Kochi: Solo Indian Woman Tripping V3.0

“Never did the world makes queen of a girl who hides in houses and dreams without travelling”

~ Roman Payne

What happens when you put together the love for art, sand, the sea and the horizon melting into each other, fried fish and beef curry?

The best first solo travel weekend of 2015!!

Fall in love with your present

From the Chinese traveler Ma Huan, to the Portuguese viceroy Vasco da Gama, through a period of the Dutch to the Mysore invasion leading to dominance by the British, Kochi has one of the most colourful and rich history mostly owing to its status as one of the best natural harbours in the world. It used to and continues to attract travelers and merchants from all over the world.

But it is not just the natural beauty, or the renowned spice markets or the varied history that Kochi has to offer. In the recent years, it has become one of the fastest growing Tier-II metros, offers food that would make gluttony a virtue and in the last 3 years the magnificent Biennale has catapulted it into one of the most enticing vacation spots.

Kochi – Muziris Biennale 2014

The Biennale is an international exhibition of contemporary art held in Kochi every two years. In its second edition, the Biennale, the only and first of its kind in India showcases Indian and international artists and their works across all kinds of mediums including film, photography, installations etc.

This year, Whorled Explorations seeks to travel through the axes of time and space, to explore Kochi’s rich scientific contributions to the world, juxtaposed with today’s advancements.

Please.Do.Visit!!!

Installation by Anish Kapoor

Backbone installation by Shanthamani Muddaiah

Installation by Madhusudhan

Shortest poem - Aram Saroyan

Most expensive word - Aram Saroyan

St. Francis Church

Built in 1503, the St Francis Church is the oldest European church in India and owes most of its historical significance as the church where Vasco da Gama’s body was buried before being taken back to Portugal after fourteen years.

 

St. Francis Church

Santa Cruz Basilica

The Basilica is one of the only eight in India and is definitely one of the finest and most impressive churches in the country. The Gothic architecture again reminded me of the Notre Dame in Paris and St Philomena in Mysore closer home.

 

Santa Cruz Basilica

Pardesi Synagogue

Also known as the Mattancherry Synagogue, was built in 1567 and is the oldest active synagogue in India. The name got stuck mainly because it was built by Spanish Jews or “foreigners” . Located in the Old Jewish town of Mattancherry, the synagogue spells charm in every brick.

Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace, or the Dutch Palace was built and gifted by the Portuguese to the Raja of Cochin. The Palace features Kerala murals depicting Hindu art, portraits and tells the story of the varied rulers of Cochin.

Chinese Fishing Nets

Lining the coast, is a series of the Chinese fishing nets, which are huge fixed installations manually operated and offer a modest catch to passerbys. Earlier thought that the nets were introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He, was later on research found to be introduced by the Portuguese and are quite the tourist attraction. Watching the hypnotic functioning of the nets being lowered and pulled up, the modest catch and getting it cooked at a local restaurant, these nets provide the full package of Kochi tourism, food, culture, history, sea and unparalleled hospitality!

 

Chinese fishing nets at work

catch of the day!

And if you are STILL not fulfilled, go catch a Kathakali show at one of the many art centers in the city, stroll along the alleys of Fort Kochi, ogle at the fascinating street art (BBC did a piece on the graffiti artists Guess Who), and have your fill of appam and beef stew!

 

Mad crab made of plastic waste

Idyllic walks

Cheeky graffiti

we listen to Yoko Ono

My catch and last meal in Kochi!

Events and Festivals to Stave Off Q1 Blues!I

It was just the second day of a glorious new year and I was already sunk deep into work, pouring into my computer screen and slowly slipping into my not so happy zone.

That's when I came up with the below list of events and festivals to attend in India, of all kinds for all kinds to keep boredom at bay for the next few months at least!

January:

1.  Rann Utsav, Kutch (15^th December – 5^th March 2015)

Salt marshland stretching for miles, the clear white moon adorning the night sky as you sit on the pristine white stretch, and local dancers enthral you with their performances, there are very few places that would come close to this when thinking about how to spend a Saturday night. The Government of Gujarat organizes the Rann Utsav every year from December to March, with very attractive and convenient packages, for you to be able to get a taste of culture, cuisine, hospitality and beauty of the Rann.

Tent city at the Rann of Kutch

Performances on the pristine white stretch

2. ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival (21^st – 25^th January)

It has the literati, it has the suaveness, the intellect, some of the greatest thinkers and writers and it is FREE! The Jaipur Literature Festival is back this year. Started in 2006, the Festival is considered one of the torchbearers of culture catalysts and forums for free flow of ideas and expressions. With an impressive line up of speakers and events, this year too is bound to exceed expectations.

