Fort Kochi in Kochi was the first European colonial settlement in India. From 1503 to 1663, Fort Kochi was ruled by Portugal. This Portuguese period was difficult for the Jews installed in the region, since the Inquisition was active in Portuguese India. Kochi hosted the grave of Vasco da Gama, the first European explorer to set sail for India, who was buried at St. Francis Church until his remains were returned to Portugal in 1539.[10] The Portuguese rule was followed by that of the Dutch, who had allied with the Zamorins in order to conquer Kochi. By 1773, the Mysore King Hyder Ali extended his conquest in the Malabar region to Kochi forcing it to become a tributary of Mysore. The hereditary Prime Ministership of Kochi held by the Paliath Achans came to an end during this period.
Meanwhile, the Dutch, fearing an outbreak of war on the United Provinces signed a treaty with the United Kingdom, under which Kochi was ceded to the United Kingdom in exchange for the island of Bangka. However, there are evidences of English habitation in the region even prior to the signing of the treaty.[11] In 1866, Fort Kochi became a municipality, and its first Municipal Council election was conducted in 1883. The Maharaja of Cochin, who ruled under the British, in 1896 initiated local administration by forming 
town councils in Mattancherry and Ernakulam. In 1925, Kochi legislative assembly was constituted due to public pressure on the state.
The Fort Kochi Beach is 12 km from Ernakulam. A fishing village originally, which became the first European township in India, the influence of the Portugese, the Dutch and later the British can be seen from the remains of the Fort on the beach. The Fort is one place on the beach where you can enjoy peace and quiet. The New Year Eve carnival at the beach is one celebration that you cannot afford to miss if you are at Kochi or Ernakulam.
Reaching Fort Kochi Beach: Kochi International Airport is 20 km from the city centre. The city is well connected with most major cities of the country by air. Kochi has three railway stations, Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Cochin Harbour Terminus on Willingdon Island and can be reached from most cities in India.
