It was a weekend short trip to Kochi from Pondicherry. Kochi is an overnight journey from Pondicherry and people naive with travelling can enjoy this trip. Pack your bags on a Friday evening and get the 5 pm bus to Kochi. Kochi lies in south west coast of India, in the state of Kerala, the Arabian sea harboring the ports of Kochi, making it accessible to the rest of the world. Geographically Kochi accommodates a part of the mainland, the backwaters and several small islands.
In this south Indian corner of India, I am surprised to see the intercultural harmony. My first visit was to Fort Kochi, a travel by water for around 45 minutes, landscaping the growing metropolitan, the Wellington Island and the Kochi Shipyard. Reaching Fort Koch, I was dazzled with all the colors showcased by the place. Jew town is a busy place with alleys of old buildings and a market place of relics, garments, home decors, souvenirs, colored glass lamp, ornaments and colorful Umbrellas. The Jewish Synagogue & The Chinese fishing net added to the charm of the place. We went to pay a visit to the old church, St. Francis Church, originally built in 1503, which is one of the oldest European church in India .In the evening, the setting sun provides a picture-perfect backdrop to city lighted up with magical colors. It was great walk in the Marine drive, Kochi in the colorful lights and cool breeze from the sea..
The Mattancherry Palace, better known as the Dutch Palace, is actually a Portuguese palace showcasing art pieces depicting Hindu temple Art, portraits and exhibits from the age of the Rajas of Kochi. The temple is built in a traditional style of Kerala architecture with a basic fusion of European tinge in the architecture of the place.Seeing the murals, the royal umbrellas, the dresses of the royalties, coins, stamps, etc you will definitely feel the royalty and go back in time.
The next day was a very refreshing trip to the backwaters in Kochi, We started in a boat rowed by two men and went all the way through the backwater to a small island , had lunch prepared by the locals of this place. Kerela fish curry, kappa, tiger prawn, and the irresistible Kallu (homemade coconut beer) were the delicacies which i still crave for. On the way back from the Island, we passed by The Boat houses in the backwaters. If one has time and budget, then the Boat house is something not to be missed.
Next day, I started out with a hearty breakfast of Puttu (steamed rice powder cake) and Kadhala curry, and went out to visit the temples, mosques and churches in Kochi. Kochi was a central port and so have a lot of cultural mix which is still evident from the old religious houses and the architecture. The Kerela temples cover a big area with open spaces around the temple. The Cheraman Juma Masjid is one of the oldest mosques, having influences of Hindu structural style in the architecture of the mosque. The Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the grandest church in India, a place of historical and cultural importance, embellished in Gothic Style.
If your trip is extended and you are an adventure freak,must visit Wonder La, Kochi to enjoy the thrilling rides and the water park.
Must Visit
Fort Kochi and The Backwaters
Must Eat
Kappa with Fish Curry & drink Todi
