Indo Portuguese Museum:
The Indo –Portuguese Museum is an important center situated in Fort Kochi to understand the Indo-Portuguese Christian Art heritage. The museum building was commissioned by Dr. Joseph Kureethra in order to protect the rich heritage of his Diocese. The museum building is divided into five main sections including Treasure, Civil Life, Altar, Procession and Cathedral. The currently preserved items in the museum include some of the most artistic and architectural marvel which have a strong influence of the Portuguese era. The items to take a note of while visiting the museum include a piece of the altar made from teak wood, chasuble and the Coat of Arms of the Franciscans.
Chinese Fishing Nets:
Chinese Fishing Nets are one of the most popular tourist attraction present in Fort Kochi. Chinese Fishing Nets are unique and exclusive to Kochi and are fixed installations which are used as an unusual method of fishing. These instruments operate from the shore. The nets are set on teak or bamboo poles which are held horizontally with the help of huge mechanism into the sea. The entire structure is 10 meters in height. The nets are left in the water for a short time of about four to five minutes before being raised up by tugging ropes.
Dutch Cemetery:
Dutch Cemetery is a 282-year old cemetery present in Fort Kochi which is considered to be an authentic record of hundreds of Europeans who came to India with the want to expand their colonial empire. Being oldest cemetery of India it has a total of 104 tombs and was constructed in 1724. The cemetery is currently being maintained by the St. Francis CSI Church. The cemetery remains closed for most of the day and is open only on the request of the visitors.
Cochin Thirumala Devaswom Temple :
Cochin Thirumala Devaswom is one of the famous Mahakshetrams of Kerala. It is also considered as one of the most important socio-religious institution of Gowda Saraswat Brahmins residing in Kerala. The temple complex enjoys festive mood for the daily , monthly and yearly religious functions being conducted here. Special seva are provided by the community members. The temple structure is known for its architectural magnificence and splendor. The Sanctorum of the temple features a copper plated roof and is built in Nagar Style which is widely common in Hindu temples.
Sree Gopalakrishna Devaswom Temple :
Sree Gopalakrishna Devaswon Temple situated close to Fort Kochi is one of the important family temples present in Kerala. The idol installed inside the temple complex was brought from Goa. The temple is dedicated to Arti Gotra Gowda Saraswats and Kuladevata of Bharadwaj Gotra. The temple was originally established at the Elankunnapuzha by Krishna Vadyar and later his brother, Achutha Vadhyar descended to Ernakulam with the idol in 1866 A.D.
St. Francis Church :
The St. Francis Church was built in 1503 by the Portuguese traders who came here following the same route as the renowned Vasco-da-Gama. The architecture of the church is modest and unpretentious but still it stands as a landmark in the history of the church architecture in Inida. After St. Francis Church a large number of churches were built in India. The St. Francis Church is the place where the body of late legendary explorer Vasco-da-Gama was originally buried. Firstly the church had a simple wooden structure which was dedicated to St. Bartholomew. In 1506 the church was reconstructed and this time it has the structure in stone. In the year 1516 the reconstruction was completed and was dedicated to St.Antony. In the year 1663 Dutch protestant captured Kochi and the ownership of the church St. Francis Xavier was handed over to them, they converted it into their government church until 1795.
Santa Cruz Basilica:
Santa Cruz Basilica formerly named as Santo Antonio has been th4e model of many churches in India. The roof of the Church is gabled timber framed and is covered with tiles. The entire premises of the church are dedicated to St. Bartholomew and in 1516 a newly built church was dedicated to St. Antony. Later the church came under the Protected Monuments Act of 1904 and became a protected monument in 1923. The interiors of the church feature facades flanked on either side by a stepped pinnacle. The windows and doors of the church have semi-circular arches. The major highlight of the church is the gravestone of Vasco-da-Gama which after 14 years of his death was taken away to Lisbon in Portugal. The gravestone of the Portuguese is present on the northern wall and that of Dutch is present on the southern wall.
Bishop's House:
Bishop’s house situated on a small hillock near the Parade Ground. It is a must visit attraction for its magnificence and beauty that hooks you right through the circular garden path to the main entrance. Being surrounded by the lush green surroundings it features distinctive Gothic pillar and arches. The monument has undergone many alterations by successive bishops since 1888 but the basic structure still remains the same. A large number of wooden staircases, corridors, stained glass windows and living rooms present inside the monument are still known to retain their unique old world charm.
