OUR TRIP TO KERALA - FINALE

BACK TO KOCHI

We left kumarakom on our way back to Kochi, thus completing a full circle. We reached the outskirts of Kochi after a drive of about two hours. We stopped at "Fort Kochi" which is an area of water-bound regions located towards the south-west of mainland Kochi. It is famous for its Jewish quarter, the Dutch Palace and the "Chinese fishing nets" - the last introduced (Wikipedia)by the Chinese explorer Zheng He . 

A TYPICAL CHINESE FISHING NET

According to Wikipedia, the Chinese fishing nets are fixed land installations for an unusual form of fishing — shore operated lift nets. Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across. Each structure is at least 10 m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. Each installation is operated by a team of up to six fishermen. The system is sufficiently balanced that the weight of a man walking along the main beam is sufficient to cause the net to descend into the sea. The net is left for a short time, possibly just a few minutes, before it is raised by pulling on ropes.

Among all the common wealth countries of the world, the Jewish Synagogue, Kochi is the oldest existing synagogue. The prosperous Jewish trading community built it in 1568 AD.

The Jewish Synagogue, Kochi

In the mid 18th century, the clock tower was attached to the main building of the synagogue. The interior of the Jewish Synagogue at Kochi is adorned with Belgian chandeliers and grand lightings. 

After a quick lunch, we visited the "Kerala Folklore Theater and Museum", which contains unique works of art and ancient artifacts of Kerala, all apparently collected by one man. This museum turned out to be a veritable treasure trove and is strongly recommended for a visit.

Close Up - Kerala Masks

General View of the Mask Display

Ornate Wooden Ceiling & Chandeliers

Tanjore Style Paintings

Painting of Kathakali Dancers

The visit to the museum brought us to the end of our trip. It only remained to drive to the airport for our return flight. It was a very pleasant drive with coconut palms and greenery all around us.

After and hour or so, we arrived at the Kochi Airport and said Goodbye to our chauffer who had been our constant companion for about a week and had shown us so many beautiful things.

Cochin Airport (Image: www.cochinairport.org)

We checked in at the airport and boarded our flight after some time. We felt sad at going but silently made up our minds to return to "God's Own Country" someday.