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Cochin (Kochi)

One of the finest natural harbors in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and backwaters of India, Cochin, now renamed Kochi, has been a port of call for foreign traders from very early times.

Kochi sprang into being in 1341, when a flood created a natural safe port that swiftly replaced Muziris as the chief harbor on the Malabar coast. The royal family transferred here from Muziris in 1405, after which the city grew rapidly, attracting Christian, Arab and Jewish settlers from the Middle East.

Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the many buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is the commercial hub of Kerala.

Fort Cochin and Mattancherry are the focus of interest, where the cityÕs extraordinary history of foreign influence and settlement is reflected in an assortment of architectural styles.

During a wander youÕll stumble upon spice markets, chinese fishing nets, a synagogue, a Portuguese palace, IndiaÕs first European church, Dutch homes and a village green straight out of England.

Some of your sightseeing will include the following places:

St Francis Church is the oldest Protestant church constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Vasco da Gama, who died in 1524, was buried here.

Chinese Fishing Nets are a fascinating sight at the entrance of Cochin Harbour. They can be seen all along the backwaters of Kerala.

The Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555. It was renovated by the Dutch during their short-lived regime here.

The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662, and rebuilt by the Dutch two years later. Scrolls of the Old Testament and a number of copper plates inscribed in the Hebrew scripture are preserved here.