Cochin - India

This is the main cruise dock facility in Cochin. Cruise ships enjoy a beautifull sail in and simply dock here in the port of Cochin. Take a taxi or take the ferry to the city center. Read all about your transportation options and what to see and do in the full Cochin cruise port guide.

Sailing into Cochin is beautiful and it is a great introduction of the city. Just before you leave open sea you often have the opportunity to see small dolphins, lots of fishing boats and eagles. Than your ship will leave open sea and sail past the old town of Cochin. Make sure to set your alarm clock for this!

This is a must see in Cochin. On the shore lines of the city centre of Cochin we find an entire row of Chinese fishing nets. Many say it is Zhang He that introduced this form a fishing and that it is used here ever since. Take a look and see how this unique operation works. For a small fee you are even able to step in and join the fun.

Cricket is the most popular sport in India. In almost every city you will find a large open space in the centre where these matches are played. Look out for fields like this and perhaps join on the side lines for an old fashioned game of cricket.

With over 280 years this is the oldest European cemetery in India. There are about 104 tombs here of mostly Dutch and English who came here to expand their colonial power over India. The cemetry remains closed, but you’re still able to peak inside.

In the city centre of Cochin you will find an old ruined for called Fort Emmanuel. It was the first fortifications that the Rajah allowed the Portuguese to build here. From here the Portuguese were eventually able to spread their colony and commercial interests. Today you will hardly recognise it as a fort because today it completely disappears into the city centre of Cochin.

This is one of the best spots to go for lunch. It gives you an opportunity to step into the cuisine of North India. And it is everything you would expect from India: spice, spice and spice. Proper spices that are used for great cooking.

For quite some time a small Jewish community has been living in Cochin. At the heart of the Jewish neighbourhood we find Jew Town Road. This is nowadays one of the best places for shopping. Stroll the streets for any kind of souvenir or form of art. It is a really nice and cozy neighbourhood, even non-shoppers should at least get a taste for this part of Cochin.

Tugged away in one of the alleys you will find the Paradesi Synagogue, constructed in 1567. This is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Go inside to witness this beautiful interior.

This Roman Catholic Cathedral is one of the 8 basilicas in India. It is one of the finest churches in Kerala, known for its beautiful Gothic and Portuguese style and can find beautiful paintings on the ceiling.

This church was originally built in 1503. That makes it the oldest European church in India. But there is more to this church than just a pretty facade. The famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Cochin in 1524. This was during his 3rd visit to India. The spot where he originally was buried was right here in this church. It was only after 14 years that his body was moved to Lisbon where it still finds its final resting place.

Just on the coast you will find these steam boilers. These were steam boilers of the cranes used in Cochin Dry Dock for 20 years from 1956. It used coke, coals and fire wood as fuel. Notable use of these cranes included attending the annual repairs of dredger Lord Willingdon and Lady Willingdon.