Cheena Vala is a traditional Chinese-style fishing net commonly found along the coastal regions of Kerala, India. These massive fixed installations are operated by a system of counterweights and require several fishermen to handle.
The name \“Cheena Vala\“ literally translates to \“Chinese Net\“ in Malayalam, reflecting the historical belief that these fishing nets were introduced to India by Chinese explorer Zheng He during the 14th century. These iconic structures have become symbolic of Kerala\“s fishing heritage and are particularly famous in Kochi where they line the waterfront.
Each Cheena Vala consists of a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the water. The mechanism uses stones tied to ropes as counterweights, allowing fishermen to easily lower and raise the heavy net. This traditional fishing method, while not highly productive for commercial fishing, has become a major tourist attraction and continues to be maintained as part of Kerala\“s cultural preservation efforts. |
