Cochin

FORT KOCHI AND MATTANCHERRY

In Fort Kochi, The centuries-old Colonel buildings tell you the stories of the cultural and commercial exchanges of east and with the western colonial giants. You feel like history has frozen the fame, thanks to the old world charm of Fort Kochi with its historic buildings and old churches. The European connection with Fort Kochi can be dated back to 100 with the Portuguese, the Dutch in 13 and the British in '1800. All these have contributed to the art, architecture and culture of Fort Kochi. Major tourist attractions are Fort Kochi Beach, Chinese Fishing nets, Santa Cruz Basilica, Indo Portuguese Museum, Fort is Vasco House, Dutch Cemetery to name a few.

The erstwhile centre of trade is a potpourri of many cultures. The Jews, Jains, Gujaratis, Konkanis etc. has made settlements in Mattancherry. Major centres of attraction are Dutch Place, Jew Town/Antique Shops, The spice market, Paradesi Synagogue etc.

ST. FRANCIS CHURCH FORT KOCHI

The architectural beauty of the church is matched by only one thing. The historic significance of the church. This is one of the oldest churches built by Europeans in India. A mud and wood structure made by Portuguese was invaded and renovated many times by the Dutch and British and witnessed various European invasions. The current church has a lofty structure, tiled roof with the framework of timber. The inside speaks volumes about the architectural beauty of the church whether it is the carved wooden pulpit, the confessional, the baptism platform and the book rests. Vasco Da Gama was buried in this church. 14 years later his body was taken back to Portugal. His burial place is clearly marked inside the church and a gravestone commemorating his memory is put in the compound.

COCHIN CHINESE FISHING NETS

Chinese Fishing Nets or Cheenavala as known as Malayalam is what comes to one’s mind when thinking about Cochin. This huge cantilevered net attracts people from near and far off places. Made of teak, these nets stretch out the sea with their based strongly planted on the shore and operated by 4-6 local fishermen. The weight of a man walking on the main plank is enough for them to take a dip in the sea just to come up with a great catch. Walk to the Vasco Da Gama square and you will get the best view of the Chinese fishing nets. The imposing structure of the Chinese net in the backdrop of the setting golden sun is something you can cherish in your memory forever. You can purchase the catch from the fishermen and can get it cooked live by the street shops.

INDO PORTUGUESE MUSEUM KOCHI

The relics from the bygone Portuguese era adorn every nook and corner of the Indo Portuguese Museum. The artefacts are mostly religious and are divided into five sections named Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral. These are collected from the numerous churches and diocese in and around Cochin. Collectables include 16th teak altarpiece, Silver and wood processional cross from the 19th century, 18-19th-century monstrance, a chasuble from 19th Century, sculptures, precious metal ware and sacral vestments.

JEW STREET AND SYNAGOGUE MATTANCHERRY

Walk through the Jew Street Mattancherry, one of the oldest and few Jew settlements in India. The narrow street has an array of old buildings and curio shops. The shops are owned by none other than the decedents of the Jew settlers. A wide variety of antiques are stored, from Sculptures made of brass and bronze, carved wooden furniture, fine crockery, precious jewellery and much more. Each antique has a story to tell most dating back two centuries.

Walk further down the street; you will be greeted by the 1568 Jewish Synagogue. This is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations and it is in Kerala. One of the major tourist destination. The land for the synagogue was gifted by Raja Varma, the Raja of Kochi. It has a common wall sharing with the famous Mattancherry Palace Temple. The majestic synagogue has a large hall showcasing rare antiques. The aura created by light falling on Belgian chandeliers and lamps through the large open windows is magical. At the Centre of the hall is a grand pulpit with bass rails. The floors are adorned with ceramic tiles; each has a different blue willow patterned design which is quite exquisite. There is an exclusive gallery for women with gilt columns. Encased in silver and gold, the four scrolls of Torah (the first five books of Old Testament) are kept on grand carved teak arches. The synagogue also housed the two gold crowns gifted to the Jewish community by the Kings of Kochi and Travancore. You can also see the Copper plates with 4th century Malayalam inscriptions. Written in the Kannadiyezhuthu script (mirror image writing) it proclaims the privileges granted to the community by the Cochin Rajas. An oriental rug gifted by the last Ethiopian Emperor, Haile Selassie is also stored here.