Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dutch Cemetery
(Beach Rd)
Consecrated in 1724, this cemetery near Kochi beach contains the worn and
dilapidated graves of Dutch traders and soldiers. Its gates are normally locked but a care-
taker might let you in, or ask at St Francis Church.
HISTORIC SITE
1
Mattancherry & Jew Town
About 3km southeast of Fort Cochin, Mattancherry is the old bazaar district and centre of
the spice trade. These days it's packed with spice shops and overpriced Kashmiri-run em-
poriums that autorickshaw drivers will fall over backwards to take you to for a healthy
commission. In the midst of this, Jew Town is a bustling port area with a fine synagogue.
Scores of small firms huddle together in old, dilapidated buildings and the air is filled
with the biting aromas of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves, though the lanes
around the Dutch Palace and synagogue are packed with antique and tourist-curio shops
rather than spices. Look out for the Jewish names on some of the buildings.
