Every city in the world is unique and has one or two defining places of interest or attraction. If you happen to be in Kochi, mainly in Fort Kochi, you can see and know about the Chinese fishing nets that were introduced by a Chinese traveller Zheng He in the 16th century. It is extremely interesting and provides an impressive scene during the evenings. No wonder, it is a sight to behold when the fishermen lower the 10-metre high timber rod with huge nets into the Arabian Sea. Book flights to Kochi right away to see, explore and experience something unique in the coastal town of Kochi.
The Gems of Fort Kochi
Explore the Fort Kochi and Mattancherry became famous just a decade ago, but now, there are 500 home-stays that have come up in and around Fort Kochi. Located approximately 9 miles from the traffic-crammed city of Ernakulam, there are places to hang around and spend a ravishing day out.
Not to forget, there are a few famous tourist shops and an enchanting Jewish Synagogue, the Bishop's house and the Dutch Palace. These places that have been mentioned are best explored on foot. The synagogue was built in the 1500s and it is located in the Jew Town, which is a residential area in the oldest Jewish community in India.
What were once homes to the Israelite community, have been transformed in a thriving market. With tickets to Kochi India, you can always pick up an old plate or a door knob. Window shopping is also quite rewarding and it does not cost a penny. The antiques might be expensive, but strolling down the road, towards the synagogue is refreshing.
Well, the fact is, Fort Kochi is the only place which was over-powered by the Portuguese, the English and the Dutch. Later, a group of Chinese, Arabs, Jews, Gujaratis and Brahmins flocked into the city for trade and settlement.
After getting down from flights from London to Kochi, just walk around and admire the stunning Dutch houses, which was especially built in a style that the Dutch adopted in Holland.
Explore Sugar and Spice
Kochi is famous for prices grown in the interior of Kerala and exploring Fort Cochin's Bazaar will give you the authentic aroma of cloves, ginger, curry leaves, cardamom and cinnamon. You can see wholesale dealers buying in bulk.
Admire Dance Drama
Fort Cochin is the perfect place to admire a Kathakali dance performance. Just be early and see the awe-inspiring make-up session just before the dance. Such dances are loved by international tourists and this is one of the most loved performance down south. Often, a dance depicts a myth tale of good winning over evil. The vibrant dance and the facial expressions will surely leave you speechless by when fly into Kochi with tickets to Kochi from UK.
Try Some Indian Dish
Dal Roti is not only the name of the Indian dish, but this is a restaurant run by Ramesh and this is the best place for lunch in Kochi. People who have been to this place, tag it as 'so cool restaurant with some mouth-watering North Indian food. With Kochi flights from London, the must try's are roti wrap, peach iced tea and firni (made of saffron, apricots, milk, almonds and garnished with pistachios.
Try Ayurvedic Massage
Kerala offers some amazing Ayurvedic treatments and massage thrives in the back streets of Fort Cochin. The feel is awesome when the aromatic oil slides down your body and you go into some kind of trance. Though such massages are famous in Bali and Thailand, the one here in Kerala must not be missed. The Cochin Ayurvedic Centre towards Santa Cruz must not be missed.
Enjoy Going 'Sweet Tooth'
While walking down the Kochi streets, you may pass through the gallery at the front and you'll face a nice looking courtyard cafe with tropical flourishment and a few backpackers. As you enter Kashi Art Cafe, the smell of chocolate cakes, omelettes, coffee and fruit frappers will excite your hunger.
Shopping for Antiques
Fort Cochin holds unbelievable antique gems for all antique lovers who crave for polished wooden chests, painted wardrobes, ceramics, statues and souvenirs. Book tickets to Kochi from FlightstoIndia and make memories in this amazing South India city.
Enjoy Backwater Cruise
If you visit Kerala and forget about backwater cruise, you will surely miss something. Expanding from Kochi, the backwaters form an interwoven network of creeks, lakes, lagoons and canals. The scene here is at its best. Be it the lush surrounding, rice fields, coconut palms and wading through the backwaters, the experience is enchanting.
Martin Wynn
