Chinese Fishing Nets - Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) are a type of stationary lift net in India. These nets are fixed land installations used for fishing. While commonly referred to as Chinese fishing nets in India, the formal term for these nets is shore-operated lift nets. Large mechanical structures hold horizontal nets that span 20 meters or more. Each structure stands at least 10 meters high and includes a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea, balanced by large stones hanging from ropes as counterweights at the other end, operated by a team of up to six fishermen. Although these nets are used throughout coastal southern China and Indochina, in India, they are primarily found in the cities of Kochi and Kollam, where they have become a tourist attraction. This fishing method is rare in India and almost unique to this area, having been introduced by Chinese explorers in the 14th century. One interpretation of the city name Kochi is ‘co-chin,’ meaning like China.

Fort Kochi Beach - Fort Kochi Beach is a beach along the Arabian Sea, located in Fort Kochi in the city of Kochi, Kerala, South India.

Dutch Cemetery - The Dutch Cemetery is a notable site in Fort Kochi, known for its imperial inhabitants from centuries ago who left their homelands to expand their empire. Consecrated in 1724, the cemetery is now managed by the Church of South India and holds many interesting stories.

Church of Saint Francis - St. Francis Church, located in Fort Kochi (Fort Cochin), Kochi, was originally built in 1503 and is one of the oldest European churches in India. It holds significant historical value as a silent witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 during his third visit to India. His body was initially buried in this church, but after fourteen years, his remains were moved to Lisbon.

Dhoby Khana Public Laundry - The historic Dhobi Khana public laundry, located near Veli Ground in Fort Kochi, is set for modernization. The Vannar community leaders who run the laundry have approached the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) for assistance in setting up modern facilities for washing and drying clothes. The laundry service, started by the Vannar community from Tamil Nadu during the Dutch period, still uses traditional methods of hand-washing clothes, drying them in the open, and ironing. Around 45 washermen are employed at the laundry. The Vannar Sangham’s latest initiative aims to attract young people in the community to this traditional vocation to preserve it.

Indo-Portuguese Museum - The Indo-Portuguese Museum is located in Fort Kochi, Kerala, India.

Maritime Museum Kochi - This museum explores the naval history of India, featuring warship models, artillery, and uniforms on display.

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica - The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica in Fort Kochi is one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala. Recognized as one of Kerala’s heritage buildings, this church is one of the finest and most impressive in India, attracting tourists year-round.

Paradesi Synagogue - The Paradesi Synagogue, located in Kochi, Kerala, South India, is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Built in 1568, it is one of seven synagogues of the Malabar Yehudan or Yehudan Mappila people, also known as the Cochin Jewish community, in the Kingdom of Cochin.

Mattancherry Palace - The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is a Portuguese palace in Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala. It features Kerala murals depicting portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. The palace is included in the “tentative list” of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Jain Temple - A prominent Jain place of worship, known for its daily pigeon show and feeding at noon.

Cochin Spice Market - A modest shop with polished displays offering a variety of exotic spices sold in bulk.