Kochi India - Travel Diary

Colours of Cochin!

 Assalamualaikum :)

Hi everyone. It's been awhile since last forever ago - got so busy now with workloads, studies, eating, and drooling, getting fat and eat some more. Life's been busy :') *tissues*  ...(lupaa bukan student lagi rupanya. Hukhuk)

*Sigh~..Oh well.

Okay. So last March, I was on a short 3D2N escapade to Kochi, India. The plan really was a 3-day short stay; however we had problems with AirAsia on a quite short notice, hence our morning fights delayed to 9.00pm - making the trip shortened to 2D2N.....*Nangis kat bucu tilam*

KOCHI

Cochin (or local calls it Kochi) is a district inside Kerala; India's largest southern state which is culturally rich and carved with historic remains that can make you feel to travel back in time where the port for important spice-trading comes back to life. Yes, Cochin was the first port where the Portuguese landed back in the 14th century for spice-trading activity took place in India. Its "spice" business still continues there today - It is even now one of the signatures of Cochin too.

Known as the Queen of Arabian Sea as well as God's Own Country; let's explore India's southern gem splendour in this too-short and sweet getaway <3


ITINERARY :



Day 1

 Off to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) with le siblings and nephew & niece

With le travel lovelies (Afza and Ikki - afza's bro cum bodyguard ;p ) - Departure at 8.55pm to Kochi.

1. 3 hours journey and Alhamdulillah, safely landed at Cochin International Airport at 10pm (local time). Got all the baggage safe and sound and the next important thing to do is getting local instant sim card - available at Mobile kiosk just outside the entrance. I subscribed to Airtel telco service for 300 Rupees (RM20), however, I found it having coverage problem in Fort Kochi. Hmmmm.

2. Arrange taxi pick-up here at the counter - taxi from the airport to Fort Kochi is around 1200 Rupees (RM 70). The auto rickshaw is much cheaper, but at night I think it is safer with a car.
 

 Empty Kochi Street - Kochi > Ernakulam > Fort Kochi > Calvathy Road - about one hour drive to the hostel.
Drivers here have a unique habit of honking. I mean, A LOT of unnecessary honkings. Even today I am still confused why did our taxi driver honk at a dog who slept quietly under a lamp-post beside the road! Weird, though I do find this somewhat amusing. Haha. Anjing pun confused.

 Arrived at the Hostel. The entrance was already dark; hence the window. Seemed like everyone was already in bed. Shh!

 Maritime Hostel, Calvathy Road - Quite good reviews from Trivago.

 Hostel's Kitchen! We captured the Aunty cleaning up the for dinner. This stay is inclusive of free local breakfast :)) buffet. BUFFET.

 Sailor theme Hostel - yay or nay? :)

Dormitory style bunk - Per bed for 2 nights will cost you 850 Rupees (RM55). With shared bathrooms. (photo credits to Trivago.com)

As for Ikki, we got him a twin room for Rs 2400 (RM120 = 2 nights).

There's nothing much we could do. It was very late so just get cleaned and comfy. Recharging for tomorrow! B-)

 #Note#

* Time difference between Kuala Lumpur and Kerala is 2 Hours 30 mins (backward)
* Flight duration = 3 hours
* I strongly advise you to check on your hostel's visitors policy. We somehow overlooked that they put a minimum visitor's age of 18 (they will check your passport to confirm the age!).

Day 2 :

  

The weather is perfect for our exploration today. Locals claim that the best time to travel here is in July (summer). In March they occasionally get downpour. But Alhamdulillah...the weather was so right for us throughout the trip. Even so, do take note Fort Kochi brings you hot, wet and sticky air from the Indian ocean - so wear comfortably (of cotton material).

 For breakfast : Idli, Chutney, Watermelon, Sandwiches and hardboiled eggs - Had a light yet wonderful Indian breakfast to kick-start our day! **star-jumping**.

Tadaaa~ Breakfast's served! - Fresh homemade Idli and Chutney gravy. Apparently this is the only picture in the kitchen I have. I am pretty sure I have more though.

 Wash it or you better watch-it.. :')

 Feels like your home? :)

 

Breakfast. But first let me......... B-)

...and still counting....

