26 December 2012 - after a leisurely start and arranging for a car we set of the 40 odd kms to Kochi. Kochi used to be know a Cochin and was one of the earliest European settlements in India. Initially Portugese, then the Dutch and finally the British East India Company.
The reason for all the interest was of course spices and a large river and sheltered anchorage. Today Fort Cochin at least still has some charm and a vibrant - if somewhat touristy feel.
We started our day in Jew Town - not the most politically correct place name - but the home to a very long established Jewish community with even today a small and functioning synagogue. 5 Rupees entrance which was a bargain.
The old palace - originally built by the Portuguese for the local rulers in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663 - today is a museum which has been tastefully laid out and contains a wealth of information and exhibits. Another bargain at 10 rupees entrance.
Back in the car we headed a few kms to Fort Cochin and found a pleasant eatery Ginger House - overlooking the river - well more accurately the naval base. the town itself is very peasant with handicraft stores and small boutique hotels. The most grand seems to be the Malabar House overlooking the Parade Ground - which today is a somewhat dusty cricket and football pitch.
We did see some great Kashmiri carpets and also some more local bedspreads but held back. We did splash out on a massage.
En route home we managed to get our driver to stop at the State Liquor shop and purchase 6 bottles of Tuborg on our behalf - the next challenge is cooling it as the fridge in the room is non-operational !
The reason for all the interest was of course spices and a large river and sheltered anchorage. Today Fort Cochin at least still has some charm and a vibrant - if somewhat touristy feel.
We started our day in Jew Town - not the most politically correct place name - but the home to a very long established Jewish community with even today a small and functioning synagogue. 5 Rupees entrance which was a bargain.
The old palace - originally built by the Portuguese for the local rulers in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663 - today is a museum which has been tastefully laid out and contains a wealth of information and exhibits. Another bargain at 10 rupees entrance.
Back in the car we headed a few kms to Fort Cochin and found a pleasant eatery Ginger House - overlooking the river - well more accurately the naval base. the town itself is very peasant with handicraft stores and small boutique hotels. The most grand seems to be the Malabar House overlooking the Parade Ground - which today is a somewhat dusty cricket and football pitch.
We did see some great Kashmiri carpets and also some more local bedspreads but held back. We did splash out on a massage.
En route home we managed to get our driver to stop at the State Liquor shop and purchase 6 bottles of Tuborg on our behalf - the next challenge is cooling it as the fridge in the room is non-operational !