Kochi, formerly Cochin, is Kerala's main port and commercial city. It is built around a harbour on the Arabian Sea and the Vembanad backwater. The old quarter is the main draw. Fort Kochi has Chinese fishing nets, St Francis Church, Dutch and Portuguese houses and the Kochi-Muziris Biennale venues. Mattancherry is a short ride away. It has the Dutch Palace, the Paradesi Synagogue and the spice and antique shops of Jew Town. Evening Kathakali and Kalaripayattu shows, fresh seafood and harbour ferries make for an easy two or three days. Kochi is also the usual starting point for Munnar, Thekkady and the Alleppey and Kumarakom houseboat routes. Its international airport serves most of central Kerala. The climate is warm and humid all year. November to February is the driest and most pleasant period. June to September brings heavy monsoon rain.