Square · Fort Kochi
Vasco da Gama Square
The seafront walkway beside the Chinese fishing nets, and a Cochin Carnival venue.
Vasco da Gama Square is the promenade along Fort Kochi Beach, beside the Chinese fishing nets. The nets are believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders, and you can watch fishermen operate them from the walkway.
The nets stand on teak and bamboo poles, and the walkway runs along the beach beside them. Several food vendors at the square sell fresh seafood and tender coconut. An open stage on the promenade hosts cultural performances.
The Cochin Carnival runs through the last two weeks of December and ends on 1 January, and it is officially opened here, with the Indian flag raised at this square. The square is one of the festival’s main venues. At the turn of the year the Pappanji effigy may be burned at this square, at Fort Kochi Beach or at the Parade Ground.
The square bears the name of Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi on Christmas Eve in 1524 of malaria.
What the cats hear
Worth knowing
- Narrow beach, limited classic sand experience.
- Litter and broken pavements noted.
What visitors liked
- Scenic sunset and waterfront promenade for evening walks.
- Historic significance, close to other Fort Kochi landmarks.
- Lively atmosphere — street vendors, fishing activity, local life.
Did you know
Vasco da Gama died in Cochin on Christmas Eve 1524 of malaria, and his body was first buried at St Francis Church in Fort Kochi.
The Pappanji effigy is burned at Vasco da Gama Square, Fort Kochi Beach or the Parade Ground at the end of the Cochin Carnival.
The Cochin Carnival is officially inaugurated with the hoisting of the Indian flag at Vasco da Gama Square.
The square has an open stage for cultural performances.
The Chinese fishing nets stand on teak and bamboo poles.
The Chinese fishing nets on the Fort Kochi waterfront are believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders.
Guides
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Events
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Drawn from OpenStreetMap, by its contributors.
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