The City of Jews

Located on the south-west coast of India in the state of Kerala, Kochi is one of the country’s finest natural harbours. A prime seaport, it has been the hub of seafarers and traders from across the world. It was also used to be the capital of the Portuguese colonizers in India before they moved to Goa.

 

Quick Facts

  1. The Cochin Jews arrived in India 2,500 years ago and settled down in Kerala as traders.
  2. Today, there are in cochin eight synagogues. But only oneactive
  3. Kochi became India’s first European township when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century
  4. Kochi was formerly known as Cochin and was one of the key points of the spice trade route

Popular Attractions

  • The Mattanchery Palace contains a number of portraits and murals, some of Hindu temple art and others depicting members of the Kochi royalty. This palace is also called Dutch Palace after the Dutch made some renovations to it in the 17th century
  • Fort Kochi is home to spice warehouses,  and  a s Jewish synagogue
  • A day trip can take you to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, home to many species of birds, and to Kodanad Elephant Camp
  •  Kathakali, a traditional dance form of Kerala, can be witnessed at Fort Kochi’s Kathakali centre. The performances are intense, vibrant spectacles where the performer gets consumed in the dance

The “India Kosher Travel” Experience

  • The wafting aromas of India’s famous spices fill your senses as you take a walk down the Mattanchery spice market
  • Heritage walks take you around Fort Kochi, and give you much trivia about the place and its culture
  • Visit Kumbalangi, a coastal village where you can experience the backwaters of Kerala and get a glimpse of the famous Chinese fishing nets
  • Ayurvedic treatments and massages, which aim at healing the mind and body the natural way, are available in plenty in Keral