Visiting Kerala – Kochi the commercial hub of Kerala

ॐ

Visiting Kerala – Kochi the commercial hub of Kerala

The famed Chinese fishing nets in Kochi

         We started our journey from Munnar and the distance between Munnar to Kochi is about 110 Kms. and the road traverses back from Munnar to Annachal and therefrom the route takes these small and big settlements i.e. Ambhazachal – Irrutukanam – Koompanpara – Adimalai – Neriamangalam – Kothamangalam – Muvattupuzha – Thiruvankulam and one finally reaches Kochi via NH-85.  En-route from Munnar one can view a few waterfalls like Attukad Waterfalls, Pallivasal, which is a bit  off the road and one has to traverse some distance both by road as well as by hiking that has multiple waterfalls amid rolling hills, surrounded by hiking trails and panoramic views.  Thereafter, on can visit Valara Waterfalls, Chillithodu, which is situated right alongthe road side and can be viewed from the road as well that is tall cascading waterfall surrounded by dense vegetation, and is a popular trekking and picnicking destination.  However, being on a very short time schedule, as the flight from Kochi was scheduled the next morning coupled with the fact that we had to do local Kochi sightseeing, we skipped all those destinations that were not directly on the road.  However, if one has time, he/she can visit these destinations enroute albeit that they have to veer off course from the NH-85 to visit them – a) Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Chillithodu that is said to be a popular trekking spot with cascading waterfalls among the hills; b) Martha Mariyam Cathedral Valiyapally, Kothamangala that is home to an Orthodox church said to have been established in the 4th century CE by Syriac Christian immigrants; c) Inchathotty Suspension Bridge, Neriamangalam that is home to the longest hanging bridge in Kerala with a length of 183 meters and 4-foot width; and d) Hill Palace Museum, Kochi that is home to a Large 19th-century palace complex with an archaeological and heritage museum along with unique parks.

Valara Waterfalls, Chillithodu on way from Munnar

'Aroma Kitchen' in Fort Kochi area of Kochi

             Having traversed the distance of 110 Kms., we finally reached Kochi at around lunch time and were famished by then as we hardly had anything on the way.  The driver did not have any idea about any place providing good quality food, so my daughter browsed through the internet and booked us at ‘Aroma Kitchen’ at Fort Kochi, although the food and ambience was really good, but it was at its price!!  Having had our lunch we went out to explore Kochi.  Kochi is one of the oldest settlements in Kerala also called as the ‘Gateway to Kerala’ as well as referred to as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”.  It is at present a vibrant city situated on the southwest coast of India in the state of Kerala. Known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and picturesque landscapes, Kochi has emerged as a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike more so because it becomes either the starting or ending point for tourists, who embark upon their Kerala sojourn either from Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi. 

A traditional ferry boat in Kochi 

A Naval frigate in Kochi

A large Ocean liner in Kochi

A Bramhiny kite in flight in Kochi

A shop selling trinkets in Kochi beach area

The old Fort Kochi area with a Chinese fishing net

A map of Ernakulam district where Kochi is situated [sourced from internet]

A brief history of Kochi would reflect that centuries ago too Kochi was a commercial center for traders like Arabs, British, Portuguese Dutch and Chinese. These travelers came to this beautiful city to get access to spices like cardamom, clove and black pepper which was abundantly available here.  It was Ma Huan, the Chinese traveler, who first mentioned Kochi in his books about life in Kochi of early 15th century. Nicolo Conti, the Italian traveler also talks about the place in his records of 1440. From then on, the name appears in many travelogues and records of various travelers and traders from across the globe as Cocym, Cochym, Cochin, Cochi and so on. It has also been mentioned in some records as ‘Balapuri’, a Sanskrit name that means small town.  Some others believe that the name is a corrupted version of the Sanskrit word ‘Go Sree’, which means ‘prosperous with cows’.  Kochi is also believed to be derived from the work ‘kaki’, which means harbor in Tamil or from the Malayalam word, ‘koch-azhi’ meaning ‘small sea’ that appears to be most plausible and may also draw its name from its earlier name Kakochi that was preceded by the name Kochim, used in the Portuguese records of the 15th century. Some people still like to refer to the place as Cochin, although it is now known as Kochi.

Another view of the Kochi port area through a Chinese fishing net

A view of Fort Kochi with view of Synagogue top in distance

A view of the St. Francis Church in Kochi

            Present day Kochi offers the tourists the following array of destinations to explore while visiting Kochi – i) Kochi Fort and Mattancherry Palace – This old and archaic historic Fort Kochi area, houses the remnants of European colonial influence that are evident in the architecture. One can visit the iconic Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, showcasing exquisite murals and artifacts; ii) The Chinese Fishing Nets -  Were the most intriguing to witness.  The sight of Chinese fishing nets along the coastline, a traditional method of fishing that has been practiced in Kochi for centuries reflects its connection with the Chinese traders in the past. The nets are particularly enchanting during sunset, providing a picturesque view; iii) St. Francis Church – also in the Fort Kochi area the quaint St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European-built churches in India. This historic church, dating back to the 16th century, holds immense significance, as it was the original burial site of the explorer Vasco da Gama; iv) Jew Town and Synagogue – The quaint narrow lanes imbibes you with the charm of Jew Town that  show cases its antique shops and the Paradesi Synagogue. The synagogue, dates back to AD 1568 and is a testament to the long-standing Jewish heritage in Kochi.  v) Kochi beach – As one checks out the Chinese fishing nets, you may traverse along the Arabian Sea and at the end is a small beach that is quite unkempt and with a rocky interface with the Sea, it is not a place to swim or indulge in any beach side activities and is a rather a dull place to visit, except for many local roadside eateries and people selling trinkets; and vi)  Kerala Folklore Museum, Thevara – Last but not the least is this quaint museum that is maintained by a family trust and built independently by the founder of the trust and houses many old artefacts of use during the old times including items used in everyday life also.  It is a must visit destination for tourists to know about the past glory of Kerala.

View of the main entry bill board of Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

A brief description board in Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

        

Display of ornaments at Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ornamental animal heads in Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Another display inside the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient swords in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient shields in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient texts in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient musical instruments in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of ancient Chinese pottery items in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Display of gold plated art work in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

An array of ancient stone sculptures in the Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi

Having completed our tour of the city, we headed towards the airport area, as I had booked a hotel near the airport to avoid heavy traffic rush, we witnessed first-hand the traffic jams while trying to reach our hotel from main Kochi area.  Although the ‘9 Gems Airport Hotel’ is a small establishment, but it is neat and clean with a dedicated workforce and quite good option for overnight stays.  Kochi now a days, is a bustling city that is also one of the commercial hub of Kerala and there are many industries contributing to the success of this place. Amongst them is the Kochi Refineries located at Ambalamugal which works along with the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). This refinery is a major contributor of petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, LPG and many more useful bi-products. Eloor is an industrial area of Kochi where you have around 250 industries which are involved in producing retro-chemical products, fertilizer, pesticides and even leather products.  Further, it being sensitive militarily, the South Western Naval Command headquarters are also at Kochi.  Thus, ended our trip to Kerala, but not without a hitch, as the vehicle owner, who had promised to end the trip at Kochi as the last destination, started clamoring for paying him for return journey to Thiruvananthapuram, wherefrom I had booked the vehicle and that too at rates with Air Conditioner, whereas it was not required for driver who was to return the vehicle alone.  These kinds to tricks played on the visitors, which leaves a bad taste for tourists at the end.

Here is a short video of the destination 

© S. Roy Biswas