Chinese Fishing Nets, Cochin

Introduction and history: The Chinese fishing nets in located in the City of Cochin, in Kerala. It has fixed installations of shore operated lift nets. Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 meters. Each structure is at least 10 meters high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. Each installation is operated by a team of up to six fishermen. It is received wisdom that the nets are Chinese in origin. This is not as improbable as the 5,000 kilometers distance from China might suggest that Cochin is a very important centre for the spice trade attracting traders from far and wide. Some suppose that the nets were introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He.

What to see and when to go: As a costal city, Cochin gets maximum rainfall during monsoon. So it is ideal to visit the place during January to April, August to December. One can enjoy boat ride in backwaters and kathakali dance performance as well. Cochin has multiple tourist attractions which include Fort Kochi beach, St. Francis Church, Vasco House, Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Dutch Palace, Bolghatty Palace, Bolghatty Island, Hill Palace, Palliport Fort, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Museum of Kerala History, Kalamassery, Parikshith Thampuran Museum, Cherai Beach, Veega Land, Marine Drive, Willington Island and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Accommodation: Cochin offers range of accommodation facilities, which is really unique to the place. Starting from tree house, the options are available in form of floating in a traditional houseboat, living in the luxury of palaces and posh five star hotels. Plenty of cheap and good hotels and lodges are aplenty as well.

Mode of transport: Cochin has well developed international airport, which is well connected to all major domestic and international destinations. It is also one of the important railway junctions, which is well connected to various parts of India. Well regulated local transport is available in form of taxis and auto.

Related links:
• Comprehensive information about Cochin: http://www.cochin.org/
• Tourist information: http://www.cochin-ernakulam.com

See also (nearby places): Nearby tourist attractions include Alleppey, Cheruthuruthy, Kalady, Kodanad, Kodungalloor, Munnar, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary and Lakshadweep