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Best of Kochi in 3 days!

Planning a 3 day visit to Kochi? Is Kochi worth visiting? I would say 'Absolutely, don't miss it!'. I've put together this list because I love the city of Kochi. It is also my home town. But first, stay safe!
 
                                        Image Credit: https://twitter.com/Svara

Ernakulam Shiva Temple: Revered as 'Ernakulathappan', Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this temple and the entry is free. Indeed, a beautiful temple to visit while you are spending time in Kochi. For me, this is a temple that links me back to my earliest memories of my grandmother, an ardent devotee of Ernakulathappan. She would do 'pradakshina' in the mornings and evenings and would leave the temple premises very reluctantly. As a child, I used to accompany her though I couldn't figure out what excited her so much about these temple visits. After she passed away, this grand temple always reminds me of her loving energy and presence in my life. 
For the same reason, I rarely visit the temple - it reminds me of the void her passing away has left. But if you are visiting Kochi, a temple visit would be a fascinating experience.

A smaller separate temple right next to the Ernakulathappan temple is the Hanuman kovil. When we were children, we loved coming to the temple as there used to be a monkey in the temple premises. Devotees of Lord Hanuman throng the temple and add to the serene vibrations of the place. There are many popular offerings made for the deity and a reverential space here for Sri Raghvendra Swamigal.

Subhash Park: When I was a child, this used to be my favourite place to play with cousins. Decades later, whenever I would visit Kochi, I used to bring my toddler here and we would spend evenings here as he would enjoy the activities at the park and also run about freely, with his mother tagging along with him. For family outings and memorable evenings, Subhash Park is a must-visit place.

Marine Drive: When I was studying in college, only the most adventurous students used to head out for walks on Marine Drive. Back in those days, it was perceived as a hub for young rebels, those who have scant respect for conservatism and it also didn't help that it became the hub of lovey-dovey college couples, thereby drawing the ire of the society in general. 

Now things have completely changed. 


An evening walk around Marine Drive and its famous Rainbow bridge is one of those must-do-in-Kochi activities. Not only does it offer a picturesque view but it has a serene and young vibe to it. You can enjoy the gentle breeze while you walk down the promenade with friends or family members. More couples and famillies can be spotted here, a good sign of how Kochi is changing with time.

Folklore Museum: For those who want to get an authentic glimpse of Kerala's cultural and architectural landscape, this musuem covers it all. Known for showing traditional Kerala architecture and showcasing more than 6000 art works, the musuem represents Kerala's cultural ecosystem through traditional art forms as well as contemporary arts, ethnic antiques and tribal artifacts. Head out to Thevara and get a closer look at everything on display.

Jew Town and Jewish Synagogue: A visit to Kochi would be incomplete without visiting its iconic Jewish Synagogue located in Jew Town, Mattancherry. Having visited the Synagogue decades ago, I recall sparkling golden chandeliers that took my breath away and scrolls on display. Back then, we also had to pay a small entry fee and were taken around for a tour by a Jewish lady who spoke Malayalam well. I was so fascinated to have met a Jewish lady speaking my language - Malayalam - that I forgot to listen to her as she explained the history of the synagogue. 

There were tiles in white and blue as well displayed - which now raises my curiosity as to whether it is a Portuguese cultural motif given that the same blue and white tiles are a part of Goan homes as part of displaying the state's unique cultural decor as well. Could it be the Portuguese connection? As a history buff, I wish we had  our history was better documented!

Dutch Palace: Marking the Portuguese legacy in Kochi, the Dutch Palace today stands more as a cultural musueum and gallery featuring some of Cochin's Rajas and famous murals. You can spot the remnants of Portuguese architecture blended in with the traditional Kerala style of architecture, especially the typica Nallukettu style that is unique to Kerala.

Santa Cruz Basilica Church: When you visit Fort Kochi, check out this Church. Built first by the Portugueuse and later it was demolished and rebuilt by the British. Known as one of the 8th Basilicas in India and one of the oldest churches in the country, the interiors reveal a frescoes, murals and large canvas paintings that add to the vintage grandeur of the place. With its glass stained windows, lofty spires and grand interior, the place holds a quaint charm of its own.

Chinese fishing nets: A popular tourist attraction in Kochi, you can spot Chinese fishing nets on Fort Kochi beach easily. Head out for a long drive to nearby water-facing areas including Kumblangi and Perumpadappu and Cherthala, you can spot more Chinese fishing nets. As a child, it used to fill me with awe that these nets had a history, a distinct culture and geography of its own that secretly marked its presence in my city and gradually became an integral part of this city that I call my home.

Take a closer look at any of the Kochi beaches and you will spot plenty of Chinese nets. The nets can easily be mistaken for hammocks but as you already know, there's no way you can climb into them and curl up with a book to read.

