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| Breakfast on the train at Kannur Station early Wednesday(8/3/2023) morning. Idli/wada with Kerala tomato chutney/ Sambar. Something different to normal. |
Finally my various Indian ship port stay's during employment in the "Merchant Navy(1983-2006)" and post employment retirement, my own personal nomadic travel of touring across the entire Indian sub-continent at my own expense was paying dividends .Lakshadweep Islands was the last frontier of India on which i had not set foot to join "Bragger's Rights Club" of having travelled across the entire length and breadth of India.On my previous booking in 2016 the "M.V.Kavaratti" ship cruise to Lakshadweep was cancelled and hence travelled and explored Kochi , the same explained in detail in the previous travelogue. Now exactly after 7 long years it was a familiar train journey to Ernakulam junction.
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| Arrival at Ernakulam Junction Railway Station .Function celebrating " INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY" for Railway Employees was in progress. |
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| " Nomadic International traveller" Inaugurating my first Metro Rail travel in Kochi. World Class Metro System. |
Tuesday(7/3/2023)Departure Mumbai from Panvel Station :- For the first time after years of outstation train travel from Mumbai had to travel all the way to distant Panvel to board the " 16345/ Netravati Exp " as there was some technical problem at original source of starting point at " L.T.T Terminus".Was informed by the railway's the previous day about change in starting point station over " Messenger" application on my phone.As it was a public holiday celebrating " Holi Festival" the local train was empty and reached Panvel station at 1015 hrs,better late than too late.Walked across the overbridge onto platform No 7 and suddenly a young man handed me my debit cards which had fallen off from my pocket.I have a jinxed habit of my credit /debit cards falling from my pocket while I put my hands to remove something from my pocket.This time it happened while I probably removed the train ticket from my pocket.Has happened twice before and luckily no damage to my accounts.Thanked the young man who was heading to Goa and whiled away my time awaiting arrival of the train expected at 1250 hrs.
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| View of Cherai Beach at High Tide.A very long stretch of sand beach and at times dolphins are sighted in the sea. |
It was a freak cloudy day of March madness and experienced a slight drizzle of rain,unbelievable in March and hence weather was excellent and cool.Train arrived on platform No 7 at 1230 hrs and boarded " S3 " compartment onto seat No 44.Departure from Panvel Station was at 1255 hrs and as usual relaxed in my middle- class train accommodation for the journey to Ernakulam Junction.As usual picked up a conversation with co- passenger's Mr Venkatesh.Pai from Calicut residing in Thane with whom I spoke in Konkani and Mr Walid.Wangde from Chiplun, a air-condition workshop entrepreneur residing in Masjid Bunder in Mumbai .
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| Beautiful tourist room rentals in cottages at Cherai Beach. |
Understood a bit of peak train travel in Mumbai and skyrocketing real estate prices of the suburbs from Walid..Mr Walid.Wangde told me that on auspicious festivals the trains are mostly empty which proved true for to my surprise on " Holi Day" travelling in 2nd Class sleeper was akin to upgradation to First class train travel minus the luxury of the central air-condition cooling.Travel educates.Excellent train journey and for the first time in my lifetime of " Second Class" long distance train travel spent the night in a empty sleeper section where 5 of the 8 sleeper berths were vacant for the night.
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| Boat rides on backwaters of Cherai Beach. |
Just 3 of us passengers in our 8 sleeper berth section. Unbelievable in 2nd Class train travel in India. On arrival at Kannur station breakfast was unique" Idli/wada with Sambar/ Tomato chutney" and finally at 1245 hrs reached destination " Ernakulam Junction " .Since it was " Woman's Day" came across a felicitation ceremony of railway women employee's on platform No 1.Out of Ernakulam junction station headed towards Metro station and lunch at Rs 80 was one of the cheapest and tastiest vegetarian thali at " Mughal restaurant" situated near entrance to the Metro Station.In 2016 the Metro was under construction and hence decided to do my first travel on this new travel line in Kochi.
