Fort Kochi Attractions

Fort Kochi Beach: The beautiful beach extends from Kamalakada to the entrance of Kochi harbor. Along the beach are many colonial bungalows, which retain the ambience of the bygone era.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow: This magnificent mansion is a blend of Portuguese, Dutch and Kerala architectural styles. It was the office of Pierce Leslie &Co. and is noted for excellent wood work.

 

Koder House: This magnificent structure is a fine example of transition from colonial to Indo-European Architecture. It was built in 1808 by Samuel Koder of the Cochin Electric Company and is noted for its beautiful facade and fine wood-work. Fort Kochi Beach: The beautiful beach extends from Kamalakada to the entrance of Kochi harbor. Along the beach are many colonial bungalows, which retain the ambience of the bygone era.

Santa Cijzz Basilica Church: The historic Roman Catholic Church near the St. Francis Church was built by the Portuguese. It was elevated to a Cathedral J,y Pope Paul IV in 1558. The Church was demolished by the British in 1795, when they captured Cochin. In1887, a new building was constructed on the same site and was proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. The church has a rich collection of beautiful paintings.

Loafer’s Corner/Princess Street: The Princess Street is one of the earliest streets built in Fort Cochin. It is dotted with European style residences and still retains the old world charm and glory. The Loafer’s Corner is the traditional meeting site of the fun loving locals and affords a fine view of the Princess Street.

Vasco House: This 16th century building is one of the earliest residences built in Fort Cochin and is said to be the house of Vasco da Gama. The typical European glass pane windows and balcony cum verandas of the building are noteworthy.

VOC Gate: This large wooden gate was built in 1740. It faces the parade ground and is adorned with the monogram (VOC) of the Dutch East India Company.

Parade Ground: The large sports ground was once used by the colonial powers to conduct their regular military parades and drills. The buildings around the ground housed the defense establishments.

The United Club: It was one of the four elite clubs of British Cochin. Today, its serves as a class room for the St. Francis Primary School in the day and is the card room in the evenings for the members of the Club.

The Bishop’s House: This stately structure on a small hillock near Parade Ground was built in 1506. It was the residence of the Portuguese Governor and is noted for the beautiful facade with large Gothic arches. It was taken over by the Dome Jos Gomes Ferreira, the 27th Bishop of the Diocese of. Cochin whose jurisdiction extended over India, Burma, Malaya and Ceylon.

Fort Immanuel: This strategic fort was built in 1503 as a result of the alliance between the Maharajah of Cochin and the Monarch of Portugal. It was reinforced in 1538 and later passed into the hands of Dutch and then the British. It was destroyed by the British and today relics of this magnificent structure can be seen along the beach.

The Dutch Cemetery: The cemetery was consecrated in 1724 and has hundreds of tomb stones of the Europeans. It is an authentic proof to several chapters of colonial history.

Thakur House: This colonial bungalow is built on the site of the Gelderland Bastion, one of the seven Bastions of the old Dutch fort It was earlier called as Kunal or Hill Bungalow and is today, under the possession of Ram Bahadur Thakur and Co., the famous Tea Trading company.

David Hall: This is yet another colonial building of the city. It was built by the Dutch East India Company, but is named after David Koder, a Jewish businessman, who later occupied the building. The

Cüchin Club: The prestigious club was once restricted for British only. It still retains the British ambience and has a well stocked library as well as a fine collection of sporting trophies. The club building is surrounded by well laid out parks.

Bastion Bungalow: It was built in 1667 at the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old Dutch fort. The bungalow built in the Indo-European style now serves as the official residence of the Sub Collector. St Francis Church,

Fort Kochi: The Fort Kochi area has perhaps the best preserved history of the colonial times. The Protestant church was built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars and is believed to be the first church built by the Europeans in India. The church was originally made of wood, but was later rebuilt in stone in the mid- 16th century. Vasco da Gama, the discoverer of sea route to India, died in Cochin in 1524 and was buried here. After 14 years, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal. The tombstone still lies in the church premises.