chinese fishing nets
At the entrance of the harbour, these huge cantilevered fishing nets along the backwaters are the legacy of the traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Built of teakwood and bamboo poles, they are fascinating to see. Adjacent to the fishing nets is the Vasco Da Gama square, a narrow walkway with little stalls that serve fresh seafood and tender coconuts.

old harbour house
Built in 1808 and once used as a boat-club, this charming bungalow now belongs to a vintage tea-broking company that uses it exclusively as a residence.

st.francis church
This Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is considered to be India's oldest European church. Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI). Vasco Da Gama was buried here before his remains were taken back to Portugal 14 years later.

vasco house
Located in Rose Street, Vasco House is one of the oldest Portuguese houses in Fort-Kochi and also believed to have been the residence of Vasco Da Gama. Vasco House sports the typical European glass paned windows and balcony cum verandas characteristic of the times.

voc gate
A large wooden gate with the initials VOC engraved on it, the VOC Gate is sited past Vasco House and facing the Parade Ground. The initials correspond to the monogram of the once powerful Dutch East India Company which had its office here for almost 150 years.

dutch cemetery
Sanctified in 1724 and presently managed by the Church of South India (CSI). The numerous inscriptions found here bring back to mind the countless men and women who abandoned their European houses to take part in the colonial canvas of 17th, 18th and 19th century Fort-Kochi.

santa cruz cathedral
Built by the Portuguese in around the 16th century, this Roman Catholic church is famous for the beautiful paintings on its ceiling. It was demolished by the British when they took over Cochin in 1795. Until  a new building was commissioned in 1887, there was no church on the site for almost a 100 years. The Santa Cruz church was declared a Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.

fort-kochi beach
There is the Fort-Kochi carnival on new year's eve which is a very vibrant festival. A Kathakali centre with daily performances is located near the bus-stand.

cherai beach
Situated in Vypeen, this is a much better beach than the one at Fort-Kochi. From Fort-Kochi, there is a ferry to Vypeen every 15 minutes. From Ernakulam, you can take a boat from either the main boat jetty or the High Court jetty. From Vypeen, it is around 30 to 40 minutes by bus to Cherai. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.

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