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| One for the camera's. "Going Fishing" with a local fisherman's catch at Cherai Beach. |
Entered the Metro station and after paying Rs 20 for the ticket went up 2 storey's by escalator to platform No 1.Boarded the Metro train heading to Aluva and except for the normal local Indian commuters if blindfolded and put on this Metro would presume I was travelling in a First World country.Excellent and well maintained.Alighted after the second stop at " M.G.Road" and thanks to the lift alighted two floors down from the platform exit.Amazing Kochi Metro System with escalators and lifts making commuting easy for everyone.From M.G Road Metro station it was a slight confusing walk to once upon a time in 2016 familiar " Booking.com" travel adda " St Antonys Lodge" on Basin Road.After 7 years still remembered main landmark indicator's of this locale and after a little bit of inquiry found my way to the lodge after walking across the dirty market garbage dump and crossing the iconic Basin canal Bridge. Seems time stood still at " St Antonys lodge" and lodge manager Mr Xavier . Antony allotted me " Room No 8" on the second floor having a common bath.
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| Many local's fish on the backwaters of Cherai Beach.Tiny fish and no big catch .Just for local consumption . |
After a quick refreshing bathe changed clothes and made inquiries with Mr Xavier regarding mode of transport to Cherai Beach.Goshree bridges is a system of three bridges that link the mainland side of the city of Ernakulam to the islands lying to the north of the backwaters of Kochi.It provides the vital road connectivity to the islands of Bolgatty and Vallarpadam and also links the western island of Vypin to the mainland. The bridges start from the northern end of Marine Drive between High Court and Pachalam.On my previous visit to Kochi had never travelled across the Goshree bridges always using the water boat ferry system to visit Fort Kochi.Was familiar with the topography and walked the short distance to High Court Junction to board the bus to Cherai beach .Didn't have to wait long but the bus was as crowded as Mumbai's train's and at a ticket cost of Rs 30 it was a long 20 Kms journey to Cherai Beach situated on Vypin Island .
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| Chinese Fishing Net" at Cherai Beach Backwaters. |
Met a few North Indian migrants working as barber's in Kochi travelling on the same bus and with Hindi being the common lingua franca on alighting at Cherai after over a hours bus ride we boarded a rickshaw and headed to the beach.I always do a thorough travelogue research of even the most insignificant place on my solo tour itinerary and honestly Cherai Beach was a total disappointment to all the hype I read about it.Probably having travelled across entire India,including beaches, my expectations were too high in comparison to the average tourists which included foreigners.
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| Don't swim but do " Canoe Boating" on backwaters of Cherai Beach. Absolutely scenic and peaceful ambiance |
Besides the beautiful scenic backwaters and a few Chinese fishing nets I found Cherai beach average in comparison to Marari beach to which it is often compared and which I had visited in 2016 and had a beach swim. .Utterly disappointed but at the same time adding another feather to my travel cap walked towards the backwaters and spoke to two fisherman fishing for small fish on country rod's.Posed for the usual tourist photo-shoot with their fishing rod and boarded a rickshaw back to Cherai bus stand.
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| Landmark " St Antonys Lodge" as seen from across the Basin Canal from the "BANANA MARKET",the largest in Kerala or even India. |
Boating is a popular sport on the backwaters of Cherai Beach which also has some extremely pretty tourist cottages with reasonably priced rental rooms.Lucky to get a bus immediately and on the way back home noticed some excellent fish stalls, absolutely clean and on par with first World fish markets.Passed alongside the " Lulu Convention Centre" and the Port harbour.On my way back to the lodge purchased the famous Kerala yellow bananas for dinner.A sleepless night due to mosquito menace.
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| Early morning tea at the base of a mountain of banana's in Ernakulam Banana market, the largest in Kerala or even India.Notice the Lorry's filled with banana's to be offloaded to various retailers across Kochi. |
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| Canoe fishing boats offloading the day's catch at Ernakulam fish market wharf along the Basin Canal.Dates back to over 150 years of trading on this canal and could soon become extinct due to degeneration of Basin Canal and rapid fishing industry Industrialization. |
Thursday(9/3/2023)Ernakulam:- Thanks to the mosquito menace my normal 4 hrs sleep was reduced to just 2 hrs , bizarre but true.Excellent lodge considering room rental and locale in the heart of Ernakulam but being next to the dirtiest natural water canal and proximity to Kochi's largest market makes this locale a breeding ground for mosquitoes.At 0630 hrs made my way into familiar surroundings crossing the canal Bridge and witnessing the largest banana transportation and distribution in India let alone Kerala or Kochi.To be seen to be believed and as appearances can be deceptive i am sure a few of the traders among these laborer's could be " HNI( High Net Individual income)" Kochi locals.
