Fort Kochi Beach
Among the finest beaches of Kerala, the
Fort Kochi beach is about 12 km away from the Kochi city in Kerala. The
place used to be a nondescript fishing village which went on to become the
first European township in India. The beach itself is a tranquil experience
with clean sands and palm groves all around at the beach. This, probably, is
one of those rare beaches where you can roam through the huge walls of the
fort and yet feel completely relaxed. The ancient Chinese fishing nets
transport you to another world altogether.
Fast Facts
- District : Ernakulam
- State : Kerala
- Other names : Cochin
- Location : The distance between Kochi and Alleppey 63
km, to Calicut 225 km, Coimbatore 193 km and Trivandrum 210 km away.
- Journey Time : You will need from Kochi about 1 and 1/2
hrs to reach Alleppey, 5 hrs to reach Calicut, 4 hrs to reach
Coimbatore and 5 and 1/2 hrs to reach Trivandrum, respectively.
- Route from Thrissur : The route from Thrissur to Kochi,
is via Angamalli, Nedumbassery, Ernakulam to Kochi. If you are
coming from Idukki, you will have to reach Kochi via Kotamangalam,
Muvattupula and Ernakulam.
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Feature Attraction
Chinese Fishing Nets
The Chinese fishing nets can be seen everywhere at the entrance of the
Kochi harbour. These are very large nets which hang from a bamboo or teak
posts which are still used by the fishermen to catch the fish attracted by
the lights suspended above the net. It is believed that these nets were
brought by the traders from Kublai Khan's court.
Accommodation
- Taj Residency – 5 Star
- Le Meridien Hotel – 5 Star
- Hotel Gokulam Park Inn International – 5 Star
- The Renaissance – 4 Star
- Hotel Avenue Regent – 4 Star
When to go
The best months to visit the Fort Kochi beach are the months from December
to February when the weather is cool and pleasant.
How to get there
There is an international airport in the city which is about 20 km away
from the city centre. The railway stations at the place are Ernakulam
Junction, Ernakulam Town and the Cochi Harbour Terminus. The Fort Kochi
beach is well connected with the Ernakulam city centre by road which in turn
is connected with the rest of the state and country.
Other Attractions
» St Francis Church
It is the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. When Vasco Da Gama
died here, he was buried in the premises of this church. Later, the remains
of his body were taken back to Portugal.
» Vasco House
It is believed that Vasco Da Gama used to live here. Located on the Rose
Street, this is one of the oldest Portuguese houses in India.
» Santa Cruz Basilica
The first church was built by the Portuguese which was later destroyed by
the British. The Santa Cruz Basilica as it stands today was built in 1905.
» Mattancherry Palace
First built by the Portuguese, the Mattancherry Palace was renovated by the
Dutch and was later gifted to the Raja of Kochi. Located in Mattancherry,
the place has a fine collection of mural paintings which depicts scenes from
Hindu epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata.
