27 May,2015 07:20 AM IST | | Fiona Fernandez
In May 1498, Vasco da Gama and his fleet landed in Kozhikode, Kerala. Centuries later, his influence, impact and lore have left its imprint in the southwestern tip of India...
Kochi
What: In May 1498, Vasco da Gama and his fleet landed in Kozhikode, Kerala. Centuries later, his influence, impact and lore have left its imprint in the southwestern tip of India.
Picture postcard views dot Fort Kochi. Pics/Fiona Fernandez
To relive his landing, and the European stamp that remains here, we took a walk around Fort Kochi, known for its diverse influences that reached here via the Arabian Sea.
Kitschy sculptures dot the sea facing wall near the waterfront at Fort Kochi
From its Chinese fishing nets, Portuguese villas to its now-abandoned Dutch cemetery, it's a treat for the intrepid and curious traveller.
The Dutch Cemetery near the waterfront is not in use
Bob Marley's messages find space on a sea-facing wall
St Francis Church
Where: Tank up for your trail at Kashi Art Gallery, on Burgar Street, an old Dutch home, converted into a buzzing, kitschy gallery and cafe that serves delicious, organic food. As you walk down Tower Road to reach River Road, you'll catch glimpses of the Arabian Sea, as well as Chinese fishing nets.
Kashi Gallery and Café
Parts of a shipwreck on display at Fort Kochi's waterfront
Passing by clean, tree-lined roads; you'll notice huge steamers make their way to Kochi's natural harbour. The paved walkway parallel to the Mahatma Gandhi beach is dotted with spots like Vasco da Gama square, a sea-facing promenade, ship wrecks and remnants of graffiti and sculptures from the recent Kochi Biennale.
The spot inside St Francis Church where Vasco da Gama was buried for 14 years after his death after which it was taken back to Portugal.
Inscription near the wall of St Francis Church stating Vasco da Gama's presence and travels to Kerala
Vasco da Gama died in Kerala in 1524, and was buried at the stunning St Francis Church, a stone's throw from here.
Well manicured lawns and heritage bungalows are a common sight in Fort Kochi
An ice cream vendor does brisk business by the waterfront in Fort Kochi
Look out for quirky facades in the streets and lanes of Fort Kochi
His body was taken back to Portugal 14 years later. This former burial site is now a tourist attraction. Charming bungalows, lush lawns, traces of colonial rule and quaint names like Napier Street, offer a heady dose of the best of all worlds.
How: Reaching Fort Kochi is best by road. Hired taxis will take you all the way to the waterfront. We suggest you halt before the actual stretch begins, so you can gradually slip into the sights and sounds of its eclectic, multi-cultural influences.
The world famous Chinese fishing nets positioned by the Fort Kochi coast are a major tourist attraction.
Log on to: www.keralatourism.org for details and information about this stretch.
Log on to: www.mid-day.com for more photos
