This article is one of my very first blog that I wrote for my very first job. The original site was removed by the owner and I just wanted to republish this article.The pictures used in this article belong to the respective owners .
A land known as the Queen of Arabian Sea by everyone who loves her. Undoubtedly, she is a queen who rules the hearts of every single wanderer and she is rich with culture, royalty, class and beauty. This magical mixture of food, fun and art makes Kochi special. There is much inside the city and you cannot explore the city completely. Even when I write this article, I am sceptical if I can do justice to the city. As one of my Kochi friends said,” I find a new place to explore within Kochi on a weekly basis”. But let me say some of which you wouldn’t want to miss in Kochi.
· Kochi Muziris Biennale Being the biggest art festival in the country and the largest exhibition of Contemporary art in Asia makes it something that you wouldn’t want to miss. A lot of artists come to the city for exhibiting their works and their ideas are presented in various mediums like films, installation, painting, sculpture, new media and performance art. The exhibition which is set up across various spaces at Kochi, is organized by the Kochi Biennale Foundation in association with Government of Kerala.
Along with the exhibition, there are talks, seminars, workshops, screenings, music, workshops, educational activities etc. which makes it more interesting.
· Cochin Carnival What can I offer the Queen of Arabian Sea? I mused…
Well, I gave her the last day of the year, and got a beautiful new year in return.
Now that’s a win-win, isn’t it?
I read these lines from an online platform and I must say it is certainly a win-win. Cochin Carnival is the most exciting part about new year in Kochi. If you go through the history of Cochin Carnival which is conducted towards the end of December every year, you will find that it dates back to the time of Portuguese and it is similar to their new year revelry. The massive procession and the burning of Pappanji are the greatest attractions of Cochin Carnival. The word ‘Pappanji’ means ‘old man’ in Portuguese and as the word suggests it is the giant statue of an old man.
Cochin Carnival is a beautiful festival with art shows, fairs, food festivals, competitions and colourful rallies which begins towards the end of December and ends on the New year Eve.
· Food Kochi is every foodie’s dreamland and your taste buds would fall in love with Kochi. Balan chettan’s shop at Mattanchery, Banana fry and beef from Sree Muruga Hotel at Maradu, Jeff’s Biriyani, Kayees biriyani, Beef from Palaram, Avocado shake from Rinoos etc. and the list is never ending and you should certainly explore the taste of Kochi.
· Fort Kochi This place is a portkey to that ancient time which you would not want to miss. Fort Kochi guarantees you a relaxing walk through the times of Dutch and Portuguese. Kerala Kathakali Centre, Dutch Palace, Maritime Museum, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, St. Francis Church, Jew Town and Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, boat ride, cafes, art and libraries… Doesn’t it ring a bell in every wanderer’s mind?
· Travellers’ paradise Kochi is can be called a travellers’ paradise filled with lots of fun. You can go for street food shopping, boating, night rides, midnight walks, antique shopping etc. It’s a city so full of life that even if you sit in one corner idly you will have a lot to see and enjoy. It is the perfect blend of culture and tradition that you wouldn’t want to miss. So, don’t waste your time, pack your bags fast and please visit the “Queen of Arabian Sea”. She is the perfect host for every traveller.
