Also famed as Cheena Vala (Nets from China), the Chinese fishing nets are quite an attraction in Kerala because of its size, strength and weight. Having a new mechanism to enable its operation through land, they are fixed with bamboo or teak poles, having a height of 10 meters and are kept horizontal. The nets are stretched out with long ropes and large stones are tied to them. Being exceptionally large, it is not possible for one person to operate on it and calls for five to six fishermen working with these nets. This is quite attractive in visuals because of the minuteness of the fine net.
Chinese net have also just gained its importance because it is the different way of fishing. Normally one person suspends the net in to the water and leaves them for few minutes. After few minutes, with the help of his team, he pulls back the net and he gets few fishes from the net. Though this type of fishing cannot be used to catch large number of fishes. There are many nets fixed in the shore and every net has a particular length and depth. Quite a common site at Fort Kochi beach, these fishing nets are really an interesting aspect of Kerala that has been gifted by Chinese Fishing Technology.
In fact, it is Chinese traveler by the name of Zheng that introduced the concept of Chinese Fishing Nets to Kerala as it is just 5000km from China through sea. According to another legend, the Chinese Nets were introduced in Kerala by Portuguese settlers from Macau. Fort Kochi is quite well known for numerous attractions and Chinese Fishing Nets is one of them. Another one to check out as tourist attraction is that of Fort Kochi Beach. A strolling beach with exotic sunsets and ships sailing on the quiet waters of the sea in background makes it a perfect tourist spot to check out.
Besides Chinese Fishing Nets and Fort Kochi Beach, St. Francis Church is also a prime attraction that is highly famous for cultural richness. Known as the oldest church in India, it was constructed by the Europeans in India. As per the legendary story goes by, Vasco Da Gama traveled to this place, got ill and died. Furthermore, he was buried here and later the remains were taken to Portugal. With such historical significance, the tourists keep coming to this beautiful place that showcases Christian believes in full splendor. This is the reason that the decoration is also done with much style to attract people. This is the reason behind its increased fame.
Fort Kochi is extensively beautiful for scenic views and offers a high quality of tourism facilities. From food to exotic sites, Fort Kochi has everything. Another one to catch attention is Vasco House, which is situated on the Rose Street. An exclusive aspect about this place is that Vasco Da Gama used to stay here in his time. Indeed, the exclusive feature of this place is its European style glass paned windows as well as spacious verandahs in English style. This is the reason that Vasco House is among the most famous places and the oldest homes in Kochi.
If you have had a treat on historical places in Fort Kochi; then, go religious with Santa Cruz Basilica at this place. Built by Portuguese in 1505 and a Cathedral in 1558, it was destroyed completely in 1795 by the British colonial people. Followed by this event, the present building was constructed in 1905 and given the title of Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.
With so many sites available to be checked out in Fort Kochi city, Chinese Fishing Net is quite an interesting aspect to watch because of its massive size and exclusive style of operating from that of land itself. Indeed, traveling to Fort Kochi can be a real excellent experience because of the beauty sprinkled all around in the God's Own Country. From romantic holidays to that of scintillating beaches, Kerala has everything in its kitty to woo every tourists traveling to it.
Martin Wynn
