Kerala- Cochin (2015)
-Description to be added
We stayed in Ernakulam: Hotel Mermaid- backyard
Floating plants on water- moves due to flow of backwaterCormorants busy fishing
Foreign Traders came to India through Kerala just for pepper. Pepper exchange in Cochin is like stock exchange in New York
Entrance to Exchange- Auctioning was once a tourist attraction
There is no traditional auctioning now. All electronic!. We missed the auction fun.
India pepper and spice trade association
We are in Fort Cochi- popular tourist area
Jews settled in Cochin in BC - before Christ!
Antique shops on the street leading to Synagogue
Near by street
Plenty of Antique shops- Can spend easily $10-10000 per pieceLalitha took this shot
Antique for sale
First Synagogue in the country
Paradesi Synagogue was built in 1568 in Cochin
We went on a Saturday- closed for sabbath. This is the main entrance
Several views of Synagogue inside from internet
From internet
Inside from Internet
Inside from internet
Old commandments through a key hole
My bird watching camera has 12X Zoom
A gate nearby with stars of David and Menorah
Now we proceed to Dutch Palace
Staircase to palace from internet.
Sideview of the palace from internet
The Protected Monument gives the details of all Cochin Rajahs (many have the last name of Varma)Go through metal detectors and no photography allowed inside (and so I took few from internet)
Palace is internationally known for its Murals (wall painting probably 16th century) depicting scenes from Ramayana and Krishna Lila (in Rajah's bed chamber)- from internet
Another mural- from Internet- No photography allowed and no book in print. A nice coffee table book will be a welcome addition
Ramayana-from internet
Ramayana- from internet
Famous Mural-Krishna Lila- Bed Chamber Paintings- from internet
Famous Mural-Bed Chamber paintings- from internet
View from the palace- Pond- from internet
Oldest European Church in India- Built in 1503
Vasco Da Gama was buried here in 1524. After 14 years his son took the remains to Lisbon, Portugal
Church from entrance
Vasco Da Gama Description
Burial location
Found inside a shop nearby
Santa Cruz Cathedral- also an old church built in 1505
Church from outside
Church inside
Chinese fish net- icon of Cochi- these are "shore operated lifts"-from internet
Chinese fishnets are used in China and technology was imported from Chinese traders centuries ago and still in use-from internet
Our fish net. We saw the demo.
Balancing weights used to lift the net after catching fish
It is a harbor. Ships go by.
Fish caught in our demo fish net
Our tour guide is showing off his catch but crows grabbed many before him
Sunset
Trying to catch it!
Sunset at a harbor is always a beauty when clouds cooperateWe said Good Bye to Fort Cochi after seeing the free show in the sky
Sunrise from the hotelTime to leave for Alappuzha
Hawks on the terrace- learnt the eating habits of hawks- not pleasant but it is natural selection
We are stopping at Cherthala (Seru +Thalai) on our way to Alappuzha
Cherthala Karthyayani Devi Temple (Tamil and malayalam)- Seru means mud and thala means head. Devi's head was found in the mud. and then consecratedPlace got the name Cherthala
Typical Kerala architectture
Temple Guardian - Lord Shastha
Floor to ceiling in wood- Protects the temple and people; Cock sacrifice in the past
Another view from outsideDevi goes on a female elephant for processionPrameela, most loved elephant lived for 90 years!People still remember it
EntranceAn unusual practice- temple elephant is female
Mandapam- see photo of Prameela, temple elephant
Flag Pole
