Walking Through the By-lanes of History in Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is known for its beaches, Chinese fishing nets, historical buildings and cafes that serve European food. But also dotting the cultural remnants of  the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English.

The first European township in India was built as a fort city by the Portuguese. Before the Dutch destroyed Fort Immanuel in Fort Kochi, it had seven bastions. Even though you can no longer actually see the Fort after which the town is now named, but you can watch the barely existing fort walls and its old bastions.

A guided walk on a  Sunday morning is the best time to uncover the city's history. The walk started from Vasco da Gama Square. Pavement traders on both sides of the sidewalk on Vasco Square filled with Green vegitables, Tender stall, Vintage shop and Ice cream. You can watch Chinese fishing nets and  fresh fish stalls in this place. There are a lot of vendors on both sides of the park selling mortar, eyelashes and bracelets.

TOWER HOUSE

Tower house

The walk goes through Jawahar Park. Since the British period, this area has been used by the public to spend their evenings. The British administration erected a tower like machine here to measure the power of the wind

Once you cross the park, you can see the old harbor house. This old bungalow, built in 1808 belonged to Carrit Moran & Co., renowned tea brokers. Now they have converted the bungalow into a hotel.

Koder house is next to the old harbor house. This building was constructed in 1808 by a Jewish patriarch, Samuel Koder of the Cochin Electric Company. Now this three -storeyed building has been converted into a heritage boutique hotel.

FORT WALLS

existing fort walls

Soon you will reach K B Jacob Road where you can see the remains of the fort walls. This wall is considered to be the boundary of the Fort.

SANTA CRUZ BASILICA

Santa Cruz Basilica

Santa Cruz Basilica, the original Catholic Church in Fort Kochi, was built by the Portuguese in 1505 and named as a cathedral in 1558. The current structure dates to 1905 and was made a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.

VIHARA

Behind the Santa Cruz Basilica, you can see a structure which has been considered as a Vihara and now it is kept as a monument.

The walk goes through K L Bernard Master road where you can find fort walls, now part of private property.

BISHOP HOUSE

Indo-Portuguese museum in Fort Kochi is located in the compound of Bishop House. It showcases Portuguese influence in Kochi and is famous for it's collections from various churches. It is considered as one of the seven bastions of the Fort.

THAKUR HOUSE

This magnificent bungalow was built on the sea side, facing Gelderland Bastion, one of the seven bastions of the Fort. Thakur House was earlier known as Kunal or Hill Bungalow.

THE DUTCH CEMETERY

The Dutch Cemetery

The Dutch Cemetery is now managed by the Church of South India and is the testimony of the European community at Fort Kochi. This was constructed in 1724.

FORT KOCHI BEACH

Fort Kochi Beach is one of the favourite tourist destinations in Kochi. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Arabian sea or take a stroll on the walk-ways. The walk-way extends till the famous Fort Kochi fish market. It is considered that the remnants of the forts are buried under the layers of sand of the Fort Kochi beach.

ST FRANCIS CHURCH

St Francis Church

St. Francis Church is believed to be the oldest church built by Europeans in India. This was the burial spot of Vasco da Gama, who died in Cochin during his third visit. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal.

PARADE GROUND

Parade Ground

Surrounded by impressive century old trees and old buildings, the four acres of Parade Ground was used by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British to conduct military drills and parades. Today it is the largest open space in Fort Cochin and serves as a public sports ground.

COCHIN CLUB

Cochin Club

Located in Fort Kochi near Parade ground, this was a British club till Indian Independence. Presently, it is open to Club members.

VOC GATE

VOC logo on VOC Gate

Facing the Parade ground is a large gate with the initials VOC. The monogram, which is dated 1740, represents the once mighty Dutch East India Company, which had its offices here for almost 150 years.

VASCO HOUSE

Vasco House

Vasco House is believed to have been the residence of  Vasco Da Gama until his death in 1524. The original high wooden ceilings, old stone-staircase, and a series of typical European glass-paned windows have been maintained to this day.

BASTION BUNGALOW

Bastion Bungalow

Originally one of the seven bastions of the 17th-century Fort Immanuel built by the Portuguese, this bungalow was built by the Dutch using one wall of the original fort. In keeping with the architecture of the region, it has a tiled roof, and long wooden verandas, and today, functions as a heritage museum.