Kochi (Cochin), India

Expect the unexpected in Cochin

The mixture of cultures and influences in Cochin—from giant fishing nets from China, a 400-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, to Portuguese-style homes, and the crumbling remains of the British Raj—is a fascinating reminder of the city’s storied history as the former center of the Indian spice trade.

Perhaps the most recognized symbol of this cultural hodge-podge is the official icon of Cochin—the massive Chinese Fishing nets. Head to Fort Kochi for an up-close glimpse at these relics from the 14^th century where, every morning, fishermen still use them to land the day’s fresh catch. And speaking of the catch-of-the-day, if you’d like to sample it, head to the nearby stalls to select your meal, and then watch as it’s cooked right in front of you.

But don’t mistake this chaotic combination of old and new, east and west as being inharmonious; Cochin is actually a renowned center for Ayurvedic medicine. Treat yourself to some ancient TLC with holistic methods that aim to achieve balance between mind, body, and spirit.