Kochi Attractions Cochin
Kochi has a natural harbor and is located at the entrance to the backwaters near the Arabian Sea, which gives it a rich maritime heritage.
Kochi was settled by the Portugese in the 16th C, becoming one of India's first European colonies. Some of the historical sights include the oldest church in India, mosques, 500 year old Portugese houses, a 16th C synagogue and a Portugese palace.
Fort Cochin and Mattancherry are a blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and English country village. The Chinese fishing nets are also distinct to Kochi - only found here! A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.
Kochi was settled by the Portugese in the 16th C, becoming one of India's first European colonies. Some of the historical sights include the oldest church in India, mosques, 500 year old Portugese houses, a 16th C synagogue and a Portugese palace.
Fort Cochin and Mattancherry are a blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and English country village. The Chinese fishing nets are also distinct to Kochi - only found here! A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.
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Pardesi Synagogue
The current Pardesi Synagogue dates to 1664, and features a fine interior with a gold pulpit, individual hand-painted floor tiles from China, and a separate ladies gallery.
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Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace, also referred to as the Dutch Palace, was built in the 16th C but renovated extensively by the Dutch in the 17th C.
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St Francis Church
Built in the early 16th C, this is the oldest church in southern India. It was originally constructed of wood but later rebuilt in stone.
Jew Town
Jew Town is a quarter of Kochi that dates back to the 2nd C when Palestinian Jews fled persecution by the Romans. Jew Town is the area around Pardesi Synagogue and a center of the Kochi spice trade. Today some of the families remain in the traditional spice shops and the air is filled with the aroma of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves. The new shops target tourists with antiques, curios, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
