Fort Kochi is an iconic tourist hub dotted with old colonial bungalows, historic monuments, rows of Chinese fishing nets, the makeshift shacks, the beachside eateries, etc. It is one of the best places in Kerala to admire the European Architecture. This place of historic significance keeps on reminding us of the colonial powers that once ruled over the place. Also, it has witnessed the rise and fall of some European powers, mainly the Portuguese, Chinese and the Dutch. The King of Cochin gave permission to the Portuguese to build a fort near the sea in the year 1503. The Portuguese built the Fort Emmanuel and its surroundings came to be popular as Fort Kochi. They also built a wooden church called St Francis Church which is known to be the first Church built by Europeans in India. It is a great place to visit that will take you right back to a different era back in time.

This old-fashioned city keeps reminding you of the colonial powers that once ruled over the place. And this place has witnessed the rise and fall of some European powers, mainly the Portuguese, Chinese and the Dutch. The European churches and other architectural buildings and structures will take you right back to a different era back in time. Fort Kochi is primarily a fishing village.

This village was under the rule of Raja of Kochi. He granted this place to the colonials of Portuguese after the army of Albuquerque helped the Cochins to defeat the royal army of Kozhikode. The Portuguese constructed the Fort Emmanuel, and a wooden church called St Francis Church in Fort Kochi in order to establish their commercial and administrative stronghold.

Now, the Fort Emmanuel and the St Francis Church are popular tourist attractions in Fort Kochi.Fort Kochi is famous for its Chinese Fishing Nets. These nets are called "Cheena Vala" in the local language. These nets have now been used for more than 500 years. They are iconic and exclusive to Kochi. These nets are said to be set up by a Chinese explorer named Zheng.

The Fort Kochi beach offers a majestic view of the Arabian Sea, especially during the sunset. A long stroll along this sandy beach helps you to refresh your mind and body. Activities like fishing, beach photography and dolphin sighting can be enjoyed here.

Best time to visit : October to March is the best time to visit Fort Kochi.

Opening & Closing Time: No specific timing.

Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.

Nearest Tourist places :

Fort Kochi Beach : It is at a distance of 0.6 Km. It is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". The historic fort, which is the perfect example of the European architecture is the main attraction of this beach. The annual Kochi Festival takes place every year on this beach.

Church of Saint Francis : It is at a distance of 0.2 Km from Fort Kochi. It is one of the oldest European Churches in India. Vasco-da-Gama, the famous Portuguese explorer, was originally buried in this church.

Aazhimala : - It is only 7.8 km from Poovar. Aazhimala surprises everyone with its enchanting beauty. The Aazhimala Shiva Temple located near this beach adds extra beauty to this beach.

Vasco-da-Gama Square : It is an ideal place where you can find Chinese fishing nets, synagogues, temples, mosques and churches. You can also find a plenty of stalls serving tender coconut and delicious seafood. It is at a distance of 0.3 Km from Fort Kochi.

Kashi Art Gallery : It is at a distance of 0.2 Km from Fort Kochi. This gallery showcases some of the magnificent contemporary art of great artists Zakir Hussein, Anant Joshi, NN Rimzon, Valsan Koorma Kolleri and Sosa Joseph. Permanent and an impressive collection of the works of artists like Pradeep Naik, Christina Mamakos, and K.S Radhakrishnan are also displayed here. There is a small cafe adjacent to this gallery that serves soups, sandwiches, salads and many more lip-smacking dishes.

Kerala Kathakali Center : It is at a distance of 0.3 Km from Fort Kochi. This famous institution is established in the year 1990 to conduct Kathakali classes. They also conduct classes on the traditional art forms of Kerala like martial arts and music.

Ways to Reach :

 By Air - Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Fort Kochi which is situated at a distance of 43.5 Km.

 By Rail - Ernakulam South Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Fort Kochi which is situated at a distance of 12.6 Km.

 By Bus - Ernakulam KSRTC Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Fort Kochi which is situated at a distance of 14 Km.