Cochin: The Portuguese established St. Francis Church in the early 1500s, one of the earliest churches in India. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524; and  removed to Portugal 14 years later. The long canvas fan, along the right-hand wall in the church, was pulled by ropes to cool the worhsipers. Later the Dutch took over the church. The Dutch cemetery survives. Later the British took over the church, which is now the Church of South India. Roman Catholic, Dutch Reform, and then Anglican faiths have controlled this church.

Scenes from the lanes and alleys of Fort Cochin: