The British dynamited the fort in Kochi - ixigo · Kochi Featured in National Geographic...

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Kochi Featured in National Geographic Traveller's '50 greatest places of a lifetime' under the 'Urban Space' category, Cochin has carved an impressive niche for itself. It is the first European colonial settlement in India and is also known as the Gateway to Kerala. When you’re here, do visit the LuLu Mall, Kerala Kathakali Centre, Kerala Folklore Museum, Chottanikkara Temple and Wonderla Amusement Park for a fun-filled trip. This Pdf and its contents are copyright © 2013,ixigo.com, all rights reserved. ixigo logo, the character and all other marks displayed herein are registered and/or common law trademarks of ixigo.com and/or third parties. Famous For : City Surrounded by the Western Ghats and the Arabian sea, Kochi or Cochin was formed as an ancient port city after the Great Floods of the Periyar River. Historically rich in culture, the city has witnessed settlements ranging from the Portuguese to the Chinese. Besides being a fast developing commercial and industrial hub, the city also possesses an undeniable vigour. A perfect starting point before exploring the vast diversity of Kerala. Before you start exploring, pick up a map of Kochi and the Ernakulam–Fort Kochi pamphlet from a KTDC office. The latter has a walking tour map of Fort Kochi and island cruise schedules. Fort Kochi has preserved its history well and presents a vivid panorama of a time when traders and warriors landed on her shores. All the places in the fort area are close to each other, on the seafront. The Portuguese traveller Kochi Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/kochi page 1 and merchant, Pedro Alvarez Cabral, dropped anchor at Kochi in 1500, accompanied by Franciscan and Dominican friars and Jesuit missionaries. Vasco da Gama followed in 1502. He died in 1524 and was interred in St Francis’ Church, the oldest European church in India. Conflicting claims assign the church variously to St Francis of Assisi and to St Francis Xavier, who visited Kochi in 1542. Now under the Church of South India, it shelters the grave of Vasco da Gama. His remains, though, were exhumed and removed to Lisbon. Look for the 16th-century palm leaf deeds of the Thampuran, granting Portuguese nadhuvazhi (middle-rung feudal lords) status and rights, and the Doop Book, a register of baptisms and marriages. As you emerge from the church, to the left is the Parade Ground, where European soldiers conducted drills. Past the ground and down the road is the Dutch Cemetery, where the first grave was laid in 1724. The tombstones here, located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, provide glimpses of Kochi’s Dutch past. A little beyond the cemetery is the only surviving fortification of the Portuguese — Fort Immanuel, around which the town once grew. The British dynamited the fort in 1806. Kochi is filled with colonial-style houses, charming despite their age and groaning staircases. One mansion to gape at is the Thakur House, a private property made famous as the home of the protagonists of producer Ismail Merchant’s film Cotton Mary. Built by the Dutch as a club, the house — once known as Kunal Bungalow — overlooks the sea and is said to have underground passages. Built in 1667 to guard the harbour, it commands a panoramic view of the sea. Believed to have tunnels, it is now the sub-collector’s residence. It stands on the old fort’s Stomberg Bastion, which once supported cannons. Malabar House, at the corner of the crescent to your right, has a Dutch colonial façade worth admiring. It was the residence of the Grindlays Bank manager during the British era. The building has been converted into a heritage hotel. From here, turn right and come to the waterfront on Pathalam Road. Built in 1506, the Dutch Governor

Transcript of The British dynamited the fort in Kochi - ixigo · Kochi Featured in National Geographic...

KochiFeatured in National GeographicTraveller's '50 greatest places of alifetime' under the 'Urban Space'category, Cochin has carved animpressive niche for itself. It is thefirst European colonial settlementin India and is also known as theGateway to Kerala. When you’rehere, do visit the LuLu Mall, KeralaKathakali Centre, Kerala FolkloreMuseum, Chottanikkara Templeand Wonderla Amusement Park fora fun-filled trip.

This Pdf and its contents are copyright ©2013,ixigo.com, all rights reserved. ixigo logo, thecharacter and all other marks displayed herein areregistered and/or common law trademarks ofixigo.com and/or third parties.

Famous For : City

Surrounded by the Western Ghats and theArabian sea, Kochi or Cochin was formed asan ancient port city after the Great Floods ofthe Periyar River. Historically rich in culture,the city has witnessed settlements rangingfrom the Portuguese to the Chinese. Besidesbeing a fast developing commercial andindustrial hub, the city also possesses anundeniable vigour. A perfect starting pointbefore exploring the vast diversity of Kerala.

