Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on
the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and
prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic
importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the
Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch,
and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of
Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial
capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west
coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port
and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood
in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region,
turning it into one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Kochi thus
became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the
first European township in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th
century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663
and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the
town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial
centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a
major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a
centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to
nearly thirteen communities.
A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese
fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St.Francis
Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural
splendours, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood are also popular
among tourists.
The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo
poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here
between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that
parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and
pulled out of the sea.
The Santa Cruz Basilica, a church built originally by the
Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul 1V in 1558, was spared by
the Dutch conquerors who destroyed many Catholic buildings. Later the British
demolished the structure and Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira commissioned a new
building in 1887. Consecrated in 1905, Santa Cruz was proclaimed a Basilica by
the Pope John Paul II in 1984.
Fort Kochi is also home to one of India's oldest churches -
the St.Francis Church. This was a Roman Catholic Church during the Portuguese
rule from 1503 to 1663, then a Dutch Reformist Church from 1664 to 1804, and
Anglican church from 1804 to 1947. Today it is governed by the Church of South
India (CSI). Another important fact about the church is that Vasco Da Gama, who
died in 1524, was buried here before his mortal remains were returned to
Portugal 14 years later... Each and every structure, street, door, window and
brick in Fort Kochi has several stories to tell.
Fort Kochi is accessible by bus or ferry. The bus ride from
Ernakulam town, which is nearly 13 km away, takes about an hour and the ferry
ride from Main boat jetty at Ernakulam about 20 minutes.
How to Reach:
Nearest bus
station:Kaloor private bus station
Nearest railway station : Ernakulam junction and Eranakulam Town
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 20 km
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