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| 21st century fish shop's in Ernakulam.Kochi has fish Shops on par with First World Country's in terms of cleanliness and shop decor. |
Later for the first time observed 2 small fishing canoe boats discharging their catch of freshly caught fish onto the small wharf of " Basin Road". This market dates back to over 150 years during the spice trade era when canoe boats would crisscross the Basin Canal to deliver cargo into this market akin to the Canal system of Venice in Italy. Till 1990 this canal was used by boats for cargo transport to the markets as this canal is directly linked to the Vembunad lake. Sadly in recent years it has evolved into a virtual waste canal gutter and hence today I had the privilege to witness ancient style of transport in " Basin Road Fish market". Finally after two cups of tea at the local chaiwalla situated next to the truckload of banana lorries walked the short distance back to the lodge.
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| Breakfast at historical Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort . |
Got dressed and made my way to High Court Junction.There are three landmark churches in the vicinity of High Court junction and on the way visited St Francis Assisi Church and later boarded a autorickshaw deciding to have breakfast in Bolgatty Palace , the only Palace built by the Dutch outside Holland.The autorickshaw driver drove me right into the hotel estate with the fare amounting to Rs 60.In 2016 had seen Bolgatty Island externally from the passenger boat on my way to Fort Kochi and here today I was a guest at this historic landmark hotel for buffet breakfast. A huge palatial estate having a mini golf course and a tiny swimming pool.Breakfast timings was from 0700-1000 hrs at the " Pearl Spot Restaurant" and although a 3- Star Hotel had the ambiance of a 5- Star Hotel not to forget its rare history in modern 21st century Kochi. .
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| Main Bolgatty Palace building in the Bolgatty Palace estate now converted to a hotel, " Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort". |
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| Internal view of " Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort " |
Breakfast was nothing very special, typical vegetarian South/ North Indian dishes with the only non- vegetarian menu being chicken sausages and egg omelet. Loved the Kerala style steam banana,the only specialty among otherwise common dishes served in 5- Star ambiance.The buffet breakfast bill amounted to Rs 450 approximately, absolutely a steal considering the hotel's history and ambiance, least of all the excellent quality of no- limit breakfast. Ahoy ! After breakfast did some sightseeing of this historical Palace now a hotel.
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| Main reception hall of " Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort " A former Dutch Palace. Preserving the historical significance of the hotel. |
The main original Palace has been converted into guest rooms .A wedding had been held on the Palace grounds the previous day and the temporary structure was being dismantled reminding me of lavish weddings held at the Mahalaxmi racecourse grounds in Mumbai.The view of the surrounding island's of Kochi is spectacular from Bolgatty Island and with my binoculars spotted a tanker " Hari Leela" discharging its cargo at its terminal.Got a close-up view of the flotilla jetty and spotted a expensive catamaran parked among the boats.
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| If visiting Kochi don't leave without a visit to Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort. Unbelievable serenity and natural beauty. |
The ultra wealthy are a different species of humans.Ahoy ! Finally having fulfilled my travel desire of visiting Bolgatty Palace made my exit out of this tiny World of aristocratic luxury and indescribable peace.Who says money can't buy you happiness ? Boarded a autorickshaw and on a hire charge of Rs 50 alighted at " Ernakulam Main Boat Jetty" .Was in the nick of time to purchase a ticket and board the passenger launch heading to Vypin Island with intermediate stops at Willingdon Island and Fort Kochi.
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| Vypin Lighthouse at Puthuvype. The tallest Lighthouse in Kerala with a height of 46 Meters. |
After passing Willingdon Island and approaching Kotchi Fort to my astonishment at approximately 1105 hrs suddenly spotted a few dolphins swimming ahead of the launch on Vembunad lake. With my binoculars got a close-up view and after ages spotted Dolphins in the wild.In fact yesterday my long distance bus journey to Cherai Beach was with the hope of spotting dolphins as that is one of the main reasons for popularity of Cherai Beach among outstation foreign tourists.Wildlife sightings on land or in water is totally dependent on luck as here in a heavy traffic channel of ships and boats I chanced upon spotting at least 3 dolphins from close distance.
