• Chinese Fishing Nets - The large cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, resembling oversized hammocks, have become a symbol of Fort Kochi on the tourist map. Once merely a fishing tool, they are now a major attraction for visitors.

Constructed from teak wood and bamboo poles, the Chinese nets operate on a balance principle. Each structure, approximately 10 meters tall, is anchored on the beach and features a cantilever with a net spanning about 20 meters. Counterweights, typically stones around 30 cm in diameter, are tied to ropes of varying lengths to aid the nets’ operation. Often, lights are attached to the teak posts and suspended above the net to lure fish.

Each net requires more than four fishermen to operate and is designed so that the weight of a person walking on the main plank is sufficient to lower the equipment into the sea.

• Fort Kochi Beach - Fort Kochi Beach, known for its clean surroundings and peaceful atmosphere, is popular with both tourists and locals.

Several factors set this beach apart from others in Kerala. The presence of the Chinese fishing nets is perhaps the most recognizable feature. The trees and greenery along the walkway to the beach enhance the serene environment. The famous Cochin Carnival is held on these beaches on New Year’s Eve.

Seafood, the Vasco da Gama Square next to the beach, a lighthouse, and a granite walkway are other main attractions. The beach offers a stunning view of the sunset, and with some luck, visitors might see cargo ships passing by. The remains of Fort Immanuel are also visible here. A portion of the beach is not accessible to visitors as it is under the control of the Indian Navy.

• Dutch Cemetery - The Dutch Cemetery is one of the most visited sites in Fort Kochi, renowned for its imperial inhabitants, voyagers who left their homelands centuries ago to expand their empire. Consecrated in 1724, the cemetery is now managed by the Church of South India. It holds stories that shaped the cultural blend of an entire coast.
• Church of Saint Francis - St. Francis Church, celebrated for its beautiful architecture and ambiance, is believed to be one of the oldest churches built by Europeans in India.

The famous explorer Vasco da Gama, the first Portuguese sailor to reach Kerala’s shores, died in 1524 during his third visit to Kochi. He was buried in this church. After 14 years, his remains were returned to Portugal. His burial spot inside the church is clearly marked and has attracted visitors ever since.

The church features a lofty structure with a gabled timber-framed roof covered with tiles. A stepped pinnacle is constructed on both sides of the façade, which is very impressive and retains the old-world charm. The interior of the church also provides a magnificent view with two stepped pinnacles crowning the top of the chancel roof and a plain arched opening that divides the chancel from the nave.

• Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica - The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica in Fort Kochi is one of the eight Basilicas in India. This heritage edifice of Kerala is also one of the finest and most imposing churches in India. Located close to the renowned St. Francis Church, this basilica serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin, the second oldest Diocese of India.

The history of Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica dates back to the sixteenth century and begins with the arrival of Portuguese missionaries in 1500 CE. Construction began when the first Portuguese Viceroy Dom Francisco de Almeida received permission from the Cochin Raja to build a church. The foundation stone was laid on May 3, 1505, the feast day of the ‘Invention of the Holy Cross’, hence the church was named Santa Cruz. The present-day structure was consecrated on November 19, 1905. In 1984, Pope John Paul II elevated the status of Santa Cruz Cathedral to Basilica for its antiquity, artistic dignity, and historical importance.

• Mattancherry Palace - The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is one of the finest examples of Kerala-style architecture interspersed with colonial influences. It was built around 1545 C.E. by the Portuguese as a gift to King Veera Kerala Verma of the Kochi dynasty. It became known as the Dutch Palace after undergoing major repairs by the Dutch.

This double-storied palace houses a beautiful collection of murals. These depict some of the great Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata along with revered Gods of the Hindu faith like Lord Krishna of Guruvayur Temple. The mural paintings cover an area of almost 300 sq. km. Visitors can gain insight into the lives of the royal family through other exhibits, including life-size portraits of the Kings of Cochin since 1864, sheathed swords, daggers, and axes, as well as ceremonial spears decorated with feathers. Royal caps, coins issued by the Kings of Cochin, and plans laid out for Cochin by the Dutch can also be viewed here.

• Princess Street - One of the earliest streets constructed in Fort Kochi, Princess Street, with its European-style residences, still retains its old-world charm. The best view of this quaint street can be enjoyed from Loafer’s Corner, the traditional meeting place and hangout of the jovial, fun-loving people of the area.
• Jew Town - The Maharaja of Travancore and Cochin provided refuge to the Jewish community here after the Moorish Arabs attacked them in 1524 due to their trade monopoly. They were given an area directly opposite the Maharajah’s palace, which subsequently became known as Jew Town. It was here, at the end of a narrow cobbled road, that they built the Pardesi synagogue in 1568.
• Paradesi Synagogue - The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, located in Kochi, Kerala, in South India. Constructed in 1568, it is one of seven synagogues of the Malabar Yehudan or Yehudan Mappila people or Cochin Jewish community in the Kingdom of Cochin.
• Cochin Spice Market - Although Jew Town has lost much of its former glory, it has retained its status as an important center of spice trade. The exotic aroma of the finest ginger, cloves, cardamom, turmeric, and pepper, also known as black gold, emanates from the spice warehouses lining the street and fills the air. The bustling spice trade is evidenced by the trucks coming and going from the warehouses, loads being moved in and out using pushcarts, and the sight of workers drying, sorting, and packing spices.

As in the past, both Europeans and Arabs still visit Kochi and depart with precious cargo.

• Jain Temple - The Jain Temple, dedicated to Shri Dharmanath, the 15th Jain Tirthankar, is another religious institution in Mattancherry. Built in 1960, the temple complex spans a large area with various blocks constructed for prayers and offerings. The architecture of the temple is inspired by the Jain temples of Gujarat.
• Indo-Portuguese Museum - The Portuguese left a lasting impact on history and culture. The Indo-Portuguese Museum in Fort Kochi seeks to encapsulate this bond. Their influence on the art and architecture of the region is prominently displayed here.

The museum is divided into five main sections - Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life, and Cathedral. Visitors can see a piece of the altar made in teak wood (16th century) from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen, a chasuble (19th century) from Bishop’s House, Fort Kochi, a Processional cross, which is a combination of silver and wood (17th century) from Santa Cruz Cathedral, Fort Kochi, and an Indo-Portuguese Monstrance (18-19th century) from The Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation contributed sculptures, precious metal objects, and vestments, among others, from the Cathedral of Santa Cruz and other churches of the Kochi diocese.

• Bottled water
• Parking fees

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.