Fort Kochi is located about 13 km from Ernakulam town. With one of the finest natural harbors in the world, Kochi became a sanctuary for seafaring visitors from all over the world and also became the first European township in India, when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century. The Dutch took Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later the British took over the town in 1795. During The second half of the 17th century, Fort Kochi emerged as a prime commercial center and its fame spread far and wide. A few important and interesting sites at Fort Kochi include the Chinese fishing nets, the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate and the Bastion Bungalow.

Fort Kochi is also home to one of India's oldest churches- the St. Francis Church. It was a Roman Catholic Church during the Portuguese rule and then a Dutch Reformist Church and later turned an Anglican church from 1804 to 1947. Today, the Church of South India (CSI) governs the St. Francis Church. Another important fact about the church is that Vasco Da Gama was buried here before his mortal remains were returned to Portugal 14 years after his death. Fort Kochi is easily accessible by bus or ferry.