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| " Birds Eye view" from Vypin Lighthouse viewing Gallery. |
All the co- passengers were thrilled and now I won't be surprised if tourists queue up for passenger boat rides with the hope of spotting the elusive dolphins..It was sheer fluke that our boat chanced upon sighting these dolphins as I am certain this is not their normal navigation route .Finally after a brief halt at Fort Kochi jetty reached Vypin Jetty.Vypin Island has one of the highest per capita/ land density population in the World and same was visible on the street with rows of parked vehicles and numerous passengers waiting for their respective bus. As usual after asking for directions boarded a bus heading towards Puthuvype where Vypin Lighthouse is located .
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| View of Vypin Beach from Vypin Lighthouse. Excellent sand and beach length. |
To my dismay the bus was not directly going towards Puthuvype but passing through the nearest point to the lighthouse.A co- passenger guided me as to the actual stop for alighting and on alighting found out that the lighthouse was approximately 2 Kms away with autorickshaw drivers quoting Rs 50 for my normal swimming distance let alone walking distance.Ahoy ! Decided to walk the distance to Vypin Lighthouse situated at Puthuvype with a liter of bottled drinking water as my energy drink back-up in the blistering Kochi heat.
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| 21st century Ernakulam skyline. Skyscraper buildings in comparison to Old Ernakulam. CHANGE IS PERMANENT |
Finally at approximately 1210 was at the entrance of " Vypin Lighthouse ".I was the lone tourist and on payment of Rs 20 was allowed entry into the lighthouse building which had a security guard on duty.Was allotted a time frame of 30 minutes on top of the lighthouse viewing gallery which thankfully had a elevator service upto the third floor.The original lighthouse which was functioning in Fort Kochi from 1839 was shifted to Puthuvype in 1979 and now called the "Vypin Lighthouse".The lighthouse tower has a height of 46 metres (151 ft) and is made of double layered concrete. The light beam has the range of 28 nautical miles (52 km/ 32 miles ).The view from the top was indescribable and akin to a V.I.P I had the entire viewing deck to my convenience as otherwise most tourist viewing decks get crowded .
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| St Mary's Cathedral Basilica. |
After fulfilling my viewing and photographic desires made my way back down to Terra firma.The security guard told me a bus was available at 1240 hrs but after a short wait presumed it could be cancelled. Hence decided to walk the same distance back hoping to catch a auto-rickshaw on the way as this was a deserted road.Luck favoured me and boarded a shared autorickshaw to the main road juction and made my way to the bus stop.Bizzarely certain days always seem lucky and today was one of those lucky day's and after a short wait got a direct bus to Ernakulam.
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| Ernakulam Boat Jetty. |
Alighted at the now familiar " High Court Road Junction" and made my way towards the lodge.Suddenly realized that this locality had maximum churches / chapels akin to Goa with St Mary's Syro Malabar Cathedral Basilica being one of the oldest churches in Kochi.Also passed alongside the palatial " Latin Archbishop House" realizing that Kerala is the root of the origins of the spread of Christianity through Jesus Christ's Apostle St Thomas who landed in Kerala.
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| Inside the well maintained common Passenger ferry boat.For the first time also came across a " Ferry Boat T..C" to check for ticketless Travellers. |
Read my travelogue of my visit to the church from where St Thomas spread Christianity.It is St Thomas and not the Portuguese who laid the roots of Christianity in the sub continent of India.Finally reached " St Antonys Lodge" named after the Catholic Saint St Anthony of Padua.Dinner was a simple masala dosa with orange juice and later the famous " Kerala Banana" as dessert. For the night some insecticide spray was used along with a odomos coil and hence didn't suffer from mosquito irritation.
