As a historical town that forms a part of the world-famous tourist strip, Fort Kochi is a picturesque neighborhood that captures the essence of Kerala. Architecture fans will be enthralled by the colonial style and design of the houses and buildings as well as the colonial baroque facade, while shoppers will be fascinated by the busy city’s streets and water edge. The essence of visiting Fort Kochi is that, every turn prides itself in telling a story of the place through the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial regimes.
The regional influence can also be seen in the manner in which they have developed various aspects of the place including the natural features the main attraction of which being the fishing nets that are exclusive to China, the place has other peculiarities like century old churches and synagogues.
The tourism of Fort Kochi also a centers with much more than historic data includes art facility, food circuit, and a mesmerizing landscape of a coastal town that lure visitors globally. Those who would wish to tour this fascinating sub city in Kochi would do well to refer to tourwings.com provide number of Fort Kochi tour packages to meet the clients’ specific interests and priced accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Fort Kochi
1. Pleasant Winter (October to February)
It is true that the proper time to visit Fort Kochi is in winter. The climate is quite pleasant, with temperatures lying between 17°C to 32°C. Due to the cool climate and clear atmosphere, the time is apt for walking through the historical trails that are found in and around the town of Kochi, visiting outdoor sightseeing attractions, and taking a dip in the beautiful shores found in the area. Thus, Fort Kochi travel is at its best during this period. The climate is perfect for walking tours, and cultural shows and may be for enjoying open-air restaurants and local food joints.
2. Warm Summer (March to May)
Summer in Fort Kochi experiences the temperatures between 24 to 35 degree Celsius. The day time can become rather hot during this season, however, it has its own certain advantages. The climatic conditions are ideal for taking photographs, specially the nights are the best to enjoy the cool breeze and wonderful cafes of Fort Kochi. This is also another good time for people to go to other forms of attractions such as museums and art galleries.
3. Refreshing Monsoon (June to September)
The months of June to September make Fort Kochi fascinating yet quite unique in its beauty. As can be seen, although a large amount of precipitation hinders people’s movement outside, it creates a beautiful verdant world. If the quiet environment is considered more suitable with rain-washed streets and moody skies, then it will be perfect for the couples.
Top Attractions in Fort Kochi
1. Chinese Fishing Nets
Chinese fishing nets, which are at Kochi probably rank as the most identifiable feature of the place; or if not, then they form a very important symbol of Fort Kochi. These huge cantilevered nets, which it is said were brought by Chinese explorers in the 14th century, tell of the old fishing techniques. One can be privileged to witness fishermen use these nets and even practice how to use them. The outline of these nets in the evening is a great photo shoot and is surely advisable for every traveler visiting Fort Kochi.
2. St. Francis Church
Right from Fort Kochi, one of the significant historical sites is the St. Francis Church, which is Europe’s oldest church in India. Consecrated in 1503, it has seen multitudes of people and was originally where the body of world explorer Vasco da Gama was taken to be buried. Staircase at the back is comparatively modern having a tiled roof and a stepped pinnacle typical of Portuguese Church.
3. Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
Mattancherry Palace, which is also referred to as the Dutch Palace, is living proof of the architectural and artistic achievements of Kerala. Probably constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century and was later restored again by the Dutch this palace has wall paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
It is interesting to know that quite more about the royal traditions of Cochin can be studied through the exhibits presented in the palace. This palace, situated in the Mattancherry area, is also covered in the most general tours across Fort Kochi.
4. Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town
There is an old and fully functional Paradesi Synagogue right in the middle of Jew Town, which makes it the oldest one in the Commonwealth of Nations. Its interior is very beautiful and it is fitted with Chinese tiles, Belgian chandeliers and have features rooms with ancient artifacts.
The spatial context that forms a viewpoint that gives the overall impression of the Jew Town is the antique shops, and the spice markets surrounding the hotel. Jew Town Road is equally historical as Fort Kochi, and walking through that area feels like travelling back in time, which makes this place one of the must visit stay and explore places in Fort Kochi.
Cultural Experiences in Fort Kochi
1. Kathakali Performances
It is recommendable to watch a Kathakali show when in Fort Kochi. This classical dance-drama of Kerala is characterized by elaborate facial makeup, bright and flashy apparel, and symbolic gestures. Most cultural centers in Fort Kochi host Kathakali shows in the evening where they also demonstrate how the dancers apply the makeup before the show. These performances give an insight into Kerala’s artistic cultural background and are always a part of the tour packages for Fort Kochi.
2. Cooking Classes
The selection of restaurants in Fort Kochi can be described as quite diverse because the area studied has always been a melting pot. There are many native restaurants and eateries that provide classes to the clientele on how to cook authentic Keralite cuisine. These classes may also involve a trip to the local market to enable students to purchase some of the food items they wish to prepare.
