Kumarakom Cochin local sightseeing and back to Mumbai
We woke up early in the morning to have a look at the sunrise in the lake and have morning tea in the garden. We spent the next two three hours in the garden with hammocks and watching the house boats passing by.
We checked out at 12:00 noon and headed towards Cochin for local sight seeing and return to Mumbai in the late evening flight. The distance was less this day and in about one and a half hour we reached Cochin and went to see the museum, but the time we reached there there was lunch break and it was to open after 3:00 PM
Then Deepu took us to a popular vegetarian restaurant for lunch. We ordered north Indian Thali as we were having south Indian food for the past four days but it was not at all good both look wise and taste wise. It was difficult to judge which dishes we were offered in the Thali. 9 (Tip: Enjoy south Indian food only in Kerala, which is at its best.)
Local sight seeing in Cochin
After lunch we headed towards fort Cochin, the beach. As it was hot and humid in the day the place had a deserted look. We also saw Chinese fishing nets etc. There are innumerable heritage buildings here some dating back to the times of Vasco Da Gama, the first Portuguese sailor to India.
Fort Cochin
The architectural style of the buildings and the town layout easily make Fort Cochin distinct from other cities and towns of Kerala. Since Fort Cochin was under the possession of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British at different points of time, the region still bear the influence of European architecture. The shops around sell antiques, carved wooden artifacts, bronze sculptures, old jewellery, rugs, carpets and furniture.
Then we visited the various old churches nearby Fort Cochin and the Jewish Synagogue. Dutch Palace and some buildings were closed on that day maybe on Friday they do so.
Navy Maritime Museum inside INS Dronacharya
We also visited the Navy Maritime Museum inside INS Dronacharya nearby having a good collection of old naval equipments, uniforms, badges, medals, guns, etc. The Maritime Museum showcases the origin, history and evolution of Indian Navy. It has separate galleries dedicated to Kerala and Indian Maritime histories.
The Cochin Marine Drive
In the evening we went to Marine drive at Cochin. The Marine Drive is built facing the backwaters of Kochi. It is a popular hangout for the local populace as well as the tourists. There are shopping malls, cafes and food joints present along the walkway.
Due to hot and humid climate, we got exhausted and at 7:00 PM Deepu dropped us at the cochin Airport. The flight was late by 2 hours. Finally it took off at 11:00 PM and landed at Mumbai airport at 12:30 AM
Tips
- Cochin was hot and humid in Feb end. Not suitable for outdoor activities during the daytime.
- Cross check the timings and closing dates of the monuments before visiting them. We missed some of them.
- As we have not booked anything in advance, and paid for the taxi also on the last day we moved as per our wishes which was very helpful
- The taxi service was excellent and I will recommend this to all. The owner Prajith has a fleet with all types of vehicles. His number is 09847157744, and the mobile number of Deepu is 09744284919. Deepu can be contacted for any kind of query regarding Kerala travel.