Information on Kochi Fort (Ernakulam, Kerala) - History & Architecture

Fort Kochi is the western most region in Ernakulum District, having the major parts of its land are covered with Vembanadu Lake back waters and the Arabian Sea, This place is the first place of contact by the tourist visiting here to go for backwater tour. The Ernakulum district which is also known as Cochin and Kochi is the central part of Kerala State in South India. Fort Kochi is the major attractions and thus its historical significance are witnessed and it depicts to every individual who come to see the massive fort that once witnessed the era of glory and elegance. Fort Kochi is the major landmark of the city Cochin, which is also an important centre of trade and commerce of Kerala, India.

Kochi Fort Architecture

Fort Kochi is surrounded with European architectural marvels. There are many historical monuments were built from the 15th Century AD to the end parts of the 19th century AD. There are many forts, palaces, and worship places built here by the colonial peoples. They made this place as a well organized city in their time itself. The western impact was seen here in social, cultural and architectural works. It was the home left over by the Portuguese, Dutch's, French's and the British's. They were the first builder of large Mansion and palaces here. There is a famous cemetery built here by the Dutch's which looks so beautiful for the deceased. All together it had the touches of all European nations in its great structures built here in their colonial periods. The Santa Cruz Basilica, St Francis Church, Fort Kochi, Pierce Leslie Bungalow, David Hall, Bishop's house, Old Harbor House, the Dutch Cemetery and VOC Gate are the important historical structures built by the colonialist here.

Kochi Fort History

Fort Kochi, the name is derived from its estuaries towards the Arabian Sea. The name for estuary in Malayalam is' kochazhi' which was shortly called as Kochi. The name Cochin was derived from the 'Co Chin', which means go to China, which was the consequence of Chinese Fishing Net introduced here by the Chinese travelers. These Chinese Nets are the famous objects found all around the Fort Kochi on its water sides. When a fort was built here in the 16the century it was called the Fort Kochi by its local tribes. This place is famous for colonial culture. It was in the hands of imperialists, since Vasco da Gama visited Kerala and showed the way for Spice Trading to European Nation. He was also buried here at the Vasco da Gama Square in the St Francis Church located here. The internal aggression within the colonial countries saw the destruction of their own built valuable assets during the past 400 years. Now this tribal area is the cosmopolitan city due to colonial peoples how stayed here after the Indians independence since 1945 AD.

Kochi Fort Tourism Importance

Fort Kochi is the queen of backwaters. It is from here any tourist takes a boathouse touring around the 150 Km long and 100 Km wide Vembanadu Lake backwaters adjoining the Arabian see. Tourist from all over the world visit here to see its natural beauty and the natural harbor, which is a rear kind in the world. Cochin is well connected with rest of the cities in India. There are many luxury and normal boat house for lodging in the backwaters, which will be a rare experience on the Arabian Sea. Kerala is a place to visit in all seasons.