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Home > Attraction > Landmark > Kochi

Chinese fishing nets Cheenavala

Kochi , India
Wishlist
Landmark
Category
Landmark
duration
Duration
1 - 2 Hours
M-Ticket
M-Ticket
Accepted
donations
Accepts
Donations
parking
Parking
Available
Tour Guide
Tour
Guide
Couple
Couple
Friendly
Baby
Baby
Friendly
Play Area
Play Area
Available
Locker
GiftShop
Available
security
Security
Available
Entry Free
Entry
FREE
Adult
Adult
FREE
Child
Child
FREE
MobileCam
MobileCam
FREE
Camera
Camera
FREE
VideoCam
VideoCam
FREE

Overview

Chinese fishing nets Cheenavala in Malayalam are fishing nets that are fixed land installations for fishing. While commonly known as "Chinese fishing nets" in India, the more formal name for such nets is "shore operated lift nets". The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi make up a very popular tourist attraction of Kerala. These are fixed land installations used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing. It offers a marvelous scenic view along the backwaters of Kerala.  it is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets. They are fixed land installations, which are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing. Operated from the shore, these nets are set up on bamboo and teak poles and held horizontally by huge mechanisms, which lower them into the sea. They look somewhat like hammocks and are counter-weighted by large stones tied to ropes.  The entire structure of the Chinese fishing nets is about 10 meters in height. Each fishing net spreads to about 20 meters over the water body and is operated by a team of some six fishermen. Each net has a limited operating depth. Due to this, an individual net cannot be repeatedly operated in tidal waters. There are different fishing nets for operation, depending on the state of the tide. The whole paraphernalia is such that that the weight of a man walking along the main beam is sufficient to cause the net to descend into the sea. The net is left into the water for a short time; say for four-five minutes, before it is raised back by tugging the ropes. The catch is usually modest, but these can be sold to the passersby in a jiffy.

The Chinese Fishing Nets of Cochin are said to have their origin in China. This is not totally impossible, as China is located at a distance of 5,000 km from Kochi and the city has always been an important center for trade, attracting traders and seafarers from far and near.these huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the Court of Kubla Khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles. the best place to watch the net being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is Vasco da Gamma square, a narrow promenade that runs along the Beach. The square is an ideal place to idle with stalls serving fresh delicious seafood and tender coconuts.

Know Before you go

  • you can pay them a little tip like 100-200 bucks to enjoy the experience of pulling out the fishnets from the water.
  • make sure you are doing a bargain initially they will ask you 500 INR you can give about 100 to 200 INR.
  • beware of touts or 'guides' who are actually auto/rickshaw drivers. They will promise you a 'tour' for a reasonable price but what they will do is bring you to their affiliated souvenier shops from which they get a commission or petrol coupons for every guest they bring.
  • morning 10 to 11 and evening 5 to 05:30 PM you could see dolphin entering and leaving the Canal.
  • Tourist Police posted here are all well educated and the color of their uniform is Blue.
  • You can buy fresh fish and have someone cook it for you

Things to carry


ID Card
ID Card
Camera
Camera
Suitable for All
Selfiestick
Suitable for All
Sunglasses
Suitable for All
Cap
Suitable for All
Medicine
Suitable for All
Sunscreen
Suitable for All
Power Bank
Camping
Snacks

Things not allowed


Suitable for All
Alcohol
Suitable for All
Weapons
Suitable for All
Pets
Suitable for All
Skates
Suitable for All
Smoking
Suitable for All
Plastic Bag

Operational Hours

January to December
Monday 06:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Tuesday 06:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Wednesday 06:00 AM - 06:00 AM
Thursday 06:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Friday 06:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday 06:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Sunday 06:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Last Admission 05:00 PM

Redemption Process

  • Upon completing your reservation, anticipate receiving a comprehensive email and SMS containing booking details. Present your SMS or booking confirmation email at the reception counter during check-in.
  • Access your booking information easily by logging into your account on Explorebees.com and navigating to the "Active Bookings" page in the dashboard.

Environmental Note: In the spirit of environmental consciousness, please refrain from printing unless explicitly specified. Let's be mindful of our impact— trees have feelings too!

Cancellation Policy

  • No refund if cancelled : We know plans can change, and we're here to help. Unfortunately, no refunds are available once a booking is confirmed. Your reservation is final, and modifications or reschedules can't be accommodated. In case of cancellation, a 100% cancellation fee will apply.
  • Unforeseen Circumstances : This activity requires good weather. In cases of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions leading this activity cancellations, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • Refund Process : Refunds will be credited to the original booking payment source within 10 business days, and cash refunds will not be issued

Learn more about cancellations

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