Birds Lagoon Village Resort

Adivasi, the original inhabitants of Kerala

by cochinjew

As a person, who has a professional interest in the lives of Indigenous peoples of the world, it was emotional and gratifying for me to meet Adivasi or the Original people or the Forest People of Kerala. I will write a separate travelogue about this remarkable encounter in the forests near Athira pilly about two hours by car from cochin

Breakfast at Ballards

by cochinjew about Ballard Bungalow, Breakfast included

You could ask for the regular toast and omelette or eggs done different ways. i usually ask for south indian breakfast of either idlies or dosay, and someone runs out to the nearest indian restaurant and brings me those and i have it with white milky tea and some fruit.

The Dutch Palace

by Avieira67

This monument was built by the Portuguese in 1557 as a gift to the Raja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma, partly as a compensation for a temple they destroyed and partly as a bribe to gain favors from the ruler. In 1663, the Dutch won over from the Portuguese and the palace was renovated.
This palace is notable for some of the best mythological murals in India, particularly in the bed chambers. In that room one can see the entire story of Ramayana on the walls. The palace also contains rare examples of traditional Kerala flooring, which looks like polished black marble but is actually a mixture of burned coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg whites.

Tea Pot

by muddybok

I was introduced this tea break place by a Jewish girl from Israel when I was trekking at Ooty. She asks me to make it a point to visit here for some relaxing tea breaks.

The cafe is decorated with all kind of tea pots that we can ever find from every part of the world and being here is like stepping into a tea appreciation museum. Me and my pal was have good cup of tea after we covered about 1/2 of the heritage walk and we actually revisit the place for breakfast before we left Kochi.

The cafe is not part of the heritage walk, but quite close. It was quietly located behind (one street away) the St Francis Church and you also can find Tea Pot cafe by follow some of those nicely designed ads by the cafe put along the streets. I spotted the sign 3 times as I walk in the area and I am quite sure you can find it.

The Malabar Coast at Christmas

by ranger49

"Kochi - A pleasant safe Harbour"

We arrived in Kochi on board Minerva, our small floating hotel, rested after a day at sea but still exhilarated by the thrill and excitement of our first taste of India - in Mumbai.
The day spent sailing had not been wasted as the distinguished lecturers travelling with us kept our attention and prepared us for the next destination - Kochi, in Kerala with lectures on “Stories of Empire - from the Moghuls to the British”; “The Soul of Hindu India” and “Cochin - Ancient Emporium”.
An extensive reading list and comprehensive background notes had been distributed and more than justified the ship being known as a floating classroom!

On first view, of the impressive Harbour building on Willendon Island,as we made our way to our berth at Ernakulam wharf indicated a quiet backwater port. We spotted a few skyscrapers in the distance but no signs of the enormous developments that would soon transform the Port, tinto one of the largest in India and a major international centre for shipping and trade.
The Island was created artificially in the 1930s from sand dredged from existing channels in order to deepen the backwaters and make it more accessible to shipping.
And so this ancient port - important centuries ago on the spice and silk routes now deals in all kinds of world trade - and can welcome cruise ships that carry ten or more times the 280 passengers that were on board Minerva.

"Meeting the people"

Joseph our local guide ashore, was a fountain of information and ready to answer any questions put to him. He was proud to tell us that Kerala had, at that time 1998/9, the highest literarcy rates and the best education and health services in India.
Under the, then Communist government, birth control was encouraged and there was less poverty than in other regions. Though he warned us that we would see beggars at any tourist attractions we visited.

Many young, educated people were working abroad, including his son an engineer working on construction projects in Dubai.
Joseph was a teacher and part-time guide but had three daughters who would all require doweries - a system that continues even with equal opportunities for women. He told us that he and his family followed the Christian religion and spoke about the legacy of the colonialists and missionaries - good and bad.
A charming, educated and sensitive gentleman and a perfect guide and ambassador.

"A simple way of life"

First impressions were of a green land, orderly streets, not necessarily paved, many with european style single storey bungalows. Larger colonial buildings and churches.
There were small shops, mostly just stalls at the road side, a few gaily painted, ramshackle vehicles and smiling people, specially children. And fishing boats and fishermen.
The air seemed pure and fresh after the fetid atmosphere of Mumbai.