Fort Kochi & Mattanchery are two harbor towns with a long history that dates back to the Portuguese era in India. This old city has two names, Cochin and Fort Cochin, a perfect blend of culture, heritage and modernism in thoughts and experiences. This is the only town where Portuguese, Dutch and then the British ruled in India. Mattanchery is just 2 kilometers away from Fort Cochin and is known for the spice traders with long history.
Travel 30 minutes from Eranakulam town, you reach the Fort Cochin which still has that colonial old world charm. What you see are buzzing streets guarded by the colonial buildings where spice trade is still flourishing through generation so traders.
Fort Cochin and Mattanchery heritage towns are known for the ethnic population of Jews, Gujaratis, Konkanis, Marathis etc who lived here in harmony for centuries preserving their distinct culture intact even through the most difficult periods of the history.
Summer starts by February and by mid March humidity will be on its peak. So, ideal time would be before March end.
Places to visit in Fort Cochin
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Chinese Fishing Nets
The moment you get down at Fort Cochin, you would notice the wooden structure and the nets attached to it. The traditional fish trap is a perfect choice for photographers especially during the warm evening. This is owned and operated by local fishermen. Pay few bucks and go along with them to operate this wonderful historic machine.
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Jew Street
A small yet attractive street sandwiched between Synagogue and the Mattanchery place which is the main attraction for foreign tourists. A hub of antique traders and artists. You can find numerous shops where they display traditional Kerala artifacts and many from rest of India. Curios are yet another item that sells well here. A visit is worth even if you do not have any intention to buy anything as this might take you back through the memory lane.
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Princess Street
Yet another street near Fort Cochin that still carries that old world charm of British and Portuguese era. You can find the numerous colonial style building with stories that date back to centuries. A must visit place if you love clicking your camera.
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St. Francis Church
Build by Portuguese in 1503, St. Francis Church is a perfect example of the Colonial Architecture excellence. St. Francis Church in Cochin is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. You can still see the marriage register that dates back to 17th century and many Europeans visit this church to dig out their family roots.
The Portuguese explorer Vasco De Gama died in Cochin in 1524 and has been buried in St. Francis Church but by 1540, the remains had been taken back to Lisbon.
St. Francis Church is a protected monument.
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Folklore Museum
Imagine stepping into a 3 storied building that is full of artifacts, curios, sculptures. That is Folklore museum for you! Built in traditional Malabar style, Folklore museum is made up of wood. This is a treasure trove of information for art lovers and students.
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Fort Cochin Beach
Just few minute walk from the bus stand, Fort Cochin beach has a long and clean walkway that is built on the stones. Fort Cochin beach offers an unrestricted view of sunrise and sunset beyond the horizon of Arabian Sea. An ideal place for morning and evening walk, this is a main attraction for many from all age group. You can also see the fishing boats getting ready for sailing and the big vessels that pass through the shore.
If you are lucky you might be able to spot dolphins that visit this beautiful beach.
Please be aware that Indian Navy control many part of the place due to strategic reasons and so entry is restricted in some areas.
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Marine Drive
Kissing the mighty Vemabanattu Lake, Marine drive is a 3 kilometers long walkway. This is an evening destination for many irrespective of age. There are many chairs to sit and enjoy the sunrise and sunset on the far beyond the horizon. Marine drive is a perfect destination to go for a long walk along with your loved one.
How to reach Fort Cochin/Mattanchery?
By Air - Cochin is the nearest airport and is 40 kilomters away. Cabs are easily available from the airport.
By Train: Eranakulam Junction is the nearest railway station.
Bus - Frequent bus service is available from Eranakulam town to Fort Cochin/Mattanchery.