Kerala: Ft. Cochin and Backwaters

Asia » India » Kerala » Kochi
April 16th 2008

Published: April 19th 2008

Traveling in Kerala

Went on a long weekend trip to Kerala. What a great place to chill! We spent a couple of days in Ft. Cochin and then an amazing trip on a houseboat through the backwaters.

Additional photos below

Photos: 24, Displayed: 22

Ft. Cochin Square

Tree -lined center of the action

Famous Fruit Platters

Spent a great deal of time chilling, eating giant fresh fruit platters and watching dolphins jump around in the water. Unfortunately the dolphins were a bit camera shy....

Chinese Fishing Nets

These nets were lined up along the water in Ft. Cochin. Men lowered the nets into the water by walking up the poles and using their weight to push them underwater. Then, they raised them using ropes.

Chinese Fishing Nets

There were fresh fish markets directly behind the nets, where you could pick out fresh seafood that had just been caught in the nets. They would cook up your selection on the spot, or take it over to a near by restaurant

Fishing

Water Buffalo on the beach

My favorite ;) A herd of water buffalo resting in the shade on the beach ... only in India.

Jew Town

Area where there used to be a large Jewish population (presumably having fled occupation in Jerusalem in 587 BC) Only a few families are left, and it's mainly a market and shopping area now.

Pardesi Synagogue

Founded in 1568

Kathakali Dancing

Traditional dancing from Kerala. Hand and body movements tell a story of a 'Bad'Guy above trying to seduce another guys wife.

Kathakali

Elaborate makeup and costumes!

Eye guy

This guy did amazing things with his eyes and facial muscles! He moved his eyes back and forth in time with drums, and demonstrated every emotion without saying a word.