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| Palatial buildings on Malabar Road of Willingdon Island on the Willingdon jetty side of the island. |
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| Beautiful boulevard on Willingdon Island. |
Friday(10/3/2023)Departure Ernakulam to Cruise ship Kavaratti:- checked out of St Antonys Lodge at around 0630 hrs and walked the distance to High Court Junction.Boarded a empty bus with a helpful conductor guiding me to the alightment stop of " Ernakulam Boat Jetty" with the ticket priced at Rs 13.Alighting the bus at Ernakulam Boat Jetty bus stop made the short walk across the road to " Ernakulam Boat Jetty".Purchased a Rs 6 boat ticket and didn't have to wait long to board the boat.On alighting at Willingdon Boat Jetty inquired directions to Lakshadweep wharf and was directed towards the main office building which was a long early morning walk of about 1.5 Kms.
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| Mattancherry Wharf on Willingdon Island. |
On reaching the main office which was closed entered a tea stall and had my early morning tea.My 6th sense which unbelievably has also kept me afloat in the speculation game of "Stock Market Investments" told me something was not right about my locale .On further inquiry was told that the main passenger boarding terminal was almost 2 Kms away from this main Lakshadweep head office building.
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| Finally after a grand marathon walk of at least 3 Kms with luggage reached Lakshadweep passenger boarding terminal. |
Luckily being early morning the weather was cool and walked the 2 Kms distance to the main ferry terminal office reaching at 0830 hrs and happy on seeing a large crowd of tourist passengers.I had literally circumnavigated the island of Willingdon alighting the ferry at Willingdon jetty and walking all the way to the other side of the island to Mattancherry Jetty. Call this the impossible discovery walk of Willingdon Island at my young age.Ahoy ! Here is the link of my Cruise on "M.V.Kavaratti" across Lakshadweep Islands : -
| https://cruiselakshadweep.blogspot.com/?m=0 |
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| Landmark Kerala High Court in Ernakulam. |
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| " Fried Fish/ Veg Thali" in " VKV" Restaurant on High Court Road. Excellent economically priced Malayalee food. Favourite haunt of Lawyers. |
Tuesday(14/3/2023,) Arrival Ernakulam after " 5 Day Samudram Lakshadweep Tour" : - Arrived at Ernakulam Harbour on board " M.V.Kavaratti " at 0830 hrs in the morning and after boarding the ferry at Willingdon Jetty reached Ernakulam and finally " St Antonys lodge".The eternal " Nomad " is at home in any locale in India or the globe depending on circumstances and situations.Was allotted " Room No 6" which was the opposite side of " Room No 8" during my previous stay at this lodge.This Room had a excellent view of the Basin Canal and Kerala's largest banana market.After a luxurious " 5- Star Style" single a/ C accommodation on " M.V.Kavaratti" was dreading another sleepless night in the company of mosquitoes at " St Antonys Lodge ". Otherwise felt I was in Venice as the view from " Room No 6" was spectacular.Went through mail and social websites as unbelievably in 2023 I was totally cut-off from Internet/ Phone reception during my " 5 Day Lakshadweep Samudram Cruise".
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| A peep into tiny Malgalavanam Bird Sanctuary. Tree with a colony of flying foxes. |
Later in the afternoon quenched my thirst with a Kingfisher beer bottle( Rs 140) and relaxed in St Antonys lodge situated at " Chota Basin road Venice ", my own description of the locale.Ahoy ! After beer walked back the same distance towards Kerala High Court and lunch was at hotel" VKV" situated on High Court Road bang opposite the High Court building.This was a authentic local Malayalee hotel with the menu printed only in Malayalam and seems to be the main lunch house of the High Court lawyers.Lunch was Tilapia fried fish with vegetarian thali in the midst of lawyers in their typical court attire.Excellent large Tilapia fried fish with boiled rice and vegetables costing only Rs 170.
