One of the most charming places in the world, Fort Kochi has a rich history too. Cochin got its name because the Chinese who came centuries ago thought it looked like China ( and thus Co-chin). [This is one of the many theories regarding the origin of the name, but for now, I like this!]

Since then Fort Kochi saw the Dutch, the Portuguese and the English occupying it serially. Fort Kochi takes its name from the fort set up by the Dutch East Indies; it was the first European Fort on Indian soil.

Meanwhile, the local Hindu King happily welcomed white Jews, Kutchi Muslims, Gujarati Hindus, Jains, and Goa Saraswat Brahmins…. Even today Jews, Jains, Gujaratis, and GSBs co-exist in the quaint lanes of this place along with the local Hindu-Muslim-Christian population!

The first two pics are of the iconic Chinese fishing nets, the next two of the Portuguese St Francis Church, the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, one of the most beautiful churches in India, the next two of the TD Temple of the GSBs and the final two of the Syrian Orthodox Church.

Take that for diversity and co-existence. Applaud. And rejoice!