A Brief History

For over 400 odd years, Fort Kochi, primarily a fishing village, has been ruled and fortified by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. The Dutch came around the 1660s and stayed till the late 1700s. Their influence on architecture, culture, art and cuisine is still evident today.

Strolling through Fort Kochi's colonial charm

I visited Fort Kochi in the winter months of January, 2023. As I stepped out of my hostel on my first evening walk, I spotted some of the most beautiful structures basking in the golden hour sunlight.

Streets of Mattancherry

Situated on the western side of Fort Kochi is Mattancherry, a spice trade hub that welcomed merchants and traders from across the world. Its architecture is very unique and diverse as it houses the Mattancherry Palace, the Paradesi synagogue and the Jew town quarters.

Kochi Biennale - Where Art meets Architecture

The Kochi Muziris Biennale is a bi-yearly international contemporary art exhibition that runs for four months in various parts of the town that act as exhibition halls and art galleries. Artists from around the world exhibit their work and it is the perfect opportunity to experience the seamless integration of art and architecture.

My Rare Find - The Lila Cafe!

One of the best parts of exploring the town on feet is you get to spot some unique structures that catch your attention. The Lila cafe was one such structure for me. Across the parade ground, its unique facade caught my attention in the first place. Upon a conversation with the owner, I got to know that it had been only 2 days since the launch of the cafe which made it even more special to me!

As you walk along the narrow streets and alleys of Fort Kochi, you will be transported back in time. The sound of the sea and the gentle breeze blowing from the Arabian Sea adds to this charm of Fort Kochi.