Fort Kochi is a coastal town in the south-western part of Kochi which is recognized for its traditional colonial charm. The place still upholds every single cultural change it has gone through over the centuries. Remnants of British rule are evident all over the country. Tourists flock here all around the year to have a glimpse of the effect of Portuguese or Dutch. The old-world city is speckled with similar structures and has an overall setting that keeps reminding us of the colonial powers that once governed the place.
This place has seen the rise and fall of European powers, mainly the Portuguese, Chinese before that the Dutch, before it went under the British rule in the 18th century. Fort Kochi is flecked with European architectural marvel of churches and other buildings which take us right back to a different era back in time.
It has that influence on the travelers, where they get engrossed by the serene environs and exceptional architectures. Distinct from other Forts of middle and northern India, Fort Kochi is all about bygone ramparts, canons and carcasses of old palatial buildings. Still it has the ambiance of an ancient colonial city with colourful and delightful buildings and a scenic view out at the beach similar to southern Europe County.
History of Fort Kochi
This city got its name from the Chinese colonizers who came here back in the 1300s and set up the now renowned Chinese fishing nets. “Co-chin “translates to” like China, from which we can comprehend that this place looked, like the parts of China from where the early Chinese people came. Kochi had sumptuous commercial relations with the Chinese and Arabians, especially in the spice trade.
It was chiefly a fishing village under the rule of Kochi dynasty who granted the place to the Portuguese colonials after the army of Albuquerque supported the Cochins to overthrow the royal army of Zamorin. To institute their commercial and administrative grip, the Portuguese constructed the Fort Emmanuel, and a wooden church called St Francis Church. Both underwent much demolition and renovation by the Dutch and later by the British.
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Places to Visit in Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi Beach
The Fort Kochi is located beside the Malabar Coast of India and bids a tranquil view of the Arabian Sea, particularly during the sunset. The winding streets speckled with historic constructions all wind up at this beach where you can relish a great atmosphere to relax as well as have some fun. The relics of the first structure erected by the Portuguese, the Emmanuel Fort, stances at the coast of Arabian Sea as a souvenir of a glorious past.
The Chinese Fishing Nets
The Chinese fishing nets are the trademark of Kochi tourism. It is held that these are set up by Chinese explorer Zheng He sent by Kubla Khan in late 13 or 14 century; these enormous fishing nets are still in use and also a major tourist attraction of Fort Kochi. Locally called Cheenavala, is a 10 meters high structure with 20 meter wide span, functioned with a cantilever and counterweight stones.
Chinese nets still stance against the Malabar horizon with looming silhouettes, providing the most endearing sight.
St Francis Church
Formerly made of wood and mud, this church is inside the actual premises of the Emmanuel Fort. This was the first worship place erected by the Portuguese. Ever since, the church has gone through many hands as well as architecture and names. First the Dutch and then the Anglican Church of the British took over the building, renovation and refurbishing it in their own style.
In spite of all the modernization, the church still embraces on to its pastoral colonial charm in every way. The church holds a cenotaph in its lawns in memory of all the Great War martyrs of Kochi and the old burial ground of Vasco da Gama before it was taken away to Portugal.
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Kerala Kathakali Centre
To explore the opulent cultural aspect of Kerala one must visit the Kerala Kathakali Centre. Positioned near the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, it pompously unveils the age-old dance, music and martial arts forms of the region.
Santa Cruz Basilica
Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the hoariest churches in Kochi and is also one of the eight Basilicas in the country. This was built by the first Portuguese viceroy, Francesco de Almeida in 1505. The construction of this church had begun on 3 May, 1505 during the feast of the ‘Invention of the Holy Cross’. After the completion of construction, this church was christened by the name Santa Cruz Cathedral.
During 1663 when the Dutch conquered he city this church was ruined along with the rest of churches in Kochi. This was used as an armoury. After the destruction only an elaborate granite pillar remained as part of the old church, which we can still see on the south-eastern corner of the present Basilica. This cathedral was rebuilt in 1887 by Bishop Dom Joao Gomes Ferreira. The renovation of this cathedral was completed during the reign of Dom Mateus Oliveira Xavier.
Sanctification of this cathedral was done by Dom Sebastiao Jose Pereira, on November 19, 1905. Owed to the historical importance, Pope John Paul II designated this cathedral to as a Basilica, on 19th December 1984. Architecture of this basilica is a unification of the Indo-European and gothic style. The interiors of this basilica are ornamented with the Italian paintings that date back to 1505. Located in Fort Kochi, this basilica can be accessed by bus or boat from Ernakulam.
Know more: Kochi: The Queen of Arabian Sea!
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