Kochi is actually the twin city of modern Ernakulam and old Fort Cochin (Portuguese). I checked into a cheap guesthouse in Fort Cochin and went off for my sightseeing tour after I had a good shower. First, I visited the Chinese fishing nets that line the northern shore of the peninsula (well, I'm actually not sure whether Fort Cochin is an island or a peninsular, but I took the ferry from Ernakulam which means that there is some water around it). Then I paraded through town, passing St Francis Church and other not so flamboyant buildings until I finally reached Mattancherry Palace. Honestly, it is nothing compared to Mysore Palace or any other palace I've seen in India so far. The museum inside was full of paintings...
Although, the buildings may not be as phantastic as at other places, this twon has a good vibe.
The Jewish synagogue was closed and only opened at 3pm, but I didn't want to wait for an hour (Although, I had a pinapple lassi in a cafe to kill the time first). Instead, I went back to the Chinese fishing nets and bought some tiger prawns which have been put on the BBG with loads of garlic by some beach restaurant. Yummy! Alcohol obviously is not allowed in Kochi, as they served my beer descretely in a tea cup and I had to hide the bottle below the table.
Fort Cochin would be a magnificent place with lots of atmosphere without the pollution. All sea inlets and creeks are foul and stink as all sewage flews into them. A sewage plant and heaps efforts in education people about garbage treatment (avoidance and collection) would do marvellous results to this place!