Before you start exploring, pick upa map of Kochi and theErnakulam–Fort Kochi pamphlet froma KTDC office. The latter has a walkingtour map of Fort Kochi and islandcruise schedules. Fort Kochi haspreserved its history well andpresents a vivid panorama of a timewhen traders and warriors landed onher shores. All the places in the fortarea are close to each other, on theseafront. The Portuguese traveller

Kochi Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/kochi page 1

and merchant, Pedro Alvarez Cabral,dropped anchor at Kochi in 1500,accompanied by Franciscan andDominican friars and Jesuitmissionaries. Vasco da Gamafollowed in 1502. He died in 1524 andwas interred in St Francis’ Church, theoldest European church in India.

Conflicting claims assign thechurch variously to St Francis of Assisiand to St Francis Xavier, who visitedKochi in 1542. Now under the Churchof South India, it shelters the grave of Vascoda Gama. His remains, though,were exhumed and removed toLisbon. Look for the 16th-centurypalm leaf deeds of the Thampuran, grantingPortuguese nadhuvazhi (middle-rungfeudal lords) status and rights, andthe Doop Book, a register of baptismsand marriages. As you emerge fromthe church, to the left is the ParadeGround, where European soldiersconducted drills. Past the ground anddown the road is the Dutch Cemetery,where the first grave was laid in 1724.

The tombstones here, located on theshores of the Arabian Sea, provideglimpses of Kochi’s Dutch past. A littlebeyond the cemetery is the onlysurviving fortification ofthe Portuguese — Fort Immanuel,around which the town once grew.

The British dynamited the fort in1806. Kochi is filled with colonial-stylehouses, charming despite their age andgroaning staircases. One mansion togape at is the Thakur House, a privateproperty made famous as the homeof the protagonists of producer IsmailMerchant’s film Cotton Mary. Built bythe Dutch as a club, the house —once known as Kunal Bungalow —overlooks the sea and is said to haveunderground passages.

Built in 1667 to guard the harbour, itcommands a panoramic view of thesea. Believed to have tunnels, it isnow the sub-collector’s residence. Itstands on the old fort’s StombergBastion, which once supportedcannons. Malabar House, at thecorner of the crescent to your right,has a Dutch colonial façade worthadmiring. It was the residence of theGrindlays Bank manager during theBritish era. The building has beenconverted into a heritagehotel. From here, turn right and cometo the waterfront on Pathalam Road.

Built in 1506, the Dutch Governor

Kochi Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/kochi page 2

Van Goens occupied it in 1663. TheDiocese of Kochi eventually acquiredit for Bishop Dom Jos Ferriera, whosecontrol extended over Sri Lanka,Burma and Malay. Within its premisesis the Indo-Portuguese Museum. TheDutch force, considerably smallerthan the Portuguese, foundit impossible to service the fortand reduced it to a third, takingcare, however, to retain the mainbuildings. VOC, the emblem of theDutch East India Company, is carved on alarge wooden gate called the VOCGate, built in 1740. The gate, on thefar crescent of the Parade Ground,watches over the entrance to StuderHall, which once housed Dutchoffices.

Walk past the VOC Gate and venturebehind St Francis’Church. Diagonally opposite to theright, you’ll see Vasco House, one ofthe oldest surviving Portuguesebungalows, believed to have been thehome of Vasco da Gama. If you lookfrom the road, the typical Portuguesestaircase will be evident through thewindows and balconies. On the rightside of Bastion Street stands SantaCruz Basilica. Built as a church by thePortuguese, Pope Paul IV elevated itto a cathedral in 1558. The Britishdemolished it in 1795 when

they seized Fort Kochi. In 1887, anew church was built on the vacantsite.

Beautiful paintings on the ceilingrecall the Sistine Chapel. In 1984,Pope John Paul II proclaimed it abasilica. Backtrack and take the firstright turn. Turn right again and youcome to Delta Study, built in 1808,once the property of the Swiss VolkartCompany. Turn and head towards thelagoon. On the left you’ll find a housewith a red façade, inconspicuouslytucked away. The red house was aPortuguese mansion bought bySamuel Koder, the ancestor of severalold Jewish families of Kochi. It wasconstructed in 1808 and exemplifiesthe way variousEuropean architectural designs wereassimilated to create a style trulyunique to Kochi. 

