Chinese Fishing Nets & Vasco Da Gama Square: A vivid legacy of one of the earliest people to call on the Malabar Coast, these nets is unmistakable as one enters the harbour. Records show that they were first erected between AD 1350 and 1450. Constructed out of Teak wood and Bamboo poles, they work on the principle of balance

The Dutch Cemetery: It is the oldest European cemetery in India. Consecrated in 1724, the cemetery has 104 tombs. It is now being looked after by St. Francis CSI Church, Fort Cochin, which has the tomb of Vasco-Da-Gama. Though the cemetery remains closed for most of the day (for fear of anti-social elements entering the place), it is opened on requests made by visitors.

St Francis Church: St. Francis Church was originally named as Santo Antonio. It is the first church to have been built in the new European influenced style and tradition. The original wooden building of 1510 was soon replaced by the present building around 1546. Vasco da Gama died here in 1524 and was originally buried in the church, fourteen years later his body was removed back to Portugal. The church has an impressive facade. Inside the chancel is separated from the nave by a plain arch.

Portuguese Museum - Bishop's House: The museum was established by the efforts of the late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, Bishop of Cochin. The Bishop of Cochin Diocese, in a bid to protect and showcase the rich cultural heritage and foreign influence (in this case, the Portuguese influence) established this museum, which now is a single access point to view the Portuguese influences on Fort Cochin and the surrounding areas, especially, the Western Parts of Cochin.

Santa Cruz Basilica: Santa Cruz was used as an armory during the Dutch occupation in the 17th century, and later destroyed by the British in the 18th century. The cathedral would not be rebuilt until the beginning of the 20th century. One century later, in 2004, John Paul II raised the status of Santa Cruz to Basilica.

Bastion Bungalow: The Fort Cochin Heritage Development Society held preliminary discussions in this regard at its sitting in December. The estimate for these projects will be prepared at the next meeting of the society. "Apart from beautification of Jew Street, a pay-and-use toilet will be constructed in the area. Another project is aimed at landscaping the walkway near the Thakur Bungalow, for which an estimate of Rs. 22 lakhs has been submitted to the State Government," said V.A. Aurangazeb, Regional Joint Director of the Tourism Department.

Dutch Palace, Mattancherry: Mattancherry Palace with its medieval charm is situated at Palace Road, Mattancherry, Cochin. It was built by the Portuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma (1537-65), Raja of Cochin, in 1555 AD. The Dutch carried out some extensions and renovations in the palace in 1663, and thereafter it was popularly called Dutch Palace. The Rajas also made more improvements to it.

Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry: The Malabari Jews formed a prosperous trading community of Kerala, and they controlled a major portion of world wide spice trade. In 1568, the Jews of Kerala constructed the Paradesi Synagogue adjacent to Mattancherry Palace, Cochin, now part of the Indian city of Ernakulam, on land given to them by Paraja, the Raja of Cochin. The original synagogue was built in the 4th century in Kodungallur (Cranganore) when the Jews had a mercantile role in the South Indian region along the Malabar Coast now called Kerala. It was later moved to Cochin from Kodungallur.

Maritime Museum: Straying from the map, I ventured ahead along the barbwire topped naval buildings instead of turning back into the Elphinstone Road. I found the Maritime Museum which was not marked on the map; the museum is housed in two war time bunkers (magazines) the British used during the last world war. The first one traces the history of the Kerala’s trading history and the other deals with the Indian Navy dating back to 1612.