Fort Kochi · Kerala, India
Fort Kochi
Five centuries of trade and culture
About Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is where the world came to Kerala. For over 600 years Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British traders sailed into this sheltered harbour, and each left their mark on its streets, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a Portuguese-built basilica, a Dutch palace and India's oldest active synagogue all sit within a short walk of one another.
Today the peninsula is an open-air museum of café-lined lanes, spice warehouses and street art, anchored by the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, South Asia's largest contemporary art festival. Watch the fishermen lower their giant nets at dusk as the sun melts into the Arabian Sea.
Things to see & do
Chinese Fishing Nets
The iconic shore-operated cheena vala, in use since the 14th century.
Mattancherry & Jew Town
The Dutch Palace murals, the Paradesi Synagogue and the antique-laden Spice Market.
Kathakali & Kalari
Evening performances of Kerala's classical dance-drama and martial art.
Gallery