Walk down Rose Lane to get anidea of its architecture. A woodenbridge spanning the lane connectstwo sections of the house. You’ll alsosee the Old Courtyard, once a part ofKoder House, now a heritage hotel.Next to it is the Old Harbour House.Built over the ruins of a Portuguesehospice in 1808, Old Harbour Housewas once a bungalow owned by CarritMoran (a tea brokerage company). It

too is now a heritage hotel. Theonly proof of Chinese influencein Kerala is the huge cantileveredcheenavalas or Chinese fishing nets,hung from teakwood and bamboopoles.

These can be seen off Vasco da GamaSquare. It was Kublai Khan’straders who introduced these nets tothe local fisherfolk sometimebetween 1350 and 1450. Ma Huan, adiplomat accompanying Chineseadmiral Cheng Ho (1371–1433),provided the first reference to Kochi.He wrote, “The fishermen are tourist-friendly and will happily let you jointhem. Stalls serve deliciousseafood and tendercoconuts.” Standing between asynagogue and a church, the CalvathyJamaath Mosque on Calvathy Roadblends effortlessly with thelandscape.

Built by Arab traders, it favours theKerala style of architecture and it’sworth going there for the view fromthe outside. Visitors are not welcomeinside. Another must-see is theMattancherry Palace (1555), gifted bythe Portuguese to the Thamburan asa gesture to make up for theirgovernor looting the Pallurithi Templein 1542. The palace was later

renovated in the Burgher style. Visit itfor the intricate and beautiful muralsthat adorn the walls. The themeshave been picked up from the epicsand the murals have been executedin vegetable and mineral dyes. Thetemple of the tutelary devi ofthe Kochi rajas stands in thecourtyard. The Jews, who arrived astraders during Solomon’s reign,preserved their uniqueness, unlikethe Arabs who adopted Indiantraditions or the Chinese who leftthese shores.

When To

VISIThttp://www.ixigo.com/weather-in-kochi-lp-1138144

JanPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max: 31.5°C Min:

23.100000381469727°C

Rain:32.29999923706055mm

FebPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:31.799999237060547°C

Min:24.100000381469727°C

Rain:24.299999237060547mm

MarPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.

Kochi Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/kochi page 3

Max:32.400001525878906°C

Min:25.399999618530273°C

Rain:39.099998474121094mm

AprPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:32.79999923706055°C

Min:25.700000762939453°C

Rain:103.69999694824219mm

MayPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:32.20000076293945°C

Min:25.600000381469727°C

Rain:270.79998779296875mm

JunPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:30.100000381469727°C

Min:24.299999237060547°C

Rain:615.9000244140625mm

JulPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:29.299999237060547°C

Min:23.700000762939453°C

Rain:516.0999755859375mm

AugPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max: 29.5°C Min:

24.100000381469727°C

Rain: 330.5mm

SepPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max: 30.0°C Min:

24.200000762939453°C

Rain:283.79998779296875mm

OctPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.

Max:30.399999618530273°C

Min: 24.0°C Rain:422.1000061035156mm

NovPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:31.100000381469727°C

Min:24.100000381469727°C

Rain: 135.0mm

DecPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max: 31.5°C Min:

23.100000381469727°C

Rain:40.400001525878906mm

What To

SEE5 Sights

http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-kochi-lp-1138144

1 Cherai Beach

Kochi, Kerala 683514, India

An ideal spot to spend some alone time,Cherai Beach is a nice and clean beach on

the Vypin Island. The centre of the beachsees some activity, but as you venture outfurther, it becomes more and more quiet.There are a number of restaurants andresorts situated on the beach. If you comehere during early dawn or dusk, you cancatch the fishermen in action. The Chinesefishing nets are a popular attraction here. Ifyou are looking for a happening beach partyplace, this beach will not really make the list.It only becomes somewhat crowded duringthe weekends, otherwise it is frequented bythe locals and lone tourists. 

If you feel like swimming, be careful of theundertows. They get pretty strong especiallyaround the centre of the beach. The watersare comparatively calmer and safe for kidson the beach ends. Cherai Beach is alsoquite popular for Dolphin sightings. Schoolsof dolphins could be seen chasing smallboats or somersaulting in the water, whichmake for a very enjoyable experience. Butall said, the beach is a photographer'sdelight with long stretches of sand, clumpsof palms and coconuts, an abandonedfishing boat or two and a lone ship sailingaway in the distance silhouetted against thesun.

