About Fort Kochi (Cochin)
Kochi became the centre of the Indian spice trade in the early 1300's and the most important trading port on the Malabar coast. This attracted migrants and a diverse multicultural society has developed: a harmonious co-existence of Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Jains, Jews, Sikhs and Buddists. Mosques, synagogues, churches, temples and shrines can be seen everywhere.
The first Europeans to arrive were Portugese, then the Dutch took the Port and then control passed to the British, who rebuilt the facilities and made it the safest harbour in the area and a leading seaport. Today, it is home for a major Indian Naval base and the destination for shipping and cruise lines.
We did not see any signs of recreational sailing, although the port has the sole marina in the whole of India with floating docks. It is small with facilities for 34 yachts and was was almost empty.
Distant view of Port Cochin through a tangle of fishing nets
Chinese Fishing nets
Beach Access
Nimble footed concentration is required to get across this stony edging down to the beach.
Busy: It's the weekend and families are out in force.
Food-to-go
Kochi became the centre of the Indian spice trade in the early 1300's and the most important trading port on the Malabar coast. This attracted migrants and a diverse multicultural society has developed: a harmonious co-existence of Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Jains, Jews, Sikhs and Buddists. Mosques, synagogues, churches, temples and shrines can be seen everywhere.
The first Europeans to arrive were Portugese, then the Dutch took the Port and then control passed to the British, who rebuilt the facilities and made it the safest harbour in the area and a leading seaport. Today, it is home for a major Indian Naval base and the destination for shipping and cruise lines.
We did not see any signs of recreational sailing, although the port has the sole marina in the whole of India with floating docks. It is small with facilities for 34 yachts and was was almost empty.
Distant view of Port Cochin through a tangle of fishing nets
Kochi's cantilevered fishing nets are a legacy of nets installed by the Chinese in the 13th century. These enormous spider-like contraptions require four people to operate them and provide lots of fish for the local market.
Beach Access
Nimble footed concentration is required to get across this stony edging down to the beach.
Busy: It's the weekend and families are out in force.
Food-to-go
Just a couple of minutes from our hotel, the busy local market runs parallel with the beach. Hundreds of vendors selling fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, warm baked breads and ready-to-eat local delicacies. Delicious sugar cane juice comes from manually operated presses: push in cane at one end and juice pours from the other.
Today's catch: Red mullet, sardines, prawn, Octopus and Butterfish. We bought a Snapper and had it barbecued at the nearby restaurant.
The local butcher's shop - it looks as if the two lil' fellas tied up outside might be next for the chop!
Power to the people: the tangle of wires to keep everything connected.
We are really enjoying our visit to Southern India but are now due to leave and fly to Colombo, the Capital City of Sri Lanka (Ceylon).
