Kochi Things to Do

A combination of cords, pulleys and weights is attached to the 2 wooden poles that rise 30m into the air from a platform.

From their tips, hang 4 wooden talons, which the huge net is suspended from.

One of the most popular sights of Cochin are these rows of cantilevered fishing nets.

This efficient and effective way of fishing was introduced by Chinese traders from the court of Kublai Khan.

Although they appear to have a simple design they are quite complicated and expensive to set up.

Please see my next tips for more details-

This was the one day during my Kerala holiday that there was no blue sky :-(

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Situated in Jew Town, Mattancherry.
Open Sun - Fri 1000 - noon and 1500 - 1700.

This synagogue was originally constructed in 1568.
Following destruction by Portuguese cannon fire, it was rebuilt by the Dutch in 1662.

Remove your shoes on entering.

Probably of most interest is the flooring. Hand painted Chinese willow pattern, delft inspired tiles cover the surface. No two tiles are identical!
They were imported from Canton in the mid 18th century.

Overhead, 19th century Belgian chandeliers light the Synagogue.

In the Synagogue are also giant scrolls of The Old Testament, and some copper plated Hebrew scripts

Upstairs is the women's' gallery.

Guide books and postcards on sale, and the custodian is very knowledgeable.

The Synagogue does get quite busy, as it's on every tour groups itinerary - so probably best to visit early morning or out of season if you want a more peaceful visit.

Services are held very rarely, as there has to be a certain number of worshippers before this can occur. During our stay we learned that one of the few remaining Jewish inhabitants had died, leaving only 12 local inhabitants.

Probably if family and friends visit Cochin, there is occassion to hold a service

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Ayurveda is an ancient science. The correct way of using ayurveda would be to consult an ayurvedic practitioner who will the prescribe the correct treatment. There are several places where you can go for a relaxing ayurvedic massage (350 - 800Rs). It is often done by two therapists, one on each side. Quality varies, and I can reccomend the non-tourist establishments, as they are usually run by a doctor, and offers better quality service. It might be a bit more expensive (Rs800 - Rs1000).

This palace was built by the Portuegese in the mid-1500's.
It is called the Dutch Palace, as it was renovated by the Dutch in 1663. The museum is being upgraded at this stage, but you can still visit.
Most outstanding for me: the Hindu murals with amazing detail of Hindu scenes.
No photography allowed.

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The synagogue in Jew Town, was built in 1568, but was destroyed and then rebuilt during the late 1660's. The clock tower (dating from 1760) is very easy to spot. The synagogue is in the middle of Jew Town. The interior is very interesting - with floor tiles from China, ?Indian light covers, a gold puplpit etc.
Cost: 20 Rs
NO PHOTOGRAPHY

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Translation provided by Late Itzhak Hallegua of Cochin.
Here rests the Kabblist and famous old man of sanctity
Who emanated the light of his knowledge
And shines every where n the jewish dispersion
(He is) the perfect wise man
(and) the righteous person of divnity
(he is) the rav and teacher.
Nehemia son of the rav and teacher, the wise and beloved
Abraham Muta (old person) of blessed and sintly memory
And he passed on his life to the (late) rabbanim ( e xpired)
On Sunday 28th of the month of Kislev
In the year of creation 5376 (1616AD)

The tombe is an area which used to be Black Jewish cemetery but when the black jews left for israel in 1955, owner of the house donated the house and the tomb to a local christian family on condition that the tomb will be kep whitewashed and clean. it is not unusual to see chrisitans coming to pray at the tomb and i am told others as well.

I lit the shabbat candles and said prayers for my friends scattered around the world. and considered it a privilege to do so

IDIOM BOOKSTORE
There are two in Cochin, one here near the Dutch Palace and another near the Princess Street. The selection of books including some in translation into French are varied. The owner is an Englishman with love for India and also literature. The offerings on very Indian oriented, with large section on writers from India. The office manager has been there for a while, and I have dealt with him before.
Todays purchase to which he added a 10 per cent discount
Included
Patrick French The world is what it is: the authorized biography of VS Naipaul 595 INR
Amitav Ghosh Sea of Poppies 599 inr
Paul Scott the Jewel in the Crown 470 inr
Chakoral Radhakrishnan fragments d’ombre
Kamala Das L’Histoire de ma Vie
Highly recommended.

IDIOM BOOKSTORE THE MAIN BRANCH NEAR PRINCESS STREET
The lady there was very helpful and the selection is rather good and moreover she was able to find out whether the books we enquired were available or not and order them for us
I asked her about Richard Zimlers book The guardian of the Dawn, sure enough they had a copy not in the store but could get one for me..
Quite impressed, a good range of Indian literature and also the usual tea table books of pictures about India and its culture.
She also said she will find out about
Tim Parks
Dreams of Rivers and Seas
Two books recommended to me:
Arvind Adiga White Tiger and Kiran Nagarkar Reven and Eddie
I am very satisfied with my BOOK buying experience in Cochin.