Fort Kochi, located around 13kms from Ernakulam city, is one among
the three main urban regions that constitute the Cochin Corporation. The
other two regions are Ernakulam and Mattancherry. This important trade
center in Southern India was formed after a major flood in AD 1341 and
became the first European township in India when the Portuguese settled
here in the 15th century. In AD 1663, the town was captured by the Dutch
and the British took over in 1795. Fort Kochi is a haven for seafaring
visitors, dotted with attractive sites like Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa
Cruz Basilica, St.Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. It has
been declared a heritage destination with its colonial buildings against
the backdrop of the sea.
This vibrant cultural center can be easily assessable by bus from Ernakulam
which takes nearly an hour or by ferry that takes about 20 minutes.
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