Chinese Fishing Nets

It is believed to have been introduced in Kochi by Chinese explorer Zheng He, from the court of the Kubla Khan. The fishing net established itself on the Kochi shores between 1350 and 1450 AD.

The Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi is a must visit attraction in Kerala. These are fixed land installations, used for fishing in a unique method. These nets are fixed on bamboo and teak poles holding it horizontally by huge mechanisms so as to pull them down into the sea. These nets are weighed by large stones tied to ropes. Operated by a team of six fishermen, the height of the Chinese fishing nets is around 10 meters, each sprawling to 20 meters over the water body. Each net has a fixed operating depth and due to this a net cannot be repeatedly worked in tidal waters. There are different fishing nets for operation which are based on the state of the tide. 

The sight of the Chinese nets, suspended in mid air and standing in line on the beaches, when silhouetted against the sunset is breathtakingly beautiful. It is, undoubtedly, one of the most photographed sights in Kochi. For the best view of the nets, head to the Vasco da Gama Square, the narrow walkway that runs along the Fort Kochi beach.

For the best views, come at dusk with your camera to capture that quintessential shot of Kerala’s fishing nets and calm seas backlit by the setting sun.

No entry fee is required. The fisherman demonstrate how the fishing is done with Chinese Fishing Net. One can club this attraction with the city tour of Kochi.

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