Fort Kochi beach: A nice, long stroll on Fort Kochi beach is a delightful way to refresh your mind and enjoy being outdoors. Dolphins sightings are also an added attraction though not a daily occurence. It depends on your luck to spot one at the right time. As a child, I remember a lot of my cousins talking about the Carnival held at Fort Kochi beach during New Year. It used to be one of the liveliest, most 'happening' events in Kochi way back in the 80s, but mostly for the male crowd and none of us - girls - were allowed to go because it was considered an unsafe and wild crowd. But the stories of the Carnival were plenty. As children, our imagination used to run riot, wondering about all the fun out there while we stayed at home.

To watch sunset on Fort Kochi beach is bliss - don't miss it.

Cherai Beach: One of the most popular beaches in Kochi, Cherai beach is a beauty to behold. For families and children, this is a perfect weekend getaway. You can spend time playing on the beach, swimming and sunbathing. Families also drive down to the beach for a leisurely stroll or just to gaze at the beach and relax. For those who enjoy action, check out the speed boats and water scooters that are available. 

Is Cochin safe?
This is a frequently asked question. 


Given that I am from Kochi, I would say that it is as safe as most Indian cities are. It helps you to be extra cautious if you are traveling alone. When you travel, it is important for you to keep in mind that your safety is also dependent on your gut feel and awareness. If something doesn't feel right to you, don't ignore the vibe.

How can I plan for four days in Kerala?
While Kerala seems like a small state, this is a place you cannot cover in four days. You can probably cover Kochi in four days but not the best of Kerala. For a thoroughly enjoyable Kerala vacation, I would recommend at least two weeks. If that is difficult, you can make it a week and explore one part of Kerala such as Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi.

How many days are enough for Alleppey?
Alleppey is one of Kerala's most scenic places. At least two days in Alleppey would be good to start with. People from all walks of life come to its famous beach to watch the sunset. It's too beautiful for words.

How many days are enough for Kochi?
As some one who is from Kochi, I feel that I could live in Kochi forever. But for those looking to plan a holiday, at least a week is a good start to explore Kochi in a leisurely way.

What is the best place for one day trip in Kochi?
Kumarakom is my first choice. It's scenic, quiet and quaint.

Are Kerala beaches clean?
Absolutely. However, there is no guarantee when it comes to human nature as people can do the strangest things and believe themselves to be justified in doing so.

What should I buy in Kerala?
Wondering what to shop for in Kerala? Lots of things! It is one of my favourite places for shopping. 

Everytime I visit Kerala, I come back with more shopping items than any other place. 

My favourite shopping places are located in Broadway in Ernakulam city or MG Road in case you want to buy clothes, sarees, shoes, gold jewellery. For many, a visit to Lulu Mall ranks right at the top of their must-do list in Kochi. Kids love the place as the gaming area offers the best entertainment activities. Personally, I prefer to visit smaller shops in Kochi.  


So here's what you can buy in Kerala:

1. Traditional Kerala brass lamps, urulis: These are lovely in miniature sizes to big sizes for gift purposes or for your interior decor. The miniature versions can be bought from any of the reputed steel and aluminium vendor shops in the city. When buying, make sure you ask for the brass polish and cleaner too, otherwise you wont be able to keep the brass shining on a regular basis.

2. Kerala kasavu saree: There are so many beautiful variations of the classic gold and cream Kerala saree. If you are buying for the first time, buy an original Kerala Kasavu saree with the traditional gold-cream colour combinaton. If the price goes over your shopping budget, buy the same colour combination which is not an original. In case you want colours other than this, you can check it out in any of the saree shops in Kochi such as Seematti, Parthas, Chennai Silks, Kalyan Silks and Pothys. The Kerala Kasavu saree is a lovely gift item for friends and family members.


3. Artefacts: Easy to carry and easily affordable artefacts depicting Kathakali, Chinese nets, beaches can be bought. You can find plenty of Kathakali masks and 'nettipattams' which is a gold brocade decorative item that is placed on elephants during Kerala's temple festivals. Rather than buying items off the street, you can check it out at any of the small local shops for the purpose of ensuring that it is a quality buy.  In most Kerala shops, it is difficult to haggle for a discount as fixed prices are the norm. But there's no harm in trying your luck.

4. Tea, cashews and spices: Don't even think of skipping this! In fact, this can be gifted to your loved ones too. You can even get spice soaps and coconut milk soaps in gift packs. My friends always love it!

5. Coir mats, handicrafts: These are popular items that are made locally.

If you found this post on Kochi useful and informative, do drop me a line. In case you have any questions or information you want to ask me about planning your next Kerala trip, connect with me on Twitter and feel free to share your travel queries.

Sharing few interesting posts that I enjoyed reading recently:

Namita Varma Rajesh blogs on her Grandfather's 'Ghost Villa' in Thrissur  - which reminded me of every spooky Malayalam movie I have seen including the black-and-white iconic film 'Yakshi'. 


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