The colonial gem of the coast

Home to the oldest European church in India, Kochi is one of the country’s most iconic old cities, boasting a rich colonial heritage and all things exotic, from ayurveda and spices to opulent silks and indulgent cuisine.  Kochi’s European legacy is well-preserved in attractions such as the Mattancherry Dutch Palace and St. Francis Church. Equally iconic and synonymous with Kochi are the centuries-old Chinese fishing nets along the harbor. In use for the past 500 years, these remarkable examples of ancient ingenuity are believed to have been introduced by Chinese explorer Zheng He — although recent research suggests that it was the Portuguese. The Fort Kochi area of the town serves up a buffet of different cultures, thanks to Kochi’s history – from Portuguese houses and remnants of the British Raj to Dutch synagogues and exotic mosques!