 Ehem... B-)

 

And look who's all cozy here... B-)

Hostel's staff explaining on local's attractions etc - map was drawn shoooo cute :)) - Fort Kochi's map is quite simple and direct. You really need the map to keep you company here.

 First time on Auto-rickshaw ride. Super excited <3<3 .Oh, that's is Hariz by the way :) - really friendly and helpful. Allah bless you.

*Please take note that to round Fort Kochi it will only cost you around Rs50 (standard fees). The drivers may take advantage offering to tour around fort kochi and asked for higher fees*

Before anything, we went for hotel hunting - which was really easy peasy since Fort Kochi offers plenty of places to stay - we moved to a new hotel since the Maritime Hostel's policy disallowed members of below the age of 18.

So we settled in Cochin Casa Bella Hotel. Loveeeee. So homey, spacious, the attendants are very welcoming and friendly and surprisingly much cheaper than Maritime's bunk bed! Here they charge per room - Rs.900 (Queen size bed with A/C) + Rs600 (Queensize bed without A/C) per night - thats RM100 for three persons! Besides, what we liked about this place is their free wifi access and it is located very near to top attractions in Fort Kochi - within 300 m from the popular attractions like the Santacruz Basilica, the St. Francis Church and the Chinese Fishing Net.

So off for sight-seeing + Shopping! The top tourists' must-go places are really quite close to one another - Bazaar Road, Princess Street, Jew Town, etc. You really can enjoy visiting all these places by walking actually.

Shopping, Strolling, Sight-seeing

Bazaar Road, Jew Town : Mantanchery

Heading for Bazaar Road - Sarees-hunting, Spices-shopping and people-watching :)

 

 Old town shops - many were closed for Good Friday.

Sometimes I do feel like home. Heavy textile, lavish woven carpets, antique trinkets - Cruising this seasoned boulevard reminds me of walking down the Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman and Brickfields :)

 
Many of these shop workers are Kashmiris - rrreally naturally talented salesman.

 
 Karalli Kavalu Palace in Bazaar Road, Mattanchery - two storreys shop lot with variety opulent drapes worth spending for ;p - Our sister here is teaching how to pull a saree :'DD Lovely. I got myself a piece of saree, two punjab long top (me and afza)..A total of Rs4000 which got discounted for Rs.200 later - asked for discount. That's soo Malaysian right? :D

Some more sarees. Anyone? This is silk saree. Costs for about Rs.1000 (after negotiation ;))

Closing in B-)

Mantanchery's must-go - Spice store!

Lines of spice stores along the Bazaar Road in Mantanchery. Be sure to take time touring to seek for better offer (quality and penny-wise).

Local's specialty - home-process organic spices of top-notch quality.

The warmth and aromatic fragrance of the spices fill the air - a wonderful blend that accompanies your stay in Fort Kochi.

So many choices and soooo difficult to choose! Even more difficult than finding a husband. Eh eh ehhh ;p . I bought some for home. In the picture I was asking on the two types of Cinnamon - the one with rough texture is from Kochi; the one with smoother texture is from Ceylon. Here I spent around Rs.600 - Two packets of cinnamons (500gm each) and a packet of peppercorn (500gm). I do think it is expensive - maybe because it's organic? :/

Jew-town shop lots: Beautiful antiques :) ...window shopping onlyyy :')

Strolling away in Jew Town :)

If you are here, you may want to try Ginger House Restaurant - a museum concept restaurant. Really interesting - we had to miss it. Rushing to Chinese Fishing Net ;(

Trinkets, jewelries, souvenirs stall. *pics credit to afza*

 

 Such detailed beautiful hand-work. Feeling feeling bollywood kejap.

*credit to afza*

 

Tired yet? Nehiii he....... :p . Nicely captured. Thanks a lot Ikki! :)..Off for shooting Dilwale sequel. Bye.

*credit to afza*

 Sup'!.. Ikki and Afza on-board B-)

*credit to afza*

 Local cuisine. Strolling. Fish market
Chinese Fishing Net

Fort Kochi for many centuries was the center of spice trading. Naturally, such busy entreport had assembled merchants of various countries here. Hence contributing to the diverse demographic influences of Arabs, Jewish and the Chinese.

