Places of Interest - India

"kochi" and "alleppey"

introduction

The state of Kerala is compressed between the Arabian Sea in the West and the Western "ghats" and is perhaps the most relaxed but certainly the most social state of India. Green hills, a perfect atmosphere and a number of unique and admirable sights. Kochi, is the second largest city in the Indian state and is one of the fastest growing urban areas in India. The city is an important port city and has been the center of the spice trade for centuries. Kochi was called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea" at an early stage. In Kochi, gold, textiles and fish are traded and shipped. The city is attractive for both tourists and businesses active in espcially IT. The natural port of Kochi provides access to the Kerala Backwaters. Besides a very rich history, it has a variety of sights; the old fort, a spice market, antique fishing nets, many art galleries and, among others, a Dutch palace.

Alleppey is the capital of the "backwaters" of India, one of the largest tourist sites in the country. Float on a luxurious reed boat or be active yourself in a canoe - life on the banks of the thousands of rivers, canals and lakes of "Kerala" is an experience that you will not soon forget easily.

highlights

(Fort) Kochi:

At the tip of "Kochi" island is Fort "Kochin" situated with a number of very spectacular and diverse sites; First, you can view the immense Chinese fishing nets. Traders from the court of "Kublai Khan" brought this way of fishing in the 15th century from the Mongolian empire and introduced them here. At least four people are needed to pick up the large "spin" nets. You can also take a look at the "St. Francis "church, one of the oldest European churches on the Indian continent. It was here that the body of Vasco de Gama lay before it was taken back to Portugal. In the catacombs of the "Indo-Portuguese" museum in the fortress complex you can still see the foundations of the former Portuguese fortress "Immanuel". The Dutch cemetery in Kochi is one of the oldest European cemeteries in India. The oldest grave, by Vera van Heininge, was mined in 1664. The most recent Dutch grave is that of three-year-old Helena Muller, who died in December 1814. The renovation of the colonial cemetery was completed in 2007. Since then, the cemetery is open to the public. Finally, you can visit the "Santa Cruz" basilica.

The "Mattancherry" palace was built in 1555 by the Portuguese and was donated to the then "raja" of Cochin. In 1663 the Dutch renovated the palace; reason why the palace is often called the "Dutch" palace. The building is now a beautiful museum with unique "murals" of various Indian legends. There are also antique hand carts, authentic paintings and clothing items. A little further deeper into "Jew" town you will find the (old) spice market where spices are still stored and sold. Do not forget to pay a visit to the "Pardesi" synagogue. Oil lamps, a beautifully decorated floor and a very friendly and almost idyllic atmosphere will be your part if you visit this by the Dutch renovated prayer building.

Kerala "backwaters"

The village "Alleppey" is the most important place to book a "tour" through the well-known waters of this part of the federal state. The network of waterways through the area is 900 km long and until recently sailing was the only way to go from A to B. The "backwaters" are a mix of dykes, canals, rivers and large lakes alternated by large coconut plantations and small villages. It is a unique experience to see life on and in the water from a boat led by an experienced guide who will take you to the most unique places. The possibilities include the local ferry, a cruise, houseboat or canoe. See for more details on touring the Backwaters “TOURS”.

history

For more than 3000 years traders have been driven to "Kerala" for its spices and ivory. First the trade was with the Chinese, Arabs, Romans and even with the Indonesian Moluccas. The Portuguese arrived in 1498 in "Kerala" with the explorer "Vasco de Gama". Fights broke out with Arab traders for the lucrative spice market. The Europeans quickly became in charge of it. "The Gama" would die in 1524 during his third trip to India. At first he was buried at the place where he died - "Kochi". Nonetheless, his body was transferred to Portugal 15 years later. In 1662, Kochi, which became the second most important Portuguese colony (after GOA), was besieged for three weeks by Dutch colonist. The Portuguese got reinforcements and the winter monsoon set in earlier than expected. Despite these setbacks, the Dutch conquered the city in 1663. In 1795 the Dutch VOC withdrew from Kochi, after which in 1814 the area came into the hands of the British. The latter created the state of Madras, which included the entire south of the subcontinent. On November 1, 1956, Madras was split up along ethnic and language lines, including the state of Kerala.

Kerala was the first in the world to voluntarily install a Communist government here. This happened in 1957 with varying success.

tips & advice (2009)

You always have to take the ferry from Kochi to Ernakulam before you can travel further. This ferry goes very regularly (every 40 minutes). You can walk from the ferry to the bus station ("KSRTC") in Ernakulam.

Ernakulam - Alleppey; every 20 minutes a bus goes from Ernakulam to Alleppey; the bustrip costs about 36 Rupees and takes 1.5 hours.

Ernakulam - Munnar: this bus ride takes about 4.5 hours and costs 84 Rupees. It is wise if you come from "Alleppey" first to go back to "Ernakulam" before you go to Munnar.

If there is really something special about food then it is dinner in "Kochi". During the day you walk around the (fish) market where the fish that is just freshly caught is offered. You buy some pieces of fresh fish, take them to a restaurant and declare a price for which they prepare it for you. At the agreed time you come back for your dinner to the restaurant and then your fried or grilled fish is waiting for you. This concept is called the "you buy, we cook". We recommend the "calamarus", shrimp and the butter fish.

A delicious restaurant is "Talk of the Town" - a cozy place where you "come home" with your great-aunt to take a cup of coffee. Curtains in front of the windows, cloths on the wooden tables and a lovely atmosphere. Located right in the center and a perfect view of one of the busiest intersections of the city. Just like you want to order a plate of sauerkraut you realize that you are in India and you read the most delicious meals on the menu.

Name: Hostel "Treehouse" (Kochi)

Address: River (Calvathy) Rod

Price: 400 R

Content:

Located between the center and the ferry, this hostel is in a kind of studio. Upstairs is a large outdoor terrace which (to my knowledge) serves as a restaurant. There also seem to be more rooms. I had a small (cheap) room downstairs in the hall. It was quiet and clean (unique in India). The room even had its own shower and toilet. It is not a real hostel so no shared space or s.th. like it You can do your laundry here too.

Name: Hostel "Dream nest" (Alleppey)

Address: Cullan Road

Price: 300 R

Content:

In my opinion, this is not even officially a real hostel. I was picked up by a young boy on a scooter at the bus station. He has a big house just a bit out of the center where he offers some rooms for rent. It has a fairly large garden, a sort of common space (which of course he also lives) and he can also make a plate of food for you or arrange a tour ("backwaters"). The room is large, has a 2p bed, but is a bit atmospheric. There is a private shower and toilet.

Besides the many art galleries in "Kochi" you can enjoy a different kind of culture - that of music. At the "Kerala Kathakali Center" in one hour three pieces of Indian classical music are played. It is a tourist affair, but this does not change the fact that fantastic authentic Indian music is played here. A show is performed with an Indian guitar and a drum session with a drum consisting of two parts (tabla = north Indian drum).

Name? - Kerala Kathakali Center;
Address? - River Road (Fort Cochin);
Price? - you pay about 125 Rupees;
Time? - 17:00 - 20:00
Phone nr.? - 2215827;
Website? - www.kathakalicentre.com