Chinese Fishing Nets

Chinese Fishing Nets (locally called Cheena Vala) located at Fort Kochi are considered an icon of Kerala. These are ancient fishing nets and only five of them have survived. Between 1350 and 1450, traders from Mongolia’s Kublai Khan’s court are thought to have imported them. Chinese fishing nets are thus named.

Each net is operated by at least 5 to 6 fishermen and is put up on teak and bamboo poles. The nets used to be manually operated back in the day. They are now powered by diesel-powered engines and work on a balanced basis. When darkened against the sunset, the image of the Chinese nets dangling in mid-air and lined up on the beaches is spectacular. It is without a doubt one of Kochi’s most photographed landmarks. Chinese Fishing Nets are a free tourist attraction and one can visit this place anytime throughout the day, the best time to visit is in the mornings and evenings.