One of the prominent relics of the ancient Chinese traders is their traditional fishing net. A traditionally operated  man-made device used to catch fish. Majestic Chinese fishing nets lined up along the waterfront facing the warm crystal clear Arabian sea, the sky is even more cerulean here. Warm yet breezy. Simply breath-taking! On the shore, fishmongers were busy priding their catches to the tourists. Each offering the best deal of the best quality.

What we like the most here is that we can shop for fresh ingredients at a very reasonable price. And ask the food-stalls nearby to cook for you. The stalls have variety choices of cooking on their menu. Being in Southern India, seafood delicacy must be in your travel bucket-list!

 Chinese Fishing Net of Kochi.

 <3

 Meet the fishmongers.

 i-See-food.

 My oh my.

There are many food-stalls lined up to please your Southern India's seafood dishes cravings. Pick your fish from the market, bring it here to cook dishes of your choice.



 :)))

Tadaaaaaa~.....Buttered prawn with turmeric and Masala Fish dish :)

Bon apetite! ^^

1. Cooking service charge = Rs.300

2. 3 Rice servings = Rs.130

TOTAL = Rs.430 (RM28 for three)

* We forgot how much was the fish and prawns cost :(

**Note: Always always ask for receipt before payment. You never know how ridiculous price they falsely charge you without one.

Night strolling. Henna Hand-decoration

From Cochin Casa Bella's Janitor :) 

 After we had quite a seafood meal that evening, we went out for a strolling near the hotel. See a glimpse of Fort Kochi's night-life. By the way, just beside the hotel was an Ayurveda home-based centre. However you will need to make a reservation first for the treatment :)

After some brisk stroll around the area, Jamaluddin (the janitor) - a very friendly gentleman asked if we are interested for Henna hand painting. His wife and daughter are very talented at it - much to our surprise, it was for freeeeeee! <3

*credit to Afza*

Voilaa~

 Day 3 :

Morning stroll. Ice-cream. Breakfast.

Princess Street etc :) :) :) :)

Good morning peeps! Beautiful Saturday morning :) ..Now heels on, let's scoot!

So our  #OOTD : of pink and puple and Baju Kurung! :)

 Mini Coffee Shop :) ...I am not quite a coffee-person though :') ...but I heard Kochi's coffee is top-notch! Coffee lovers, don't miss this out yea :)

Baskin Robbins for a brekkie anyone?  ;) (Rs.80  = RM5)

Just where can you find BR's Cotton Candy cone for Rs.50 (RM3)??? ...We can't help from getting morning sugar rush! <3

*Pic credit to Afza*

Princess Street



Princess-street : a must-go for a casual evening or morning outing.
You will see a lot of themed-cafes, inns.

 Walking down the Princess Street was amazing. Every corner is an art. Here the ambience is a fusion of the East and the West.

Strolling for breakfast-hunt :)

 

 :)

Tea-pot Cafe for Breakfast

Princess Street

 
 Care for a cup of tea anyone?

 
 Old cottage design. Nice eh :)

 Lots and lots of kettles. This reminds me of my late grandmother's kitchen :)

  Le menu~

  I was actually hoping for Indian meal. But it is only served during lunch. No Indian breakfast. But I actually tried Kochi's black coffee here.. (^,^)
 
  ...and some more kettles :)

 Oh why, yes Madame...'tis such a gay morning indeed...Marvelous cup of tea I must say...

 

 :)

 

Antique collectibles :)

Leave nothing but foot-steps. Keep nothing but memories :) .......and bills. fufufu~

Local Convenient Store at Petercelli Street.

Petercelli Street - just around the Princess Street.

 ..................

Visiting a simple local convenient store makes you feel closer to their people. You come to know what is the staple brands, items for their everyday necessities and favourites.

 My catch :) - Lovin' it.

Fort Kochi Waterfront. Chinese Fishing Net (Yes.Agaiinn)

Afternoon strolling. Flea Market. Chilling

We decided to go another round of tour here. :) Saturday brings you a much livelier atmosphere. Families were chilling, whilst the street vendors busy with their selling.

 1 = Rs.30

Yo.

 

 Beautiful hand-made jewelries...colourful beads and bangles. Ladies...I know you are tempted ;)

 

 Talented young Aci. She weaved without even looking peeps! What a skill......

For one last time.....capturing some more memories :')

Princess Street...etc

Kochi Books - Mini bookstore. Ayurveda. Santa Cruz Basilica Church....and some here and there :)

 Humble yet so so welcoming :)

 Spot "shop n shave" store here - the Kochi Books is just one level up.

