Kochi - God's Own Country

Fort Kochi / Cochin

Have you ever jumped off a moving train? I did! I jumped off a moving train on my way to Kochi. Actually the train was accelerating very slow so I jumped off with other people. There are two railway stations in Kochi - North Eranakulam and South Eranakulam. My hotel was near South Eranakulam but the train was topping at North Eranakulam so I jumped off the train near South Eranakulam. When in Rome do as the Romans do ...lol.

Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala. Fort Kochi was a Portuguese colony before.

The quickest way to Fort Kochi is by the ferry service which will cost you 4 rupees [8 NZ cents]. When I went to Fort Kochi, I was looking for a Fort. However, the area is called Fort Kochi, there is no fort. There was a Fort before but it lies in ruin. There is so much to see and if you like walking, you can see many things while on your walk. 

Ferry Transfer

I saw a Jewish Synagogue but I wasn't allowed to take any pictures. There are lot of tourist attractions but some places photography and videography is prohibited. I loved Kochi. It was different from other destinations. Although I spent most of my time near the city, I had a great time. I saw many attractions. There are other attractions but you have to travel far distance to see them. I had to stick to my budget and yet I had fun. I spent three nights in Kochi.  Just one day I didn't go anywhere, because I wanted to have a complete bed rest.

There are some Picture slides of Fort Kochi ....

Kochi is one place where I saw women drivers driving an auto. They mostly transport women around. I believe this is a wonderful effort by the Kerala Government to help the women feel secure in Kerala. There is McDonalds and KFC in Kerala.

 

Fort Kochi

My next trip was Goa. From Kerala to Goa is 15 hours by train. If I ever have to revisit any of these destination I have visited before. I will definitely choose Kerala. I loved it. Very simple and easy to find your way around.

Goa
I arrived in Goa 5.30am in the morning. The taxi driver said it will me cost 550 rupees to transfer me to my hotel. I did not take his offer. I waited for an hour for the public bus and it cost me just 10 rupees. I reached my hotel, booked in, had my shower and went for North Goa tour.

Goa is for sea lovers

Easy Access

India's smallest state Goa is located on the western coast of the country, which provides the beach holidays that Goa is internationally famous for. Goa sort of have two cultural areas, North Goa and South Goa. Northern Goa is more populated and urban, while the south is more forested. Beaches apart, rice fields and coconut plantations dominate the landscape. However, tourism is Goa's main industry. For 450 years Goa was a Portuguese colony until taken over by India in 1961. This heritage is still apparent in the architecture of its churches and old houses, and the culture of its towns, which is very distinct from the rest of India.

North Goa

Aguada Fort

Reis Magos Church

Vagator Beach

Dutch Lighthouse

In the Catholic world Goa is important as the place where St Francis Xavier is buried (in the Basilica de Bom Jesus at Old Goa). Apart from Christmas and New Year celebrations, the 3-day long Goa Carnival (February, Panaji) and the Feast of St Francis (3 Dec, Old Goa) are famous attractions.

South Goa [Old Goa]

Archaeological Survey of India

You can see most of the tourist attractions by foot in Old Goa. From the main city Pinjim just take the bus to Old Goa. It will cost you just 10 rupees. Get off at Archaeological Monuments in Old Goa and you will find most of the attractions.

Se Cathedral Church

Se Cathedral

Archaeological Museum containing Christian artifacts

Church of St Catherine

Anointed One !!! Lol

Church of Francis of Assisi

Church of Francis of Assisi

The Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus

Bom Jesus means Good or Infant Jesus

Church of Saint Augustine ruins

Church of Saint Augustine ruins

Church of Saint Augustine ruins

Church of St Cajetan

Church of St Cajetan

Viceroy's Arch

Public Notice

I liked Old Goa because I like seeing historical sites and architecture. The Goan pronounces the street names, area in Portuguese dialect. It was difficult remembering those names, for example "Mapusa". The Goan pronounce it Mapsa, the u is silent. I was pronouncing "Mapusa". Few times I made a fool out of myself.

In Goa you can hire a motorcycle with very cheap rates. Many tourist was using a  motorcycle. I used my foot. I enjoyed it. It wasn't too hot. I spent three nights in Goa. Now my next destination was Mumbai.

Less than I week left before I heard back to Lucknow.

Regards
Ravi