Kochi Things to Do

The 282-year-old Dutch Cemetery in Fort Kochi is considered to be an authentic record of hundreds of Europeans - both the Dutch and the English - who arrived in India to expand their colonial empire. It is the oldest European cemetery in India. Consecrated in 1724, the cemetery has 104 tombs. It is now being looked after by St. Francis Church.

The gates are closed for fear of damage to the graves, but they can be opened on request.

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St Francis church was the first European church to be built in India, and was constructed inside Fort Kochi, probably the oldest European settlement. It was originally a wooden church (possibly dedicated to St Bartholomew), but was rebuilt in stone, presumably by the Franciscan friars who accompanied the Portuguese expedition, and was dedicated to St Anthony. It remained in the order of St Francis until the Dutch captured Fort Kochi in 1663 - they demolished all the Catholic churches but the cathedral and this one which they reconditioned and converted into their government church. They were allowed to keep it by the British, who took Kochi in 1795 and it was again renovated during 1779, but it was voluntarily surrendered in 1804 to the Anglican Communion. Presumably it was renamed after the current patron saint during the latter half of the nineteenth century. At present it has been taken over by the Church of South India.

Vasco da Gama, died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon. The gravestone of Vasco da Gama can apparently still be seen here (although we couldn't find it, sadly). The gravestones of the Portuguese and the Dutch that were removed from the floor of the nave have been fixed respectively over the north and south side walls of the church. The earliest Portuguese epitaph here dates to 1562 and that of the Dutch to 1664.

Just a little way from Princess Street, on the corner of Bastion and Rose streets, is Vasco House. This sixteen century house is believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama and is also one of the oldest structures of Fort Cochin. The European glass paned windows with balconies / verandas are characteristic of colonial times.

Like Koder House, Vasco House is now a hotel and is run by a family who also have a cafe and tourist info centre. If you can't afford to stay here though, the building is still worth a look.

Kochi was under the rule of many foreign empires, from the Portuguese to the Dutch and finally the British. Princess Street shows these influences in the style of architecture of the old colonial houses, each of which borrows from the fashion of their home nations. The end result is a very quaint little street which it is a delight to stroll up and down.

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The church of Santa Cruz was originally built by the Portuguese from around 1505, and was elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. It was spared by the protestant Dutch, but was demolished by the British when they took over Kochi in 1795; a new building was commissioned by Bishop Ferreira in 1887. This was consecrated in 1905 and proclaimed a Basilica by the Pope John Paul II in 1984.

The cathedral has two large spires, and the exterior, as you can see in the first photo, is painted a bright white. The second photo shows the interior, which is colourfully painted.

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When you get off the ferry, and walk along the harbour, one of the first things you'll see is the unusual method of fishing employed here - a huge net suspended on a cantilever which is lowered into the sea, then raised with ropes and weights, lifting the catch out of the water. The fish are usually sold at nearby stalls.

It is believed that the nets may have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He in the early 15th century.

Keralatourism have a good video of them at the link below.

Koder House is actually now a boutique hotel, but this three-storeyed building opposite the beach at Fort Kochi is a landmark for visitors, and is pointed out with the same reverence as the Francis Church or the Chinese fishing nets. Until recently, it belonged to the most illustrious Cochin Jewish family, the Koders, who were the 'uncrowned business tsars' of Cochi for over a century. The house was visited in its heyday by Presidents, Prime Ministers, Viceroys, Ambassadors and other prominent dignitaries.

Even if you can't afford to stay here, take a look at the exterior, and I believe the restaurant is open to non-residents.

One of the most economical modes of transportation between Ernakulam and Kochi is the ferry.

While basing yourself out of Ernakulam, you can take a ferry from Thevara Ferry and head to Fort Kochi or Vypeen ferry. If you get off at Fort Kochi, you can hang around Jew Town. And from the Vypeen ferry stop you can explore Fort Kochi beach and the area around it. Kashi Arts Cafe is around there, and lot of nice restaurants too.

It is quicker, cheaper and more scenic than going by road. About 2 to 5 rupees for the ferry ticket. Sometimes they sell ticket on ferry and sometimes you may have to purchase at the ferry point before you board. Especially when boarding at Thevara Ferry point. Be prepared for the queue if you have to buy ticket at the ferry point itself.

You may have to wait anywhere between 10 minutes to half an hour for the ferry. Also, check the time of the last ferry when you get out of the ferry point.