Fort Kochi - tourmet

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Sight Address : Fort Kochi is located in the Kochi city of Kerala.Edit

Detail InformationEdit

Fort Kochi has several stories to tell by each and every structure, street, door, window and brick. Kochi is also home to one of India’s oldest churches – the St.Francis Church. This was a Roman Catholic Church during the Portuguese rule from 1503 to 1663, then a Dutch Reformist Church from 1664 to 1804, and Anglican Church from 1804 to 1947. Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI). Another important fact about the church is that Vasco Da Gama, who died in 1524, was buried here before his mortal remains were returned to Portugal 14 years later.

Church at fort kochi

HistoryEdit

Fort Kochi was granted to the Portuguese in 1503 by the Rajah of Kochi, after the forces of Afonso de Albuquerque helped him fighting the forces of Saamoothiri of Kozhikode. Initialy Kochi was a fishing village in the Kingdom of Kochi in the pre-colonial Kerala. The Rajah also gave them permission to build a fort near the waterfront to protect their commercial interests. The first part of the name Fort Kochi comes from this fort, Fort Emmanuel, which was later destroyed by the Dutch. The Portuguese built their settlement behind the fort. They also built a wooden church, which was rebuilt in 1516 as a permanent structure, today known as the St Francis Church. Fort Kochi remained in Portuguese possession for 160 years. In 1683 the Dutch captured the territory from the Portuguese, destroyed many Portuguese institutions, particularly Catholic including convents. The Dutch held Fort Kochi in their possession for 112 years until 1795, when the British took control by defeating the Dutch. Foreign control of Fort Kochi ended in 1947 with the Indian independence.St Francis Church where Vasco da Gama was once buried A mix of old houses built by the Portuguese, Dutch and British in these colonial periods line the streets of Fort Kochi. St Francis Church was built in 1503 by the Portuguese as a Catholic church. Vasco da Gama was once buried in this church which now falls under the Church of South India and is one of the national monuments. Santa Cruz Basilica, also built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, was later destroyed by the British and rebuilt near the end of 19th century.[citation needed] The landmark that causes more public and visitor interest is a series of pre-colonial Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront, believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders in the early 14th century.

Must SeeEdit

Must see

Visiting TimeEdit

N.A.

Closed OnEdit

N.A.

Best Season to VisitEdit

September to May.

Best Time To VisitEdit

Morning, Afternoon And Evening.

Time Required for SightseeingEdit

1 to 3 Hours

Ticket Required : No Edit

Individual National Adult Rs. : N.A.

Kids Rs. : N.A.

Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : N.A.

Kids Rs. : N.A.

Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A.

Video Camera Rs. : N.A.

Guide Required : No Edit

Approximate cost: N.A.

Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit

Dress Require: N.A.

Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit

Grande Residencia – Kochi ; Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala ; Ph/M – Phone:0484 221 8982 ; Food Serve – N.A.

How to ReachEdit

Taxi : After reaching Cochin, you can hire a cab, taxi, bus or auto-rickshaw to reach here.

BUS : Fort Kochi is accessible by bus . The bus ride from Ernakulam town, which is nearly 13 km away, takes about an hour.

Train : Nearest railway station: Ernakulam

Air : Kochi has its own airport and regular flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Tickets are very economical (Rs 2,500-4,000).

Others : Autorickshaw : This is a cheap method of transport between attractions. You can find an auto stand at almost every bus stop, and at important places near junctions and residential areas. Make sure you agree on a fare with the driver before the journey. The govt fixed rates starts at Rs 10 for the first 1.25 km and Rs 6 per km thereafter with a premium of 15% at night (7PM-6AM).

Things to CarryEdit

Carrying camera , water, sunscreen, and Loose light weight cloths.

Safety / WarningEdit

Kochi is infamous for mosquitoes, due to presence of large water bodies across the city. Make sure any room you book, has mosquito repellents or at least a mosquito net. Its always better to have any anti-mosquito creams or spice oil extracts like lemongrass oil to ward off mosquito bites.
Public smoking bans are strictly enforced in the city more so than in other regions. The High Court of Kerala has decreed a public smoking ban across the state. Smoking on the roadside, in shopping complexes, restaurants, and parks is illegal and police can charge Rs 500-1,000 for breaches.