Cochin, which has a strong Portuguese influence, boasts many Portuguese churches, as well as a Jewish synagogue, several mosques and some Hindu temples. No visit to the region of Kerala is complete without a trip to the 19th century Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese and given to the Raji of Kochi. Other highlights include the Mangalavanam bird sanctuary in the city centre and the ruins of Fort Cochin, built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD. There are also several museums, including the Museum of Kerala History and the nearby Hill Palace Museum. Visitors should enjoy a stroll along the magnificent beach to see Chinese fishing nets scattered along the waterfront. Kerala is renowned for its backwaters and visitors should also take a boat to explore these inland palm-lined waterways surrounded by paddy fields