Visit Kerala
The principal port for southwestern India, Cochin has been a trading post for centuries and the Portuguese, Dutch and British influences remain evident. The city is a series of islands but it is the Mattancherry Palace with its detailed frescos, the old spice warehouses, the Jewish synagogue and the churches in Fort Cochin that will occupy most of your time. The Fort area retains a colonial charm with wide tree lined streets and a large central parade ground surrounded by grand buildings. The huge Chinese fishing nets that cantilever over the shallows are the indelible image of Cochin. Best viewed on an evening boat cruise, they are still in daily use by the dedicated fishermen and their catch can be tried in the numerous food stalls that line the waters edge or in the more comfortable surroundings of a hotel restaurant. A visit to a Kathakali dance centre to watch this stylised and theatrical art form retelling stories from Hindu legend is recommended.