about cochin - fort-kochi & mattancherry 


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mattancherry

One of the most thickly populated and crowded towns in India, Mattancherry has been on the international trading map for quite a few centuries. A large number of Hindus, Christians and Muslims, besides other communities from northern India like the Parsis, Gujaratis and Sindhis have settled down in this town. It is also the abode of the earliest Jewish settlers in India. In fact, there is even a street called 'Jew Street' and a town called 'Jew Town' which was earlier inhabited by the Jews. Jew Town is one of the best places for buying handicrafts, antiques and spices. All these communities have merged with the native  fabric and yet have preserved their own distinct ethnic identities.

the mattancherry-bridge looms in the horizon

 

fort-kochi

Once a cantonment of the British stationed here and part of the Madras province under the British Governor of Madras, Fort-Kochi became part of Kerala after the reorganisation of the states in 1956. It probably has the best preserved history of the colonial period. Strolling along the tree-lined avenues and the narrow lanes, you can savour the architectural styles used in the many churches and bungalows that were built during the time of the British. The only beach in Cochin, though a very narrow strip, is at Fort-Kochi, overlooking the mouth of the harbour.

fort kochi

 

Mattancherry and Fort-Kochi are accessible by road and water. Reaching Mattancherry takes around 30 minutes by bus or car from Ernakulam, while Fort-Kochi is only a 20-30 minute walk from Mattancherry. While a vehicle can get you there much quicker, the walk is well worth it.   
There are very few boat services between Ernakulam and Mattancherry boat jetty. On the other hand, frequent boat services are available from Ernakulam and Willingdon Island to the Fort-Kochi jetty. It takes around 25-30 minutes by boat from mainland Ernakulam to Fort-Kochi jetty.

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