Ticket - Rs.5/- for Indians and Foreigners,

Camera and Video - Strictly Prohibited

Mattancherry Palace

Called Dutch Palace...

The palace was built by the Portuguese in 1557 for the rulers of Kochi. In 1663, the palace was completely remodeled and the exterior of the palace resembles the European architecture. The interior walls was beautifully decorated with Mural Paintings that depicts some of the scenes in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharatha. Nearby the palace area, we can able to visit the Jew Town. The Palace and the Jewish Synagogue shares the common wall.

Quick Glimpses:

Entrance Ticket - Rs.5/- for Indians and Foreigners,

Camera and Video - Strictly Prohibited.

Opens all the days except Friday

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

One of the Eight Basilicas in India...

One of the oldest Cathedrals in Cochin and as well as in India. This catholic place of worship lies south of the Church of St.Francis. This church was built by the Portuguese and Pope Paul IV elevated it to a cathedral in 1558. In 1795, the British demolished and rebuilt in the neo-classical style and proclaimed the status as Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. The pulpit is carved on wood and also the ceiling is extraordinary for its paintings. Open all the days. Camera and video are allowed.

St. Francis Church

Oldest European Church in India...

This church is reputed to be the earliest European-Christian place of worship. The original structure was built by the Portuguese made out of the timber wood in 1503. In 1795, this was converted to an Anglican Church by the British. Vasco-da-gama was buried here in 1524 and his remains was later moved to Lisbon though the tombstone still remains. A few memorial brass plates and marble slabs were erected in honour of some persons who had contributed their own lives to this Church and the society. The present furniture was installed when it was under the Anglican order of Worship. Now the church is owned by the Church of South India and there is a regular worship every Sunday and on commemorative days. On the week days it is kept open for visitors and tourists. Vasco-da-gama was buried here in 1524 and his remains was later moved to Lisbon though the tombstone still remains. A few memorial brass plates and marble slabs were erected in honour of some persons who had contributed their own lives to this Church and the society. The present furniture was installed when it was under the Anglican order of Worship. Now the church is owned by the Church of South India and there is a regular worship every Sunday and on commemorative days. On the week days it is kept open for visitors and tourists.

Quick Glimpses:

Timings - 09:30 am to 05:00 pm,

Camera - Allowed, Video - Strictly Prohibited.