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FORT KOCHI & SURROUNDING ATTRACTIONS

Ernakulam forms the modern commercial centre of Kochi, home to the city’s business districts,  residential areas, and shopping precincts. Willingdon Island developed around the Cochin Port and  remains central to the city’s maritime activity. Fort Kochi, where Koder House is located, is best known for its Chinese fishing nets and its layered Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences. Nearby  Mattancherry is associated with Jew Town, the Paradesi Synagogue, and the historic spice trade that  once defined the region.

FORT KOCHI & SURROUNDING ATTRACTIONS

HISTORIC LANDMARKS

MATTANCHERRY PALACE

MATTANCHERRY PALACE

Also known as the Dutch Palace, Mattancherry Palace was originally built by the Portuguese and  later modified by the Dutch. The palace is known for its murals depicting scenes from the  Ramayana, as well as its collection of royal artefacts, costumes, and palanquins associated with the  Kochi royal family

KODER TIP: Make sure to visit in the late morning when the murals are best lit by natural light and  the palace is quieter, allowing you to take in the details without distraction.  
PARADESI SYNAGOGUE

PARADESI SYNAGOGUE

Located in the heart of Jew Town, the Paradesi Synagogue is among the oldest active synagogues in  the Commonwealth. The interior features hand painted Chinese floor tiles, brass pulpit elements,  and historic scrolls that reflect the long presence of the Jewish community in Cochin.  

KODER TIP: Try to arrive earlier in the day and dress modestly. Photography is not permitted inside,  so take time to look closely at the floor tiles and chandeliers, which are easy to miss at a glance. 
ST. FRANCIS CHURCH

ST. FRANCIS CHURCH

Built by the Portuguese in the early sixteenth century, St. Francis Church is widely regarded as the  oldest European church in India. Vasco da Gama was originally buried here before his remains were  later taken to Portugal.

KODER TIP: Even if you are short on time, make sure to step inside briefly. The understated interiors  offer a calm pause from the activity outside. 
ST. FRANCIS SANTA CRUZ BASILICA

ST. FRANCIS SANTA CRUZ BASILICA

One of the oldest basilicas in the country, Santa Cruz Basilica is noted for its interior artwork,  stained glass, and architectural scale, reflecting Fort Kochi’s strong Christian heritage.

KODER TIP: Visit outside service hours so you can walk through slowly and observe the artwork.  Late afternoon light brings out the colours in the stained glass particularly well. 
CHINESE FISHING NETS

CHINESE FISHING NETS

An enduring symbol of Fort Kochi, the Chinese fishing nets continue to operate along the shoreline.  Believed to have been introduced through early trade links with China, they remain a working part  of daily life along the coast.

KODER TIP: Make sure to visit in the early evening when the nets are most active. It is worth  staying a while to watch the fishermen work rather than focusing only on photographs.
BOLGATTY PALACE

BOLGATTY PALACE

Situated on Bolgatty Island, this Dutch built palace later served as the residence of the British  Resident. Today, the building stands as a reminder of Kochi’s colonial past and its role in regional  governance.

KODER TIP: Consider taking the ferry instead of travelling by road. Approaching the island by water  offers a different perspective of Kochi and sets the tone for the visit.
HILL PALACE MUSEUM

HILL PALACE MUSEUM

Once a royal residence of the Kochi royal family, Hill Palace now functions as a museum complex  displaying sculptures, coins, manuscripts, weapons, and artefacts of historical and social  significance.

KODER TIP: Plan to spend at least half a day here. The grounds are extensive, and the experience is  as much about walking through the landscape as viewing the exhibits.
MUSEUM OF KERALA HISTORY

MUSEUM OF KERALA HISTORY

Located in Edappally, this museum presents Kerala’s history through exhibits and audio visual  presentations that trace key figures and events that shaped the region.

KODER TIP: This is a good place to start if you are new to Kerala. Visiting here first helps place Fort  Kochi and its landmarks in a broader historical context.