 

 When you are a bookworm, place like this is like a gem in the city. Before our trip to Kochi, we read on Kochi Books from tourists' positive reviews - hence the hunt for it. It may look small, but we found treasures for some good reads :)

..and please ignore that forlorn pregnant-ish aunty in the middle. I don't know why I posed like so anyway. Gosh :/

 

Meet our friendly store-keeper here. Thank you for the hospitality! \(^.^)/

Ayurveda

What's India without a decent Ayurveda treatment before you take-off for home? In Kochi, from the tourist kiosk the attendant told that the most authentic ayurveda treatment is available in Ernakulam - about 20 to 30 mins of driving from Fort Kochi. So we decided to focus our hunt here in Fort Kochi only :). However, sadly we were chasing time; did not manage to experience one :(

But fret not my friendsss....here, I listed out some quite cool places where you can try for Ayurveda treatment :)

 1. Ayurveda Centre - Just beside the Cochin Casa Bella Hotel.

2. Ayurveda Heritage - Just about 5 minutes of walking distance from the hotel towards the roundabout at the main road. The Ayurveda treatment centre is just at the third junction. This one, we surveyed the one hour massage costs for Rs.1000. Quite expensive we thought. Now scoot.

3. Greenix Village Cultural Centre - an artistically interesting centre for their traditional culture. In this village, they offer souvenir shops, Ayurveda treatment and their spectacular Kathakali performance :)

 

Ayurveda. When you're in India? Certainly a must go!

 Walked a lot. Dear fats, you'd better be losing some pounds here.

Passing-by Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica.

...super hot weather...I knew I shouldn't have brought this type of baggage. Thanks for nothing 'stubbornness'  (-__-)

 Duly noted M.G sap.

 

The classy Old Harbour Hotel :)

 Mantancherry. Greenix Village Cultural Centre.

Fort Kochi's Beryani. Khathakali performance.

 So we head back to Mantancherry for lunch. Some good men recommended nice halal food in Al-hala Restaurant. So we have here is Beef Beryani. Served with acar and curry gravy. Much spicier and more simple than the beryanis in Malaysia. One set for Rs.100 (RM6).

 The interior really makes you feel like the ordinary "mamak-stall" back in Malaysia. Feels somewhat at home :)

Greenix Village Cultural Centre

We really were chasing time. Next pit-stop is Greenix Village. The Kathakali show will start at 5.30pm, however it is best to be early so that you can see how the Kathakali actors did their make-up at 5.00pm. Tickets are purchased at the front counter near the entrance. (Rs500 per head)

 Ayurveda centre just inside this place.

 One of the main casts for the Kathakali show doing some funky face-painting (makeup) before the performance.

 

 Assistance needed for the 'heavy-duty' part. Thanks for the smile uncle ;)

 

Seated in an auditorium-like hall. Lights-off. Traditional instruments played the music, rhyming with actors' graceful yet energetic movements ...and let's just enjoy the show :)

Roughly about one-hour.

Mantancherry Mosque

 The residence mosque at Mantancherry. Looking for a mosque here is quite a challenge. First when we arrived at Mantancherry, we went to a mosque just near to the Greenix Village. However we got chased away because there is no prayer room for female :'D ...what an experience. Later, after the show, the autocar driver led us to another mosque that provides facility for females.

 

 *the entrance*

 

 Must be quick. We should leave for airport by 6.30pm.

 

 Alhamdulillah :)

 Head to the airport afterwards fast but not so furious!

We rode Auto-rickshaw for tonight: Rs.238.

Flights at 11.00pm local time.

All in costs :

Flight tickets+Visa+Transport+Accommodation+ Meals+Souvenirs = RM1000

So our express India trip is a wrap then. Enjoying the goodies I brought for home.

 Souvenirs and goodies and Zorro (my cat ^^) <3

:)

Yes it was a verrry short trip. But all-in-all satisfaction achieved!

We are sure thankful for the wonderful experience, for every warm smile, for the beautiful places we've been, for all sincere assistance we get, and thank you very much to all for simply being the colours of the colourful Cochin! :)

Till our next visit. InsyaAllah. Jai Hind!

Thanks for reading! :)

Assalamualaikum.

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