3. Art Galleries and Workshops
Art is another related phenomenon, and this city has many galleries and workshops where art is made and displayed. These are often today’s and yesteryear’s cultural aesthetics, and tourists can tour the place to get an artistic touch or learn how to paint or sculpt as per the visiting show or even by joining an art walk. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which is a prestigious Festival of Contemporary Art held bi-annually, paints the town of Fort Kochi in a new color.
Accommodation Options in Fort Kochi
1. Heritage Hotels
Thus, Fort Kochi has many heritage hotels that provide visitors with the historical feel of the town along with all the modern comforts. Some of the property such as the Brunton Boatyard Kochi is located in an old Victorian shipbuilding yard where guests can have the feel of a colonial-style property. Such hotels come with antiques, preferably traditional in design, as well as beautiful decors and lovely views of the Arabian Sea.
2. Boutique Resorts
For travelers who looking for a somewhat more personal touch, the city offers quite a number of boutique resorts built in the context of the local culture and traditions. Small-sized properties usually have a setting and design that reflects their individuality, and hence the working environment is intimate. Most are housed in carefully renovated historic structures, which allows one to get both historical elegance and contemporary comfort.
3. Homestays
Since homes are mainly situated in local residents’ houses, homestays in Cochin give a more focused feel to the local people. There are numerous well-preserved homestays in Fort Kochi that can be rented out, all of which were once beautiful historic homes and are now running as homestays where travelers can rent a room and live with a local Keralite family.
Exploring Fort Kochi's Neighborhoods
1. Princess Street
Started from Tea Bazaar cafe situated on one of the oldest streets known as Princess Street in Fort Kochi. This avenue has old European architecture buildings painted with graffiti, art cafes, and small designer shops, and is rather good for a stroll. One can easily spend hours just wandering around and finding bookshops with eccentric decorations, and cafes or just look at the buildings that remind of British colonization. Apart from belonging to the category of heritage buildings, Princess Street Fort Kochi has become one of the attractions of the area which is usually featured in the walking tour.
2. Mattancherry
Located just south of Fort Kochi it is one of Kochi’s oldest neighborhoods famous for its spice trading and antique shopping. Going around Mattancherry Street gives the impression of a country complimented by spices, cloths materials and related establishments some have antiques. This area also has the famous Mattancherry Palace as well as many historic temples and mosques to speak of its rich Culture.
3. Vasco da Gama Square
Vasco da Gama Square sitting by the seaside as a square is a central hub for the people in Mombasa as well as tourists. This part is more popular for its Chinese fishing nets, fresh seafood market, and watching the sunset. The square is also active mainly in the evenings which allows one to see both the lives of the people of the country and tourist-related sights. Fort Kochi’s mouthwatering Food pada memiliki beberapa makanan yang sangat enak, mulai dari makanan khas Kerala hingga internasional.
Culinary Delights of Fort Kochi
1. Seafood Specialties
Since the region is situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea, the local cuisine in Fort Kochi is predominantly fish-heavy. From regular fish curry recipes that Kerala is of popular for to the grilled fish of the day, this area can serve an array of fish specialties. All along the waterfront there are many restaurants and shacks which offer fresh seafood, and the sea view is on the Arabian Sea. It is rather common to come across Fort Kochi tour packages that feature culinary tours that are mainly associated with seafood.
2. Cafes and Fusion Cuisine
The cafe business is also booming such that there are many cafes in Fort Kochi that serve local as well as international cuisine. These cafes, which are located in reorganized colonial structures or in corners that are best for such use, serve from the normal Kerala coffee to a range of meals that share multiculturalism with the location. Visiting these cafes is a wonderful experience and a part of the food trail that travelers, especially the ones interested in food, really enjoy in Fort Kochi.
Day Trips from Fort Kochi
visits Kochi without visiting the famous backwater of Kerala would be incomplete. All the tour operators provide a one-day trip to the nearby backwaters such as Alleppey, where tourists can take a houseboat ride amidst the narrow water canals flanked by tall coconut palm trees. As with other cruise services, and can include traditional meals from Kerala and other related services to ensure that the cruise is a complete backwater.
As for the beaches, Fort Kochi, for instance, boasts a small beach though one can find many attractive beaches around Kochi too. Cherai beach is equally popular and it is situated nearly 25 km away from Fort Kochi, the beach is marked by golden sand and crystal clear water. Marari beach which is a little farther provides a comparatively lonely beach experience.
For nature lover, visit to Athirappilly Falls which is describe as Niagara of India is a good option for a full day outing. These splendid waterfalls are situated 60km away from Fort Kochi and they are situated in the dense forests area. Most of these tour packages involve tours to Athirappilly along with other eco-tourist sites and spice plantations.
