Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride)

Fort Kochi beach Way to Fort Kochi will make u feel different in every way, you will feel like travelling through a lushly green environment of Kochi and a sudden entry to Old Dutch place. On your way you will see many building still maintained in Old Dutch style. Early morning jogging beside fort Kochi beach will rejuvenate your soul. Try to reach there before sunrise. It is heavenly experience to view the Chinese nets in the beach against the background of the colorful sunrise moments. You can see lot of street artists in this part of Cochin, u will see graffiti work in walls near the beach. And if u are pure art lover then during December when Kochi Muziris Biennale takes place that’s the time to visit .it is an international exhibition of contemporary art held in Kochi. Kashi art café, dal roti and upstairs are few places you don’t want to miss if u are a foodie.Other places to see around fort Kochi beach are

It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that, his burial spot inside the church has been clearly marked out.

Vasco house, located on Rose Street, is believed to be one of the oldest Portuguese houses in India. Vasco da Gama is believed to have lived here. This house features European glass paned windows and verandahs.

The original church, situated in Fort Kochi, was built by the Portuguese in 1505 and named as a cathedral in 1558. The British colonists destroyed the cathedral in 1795. The current structure was built in 1905 and raised to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.

The synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.

The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. The palace is located in Mattancherry.

This man-made island was created in 1933 by sand dredged while deepening the backwaters for the Cochin Port, under the direction of Sir Robert Bristow. From the boat jetty area of Willingdon Island we can see the two beautiful architectural wonders in marine drive kochi. It’s a good spot for an evening outing. You have a small park as well for kids.After finishing all these areas. My next destination was cherrai beach and munambam beach. I took ferry from the Fortkochi to Vypeen. Started off from vypeen to cherrai beach. On the way took a halt at Kuzhipalli beach, it’s a nice beach to spend your evening with a small pine tree forest area close to sea shore. I reach cherrai beach spend some time there.

A picturesque beach, located on the north-end of the Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. Lined with luscious green coconut groves and paddy fields, this sandy beach is a unique combination of the sea and the backwaters, studded with seashells of various hues and shapes. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. Thick coconut groves and Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront are added attractions.I had my lunch from a restaurant near cherrai beach, if you are a seafood lover u will get lots of restaurants serving good sea food near by the beach. Then after having lunch went to munambam beach.

Situated at the northern end of Cherai Beach, Munambam beach (Muziris Golden Beach) is where the River Periyar flows into the Arabian Sea. It is a perfect place to sit and enjoy the views, and watch local fishermen in their traditional canoes and colourful boats. The stunning sunset forms the classic backdrop and provides marvellous inspiration to any keen photographer. Since I am photographer I just enjoyed every part of it. After spending my time till sunset at munambam beach I started back my journey to my next destination marine drive. On my way I stopped at The Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam-Ernakulam is a famous centre of pilgrimage. People from all parts of Kerala and outside, irrespective of caste or creed go to the church to seek the blessings of Mary, the mother of Jesus, popularly known as "Vallarpadathamma".

Vallarpadam-Ernakulam is a famous centre of pilgrimage. People from all parts of Kerala and outside, irrespective of caste or creed go to the church to seek the blessings of Mary, the mother of Jesus, popularly known as "Vallarpadathamma".

It is a picturesque promenade in Kochi, It is built facing the backwaters, and is a popular hangout for the local populace. Ironic to its name, no vehicles are allowed on the walkway. Marine Drive is also an economically thriving part of the city of Kochi. With several shopping malls it is as an important centre of shopping activity in Kochi. The view of the setting and rising sun over the sea mouth, and the gentle breeze from the Vembanad Lake has made Marine Drive an important tourist destination in Kochi. Hundreds of people (both natives, and tourists) throng the walkway during the evenings. The walkway starts from the High Court Junction and continues until the Rajendra Maidan. There are also several boat jetties along the walkway. You can go for short boat rides by evening which will have loud music and dance floor to move body to tune of the song.The walkway has two contemporarily constructed bridges, the Rainbow bridge and the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge. At night when light comes on it’s a spectacular view that one shouldn’t miss and also don’t miss the ‘Kuluki Sarbath’ a cool drink that u will get near the walkway of marine drive. I spend my time there till around 8.00 pm and headed back home.It’s a just one part of cochin for beach lovers. More places are there for culture lovers, historic place lover s and foodies.