The highlights of Fort Kochi, Kerala – Harbour city Cochin – India

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a city on the coast of Kerala province. So, for your imaging… that’s at the very bottom left of India. The city of Kochi has a large, healthy port and it has been an important stop for Arab, Chinese and European goods supply and transit since the 12th century. This can be seen in everything in this city as you see many influences from the Chinese and Portuguese. The Dutch also left quite a mark there. Read all about it in this blog on the highlights of Fort Kochi.

Highlights of Fort Kochi – What shoud you Visit?

Kochi or Cochin?

The port city of Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is the third-largest city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The city is known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea because of its natural harbour on the Arabian Sea. Because of this natural port, Fort Kochi was the centre of the world spice trade for centuries.

Is Kochi, India worth a visit?

If you ask me, for sure. Kochi has a deep history regarding the spice trade that was the source of income there for centuries. As a result, there are many different cultures fusing together on the streets of Kochi. I found it very interesting to see and learn from.

How much time to spend in Kochi?

To see the highlights Fort Kochi, 1 day is enough in this interesting South Indian city.

The highlights of Fort Kochi, Kerala – Harbour city – India

• The Famous Chinese Fishingnets

You can still see the heritage of the Chinese by visiting these Chinese Fishingnets. It is great seeing all those tiny Indian men working hard on getting those big nets up out of the water. They show you how it works with great passion and they will ask you to help! I loved pulling the big ropes and getting that net up. Another nice man told me how it worked and showed me around. Ofcourse they do this for a small fee they ask afterwards 🙂

If you want to see a small video  I took 🙂 From the days I still took vertical clips!

• St. Francis Church

This is the oldest European build Church in India. In 1503 the Portuguese build this church, the Fransiscans. Vasco Di Cama, one to meet on several places in this world, the famous portuguese explorer, was buried in this church. The tombe is empty because after 14 years they removed the remains to Lisbon, Portugal, to be buried once again.

Highlights of Fort Kochin – Kerala – St Francis Church

• Dutch Cemetary

When you get to St Francis Church ask a guard for the key to the Dutch Cemetery. I wonder if it is still arranged this way, this must have changed over the years.

I was standing in front of a closed cemetary, watching it through the gate. But then a, originally Dutch man came with his Australian wife came and with them was the warden and the key of the Dutch Cemetary! They were at the St. Francis church and asked. The gate was opened and we walked in and were there for about 15 minutes. It is always a strange sight to see Dutch language and names this far away from home!

• Mattancherry Palace

This palace was a gift from the Portuguese to Raja of Kochi in 1555. In 1663, the Dutch renovated it and it has been called the Dutch Palace ever since. I went inside, it is set up as a museum and you can see a lot about the way of life of that time. Nice to walk through for a while otherwise I thought it was more like a big house than a palace. It did have some nice rooms and views and since I don’t take pictures inside I only took 1 picture of this house.

This palace is situated along a nice shoppingstreet Mattancherry. I did go into some of those shops, really loved those! I did buy some souvenirs and a great book to read: Around India in 80 Trains. Do you love to read a book in a country about that country too?

• Santa Cruz Basilica

This basilica is one of the 8th basilicas that India has and is listed as a heritage site from Kerala. The history of this great basilica goes back to 1506 but the building you see today originated from 1902. The interieur of the basilica is wonderful painted in pastel teints. During noon the basilica will close, I had to go outside and didn’t got time to finish my walk. When you just enter that is a shame.

Highlights Fort Kochi – Kerala, India

• Hindu Festival Utsavam

I was lucky to be here during the start of Spring and so I could enjoy the Utsavam Festival. It was near my hotel and was at the famous Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple. I enjoyed two days of the many rituals the festival showed to thank the gods. It was busy, hundreds of citizins were in a festive mood and came to the temple and the surrounding meadow where a lot of other festivities were going on. You can read more about it in this blog.

Plan your visit during the festival season

Don’t you love the vibrant colours of India too? I can’t get enough of them!

But do travel on in this great state they call God’s Own Country: Kerala

Travelling on after your visit to Fort Kochi?

Then of course the backwaters of Kerala are great to go too. That natural harbour in Fort Kochi and the rivers in Kerala have created lagoons of brackish water. These have naturally been navigated since ages for trade, now it is a nice tourist trip to spend a day and night in a boat on the backwaters of Kerala.

I haven’t been to the beach there but you can enjoy some time there too! Check this ultimate travel guide for enjoying this paradise for more.

Highlights of Fort Kochi, Kerala – Harbour city Cochin – India

Coming & Going Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi to Munnar – 125 km

I went to the tea plantations of Munnar in Kerala and found it really beautiful It was for the first time I visited tea plantations and I found them more beautiful than the ones I visited later in Malaysia.

Fort Kochi to Varkala – 155 km

I also stayed a few days in Varkala on the beach. Another great place to unwind and possibly end your tour of Kerala.

Have you been to any of these Fort Kochi highlights?

If you liked these tips will you share them for me on your socials?

If you liked reading this blog share it with others too!

Do you want to read more about my adventures in India?

Srinagar and the Gorgeous Dal Lake – Kashmir

5 Highlights of Jaipur – Rajasthan

The Morning Rituals at the Holy Ganges – Varanasi

Rituals, Roasted Rice and Holy Elephants – Cochin

Or check my India Page

Can I inspire you to go to Sri Lanka too?
It is not far from South India!

Sigiriya, climbing Lion Rock + Temples at Dambulla – Sri Lanka