Paradesi Synagogue, Cochin

Built

1568

Timings

10 am–12 noon and 3–5 pm

Closed

Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays

Best time

October to March

Nearest railway station

Ernakulam (about 10 km)

Nearest airport

Cochin International (about 40 km)

History

Jews have lived on the Kerala coast for many centuries and grew prosperous through trade in pepper and other spices. The synagogue was built by the Paradesi, or foreign, Jews, whose families had come from Europe and the Middle East. The Raja of Kochi gave them the land next to his palace, which is why the two buildings share a wall. After the Portuguese damaged Jewish property in the region, the community rebuilt under the protection of the Raja and later the Dutch. Only a handful of Jewish residents remain today.

What to see

Look for these details inside:

• Hand-painted blue-and-white Chinese floor tiles, each one slightly different
• Belgian glass chandeliers and hanging lamps
• Torah scrolls kept in a decorated ark
• An oriental rug presented by Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia
• The clock tower outside, a landmark of Jew Town

Timings and rules

The synagogue is usually open from 10 am to noon and again from 3 pm to 5 pm. Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays are closing days. Photography is not allowed inside, and visitors should dress modestly. There is a small entry fee, and queues can build up in the late morning during the winter tourist season.

Best time and how to reach

October to March brings the most pleasant weather. Ernakulam railway station is about 10 km away, and Cochin International Airport around 40 km. Ferries from Ernakulam to Mattancherry and Fort Kochi are a pleasant way to arrive. Spend time in the antique shops and spice stores of Jew Town, and pair the visit with Mattancherry Palace next door.

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