Fort Cochin

Also known as Fort Cochi.

Part of Ernakulam

Ernakulam

Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kottayam and Alappuzha districts in the south, Idukki in the east and Thrissur in the north, Ernakulam is a booming business metropolis. A fascinating mixture of the old and the new, the district comprises many interesting cities including Kochi (Cochin), the commercial capital of Kerala.

Historically Chinese influences and ruled by Dutch, Portuguese and British, before becoming independent in 1947. "Co-chin" means "like China" and "Fort" refers to a fort built by the Portuguese later destroyed by the Dutch.

The history of the region has been shaped by trading in spices since the beginning of the common era. Arabian traders carried these spices to Europe. They were followed by the Dutch, then the Portuguese, and lastly the British.

Around 1341 The natural harbour of Kochi was created by a flood. Thereafter the town developed into one of the most important harbours on the West Coast of India, trading with China and the Middle East.

Around 1500 The Portuguese ships arrived. However, as a result the Maharaja of Cochin was largely deprived of his power, and Kochi became the first European colony in India. Francis Xavier converted several thousands, mostly fishermen. But intermarriage between Syrian liturgy Christians and Latin liturgy Christians was common and widespread.

The Dutch conquered Kochi in 1653. The town was now the capital of Dutch Malabar and belonged to the worldwide trading network of the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch also destroyed many Catholic institutions in Cochin.

In 1814 Kochi became part of the Madras Presidency under the British. In 1947 Kochi became part of Independent India.

Kochi Beach

This contains Chinese fishing nets, they are shore operated lift nets, each measuring about 10 metres (33 ft) in height, sustaining a cantilever with an outstretched net of 20 metres (66 ft) or more, suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end.

Temples

Cochin Thirumala Devaswom Temple

Cochin Tirumala Devaswom, also called Gosripuram is the biggest and most important socio-religious institution of Gowda Saraswat Brahmins of Kerala. The temple is situated at Cherlai in the heart of Mattancherry town in Cochin area.There are four sub-temple or shrines inside the temple premises, there are temples dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, Hanuman, Garuda and Vigneshwara. The temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 but was reconstructured.

Vasco Da Gama Church

India's first European Church, built in the 15th century. Vasco Da Gama, who died on his third visit to India in 1524, was originally buried here but his body was later moved to Lisbon. The church has been in its time Catholic (Portuguese) Protestant (Dutch) Anglican (English) and Church of South India (present).

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica Church

Elegant reconstructed 1880s Catholic church originally built by the Portuguese in the 1500s

Sai Baba Temple

Shri Saibaba of Shirdi lived between 1838 and 1918. His image is seen throughout India.His prayers were a mixture of Hinduism and Islam and he gained many followers from both faiths. He lived a very simple life.

Jewish Synagogue

Synagogue first built in 1568 for Cochin's Jewish community, now housing antiques & other artifacts.

Jain Temple

Review: "The Jain Temple seems to be a bit of a hidden gem for tourists in Fort Kochi. It was our favourite visit of all the places in FK, so we were a little surprised that many of our fellow travellers weren't aware of it. The temple itself is lovely and beautifully cared for".

Shiva Temple

Ernakulam Shiva Temple, also known as Ernakulathappan Temple is one of the major temples of Kerala, located in heart of Ernakulam, the downtown area of the city of Kochi. The temple in its current form was built under active patronage of Diwan Sri Edakkunni Sankara Warrier in year 1846 and raised it level of a Royal temple in the Kochi Kingdom.

Festivals

Cochin Carnival

Held last week December. Great revelry with many visitors. A massive procession of elephants.

Indira Gandhi Boat Race

Actually, boat races are held in last week December not just in Kochi but throughout Kerala

Malayatoor Perunnal

Celebrated in the months of March/April every year. It falls on the Sunday after Easter. It is organized at the world-famous Catholic Church at Malayatoor, situated near Cochin. Situated atop the Malayattoor hill, at a height of some 609 m, this church is dedicated to the famous apostle of Jesus Christ, St Thomas.

Jewish Festivals

All the major Jewish festivals are celebrated by the Jewish community here.

Thalapoli

Month of February. Five dayys of puja celebrations.

Onam

Onam is the annual harvest festival of Kerala, which is celebrated with a lot of gusto in Cochin also. It falls during August-September and continues for 10 days. Elephants, dancing and music.

Utsavam

Utsavam is a yearlong cultural festival evolved by the Kerala tourism to position the entire state as an ideal destination among tourists. As such, the Utsavam comprises a number of traditional art forms of Kerala like dance, music and other dance-based performances.

Travel Information

By Air
Cochin International Airport , Located in Nedumbassery, 29 km from the city center, this is the largest airport in Kerala and one of major gateway to India. It is also India's 4th busiest International Airport. The airport is known for its architecture. There are domestic and international terminals.

By Train
Kochi is well connected by train from all parts of India. Most Kerala-bound trains have a major stop here. There are two major rail terminals inside the city limits.

Ernakulam Town Station (North Station), is mainly for Inter City trains and a few long distance trains. Ernakulam Junction Station (South Station), is a major Indian railways station. Most of the long distance trains to and from Kerala pass through here. There is a good food court, large waiting areas, book shops, a medical shop and a few retiring rooms along with a dorm.

By Bus
Kochi is accessible from all southern parts of the country as well as other parts of the state, through the extensive state run Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services and services of neighboring state transport corporations.

Climate

Feb-May is hot; typical 28 °C Jun-Jul is cooler typical 26 °C Jul Dec 27 °C Jan 24 °C Rainfall May-Oct.