Highlights of Cochin

Discover the wonders of Cochin, a picturesque city originally built by the Portuguese. It has one of the finest natural harbors in the world and for centuries was the center of the spice trade. Ancient mariners from the Middle East, China and Europe all left their mark on this beautiful island city.

Driving along the narrow passageway at the water's edge, see the first visual symbol of ancient trade and the age-old shared influences of Cochin - the Chinese Fishing Nets. These cantilevered fishing nets are the icon of Cochin sea trade, and cannot be found anywhere else in India. It is believed Chinese traders brought these huge fishing nets to Cochin from the court of Kublai Khan.

You'll stop at St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, built in 1503 by Portuguese friars. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 until 1538 when his remains were taken to Lisbon. His sepulcher can still be seen at the church. A short stop will be made at the Indo-Portuguese Museum, currently housing outstanding examples of the art and architecture of the region.

You'll pass through the district of Mattancherry, noted for the medieval-style Dutch Palace. A large but modest building with sloping roofs, the palace was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and given to the Raja of Kochi (Cochin). You'll also stop in an ancient neighborhood, which was a thriving Jewish community in the late 1500s. The synagogue, built in 1568, is beautifully preserved.