Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride)

Tripoto
4th Dec 2015
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 1/19 by Nithin
Cherai beach
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 2/19 by Nithin
Jewish Synagogue
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 3/19 by Nithin
kuzhipalli Beach
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 4/19 by Nithin
Munambam beach
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 5/19 by Nithin
kuzhipalli Beach
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 6/19 by Nithin
munambam beach
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 7/19 by Nithin
Fort Kochi Beach
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 8/19 by Nithin
St. Francis Church
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 9/19 by Nithin
Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 10/19 by Nithin
Vasco house
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 11/19 by Nithin
Vallarpadam basilica of our lady
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 12/19 by Nithin
Kettuvalam Bridge Marine drive.
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 13/19 by Nithin
Rainbow Bridge marine drive.
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 14/19 by Nithin
Kettuvalam Bridge
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 15/19 by Nithin
marine drive night photogrpahy
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 16/19 by Nithin
marine drive
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 17/19 by Nithin
Dutch Palace
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 18/19 by Nithin
Wellingdon island
Photo of Cochin – Queen of Arabian Sea (Beach Ride) 19/19 by Nithin
Night view of marine drive

My home town Kochi or u may call it as Cochin, it’s all the same. It is a major port city on the south-west coast of India by the Arabian Sea and is part of the district of Ernakulam in the state of Kerala. It is often called Ernakulam. There is a saying in Malayalam “kochi Kandavane achhi venda”, it means one who has seen or rather experienced the feel of kochi will forget about his wife or family if married and if not married will feel like why should I even get married. Kochi has lots to offer for every kind of person.

As always to calm my mind after hectic work of 14 days in offshore in Mumbai, when I get back to cochin I prefer to take my Royal Enfield Thunder bird and start early from home to one of its best place to start my day – Fort Kochi beach.

Fort Kochi beach Way to Fort Kochi will make u feel different in every way, you will feel like travelling through a lushly green environment of Kochi and a sudden entry to Old Dutch place. On your way you will see many building still maintained in Old Dutch style. Early morning jogging beside fort Kochi beach will rejuvenate your soul. Try to reach there before sunrise. It is heavenly experience to view the Chinese nets in the beach against the background of the colorful sunrise moments. You can see lot of street artists in this part of Cochin, u will see graffiti work in walls near the beach. And if u are pure art lover then during December when Kochi Muziris Biennale takes place that’s the time to visit .it is an international exhibition of contemporary art held in Kochi. Kashi art café, dal roti and upstairs are few places you don’t want to miss if u are a foodie.Other places to see around fort Kochi beach are

Photo of Fort Kochi Beach, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin
Photo of Fort Kochi Beach, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin
Photo of Fort Kochi Beach, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin
Photo of Fort Kochi Beach, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin

It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that, his burial spot inside the church has been clearly marked out.

Photo of St Francis Church, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin

Vasco house, located on Rose Street, is believed to be one of the oldest Portuguese houses in India. Vasco da Gama is believed to have lived here. This house features European glass paned windows and verandahs.

Photo of Vasco House, Rose Street, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin

The original church, situated in Fort Kochi, was built by the Portuguese in 1505 and named as a cathedral in 1558. The British colonists destroyed the cathedral in 1795. The current structure was built in 1905 and raised to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.

Photo of Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Santa Cruz Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin

The synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.

The synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.

Photo of Jewish Synagogue, Synagogue Lane, Jew Town, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin

The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. The palace is located in Mattancherry.

Photo of Dutch Palace, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin

This man-made island was created in 1933 by sand dredged while deepening the backwaters for the Cochin Port, under the direction of Sir Robert Bristow. From the boat jetty area of Willingdon Island we can see the two beautiful architectural wonders in marine drive kochi. It’s a good spot for an evening outing. You have a small park as well for kids.After finishing all these areas. My next destination was cherrai beach and munambam beach. I took ferry from the Fortkochi to Vypeen. Started off from vypeen to cherrai beach. On the way took a halt at Kuzhipalli beach, it’s a nice beach to spend your evening with a small pine tree forest area close to sea shore. I reach cherrai beach spend some time there.

Photo of Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin
Photo of Kuzhupilly Beach House, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin
Photo of Kuzhupilly Beach House, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin

A picturesque beach, located on the north-end of the Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. Lined with luscious green coconut groves and paddy fields, this sandy beach is a unique combination of the sea and the backwaters, studded with seashells of various hues and shapes. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. Thick coconut groves and Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront are added attractions.I had my lunch from a restaurant near cherrai beach, if you are a seafood lover u will get lots of restaurants serving good sea food near by the beach. Then after having lunch went to munambam beach.

Photo of Cherai Beach, Vypin, Kerala, India by Nithin

Situated at the northern end of Cherai Beach, Munambam beach (Muziris Golden Beach) is where the River Periyar flows into the Arabian Sea. It is a perfect place to sit and enjoy the views, and watch local fishermen in their traditional canoes and colourful boats. The stunning sunset forms the classic backdrop and provides marvellous inspiration to any keen photographer. Since I am photographer I just enjoyed every part of it. After spending my time till sunset at munambam beach I started back my journey to my next destination marine drive. On my way I stopped at The Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam-Ernakulam is a famous centre of pilgrimage. People from all parts of Kerala and outside, irrespective of caste or creed go to the church to seek the blessings of Mary, the mother of Jesus, popularly known as "Vallarpadathamma".

Photo of Munambam Beach, Cherai Beach - Munambam Road, Munambam, Vypin, India by Nithin
Photo of Munambam Beach, Cherai Beach - Munambam Road, Munambam, Vypin, India by Nithin

Vallarpadam-Ernakulam is a famous centre of pilgrimage. People from all parts of Kerala and outside, irrespective of caste or creed go to the church to seek the blessings of Mary, the mother of Jesus, popularly known as "Vallarpadathamma".

Photo of Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam Church Road, Vallarpadam, Ernakulam, Kerala, India by Nithin

It is a picturesque promenade in Kochi, It is built facing the backwaters, and is a popular hangout for the local populace. Ironic to its name, no vehicles are allowed on the walkway. Marine Drive is also an economically thriving part of the city of Kochi. With several shopping malls it is as an important centre of shopping activity in Kochi. The view of the setting and rising sun over the sea mouth, and the gentle breeze from the Vembanad Lake has made Marine Drive an important tourist destination in Kochi. Hundreds of people (both natives, and tourists) throng the walkway during the evenings. The walkway starts from the High Court Junction and continues until the Rajendra Maidan. There are also several boat jetties along the walkway. You can go for short boat rides by evening which will have loud music and dance floor to move body to tune of the song.The walkway has two contemporarily constructed bridges, the Rainbow bridge and the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge. At night when light comes on it’s a spectacular view that one shouldn’t miss and also don’t miss the ‘Kuluki Sarbath’ a cool drink that u will get near the walkway of marine drive. I spend my time there till around 8.00 pm and headed back home.It’s a just one part of cochin for beach lovers. More places are there for culture lovers, historic place lover s and foodies.

Photo of Marine Drive, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin
Photo of Marine Drive, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin
Photo of Marine Drive, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin
Photo of Marine Drive, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin
Photo of Marine Drive, Kochi, Kerala, India by Nithin