About

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.

Tips

• 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
  

Timings