Kerala Experiences
Cochin- PART 2
It's more than just the Arabian Sea. Its suburbs are a haven for adventure, rivers, leisure and multi-cultural habitat
Continuing from the previous blog post, here are 4-5-6
4. The Muziris Heritage Circuit:
When you are done with the beach stretches of Cherai, go a tad northward to the town of Kodangallur. Now while this region is technically in the neighbouring district of Thrissur, it's location at the district borders makes me want to jot it here as an experience to be enjoyed during your stay in Cochin.
They say size doesn't matter. In India, I think this proverb fits this town perfectly. From the outside it's a non-entity, an unknown locale and seems to have nothing to boast about. But delve into the region's rich heritage and history, and you come out stunned. For Kodangallur is where Christianity and Islam originated in India. The town where St. Thomas first set foot via a vessel which berthed on the legendary Muziris port and the town where the teachings of Prophet Mohammad were introduced and the Cheruman Masjid (AD 629)- India's first mosque, was built on 'land and building' provided by the then Hindu ruler of the region.
The region abounds in beautiful churches dating several centuries back, as well as homes and buildings that speak the design language of traditional Kerala homes. There is a beautiful family beach, with an entire field of tropical pine trees covering one end of it.
Away from religion and leisure, the region has several other firsts to its credit. The Pallipuram Fort, the first fort to be built by the Europeans (Portuguese 1503) in India is also part of this region.
You can also find several chinese fishing nets dotting the river that cuts across the region. Experience the town and its villages best by hiring your own bike or cycle. Spend atleast two days exploring its inner walkways, heritage streets and homes and by visiting the village of Pattanam, from where was unearthed proof of the existence of the legendary port of Muziris. A port which like Atlantis got flooded and submerged and is recorded only in the history books.
5. Vyppin and Vallarpadom
Take the aid of bridges connecting the Muziris circuit to the first islands that make up Cochin and arrive at Vyppin. Here in a village called Njarackal, the State government has set up an aqua tourism facility, where you can rent out boats and venture into bund ponds in which fish are reared scientifically. Those who would like to engage in angling can do so, and the fresh fish you catch will be served as lunch by the staff here. Approaching the mainland after your visit here, take a diversion to Cochin's main Christian pilgrimage centre, the Vallarpadom Church (Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom). Its campus is serene and worth a visit. From here, either you can catch the Vyppin ferry (which will carry your vehicle as well) to Fort Kochi, or head into Marine Drive, the tip of the mainland where there are quite a few sea experiences to be enjoyed.
6. Marine Drive
Cochin's pride among domestic and international tourists, Marine Drive is a definite must-visit if you are in town. The place is home to Broadway, a street lined with spice and textile shops, remnants of Jewish synagogues and homes that speak of a city several decades old. There is a tiled walkway, done beautifully by the local civic body, which borders the backwaters and Arabian Sea. You can sit under the shade of trees or on the benches and enjoy the view or simply walk its length. There are several operators here who organize on-spot booking for boat trips. They will take you till the edge of the point where the river intersects with the Arabian Sea. For a more experiential flavour, hire a speedboat and head out on your own. Explore the several estuary islands that dot the waters, and go as far as the dolphin point; the intersection point I'd mentioned earlier where sighting frolicking dolphins is a regular sight.
The main road surrounding Marine Drive walks you through several heritage buildings, vantage points of docked ships and beautiful parks for family and children. This place is also ideal for those of you wanting to shop, with several genuine handicrafts and curio shops situated in the complex right opposite the Taj Gateway Hotel. Those looking for lavish costume jewellery at a cheap price can head to the stores such as Goodwill located on Convent Road.
The tree lined Park Avenue street leads to the boat jetty from where you can catch the ferry to Fort Kochi. It is advisable to take the boat to Fort Kochi, rather than the car, for several reasons which I shall outline in my next post.
When you are done with the beach stretches of Cherai, go a tad northward to the town of Kodangallur. Now while this region is technically in the neighbouring district of Thrissur, it's location at the district borders makes me want to jot it here as an experience to be enjoyed during your stay in Cochin.
They say size doesn't matter. In India, I think this proverb fits this town perfectly. From the outside it's a non-entity, an unknown locale and seems to have nothing to boast about. But delve into the region's rich heritage and history, and you come out stunned. For Kodangallur is where Christianity and Islam originated in India. The town where St. Thomas first set foot via a vessel which berthed on the legendary Muziris port and the town where the teachings of Prophet Mohammad were introduced and the Cheruman Masjid (AD 629)- India's first mosque, was built on 'land and building' provided by the then Hindu ruler of the region.
The region abounds in beautiful churches dating several centuries back, as well as homes and buildings that speak the design language of traditional Kerala homes. There is a beautiful family beach, with an entire field of tropical pine trees covering one end of it.
Away from religion and leisure, the region has several other firsts to its credit. The Pallipuram Fort, the first fort to be built by the Europeans (Portuguese 1503) in India is also part of this region.
You can also find several chinese fishing nets dotting the river that cuts across the region. Experience the town and its villages best by hiring your own bike or cycle. Spend atleast two days exploring its inner walkways, heritage streets and homes and by visiting the village of Pattanam, from where was unearthed proof of the existence of the legendary port of Muziris. A port which like Atlantis got flooded and submerged and is recorded only in the history books.
5. Vyppin and Vallarpadom
Take the aid of bridges connecting the Muziris circuit to the first islands that make up Cochin and arrive at Vyppin. Here in a village called Njarackal, the State government has set up an aqua tourism facility, where you can rent out boats and venture into bund ponds in which fish are reared scientifically. Those who would like to engage in angling can do so, and the fresh fish you catch will be served as lunch by the staff here. Approaching the mainland after your visit here, take a diversion to Cochin's main Christian pilgrimage centre, the Vallarpadom Church (Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom). Its campus is serene and worth a visit. From here, either you can catch the Vyppin ferry (which will carry your vehicle as well) to Fort Kochi, or head into Marine Drive, the tip of the mainland where there are quite a few sea experiences to be enjoyed.
6. Marine Drive
Cochin's pride among domestic and international tourists, Marine Drive is a definite must-visit if you are in town. The place is home to Broadway, a street lined with spice and textile shops, remnants of Jewish synagogues and homes that speak of a city several decades old. There is a tiled walkway, done beautifully by the local civic body, which borders the backwaters and Arabian Sea. You can sit under the shade of trees or on the benches and enjoy the view or simply walk its length. There are several operators here who organize on-spot booking for boat trips. They will take you till the edge of the point where the river intersects with the Arabian Sea. For a more experiential flavour, hire a speedboat and head out on your own. Explore the several estuary islands that dot the waters, and go as far as the dolphin point; the intersection point I'd mentioned earlier where sighting frolicking dolphins is a regular sight.
The main road surrounding Marine Drive walks you through several heritage buildings, vantage points of docked ships and beautiful parks for family and children. This place is also ideal for those of you wanting to shop, with several genuine handicrafts and curio shops situated in the complex right opposite the Taj Gateway Hotel. Those looking for lavish costume jewellery at a cheap price can head to the stores such as Goodwill located on Convent Road.
The tree lined Park Avenue street leads to the boat jetty from where you can catch the ferry to Fort Kochi. It is advisable to take the boat to Fort Kochi, rather than the car, for several reasons which I shall outline in my next post.
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