Kochi

Kochi, a port city on India's southwest coast, has a rich history and active cultural scene. You can see Portuguese-era houses in Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets along the shore, and the Paradesi Synagogue in the old Jewish quarter. The city hosts the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, India's largest contemporary art exhibition, and is close to Kerala's backwaters.

Chinese Fishing Nets

On the northwestern shore of Fort Kochi, you'll see the famous Chinese fishing nets. These large cantilevered structures have been used since the 14th century. Local fishermen still operate them today, lowering the nets into the water and hauling them up with their catch. Visit at sunset for impressive views and photos. You can even try operating the nets yourself with help from the fishermen.

Mattancherry and Jew Town

East of Fort Kochi is the Mattancherry area, where you'll find the historic Paradesi Synagogue and surrounding Jew Town. The synagogue, built in 1568, has hand-painted Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Jew Town's narrow lanes have shops selling antiques, spices, and handicrafts. You can also visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace. While its exterior is simple, inside you'll see detailed murals depicting scenes from Hindu epics.

Arts and Culture

Kochi is an important center for contemporary art in India. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, held every two years, turns the city into a large art gallery with installations across Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Outside of the Biennale, you can see local art at places like Kashi Art Café, which has a gallery space and a café known for its fresh, locally-sourced menu. For traditional arts, you can watch a Kathakali performance, Kerala's classical dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes and makeup.

Kerala Backwaters

The Kerala backwaters are a network of lagoons, canals, and lakes that run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. You can take a day trip on a traditional houseboat, called a kettuvallam, to travel through narrow canals lined with coconut palms and small villages. You'll observe local life along the banks and experience the calm waters away from the city.

Local Cuisine

Kerala's food is different from other parts of India, with many dishes using seafood, coconut, and tropical fruits. In Kochi, try Malabar biryani, a flavorful rice dish often made with fish or chicken. You can also taste appam, a type of pancake made from fermented rice batter, usually served with stew. For a quick snack, try banana chips or Kerala-style parotta with beef curry. Many restaurants in Fort Kochi offer cooking classes where you can learn to make these local dishes yourself.

Getting There and Around

Cochin International Airport, about 25 kilometers north of the city, connects Kochi to major Indian cities and international destinations. In the city, you can use auto-rickshaws and taxis for transportation. For a more local experience, take the public ferry between Ernakulam and Fort Kochi. It's an inexpensive way to cross the harbor and gives you good views of the city skyline. Renting a bicycle is also a pleasant way to explore the historic areas at your own pace.

Exploring Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is the oldest part of the city. As you walk its streets, you'll see buildings from the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial periods. St. Francis Church, built in 1503, is thought to be the oldest European church in India. It once held the remains of explorer Vasco da Gama before they were returned to Portugal. Nearby, the Santa Cruz Basilica is known for its Gothic-style architecture and colorful interior.