On our last day in Kerala, India, we explored the Mattancherry and Fort Kochi
OUR LAST DAY IN KERALA: EXPLORING MATTANCHERRY AND FORT KOCHI
Contents
Our last two days in Kerala was spent In Kochi. The whole 30 bloggers/participants of the Kerala BlogExpress 3 were housed at Bolgatty Palace.
I had mixed feelings … First,I was excited to go home after 2 weeks of exploring the State of Kerala which was really a big fun.Second , I was sad because we were approaching the time where I will be parting ways with others bloggers whom I spent my 2-week exciting adventure.
Snapshots at Xandari Harbour
We had our farewell dinner at Xandari Harbour, a very beautiful hotel-resort in Bazaar Road in Mattanchery. Unfortunately , a very good friend Haryadi Yansyah, a blogger from Indonesia was not able to attend this last party because of his flight schedule. I know he was very sad…so sad (right Haryadi?) because he cannot join anymore, the so-called “Asian Tour”.
Note: We just noticed that the 3 of us:Haryadi , yours truly and Farah Nadiah from Malaysia always seats together on the same table in most of our meals.Hence the term “Asian Tour “.
we took two ferry trips and tuk-tuk to reach Mattancherry… together with Els Mahieu from Belgium, Farah Nadiah from Malaysia and, Mirela Surghie from Romania
The day after farewell dinner we ( together with Els Mahieu from Belgium, Farah Nadiah and Mirela Surghie from Romania ) decided to go back to Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. From Bolgatty Palace, we took two ferries and a “tuk-tuk” to reach Mattanchery.
One of the old buildings at the Bazaar Road in Mattanchery
Mattancherry is a part of Ernakulam District in Kerala, India.It is a tourist destination and was the first trade hub of the present district.Mattancherry is populated by people from various walks of life and different parts of India and abroad.
A little facelifting will do wonder to this old but interesting building at Bazaar Road, Mattancherry
We started to take a walk and started taking pictures the moment we arrived at the Bazaar Road in Mattancherry. I was really amazed by the old structures as we moved along the road. Unfortunately, most of the buildings were not taken cared well and I am afraid that they will lose these structures as time pass by.
the coirs products are also being sold here Mattancherry. Coirs are fiber from the outer husk of the coconut, used for making ropes and matting.
The sun was scorching at that time, but that was our last day and we wanted to take more photos of the place.
Note: Please don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreens should you visit Kerala, India. I consumed one bottle in just 2 weeks just to avoid getting burnt.
we were amazed by truckloads of spices being delivered and sold at Mattancherry
Mattancherry is also famous for having “Jew Town” in its center. This is a historical part of India, where the ancient Jews started their trading. This place is now famous for antique showrooms and souvenir stalls.
Dutch palace: one of the tourist attractions in Mattancherry
The Dutch Palace in Mattancherry, Kochi is one of the main attraction of the place. The palace features Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art and portraits of the Rajas of Kochi. It was built by the Portuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma (1537–65), Raja of Kochi, in 1555 AD.
After Mattancherry, we took the “tuk-tuk” to bring us to Fort Kochi to buy more souvenirs and to have our lunch. At Fort Kochi, you will find this historical gunnery as part of the ruins of Fort Emmanuel.
Another mark I found while touring Fort Kochi were these metal structures planted by the beach side. I don’t know much about this structure but I’m sure it has some significance in Fort Kochi’s history. Here’s the inscription placed at these metal pieces:
“Steam boilers of the cranes used in Cochin dry dock for 20 years from 1956. It used coke, coal, and firewood as fuels. A notable use of these cranes included attending annual repairs of dredger Lord Willingdon and Lady Willingdon”
The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi Beach
Another main feature of the Fort Kochi was the Chinese fishing nets. These nets have become a very popular tourist attraction of Kochi Beach. Their catch can be purchased and brought across the street to be cooked by some food stalls. Actually , we bought some seafood here for our lunch.
our lunch at Fort Kochi
After our lunch, we went back to Bolgatty Palace to prepare for our midnight trip to the airport. Honestly, I was so sad while packing my luggage — just the thought that we spent 2 weeks together……. and I don’t know where and when I will be seeing them again….
I will surely miss you all guys.
And you Kerala, you will always have a soft spot in my heart. Till we meet again…
WITH THE KERALA BLOG EXPRESS 3 TEAM, L-R: Maria Tom, Arun Krishnan, yours truly, Sooraj Keshav and Jinson Abraham…wait, where is Vineeth Sahadevan? Thank you so much guys, for making my Kerala tour, truly a Trip of a Lifetime.
India is one of the place I really wanted to explore and your post makes me wanted to go now! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Mhaan | http://www.mommyrockininstyle.com
That must be quiet and experience for you. The food looks great..
-beautythatwalks.com
Your pictures are absolutely amazing! I didn’t know it was so hot over there in India. Is that the reason why it’s cheaper to go over there right now compared to other times of the year? That looks like an awesome experience!
It looks like you had a great trip! Love your pictures! I’ve never been there but would love to explore it!
Looks like you had a really good time and got to visit some amazing spots.
What a fun and special blogger experience!
Lovely photos and looks like a beautiful place!
Your trip looks like so much fun. I am glad you enjoyed it. Your pictures are stunning.
It sounds like a nice trip. Must be hot if you used so much sunscreen. Smart tip to share for others who might go.
What an experience you had! great photos!
I love these pictures. I would love to visit there someday.
I’d love to go to India someday! I enjoyed this post though it would’ve been easier to understand if you’d mentioned that this city was in India somewhere in the beginning of the article for people like me who weren’t following the previous India posts.
Sounds like you had a great experience and I’m loving the look of the seafood. I’m a big seafood fan and would have bought some myself.
Landscape and the lives of the Filipino people are very similar to Vietnam country, my hometown. A serene beauty and simplicity.
It’s always sad to leave a place you’ve grown to like especially with people you enjoy spending time with. At least you made good use of your last day there.
These photos look amazing. I have never been to places like this and I love it when people are able to share from their travels.
I think a bloggers tour sounds like so much fun and to establish new friendships that could last a lifetime makes the journey so rewarding.
Some of the old places in Kerala look a lot like that of the old places here in the Philippines 🙂 Glad you had fun.