Spicing up at Kochi
I left my train at Ernakulum Junction (7 km from Kochi) and took an auto-rickshaw for Kochi. The road was busy in the morning as many people were rushing towards their office.
The city of Kochi, a major port of Kerela, is situated on the South Western Coast of India and was an important place for spice trade-inviting traders from all over the world.
At a ten minutes walk from the church, various settlements of Chinese fishing net can be seen. Lucky ones can even spot Dolphins while standing near these nets. I spotted four of them for free, unlike Goa, where I paid INR 100 for a boat ride and could see none. The nearest ferry station to this place is the Fort Boat Jetty connecting Vypeen Island. A public ferry can be boarded for Ernakulum. Vehicular ferries are also available.
I was happy to be at St. Francis Church because of my childhood admiration for Vasco da Gama. He was a Portugal explorer who led an expedition at the end of the 15th century that opened the sea route to India by way of the Cape of Good Hope. King John III sent him to India in 1524 as a Viceroy, but soon he died of illness. He was buried here first and later, his remains were taken back to Portugal in 1539. So, he sailed when alive and sailed back after death, what a great explorer and a fortunate traveler he was.
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St. Francis Church |
Formerly ruled by Dutch, the city has many attractions like Mattancherry and Dutch Palace. Though the palace is a delight for art and history lovers, to my observation, Indian tourists of general interest seem to be indifferent.
Kerela is a state, rich in beautiful beaches and serene backwaters. A tour of 8 to 10 days is an obligation for having a complete experience of the Malabar region.
Kochi is a city of business, unique attractions, and beautiful people. And now I had no cravings for heritage. Enough were churches and temples. So I went for a ferry ride from Main Boat Jetty and watched the sun sinking into the sea
(Beach of interest-Cherai Beach)
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