Kochi Things to Do

The Immanuel Fort at Kochi, built in 1503, symbolised the strategic alliance that existed between the Maharajah of Kochi and the Monarch of Portugal, after whom it was named. Though once reinforced in 1538, the fort had taken most of the brunt of the Dutch and British invasion in the 18th century. Most of its walls and bastions were destroyed in the attack. The remains of this once imposing structure can still be found along the beach, including the gunnery position.

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Consecrated in 1724, making it one of the oldest in India, the tombstones here are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans who left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires, an event which eventually had changed the course of history of this land.

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This museum opened in 2000 and is dedicated to Dr Joseph Kureethara, Bishop of Cochin from 1075-1999, who paid a big part in its conception. It's housed in the Bishop's House and exhibits a large range of Portuguese religious artefacts in five sections – Altar, Procession, Treasure, Civil Life and Cathedral. Collections include a 16th century altar made from teak wood, a 19th century chasuble, processional cross and the Coat of Arms of the Franciscans.

Open: 9am-6pm (closed Mondays). Admission: Rs25.

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This lovely building was the residence of the Portuguese Governor. The 27th Bishop of the Diocese of Cochin, Domes Jos Gomes Ferreira, acquired this building which was built in 1557. Today it houses the Indo-Portuguese Museum which is a must see visit. There's also some nice gardens at the front.

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There was originally a wooden church built here in 1503, shortly after the Portuguese first arrived, which was dedicated to St. Bartholomew. Francisco de Almeida, the Portuguese viceroy, was allowed, in 1506, by the Raja of Cochin, to reconstruct wooden buildings in stone and masonry. The wooden church was rebuilt, presumably by Franciscan friars, with bricks and mortar and a tiled roof was erected. In 1516, the new church was completed and it was dedicated to St. Antony. This current church is the oldest in India.

The Franciscans retained control over the church till the Dutch captured Kochi in 1663. While the Portuguese were Roman Catholics, the Dutch were protestants. They demolished all the churches except this one. In 1795, the British captured Kochi from the Dutch but they allowed the latter to retain the church. In 1804, the Dutch voluntarily handed over the church to the Anglican Communion. It is believed that the Anglicans changed the name of the patron saint to St. Francis.

The Portuguese explorer, 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. His gravestone of can still be seen inside along with those of Portuguese (on the northern wall) and Dutch (on the southern wall).

Admission: Rs10.

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This Roman Catholic basilica was originally built by the Portuguese in the early 16th century. It was then elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558 and was spared by the Dutch conquerors who destroyed many Catholic buildings. Later the British demolished the structure and Bishop João Gomes Ferreira commissioned a new building in 1887. Consecrated in 1905, this new church was proclaimed a Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.

The church has two lofty spires with a white-washed exterior and a pastel-coloured interior. The main altar was decorated by the famous Italian painter Br. Moschini and De Gama of Bangalore. The columns are decorated with frescoes and murals, the seven large canvas paintings on the passion and death on the Cross, especially the painting of the Last Supper, modelled on the famous painting of Leonardo da Vinci.

as the day ends people seem to congregate tin the area where there are fishing nets and brisk sales of fresh fish. you could also get them fried and eat it on the spot

These chinese fishing nets were brought to Cochin by the indefatiguable Chinese Admiral Zheng He during his 7 voyages four of which he might have stopped in Cochin. Siliar chinese fishing nets are found in Laos, Cambodia and myanmar..

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Fisherman arrive in the morning, bleary eyed, after the nights spent in the Arabian Sea, the larger catches have already been sold, I am told that they call by cell phones as they approach Cochin and haggle and sell their wares, the other fish are sold to the shop keepers right there and also to the various hotels and kitchens in the island. some fish are still left over and there is an engaging batter about the sales of these.. it is interesting to watch them, as they go about a ritual which must be very ancient.