Fort Cochin
Fort Cochin is a historically important place in Kochi where the past meets present and it has a heartbeat of its own. It has preserved the history of colonial times with the old colonial roads, tree-lined avenues, quaint little houses, and the magnificent Chinese fishing nets. Fort Cochin, with its European heritage and cosmopolitan temperament, is a jewel in the crown of Kerala. Walking through Fort Cochin can surely take you back to the 15th century. The main attractions are the colonial-style houses, villas, and churches of Indo-European architecture built by the Portuguese and the serene, beautiful Fort Cochin beach.
Indo-Portuguese Museum in Fort Cochin houses an invaluable collection of artifacts, architectural relics and antique pieces that reveal the Portuguese legacy in Fort Cochin. It maintains the rich heritage of Indo-Portuguese art, culture, and architecture in Cochin. The basement of the museum has remnants of the 16th century Portuguese-built Fort Emmanuel and the major attraction is a piece of the altar made of teak. Fort Cochin is made of quaint streets, vibrant markets, and stately houses. Princess Street, one of the oldest streets of Fort Cochin, is an amalgamation of old and new times. It is filled with cafes, restaurants, book stores, tea shops, art galleries, and souvenir shops and Fort Cochin beach is at the end of this street.