Kerala - Kochi   

Charm of the old world Tourism Trail

Photo: H. Vibhu

in heritage zone: Fort Kochi attracts tourists with its heritage structures and Chinese nets. –

KOCHI: From November to the beginning of March, there are two sets of people in Fort Kochi and Mattanchery – the foreign tourists who are wooed by shopkeepers and auto drivers, and the domestic ones for whom the carpet is not so red.

A late-evening stroll through the streets of Fort Kochi showed that eateries were full of foreign tourists, with domestic tourists seen more towards the beach. Some eateries readied tables even on the streets and they too were filled with foreigners in no time. Foreigners continue to throng the place, the hot and humid weather and the mosquito menace not withstanding.

The interesting aspect is that a majority of the foreign tourist take the congested passenger ferries from the mainland to reach Fort Kochi. This points to the need to have better boat connectivity to Fort Kochi and Mattanchery from Kochi.

The clampdown on unhygienic ‘You buy-We cook’ shacks has given a better look to the Vasco Da Gama Square and the beach area. This has also brought down the illicit sale of liquor through these outlets.

Sadly, dredging for the proposed international container terminal has resulted in the sea eating away a major chunk of the beach.

Along with the beach are disappearing the numerous Chinese fishing nets that continue to be a prominent attraction.

The Fort Kochi junction, a portion of the beach walkway and the park are ill lit. Antique lamp posts put up at many junctions do not function.

Bus operators have demanded more space for the bus stand, since confusion reigns at the present stand.

Crass commercialisation has resulted in heritage norms being violated. Flexi-boards and plastic display boards dominate most streets in Fort Kochi, taking away the heritage look. Many old buildings now have been given a very modern look, in violation of norms. And the high-rise apartments in the area are an eyesore.

The government’s plans to beautify the heritage areas of Fort Kochi and nearby Mattanchery are yet to take a proper shape. This and strict enforcement of heritage norms will help the two places retain their charm.

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