Chinese Fishing Nets
Fort Vypin, Puthuvype, Kochi, Kerala
Fort Cochin’s Chinese Fishing Nets have been a beach installation for centuries, well before the arrival of Portuguese colonizers. It’s thought that the nets were introduced to this coastal area by the legendary Chinese explorer Zheng He in the early 15th century.
The nets are permanent horizontal structures, lowered and raised by a network of cantilevered ropes, bamboo poles, and balancing weights and pulleys. They are operated by teams of up to six fishermen, but the catch is usually quite modest.
The Chinese Fishing Nets (called cheena vala in Malayalam) rank among the most iconic images of Kerala—a must-see for any first time visitor to Kochi. Just about every sightseeing tour of Kochi includes a stop at the nets, along with other popular points of interest like Fort Kochi Beach, the Dutch Palace, Church of Saint Francis, and the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica.
- The Chinese Fishing Nets are a must-see for photographers and first-time visitors.
- Don’t forget your camera; this is one of Kerala’s most iconic photo ops.
- Be aware that the fishermen might ask for a donation for taking photographs up-close.
The Chinese Fishing Nets line the sands north of Fort Cochin Beach and the town’s historic churches, off River Road.
For the best views, come at dusk with your camera to capture that quintessential shot of Kerala’s fishing nets and calm seas backlit by the setting sun. Different nets operate at different times depending on the tide, but they tend to be most active at dawn and dusk.
If you’re feeling hungry, you can buy freshly netted fish and crabs from the owners of the Chinese Fishing Nets and have them cooked up for your dinner at a roadside stall. Seafood doesn’t get much fresher in Kerala.
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