Chinese Fishing Nets
Attraction · Fort Kochi
History & overview
Chinese fishing nets are a type of stationary lift net in India and Indonesia. They 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". Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across. Each structure is at least 10 m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. Each installation is operated by a team of up to six fishermen. While such nets are used throughout coastal southern China and Indochina, in India they are mostly found in the Indian cities of Kochi and Kollam, where they have become a tourist attraction. This way of fishing is unusual in India and almost unique to the area, as it was introduced by Chinese explorers who landed there in the 14th century. Indeed, one interpretation of the city name Kochi is ‘co-chin', meaning ‘like China.’
Read the full history on Wikipedia ↗
Visiting Chinese Fishing Nets
- Entry
- Free (public waterfront)
- Timings
- Open access; best at sunset
- Getting here
- Vasco da Gama Square, Fort Kochi seafront. From Ernakulam, the Fort Kochi Water Metro terminal is a 5-minute walk.
Fees and timings are indicative — please confirm locally. See getting around Kochi for transport.
Ratings & reviews
Ratings are shown live from Google and link to the source. We don’t alter or store them.
Location
What's nearby
Within a short walk of Chinese Fishing Nets.
Places to eat nearby
Stays nearby
Things to do nearby
Shopping nearby
Travelling here safely
Generally safeIs Fort Kochi safe?
Fort Kochi is one of Kerala’s safest and most walkable tourist quarters, comfortable by day and on the main lanes after dark. Violent crime against visitors is rare — the realistic risks are auto/guide scams, petty theft in crowds, and the sea, not personal danger.
- Overall — One of Kerala’s safest tourist areas; tourist police nearby.
- Solo & women — Widely reported as comfortable; conservative, used to visitors.
- Scams to watch — Auto/taxi overcharging, “closed today” guide tricks, commission shops.
- Petty theft — Low, but mind bags at the nets, ferries and busy markets.
- The sea — Fort Kochi beach is for strolling — currents make swimming unsafe.