2 Indo-Portuguese Museum

Bishop's House, Fort Kochi, Kerala,682001, India

Indo-Portuguese Museum has the history ofPortuguese which has a influence on thedeccan city of Kochi, which goes back a longway. But when the city's bishop, Dr. JosephKureethra, saw that the marks left by thePortuguese were being stamped out in themad rush of modernity, he decided toprotect this history, and thereby preservethe rich cultural heritage of Kochi itself, bybuilding theIndo-Portuguese Museum. The museumserved the purpose of both removing hisArchdiocese from danger and acting as animportant source of knowledge for thefuture generations in understanding thesignificant of the Portuguese Christianculture which till today remains enmeshedwith the city's own culture. The museum isan impressive domicile of priceless artifactsbelonging to the Indo-Portuguese era, and asuperior collection of art and architecture ofthe city which was so conspicuouslyinfluenced by the Portuguese style. Thebuilding is divided into five separatesections viz. Procession, Civil Life, Altar,Treasure and Cathedral. Some of the pieceswhich hold the place of pride in the museumare a 16th century teak wood altar from theChurch of the Lady of Hope, a 19th centurychasuble, a 17th century silver and woodprocessional cross belonging to the SantaCruz cathedral and an antique monstrancefrom the 18th century. The coat of arms of

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the Fransiscans is pretty popular amongstthe tourists. If you venture down into thebasement atIndo-Portuguese Museum, you will find theremnants of the fort walls. A visit to Kochiwill be incomplete without going through itshistory.

3 Greenix Village

Greenix Village, Kalvathy road, Fort-Kochi, Kerala, 682001, India

From Kathakali to Mohiniattam and variousother dance forms, the art and culture ofKerala will charm you and beckon you tocome and visitGreenix Village again and again. What couldbe more convenient than going to a centerwhich has all that comprises of the richcultural heritage of Kerala. Consider it asyour doorway to this amazing legacy ofKerala. A huge complex for culturalactivities, this place has two huge theatresthat hold dance performances. Besides this,there is also a Kalaripayattu Training Centre,that shows the famous martial artsperformances of the state. And, if you are

looking for more from this centre, a curioshop and a book shop are there to ease thaturge to shop for some unique Keralansouvenirs. Do visit theGreenix Village and take a walk through thehistory of Kerala. Be ready to have aninsightful and enriching tour of themuseum, for your knowledge of Kerala andits culture will surely increase after lookingat the amazing displays there. Watch amesmerizing session of the ever-famousKathakali dance or increase your love forKerala with the audio-visual cultural historyat the museum. If you want some benefitsfor your health, join the morning yogaclasses.

4 Dutch Cemetery

Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, 682001,India

The oldest European cemetery in India,Dutch Cemetery is a solemn reminder of thehundreds of Dutch and English soldiers andmerchants who lost their lives in their

attempt to expand their territory. Thecemetery is more than 280 years old andwas consecrated in the year 1724. Today it islooked after by the St. Francis CSI Church inFort Kochi. Amongst the 104 tombs, lie thenames of some of the eminent Europeanswho had a major hand in changing thehistory of not only Kochi, but of the wholeworld. If you wish to visitDutch Cemetery, you can ask the church forpermission to open the gates for viewing. Infact, there had been so many such requestsand visits made especially by Europeantourists, that over the years the lateritestones and the plaster covering the tombshad disintegrated. The church spend afortune restoring the tombs back to its oldlook. The original calligraphic inscription of'1724' carved on the entrance of thecemetery is still preserved, along with thesurrounding thick walls. Unlike othermodern cemeteries, the tombs do not bearcrosses but are structured in the typicalDutch architecture pertaining to that period,with Dutch inscriptions carved on them. Arecord of all the people buried here ismaintained by the church.

5 Sea India Foundation

Kalthil Parambil La, Ernakulam,Kochi, Kerala, 682004, India

If you are interested in the world-renownedKerala traditional dance form, Kathakali, thisis the place to head to. Sea India Foundationis a dance theatre which stages small-scaleKathakali performances. The shows typicallyconcentrate on the dance's cultural andreligious aspects. For those who don't havemuch idea on Kathakali, here's a small brief.Kathakali, according to societal views, is adance form which goes back to the 17thcentury and is inspired from'Krishnanattam', another traditional danceform, which essentially showcases theaccounts and instances from the life of LordKrishna. Originally there were 101 storiesthat were depicted via the dance form, butmodern Kathakali covers only around 30 ofthem. Famous for the elaborate andcolourful make up of the performers,Kathakali has become a more refined andaesthetic dance form over the years. It hasfive basic elements of 'Natyam' orexpressions, 'Nritham' or dance, 'Nrithyam'or enactment/mudras, 'Geetha' or a songaccompaniment, and 'Vadyam' or aninstrumental accompaniment.

