In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist destinations of Fort Kochi. Fort Kochi is located in the western part of Kochi city, within the Ernakulam district of Kerala, approximately 12 km from Ernakulam Town. This area has played a significant role in Kerala’s history. Fort Kochi is home to several attractions, including the Santa Cruz Basilica, and features many historical monuments such as St. Francis Church, which is the first church associated with Vasco da Gama, the Dutch Seminary, and the China Vela, among others. Additionally, the Indian Navy’s ship, Dronacharya, is stationed in Fort Kochi.
| About: | Fort Kochi is a neighbourhood of Kochi city in Kerala, India. Fort Kochi takes its name from the Fort Manuel of Kochi, the first European fort on Indian soil, controlled by the Portuguese East Indies. This is part of a handful of water-bound islands and islets toward the south-west of the mainland Kochi, and collectively known as Old Kochi or West Kochi. Adjacent to this is the locality of Mattancherry. In 1967, these three municipalities, along with several surrounding areas, were merged to create the Kochi Municipal Corporation. Fort Kochi boasts a rich heritage and vibrant culture, making it a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors, and it was ranked ninth among the top 25 destinations in National Geographic’s Top Tourist Destinations To Explore In 2020. |
| History: | The port at Kozhikode held superior economic and political position in medieval Kerala coast, while Kannur, Kollam, and Kochi were commercially important secondary ports, where the traders from various parts of the world would gather. Fort Kochi was a fishing village in the Kingdom of Kochi in the pre-colonial Kerala. The Portuguese arrived at Kappad Kozhikode in 1498 during the Age of Discovery, thus opening a direct sea route from Europe to India. The territory that would be later known as Fort Kochi was granted to the Portuguese in 1503 by the Rajah of Kochi, after the forces of Afonso de Albuquerque helped him fighting the forces of Saamoothiri of Kozhikode. The Rajah also gave them permission to build Fort Emmanuel near the waterfront to protect their commercial interests. The first part of the name Fort Kochi comes from this fort, which the Dutch later destroyed. The Portuguese built their settlement behind the fort, including a wooden church, which was rebuilt in 1516 as a permanent structure, today known as the St Francis Church. Fort Kochi remained in Portuguese possession for 160 years. In 1683 the Dutch captured the territory from the Portuguese, destroyed many Portuguese institutions, particularly Catholic including convents. The Dutch held Fort Kochi in their possession for 112 years until 1795, when the British took control by defeating the Dutch. Foreign control of Fort Kochi ended in 1947 with the Indian independence. |
| Country : | India |
| State: | Kerala |
| District: | Ernakulam |
| Language: | Malayalam, English |
| Population: | 234,990 |
| Literacy rate: | Average literacy rate of Kochi city is 97.36 percent of which male and female literacy was 98.25 and 96.51 percent. |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | 1. Chinese Fishing Nets 2. St. Francis Church 3. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica 4. Fort Kochi Beach 5. Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) 6. Jewish Synagogue (Paradesi Synagogue) 7. Jew Town 8. Fort Kochi Street Art and Graffiti 9. Princess Street 10. Indo-Portuguese Museum 11. Kerala Kathakali Centre 12. Vypeen Island 13. Maritime Museum 14. Kashi Art Café 15. Dhobi Khana |
