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Kochi is a quiet fishing port centrally located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. We arrived in Ernakulam, the modern and busy transport hub of the area. A tuk tuk for only 2 quid took us to the old area of Fort Cochin, where we chose to stay.
The place was pretty but quiet. Deemed by most as a sleepy haven for travellers after travelling the chaos of India, Ed and I felt we were not quite ready for the break.
The town is very forward-thinking and artistic. The small streets were filled with little coffee shops showcasing local art, the town was filled with an art exhibition which led you to explore dilapidated buildings which had been graffitied or decked out to accommodate art installations.
We experienced our first taste of Keralan food - curries made with coconut milk and mild spices. We also discovered a place which made its own bread where we enjoyed our first delicious sandwich for weeks.
From where we were based, we were able to spend a day exploring the backwaters of Kerala. Travelling on a local canoe, you slowly drift through the palm tree shaded system of canal-like waterways and get to witness Indian life by the water first hand. We were invited into a local spice farm which grew pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg etc. - all of which were used in the cooking in the area. We also saw local women making string with the fibre from inside coconut shells.
Even though Kochi was surrounded by water, there was no breeze and temperatures frequently reached 37 degrees, making our time here very sweaty! We were definitely ready for some more beach time by the time we left!
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