Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi

The Chinese Fishing Nets of Fort Kochi are large shore-operated fishing nets, known locally as cheena vala, that line the northern shore of Fort Kochi where the harbour meets the Arabian Sea. Each is a cantilevered frame of teak and bamboo poles, around ten metres high, holding a wide net that is lowered into the water and then lifted, balanced by large stones hung on ropes. They are among the most photographed sights in Kerala.

The Chinese Fishing Nets are believed to have arrived in Kochi between the 13th and 15th centuries, possibly with traders from the court of the Chinese emperor, although some historians credit Portuguese settlers who had seen them in Macau. Whatever their origin, they have been part of Kochi's shoreline for centuries. A team of around four to six fishermen works each net, walking along the beam to tip it into the water and hauling it up a few minutes later. Their numbers have fallen as maintenance has become costly, and the survivors are now protected as part of Kochi's heritage.

What to see

• The nets being worked, mostly in the morning and at high tide
• Fishermen balancing along the beam to lower the net
• The fish stalls on the promenade selling the fresh catch
• Sunset, when the nets stand in silhouette against the sea
• The seafront walkway to Vasco da Gama Square

What to wear

Fort Kochi is hot and humid all year, so wear light cotton, a hat and sunscreen, and carry an umbrella in the monsoon from June to September. Comfortable walking shoes suit the promenade and the old town lanes. If you plan to visit the churches and synagogue nearby on the same walk, cover shoulders and knees. Kerala's traditional dress is the off-white kasavu saree with a gold border and the white mundu worn by men, often seen at festivals and weddings.

Local food to try

The stalls beside the Chinese Fishing Nets sell the day's catch, such as prawns, mullet, kingfish and crab, and small eateries behind them will cook what you buy for a fee, usually fried with masala or in a coconut curry. Fort Kochi is also the place for appam with chicken or vegetable stew, fish moilee and karimeen pollichathu. The cafes of Princess Street and Burgher Street serve Kerala dishes alongside coffee and cakes. Halal food is widely available, as are vegetarian options.

Good to know

• Best time: early morning to see the nets working, or around sunset for photos; October to March is driest
• Visible at any time; nets are worked mainly in the morning and at high tide
• Free to see; fishermen may ask a small tip for a closer look or a turn at the rope
• Allow 30 minutes to an hour, longer if you eat at the stalls
• On the Fort Kochi seafront, about 40 km, or around an hour and a half, from Cochin International Airport
• Ask before photographing the fishermen up close

Nearby places

The Chinese Fishing Nets are a short walk from St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica. A short auto-rickshaw ride south takes you to the antique shops of Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry.