Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town

The original synagogue built in 1568 was destroyed by the Portuguese, and the current building with its distinctive clock tower was erected under the rule of the Dutch. Notable features include the synagogue’s floor of blue-and-white tiles, colorful glass lamps, and glittering Belgian-glass chandeliers. Many tours to Kochi stop at the synagogue, and Jew Town is frequently visited in conjunction with other attractions in neighboring Mattanchery and Fort Kochi.

• The Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town are a must-visit for travelers interested in Jewish culture, local architecture, and history.

• Make sure to come modestly dressed (no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed) out of respect for local customs.

• Note that there is a separate upstairs balcony for female worshipers.

The Paradesi Synagogue and the surrounding Jew Town are located in the Mattancherry neighborhood of Kochi, about a 30-minute walk east of Fort Cochin. To get here from Ernakulam, you can catch a ferry to the Mattancherry boat jetty, a 2-minute walk from the synagogue. Taxis and autorickshaws take around 30 minutes to make the trip from Ernakulam Railway Station to Jew Town, without traffic.

Jew Town is a popular spot to visit no matter what time of year you happen to be in town, but Kochi is at its most pleasant from December through February, when the weather tends to be cooler and dryer. The synagogue itself is open from Sunday through Thursday, with a break for lunch in the middle of the day.

Kochi's Jewish population is believed to be the oldest in India, but many residents immigrated to Israel in the years after India’s independence, and only a small population remains today. Apart from the synagogue and faded street signs, reminders of the district’s once-thriving Jewish community are few. There were once seven synagogues in this quarter of Old Kochi, but Paradesi Synagogue (also called Pardesi) is the sole survivor.