KOCHI
A
Mélange of culture, limitless stretches of greenery, exotic tourist spots and
one of India's major shipping ports. That's Kochi, Kerala's made-to-order
vacation land. Welcome to Kochi, where history has a character, where royalty
has a charm… a land where the beautiful shadows of the past coexist with the
present. Where 500 years old Portuguese houses coexist with skyscrapers.
Where you can see a mixture of houses built in the medieval styles of Portugal,
Holland and England, each of whom ruled Cochin for a period of time. That's why
you can see a 16th century synagogue, India's oldest church and a palace built
by the Portuguese…all in the beautiful island of Cochin…Until 1340, Kochi
was a simple fishing village but gradually became a prosperous port due to a
good harbor. This attracted Arab, Portuguese, British, Dutch and Chinese traders
to Kochi.
The Portuguese established the first European settlement in India in 1500 in
Kochi. Then the Europeans built a fort here in 1503. Then in 1663, it was taken
over by the Dutch. Kochi prospered under the Dutch as they exported spices,
coconuts and coir (coconut fiber). It was around 1795, that the British took
over Kochi. Its because of these various rules that Kochi has both a Syrian
Christian and a Jewish community.
MATTANCHERRY
PALACE
Travel down the corridors of history at the Mattancherry Palace also known as
the Dutch Palace. The Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1557 for Raja
Virakeral Varma, the King of Cochin. The Dutch renovated the palace in 1665. You
can check out the palace for its brilliantly colored murals depicting Hindu
Gods, Goddesses and scenes from the famous epics - Ramayana, Mahabharata,
Krishna Leela and the Puranas.
JEWISH PARDESI SYNAGOGUE
This synagogue is located in an area known as Jew Town. The original building,
constructed in 1568, was destroyed by Portuguese bombardments in 1662. It was
rebuilt a year later. Scrolls of the Old Testament are preserved in the
synagogue. Also on display are copper plates inscribed in tiny Hebrew script.
There is a 19th century oil burning chandelier made of multi-colored glass and
some eye-catching
hand-paintings, 18th century Cantonese tiles from China. The synagogue is opened
from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon and from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. It is closed on
Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
FORT COCHIN
This is the first European fort to be built in India. The Portuguese Viceroy,
Alfonso de Albuquerque, built the fort.
ST. FRANCIS CHURCH
This Protestant church built in 1503, is believed to be the first church built
by the Europeans in India. The Church is also known as the Vasco da Gama Church,
since Vasco da Gama, the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa,
died in 1524 in Kochi. His gravestone is still here. The church reflects the
colonial struggle in India. The church was originally wooden, but in the mid
16th century it was rebuilt in stone by the Dutch and later became an Anglican
church in 1804, and has ever since remained like that.
SANTA CRUZ BASILICA
This large building was built in 1902 has a unique pastel-colored interior.
CHINESE FISHING NETS
Since the trade contact from ancient times was with Southern China and Middle
East, the graceful Chinese fishing nets can be still seen along the northern
shore of Fort Cochin. The suspended nets look attractive, especially during
sunset.
VYPEEN ISLAND
When your heart yearns for a cool respite, however brief, you think longingly
of the sea and the surf, the cool breeze, the waves splashing on your feet and
the golden palms where you can make yourself comfortable. You don't have to
look far. Come to Vypeen Island where you can glide along to nature's rhythm
at your own leisurely pace. There are miles of empty beaches here. Cherai Beach
is the most famous of all.