Kochi - The Culture Curry!

June to September is the rainy season in South West Kerala and Kochi has a damp weather with hints of humidity. In case you are the experimental traveller, go in this season as everything is slightly cheaper. You can also go during the Kochi Carnival , which is held last seven days of the year and entices hordes of foriegners to this city that is mixed with the essence of Dutch,Potuguese and Malabari cultures!

• Mattancherry : The Jew Town is definitely the highlight of Mattancherry with the Jewish Synagohue and Cemetary that holds a significant place in history. Build in 1568, the Jewish Synagogue has been functional since centuries for the European Jews in Kochi.

The Jewish Synagogue Clock Tower

The Jew town is also a major spice market and one can take a walk on the narrow roads to get the real feel. Visit Ginger Musuem/Restaurant, a one of it's kind in India probably where you can sample artifacts and eat a hearty meal too!

The Ginger Restaurant/Musuem @ Jew Town

The Dutch Palace is located at a stones throw away from the Synagogue.It was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi – Veera Kerala Verma. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana.

The Dutch Palace @ Matancherry

• Fort Kochi : Fort Kochi has many treasures to find and the best way to explore is by foot. Take a walk along the beachside and see the Chinese Fishing Nets deep inside the water and the fishermen patiently waiting to take out their catch.The fresh catch is then sold on the spot at the various fish stalls in from of the beach.If you are a fish lover, do not hesitate twice and buy the fish at it's really cheap. There are stalls nearby where you can give your raw catch and the same will be grilled or fried for you!

A lone fisherman with his Chinese Fishing Net - At Fort Kochi

Fresh Catch from the Ocean - At Fort Kochi

Bring your fish and get it cooked here - At Fort Kochi

St. Francis Church is the oldest Church build by Europeans in India and this was the place where the legendary explorer Vasco the Gama was originally buried. Later, his remains were taken back to Portugal after 1528 A.D.

St. Francis Church at Fort Kochi

Take a walk along the Princess Street and Rose Street at Fort Kochi, which are lined up with beautiful home stays and also houses the Vasco House - a very old Portuguese style building where Vasco Da Gama had actually stayed during his tenure at Kochi.

Vasco House - The legendary explorers abode in the 15th Century

• Willingdon Island :Build under the direction of Sir Robert Bristow, this man-made island was created in 1933 by sand dredged while deepening the backwaters for the Cochin Port. Till a while back the Airport, Seaport and the railway terminus (Cochin Harbour Terminus) were situated on this island. Today, it is the home of the Cochin Port and the headquarters of the Sourthern Naval Command.

The private jetty station at the Willingdon Islands

• Marine Drive : Definitely the most happening area of Kochi. A stroll along the long tree-lined coastal pathway that lines the backwater is well worth the time spent, especially late afternoon or dusk. The bustling backwaters, dotted with fishing boats, speedboats, ships, tankers and passenger boats, can be observed from this walkway that lines the coast.
   

The view of the backwaters from Marine Drive

Kochi has hosts of good restaurants and the best bets for tasty local cuisine or continental fare is at Fort Kochi. Some of the notable restaurants are : Mango Tree Roof Top, Cafe Del Mar, Grand Pavilion, Kashi Art Cafe and in case you love Dosas , do try out the Pai Brothers Joint in the evening at M G Road. This shop serves an astounding 60 versions of Dosas with unique variations such as 'Bullseye Dosa' and 'Egg Roast Dosa'

Kochi has some real gems in and around it. While the first day can be spend sufficiently on roaming the city, the second day can be utilized to visit :

• Athirapally Falls : Located 55 Km's from the Kochi airport, Athirapally falls is located on the Chalakudy river, and comes in it's true form during the monsoons. A hugely popular tourist destination in Kerala, its better to reach there either early morning or evening, as the true beauty can be gauged fully then!

The grand Athirapally Falls in Monsoons

• Cherai Beach : About 25 Km's from Kochi Airport,this lovely beach which is ideal for swimming is located on the North end of Vypin island, one of the many small islands just off the mainland of Kochi. The beach is lined by gorgeous coconut groves and paddy fields. Vypeen can be reached by land or by boat.

The Cherai Beach @ Vypin Islands - Image Source : Wikipedia Commons