WANDERLUST
Once shopping is over , you can visit the St . Francis Church in Fort Kochi , which is one of the oldest European churches in India . Originally built in 1503 , it has a great historical significance as a voiceless witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent . The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama , who discovered the sea route from Europe to India , died in 1524 and his remains were entombed in the church . His body was removed and sent back to Lisbon after fourteen years .
Another fact is that Cochin hosts the largest religions in one place . A church , a mosque , a Jewish temple and a Hindu temple at a very short walking distance from each other is a sight to behold . People live in peace and happiness , something that the entire world could learn from .
If the heat is getting to you , your next stop should be Vasco da Gama Square , a small park with an opening by the sea . Here , you can grab some street food and fresh coconut water and continue on your trip energised . People visit this place to shoot movies , make short reality shows , dance or do wedding photography .
You will particularly love how the fishermen masterly catch fresh fish by the sea . Once you pick your catch , you can have it cooked in front of you at the Tree House Restaurant which is similar to an improvised house made of reed . Here you will see pots of different spices that flavour the food . It may not be easy to sit around the restaurant because of the pungent smell of the sea food and spices , but I strongly recommend it because the food tastes simply delicious .
Another interesting thing to do at da Gama Square while waiting for the ferry to take you across the river is to watch the sunset . You can see the Chinese fishing nets while the sun gets ready to turn out and let the moon watch over , as they call it , “ God ’ s own country .”
60