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| Canal water and Mangrove Forests of " Malgalavanam Bird Sanctuary " |
After lunch walked the short distance to " Malgalavanam Bird Sanctuary" situated on the backside of the High Court building. A tiny bird park with marshy land and mangroves fed by the canal water system.Entrance ticket was Rs 10 and for all the writeups a total disappointment .The bird sanctuary resembled a large garden with dense undergrowth and although I heard the cooing of wild doves and Koels managing to spot a pond heron realized that this tiny bird sanctuary was also a sanctuary for college students wanting some privacy .From my balcony in Mumbai I have spotted more bird species than in " Malgalavanam Bird Sanctuary. The only unique sight in this park was a tree filled with large flying foxes and with my binoculars got to study these unique mamals.After the "COVID 19" pandemic that devastated Planet Earth "Bats" were suspected to have been the link in transmitting "Covid 19" to humans although this theory has been unproven.Seeing this tree filled with large flying foxes was one of my best bird sightings in years and happy to realize bats were not persecuted .
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| Procession passing through " High Court Road" with motorcyclists leading the procession. |
".The bird park is educative for children as portraits of various bird species are displayed along with a description of the bird.I presume early morning and late evenings would offer better sightings but sadly the park's opening timings are 1000 - 1700 hrs, definitely not right time for bird twitching.Later after a brief observation of the colony of bats walked back to the lodge and relaxed in "Chota Basin road Venice".
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| One of the most colourful and longest non -political procession I have seen in my lifetime. Organized by " Ernakulam Traders Association". |
Later in the evening walked towards High Court Road Junction and was at the " Right Place at the right time" to witness one or the longest live procession I have seen in my lifetime.First a posse of mostly Royal Enfield motorcycles led the procession on the road followed by bare chested men beating drums along with flag waving marchers and later some men dressed in ritual costumes. Also involved were a pair of horses and on inquiry was told that this procession was conducted by " Ernakulam Merchant traders". Since all the signboards were in Malayalam just couldn't identify the slogans or sponsors of this real expensive show of pomp, money and power.
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| Pair of horses in this expensive and colourful procesion seen in my lifetime. |
Dinner was Masala Dossa/ Lassi at plush hotel Saravana Bhavan vegetarian costing Rs 140, cheap for quality of snack and restaurant..
Wednesday(15/3/2023) Departure Ernakulam:- Unbelievable thanks to mosquito coil repellant did manage my luxurious 4 hrs sleep with not a single mosquito bite.Same lodge but just a change of room and use of mosquito repellant. " St Antonys Lodge" is the only hotel/ hostel/ homestay/ lodge that I have revisited in my travels across India or the Globe as I never visit the same city or Country twice.With this repeat stay in St Antonys lodge for joining cruise ship " M.V.Kavaratti " have completed my life's ambition of touching every geographical corner of sub- continent India
.At approximately 0520 hrs was officially woken with the loud call of Muezzins Prayers over the loudspeaker from the Mosque.At 0600 hrs heard the Church bells ring and later after a bathe headed outside the lodge crossing Basin Canal Bridge onto the wholesale banana market.After a cup of tea visited the Canoe boat fish market wharf for a photo shoot.As a big fan of National Geographic/ Animal Planet fish angler detective Jeremy..Wade took photographs holding a large fish in each hand.According to my estimation the day's of Ernakulam market in its present form could become history as Ernakulam gradually modernizes to large shopping complexes and plush fish market shops.
My photographs could be of historical significance a few decades or even a decade from now.Change is permanent and I have seen change in various occupations and city's during my own lifetime including my own former profession of shipping and my home city of Bombay now Mumbai.Next walked upto " Muslim Street" and came across " St Thomas Church" which is a Syrian Christian church.Entered the Ernakulam dry fish market which had a large variety of different species of dry fish.Breakfast was Kerala and kochi's signature vegetarian snack " Banana Fritters/ Tea" costing Rs 30 at a local restaurant .Later did my mandatory shopping of authentic Kerala Banana chips and Kerala Halwa from landmark " Malabar Chips" shop situated on Jews street in Ernakulam Market, all walking distance from St Antonys Lodge.
As a snack thirst quencher later walked the short distance to Banerji Road which is the only liquor shop in Basin Road vicinity and purchased a " Kingfisher Storm" beer costing Rs 120.Surprisingly in the humid Ernakulam weather cold chilled beer was not available and seems consumption of liquor is taboo in Kerala although sale of " Lottery Tickets" is a craze among locals.WHEN WILL SPORTS BETTING BE LEGALIZED IN INDIA ? Finally back at my lodge room after a short rest checked out at 1115 hrs and asking directions walking across Ernakulam market past Jews street finally reached MG Road Metro junction.
