The venerable city of KOCHI (Long known as Cochin), is Kerala's hottest tourist spot, spreading across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and bbackwaters.its main sections-modern Ernakulam, in the east, and the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin on a peninsula in the west-are linked by a complex system of ferries, ad distinctly less romantic bridges. Although most visitors end up staying in Ernakulam, For Cochin and Mattancherry are the focus of interest, where the city's extraordinary history of foreign influence and settlement is reflected in an assortment of architectural styles. During a wander through their narrow lanes, you will stumble upon spice markets, Chinese fishing nets, a synagogue, a Portuguese palace, India's first European church, Dutch homes, and a village green that could have been transported from England's Home Counties.

The city is also one of the few places in Kerala where, at any time of year, you can be assured of seeing Kathkali dance,either in one of several special tourist theatres,or at a more authentic performance by a temple based company. Kochi was born in 1341,when a flood created a natural safe port that swiftly replaced Muziris (Kodungallur,50km north) as the chief harbour on the Malabar coastline.The royal family transferred here from Muziris in 1405,after which the city grew rapidly,attracting Christian,Arab and Jewish settlers from the Middle East.Its name probably derives from kocchazhi,meaning the new, or small,harbour.The history of the European involvement in Kochi from the early 1500s onwards is dominated by the aggression of, successively, the Portuguese,Dutch and British,competing to control the port and its lucrative spice trade.From 1800 the state of Cochin was part of the British Madras Presidency; from 1812 until Independence in 1947,its administration was made the responsibility of a series of divan, or finance ministers. In the 1920s, the British expanded the port to make it suitable for modern ocean-going ships; extensive dredging created Willingdon Island, between Ernakulam and Fort.

Moving northwest from Mattancherry Palace along Bazaar Road, you pass wholesale emporia where owners, sitting behind scales surrounded by sacks of spices, may well be prepared to talk about their wares. Keep walking in a northerly direction, over the canal and then westwards into Fort Cochin. The architecture of the quiet streets in this enclave is very definitely European, with fine houses built by wealthy British traders, and Dutch cottages with split farm house doors. At the water's edge there's a bus stand, boat jetty and food and drinks stalls.

Chinese Fishing Nets/Vasco da Gamma Square These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the Court of Kubla khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the net being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is Vasco da Gamma square, a narrow promenade that runs along along the Beach. The square is an ideal place to idle with stalls serving fresh delicious sea food and tender coconuts.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow This charming Mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862. A representative of Fort Cochin Colonial Bungalow, this building reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. Characteristic features are wood panels that form the roof of ground floor, arched doorways, carved doors and sprawling rooms. Water front verandas are always an added attraction to such house.

Old Harbor House This house that was once a boat house and built in 1808 is the possession of Carrit Moran & Co. renowned Tea brokers, who now use it as their residence.

Koder House This magnificent building constructed by Samuel. S. Koder of the Cochin Electric Company in 1808 is a supreme example of transition from colonial to Indo-European Architecture. Features like Veranda Seats at the entrance, floor tiles set in a chess board pattern, red colored brick like façade, carved wood furniture and a wooden bridge connecting to separate structure across the street are unique to this Bungalow.

Delta Study Once a warehouse, this heritage Bungalow built in 1808 is presently a high school with the same name. Santa Cruz Basilica This historic Church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. In 1795 it fell into the hands of the British when they took over Cochin, and was demolished. In 1887 Bishop Dom Gomes Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site. The Church has since been proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.

Loafer’s Corner/ Princess Street One of the earliest streets to be constructed in Fort Cochin, Princess Street with its European style residences still retain its world charm. The best view of this quaint street can be had from loafer’s corner. The traditional meeting place and hangout of the jovial locals of this area.

Vasco House Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gamma, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residence of Fort Cochin. Built in the early 16th century Vasco House sports the typical European glass paned windows and Balcony cum Verandas characteristic of the times.

VOC Gate The large wooden gate facing the parade ground with monogram (VOC) of the once mighty Dutch East India Company carved on it was built in 1740.