The Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin are the most photographed sight in the Kochi city. It was once a cultural symbol of Kerala. The Chinese Fishing Nets have been there on the sea shore since last 500 years and make for a very famous landmark in the city even in present days. Though no concrete proof about exact date of introduction of Chinese fishing nets in Cochin are found but it is believed that the traders from the court of Kublai Khan should have brought them on Koch’s shore somewhere between 1350 AD and 1450 AD. There are other set of people who also believe that the Chinese explorer, Zhang had bought these nets on the Kochi shore. Many people believe that Portuguese from Macau set this up while setting the Portuguese colony. Though these nets are popularly called Chinese Fishing Nets due to their origin, structure & appearance but the more technical name is “shore operated lift nets”. The major way of fishing is quite unique and was something totally different from that of the Chinese. The name Cochin, derived from word China, can be broken down to Co-chin meaning ‘like China’. It was because of the Chinese settlement in the city.
Chinese Fishing Nets Cochin
These fishing nets are operated from the shore and set up on bamboos and teak poles. These are strongly held by huge mechanisms which lower them on the sea. These are counter weighted by large stones while tied to the ropes. These Chinese nets look somewhat like hammocks and make for a great way for fishing. Basically the fishing nets are fixed on land and used for fishing. Catching fishes through these nets is quite easy as the nets just have to be left for the short time before it is raised by pulling the ropes. And as the nets are raised, some of the rocks come to rest on the platform one by one. Each installation has a limited operating depth. The whole fishing nets operation is managed by a team of six members. Consequently, an individual net cannot be continually operated in tidal waters. Different installations will be operated depending on the state of the tide. Though the fishermen these days are looking for great alternatives for fishing but a lot of people visit the place for touring too. The whole setting of the fishing net area is quite amazing and their construction makes it photogenic. The slow rhythm of the operation of the fishing nets is quite hypnotic. So, in short, to sink the nets into the water, a fisherman needs to walk along through the structure and his weight is totally enough for letting the net submerged.
There are a lot of restaurants or food vendors nearby to the shore. The fishermen catch the fishes and sell it to them. So, one can choose the fishes from the nets and give it to the nearby cook to get them ready for consumption in the form delicious dishes. There is a huge refinery on the other side and this is the reason why everyone clicks pictures from one angle only.
Cochin Tour Packages
Romantic Kerala Tour
Golden Triangle with Kerala Tour
Enquire Now
Enquire Now