Lunch was " Aapam/ Sardine fish fry" at " Mughal Hotel" .Earlier i was surprised to receive a message saying that my seat had been upgraded from 2nd Class sleeper to Class " 3A" without any extra charges.After lunch and on platform verification of the train walked onto platform No 3 awaiting arrival of " 16346/ Nethravathi Exp".Train was punctual at 1350 hrs and boarded A/ C compartment " B4" onto " Seat No 38" with the cool A/ C providing relief from the humid Kochi Summer .No difference between " 3- Tier A/c" and " Second Class sleeper" except in the air-conditioning comfort and provision of pillow ,bedsheet and blanket for a good night's sleep.
Dinner was " Chicken fried/ Curry/ Chappati( Rs 180) " which was a waste of money , tasteless.Compartment was " Housefull" and thanks to the cool but not chill A/C ambient temp that I managed my 4 hours sleep. At 0800 hrs breakfast was " Bread/ Omelet( Rs 50) " .Lunch was " Chicken biryani( Rs 150)" and worth the price.My co- passengers were a few young Keralite men and a elderly lady Mrs Ambika.Niar on her way to Mumbai .In Mumbai,her city of residence , she was the organizer of a " Ladies Sai Baba Pilgrimage" from Andheri in Mumbai to Shirdi.This pilgrimage was a total of 9 days continuous walking with rest stops and she had done this pilgrimage before. She was travelling with a male relative companion and had previously also done the " Narmada parikrama" pilgrimage consisting of approximately 3 months and showed me her pilgrimage album. Amazing as she was in her 60's and frail looking with her pilgrimage album proving the facts.Travel educates .Mrs Ambika.Niar offered us " Phunsula( Fried jackfruit chips)" , a specialty of Kerala and even Mangalore. Finally " 16346 Nethravathi Express " reached last stop Panvel station at 1610 hrs,about an hour late.After alighting the train walked across the overbridge onto Panvel local station and after purchasing a local ticket costing Rs 20 at approximately 1635 hrs boarded the local train to C.S.T .Got into the luggage compartment and at 1735 hrs reached Sewri station.From Sewri Station it was a long walk across the overhead bridge onto the No162 bus stop.Was lucky to get a A/C No 162 bus and on a ticket price of only Rs 6 alighted at Adarsh Nagar bus stop.After the usual walk was at home at 1830 hrs with one of my lifelong ambitions of travelling across entire India's geographical and climatic regions being realized. In 1968 as a 8 year old boy had arrived in Bombay along with my parents on the BI.S.N(British India Steam Navigation) " passenger ship "S.S.Karanja" from Mombasa in Kenya for permanant residency in India .In 2023 doubt if even 1 % of the entire Indian population has travelled across all the geographical and climatic regions of this vast sub-continent. Travel is expensive besides requiring ample time and personal physical fitness.Hope i have set a trend or at least encourage fellow Indians to travel within India and discover their own country before either emigrating or sightseeing other country's most notably "First World Country's".
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| " Big Catch" ? At Ernakulam Basin Road Canoe Fish market. |
.At approximately 0520 hrs was officially woken with the loud call of Muezzins Prayers over the loudspeaker from the Mosque.At 0600 hrs heard the Church bells ring and later after a bathe headed outside the lodge crossing Basin Canal Bridge onto the wholesale banana market.After a cup of tea visited the Canoe boat fish market wharf for a photo shoot.As a big fan of National Geographic/ Animal Planet fish angler detective Jeremy..Wade took photographs holding a large fish in each hand.According to my estimation the day's of Ernakulam market in its present form could become history as Ernakulam gradually modernizes to large shopping complexes and plush fish market shops.
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| Ernakulam Dry Fish Market |
My photographs could be of historical significance a few decades or even a decade from now.Change is permanent and I have seen change in various occupations and city's during my own lifetime including my own former profession of shipping and my home city of Bombay now Mumbai.Next walked upto " Muslim Street" and came across " St Thomas Church" which is a Syrian Christian church.Entered the Ernakulam dry fish market which had a large variety of different species of dry fish.Breakfast was Kerala and kochi's signature vegetarian snack " Banana Fritters/ Tea" costing Rs 30 at a local restaurant .Later did my mandatory shopping of authentic Kerala Banana chips and Kerala Halwa from landmark " Malabar Chips" shop situated on Jews street in Ernakulam Market, all walking distance from St Antonys Lodge.