Where To

Eat5 Places

http://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-kochi-lp-1138144

Kochi Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/kochi page 5

1 Kashi Art Cafe

Kashi, Burgher Street, Fort Cochin,Kerala, 682001, India

+91-484-2215769

Built in 1997, Kashi is an art cafe cumrestaurant in the city of Kochi where being alaid back and casual place takes a wholenew meaning. You can spend great time atthis place just by sitting and chatting withyour friends and of course the great food isalways there to complement it.

The western breakfast and lunch issomething that you must try out at thisplace. Kashi is the best place where you canhave the perfect combination of greatambiance with cheap and awesome food.And when we talk about the ambiance ofthe place, we cannot miss the surroundingbeautiful art pieces which give such an easeto the place. Amazingly creative, this is theplace where you will experience the best ofboth worlds, Food and Art. Do not forget to

enjoy the place with a cup of freshlygrounded coffee and superb tea. Did we tellyou, they serve breakfast at any time of theday.

2 Oceanos Restaurant

Elphinstone Residency, Beach Road,Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001,India

+91-484-2218222

Oceanos Restaurant is a multi-specialtyseafood restaurant at Fort Kochi, specializedin Mediterranean Seafood delicacies. It is apart of the Elphinstone Residencyhotel.  Here, you make your  own menu by picking up from avariety of fresh fish, tiger prawns, lobster,and other rich seafood from the day's catch,at their seafood counter.

3 Dal Roti

1/293, Lilly Street, Fort Kochi, Kochi682001, India

+91-97464-59244

If you think that finding good North Indianfood in the sourthern states of the countryis as hard as finding water in a desert, thenwe would like to very happily break it to youthatDal Roti is going to amaze you. It is what anyNorth Indian food lover would want. Fromcurries to Biryanis, from thalis to seafoodprepared in a North Indian style, the placehas everything. The restaurant is basic andyou will not find anything out of theordinary, agreed. But, the food is justamazing and you are not going to pay anyattention to anything else for sure.

Also, the quantity of every serving atDal Roti is quite generous which is anywayan added advantage for the pocket. Howcan we forget desserts! From Raj Bhog toGulab Jamun and from Rasmalai to Gajar KaHalwa, this place will keep on surprising youwith the sheer variety that it has to offer tillthe time you move out of the place. Thetables in front of the verandah are a hitamong the locals and the tourists alike.Interestingly, the restaurant's location onLilly Street is also a plus point, being apopular area of the city.

4 Frys Village Restaurant

No. 40/9646, Chittoor Road,Pullepady, Ernakulam, Kerala682018, India

+91-484-2353983

If you are in Kerala, you should not go backwithout trying authentic Keralan cuisine atFrys Village Restaurant. Having a meal ofKeralan dishes will leave you with anexperience, that you will definitely cherishfor the rest of your life. If you are a non-vegetarian and have a soft-corner forseafood, this is the perfect place for you.Savour those delicious, freshly prepareddishes, from Pollichathu ( a kind of Keralanfish dish, prepared using banana leaves) tosimple fried fish. You will fall in love with thecuisine of Kerala!

5 Subhiksha

BTH Bharat Hotel, Square, DurbarHall Road, Pallimukku, Kochi, Kerala682016, India

+91-484-2353501

Subhiksha is a popular eating out place for

Kochi Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/kochi page 6

mouth-watering vegetarian dishes. Checkout the thalis of this restaurant and you willbe lost in the aromas of pure Indiandelights. Apart from this, there is also acoffee shop, for that famous Keralan coffee!

Kochi Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/kochi page 7

Quick

LOCATEhttp://www.ixigo.com/hotels-in-kochi-lp-1138144

SeeA: Cherai BeachB: Indo-Portuguese MuseumC: Greenix VillageD: Dutch CemeteryE: Sea India Foundation

AccommodationF: Bens HomestayG: Pavana Homestay (annex)H: Warm Stay RetreatI: Bens HomestayJ: Pavana Homestay (annex)K: Warm Stay RetreatL: Bens HomestayM: Pavana Homestay (annex)N: Warm Stay Retreat

FoodO: Kashi Art CafeP: Oceanos RestaurantQ: Dal RotiR: Frys Village RestaurantS: Subhiksha