Mattanchery
Right beside Fort Cochin on the same island with a notable palace - Mattanchery Palace and home also to the frequently visited Jew Town which was home to the oldest Jewish community in India. Most have now emigrated to Israel and the community as a whole is pretty much defunct though the synagogue continues to run services.
The old distict of red tiled wharfs and houses was once the main market area- teh epicentre of the Malabar spice trade and home to its wealthiest Jewsish and Jain merchants. mattancherry is famous for its countless antique shops, which sell some of the original Jewish furniture among Kerala arts and crafts pieces. The curios are often sold at inflated price, so make sure to bargain hard to net reasonable deals.
Sightseeing
- Santa Cruz Basilica
- Princess Street
- St Francis Church
- Fort Cochin Waterfront
- Dutch Cemetary
- Cochin Carnival
- Jew Street
- Pardesi Synagogue
- Mattancherry Palace
- Fort Cochin Accommodation