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| Travel by Metro train from M.G.Road to Ernakulam South One of the World's best ? |
As a snack thirst quencher later walked the short distance to Banerji Road which is the only liquor shop in Basin Road vicinity and purchased a " Kingfisher Storm" beer costing Rs 120.Surprisingly in the humid Ernakulam weather cold chilled beer was not available and seems consumption of liquor is taboo in Kerala although sale of " Lottery Tickets" is a craze among locals.WHEN WILL SPORTS BETTING BE LEGALIZED IN INDIA ? Finally back at my lodge room after a short rest checked out at 1115 hrs and asking directions walking across Ernakulam market past Jews street finally reached MG Road Metro junction.
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| Last breakfast on "16346/Nethravathi Express" in upgraded "3 Tier A/c" on way to Mumbai. |
Lunch was " Aapam/ Sardine fish fry" at " Mughal Hotel" .Earlier i was surprised to receive a message saying that my seat had been upgraded from 2nd Class sleeper to Class " 3A" without any extra charges.After lunch and on platform verification of the train walked onto platform No 3 awaiting arrival of " 16346/ Nethravathi Exp".Train was punctual at 1350 hrs and boarded A/ C compartment " B4" onto " Seat No 38" with the cool A/ C providing relief from the humid Kochi Summer .No difference between " 3- Tier A/c" and " Second Class sleeper" except in the air-conditioning comfort and provision of pillow ,bedsheet and blanket for a good night's sleep.
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| Scenic countryside approaching Panvel, the last stop of this train. |
Dinner was " Chicken fried/ Curry/ Chappati( Rs 180) " which was a waste of money , tasteless.Compartment was " Housefull" and thanks to the cool but not chill A/C ambient temp that I managed my 4 hours sleep. At 0800 hrs breakfast was " Bread/ Omelet( Rs 50) " .Lunch was " Chicken biryani( Rs 150)" and worth the price.My co- passengers were a few young Keralite men and a elderly lady Mrs Ambika.Niar on her way to Mumbai .In Mumbai,her city of residence , she was the organizer of a " Ladies Sai Baba Pilgrimage" from Andheri in Mumbai to Shirdi.This pilgrimage was a total of 9 days continuous walking with rest stops and she had done this pilgrimage before. She was travelling with a male relative companion and had previously also done the " Narmada parikrama" pilgrimage consisting of approximately 3 months and showed me her pilgrimage album. Amazing as she was in her 60's and frail looking with her pilgrimage album proving the facts.Travel educates .Mrs Ambika.Niar offered us " Phunsula( Fried jackfruit chips)" , a specialty of Kerala and even Mangalore. Finally " 16346 Nethravathi Express " reached last stop Panvel station at 1610 hrs,about an hour late.After alighting the train walked across the overbridge onto Panvel local station and after purchasing a local ticket costing Rs 20 at approximately 1635 hrs boarded the local train to C.S.T .Got into the luggage compartment and at 1735 hrs reached Sewri station.From Sewri Station it was a long walk across the overhead bridge onto the No162 bus stop.Was lucky to get a A/C No 162 bus and on a ticket price of only Rs 6 alighted at Adarsh Nagar bus stop.After the usual walk was at home at 1830 hrs with one of my lifelong ambitions of travelling across entire India's geographical and climatic regions being realized. In 1968 as a 8 year old boy had arrived in Bombay along with my parents on the BI.S.N(British India Steam Navigation) " passenger ship "S.S.Karanja" from Mombasa in Kenya for permanant residency in India .In 2023 doubt if even 1 % of the entire Indian population has travelled across all the geographical and climatic regions of this vast sub-continent. Travel is expensive besides requiring ample time and personal physical fitness.Hope i have set a trend or at least encourage fellow Indians to travel within India and discover their own country before either emigrating or sightseeing other country's most notably "First World Country's".
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