The best thinkers, writers and ideators

3. Hampi Utsav (9^th – 11^th January), GoHampi UNESCO Run (25^th January)

Started during the rule of Krishnadevaraya over the Vijayanagar empire, the Hampi Utsav has been organized every year to celebrate the grandeur, culture and now ruins of a once magnificent and thriving kingdom. From artists’ performances to local artisans selling their fares, Hampi becomes even grander over the weekend than it usually is through the year.

Also later in the month, is the GoUNESCO Hampi Heritage run organized by GoUNESCO. This is a fun run which covers the ruins of the world heritage site, giving a glimpse of local life and a stunning landscape.

4. Kochi Muziris Biennale (2^nd December – 29^th March 2015)

Kochi Muziris Biennale is an international exhibition of contemporary art, hosted in the city of Kochi. The inaugural edition of the Biennale opened in December 2012 and ran for 96 days. The second edition opened on December 12, 2014 and will continue till end of March 2015.  Indian and international artists exhibit art works and installations across a variety of mediums. Through the celebration of contemporary art the Biennale seeks to reinstate the cultural legacy of Kerala.

India's only Biennale

5.  International Kite Festival, Ahmedabad (7^th – 15^th January)

We Indians take everything very seriously, yes even kite flying! It’s Makar Sankranti, so how can you not fly a kite?! And how can we not invite the rest of a world to celebrate this joyous occasion! Organized by the Government of Gujarat for the last 27 years, the International Kite Flying Festival brings together master kite makers and flyers from all over the world to engage the crowd with the marvellous creations and extraordinary skills.

Master kite makers and flyers assemble from all over the world

6. Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, Ludhiana (29^th January – 1^st February)

From professional bullock cart and dog racers to daredevils lifting bicycles with their teeth, you’ve got to see it to believe it at Kila Raipur! The Rural Olympics held every year 15km away from Ludhiana is a one stop shop for your adrenalin kick, food delight and cultural fiestas!

One stop for crazy adrenaline and entertainment fix!

February:

1. SulaFest, Nasik (7^th- 8^th February)

Why wait till Tomorrowland and Sunburn when you can kick start the heady partying and revelry in February itself!  Camp out in the lush vineyards, sway to some amazing international and Indian music while indulging in great spirits, spice up your wardrobe from the Sula Bazaar end the weekend revelry with grape stomping. Pretty cool for the first part of a year!

Kick start the revelry and partying from February!

2. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Bombay, (7^th – 15^th February)

The nine day long arts and music extravaganza held every year, was started as an attempt to make the Kala Ghoda district of Mumbai the arts precinct. Organized by the Kala Ghoda Association the festival includes events in music, theatre, art, heritage walks and the entire area turns into a mela with street installations, artisans selling their fare, food stalls and the like.

One of the most famous and prestigious art festivals in India

3. Konkan Turtle Festival, Velas (dates not decided)

Organized in the months of February – March by the Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra, is as the name suggests an occasion where one can see newly hatched endangered Olive Ridley turtles make a march towards the Arabian Sea. The nesting begins a couple of months in advance, and during the hatching season the locals open their homes and hearts to visitors from across the nation to witness the marvel when hundreds of hatchlings open their eyes to the world and begin their journey towards the waters.

While the nesting for year has begun, the dates of the expecting hatching still have not been announced.

watch nature in action (at a turtle pace!)

4. Goa Carnival (14^th – 17^th February)

Local version of the carnivals and celebrations before Mardi Gras, the Goa Carnival is based on the traditions brought by the Portuguese in the 1500s. The carnival starts on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday before the season of fasting starts and the four days of revelry see floats, processions and parades down the streets much similar to what may see in New Orleans.

Why go to Mardi Gras when Goa is so close!

5. Ragasthan, Jaiselmer (12^th – 15^th February)

Asia’s only desert camping music festival is back in its third edition with more craziness than before.  Camping under the stars on the cold desert bed, far away from the world of modern transport and going back to good old camel rides, crazy installations which remind you of the Burning Man, open air movie screenings and of course discovery of music, Ragasthan is all this and so much more!

Unbelong, Unwind, Let is Go at Ragasthan

6. Surf Festival, Orissa (6^th – 8^th February)

Yes, India is going to host its FIRST EVER INTERNATIONAL SURFING FESTIVAL this February!! The event will see surfers from across the world, surfing lessons, documentaries, music and art installations. Yeah water, waves, sand, music and surfers...could your February GET any better?

7. Surajkund (1^st – 15^th February)

Organized by the Haryana Tourism Department, this is a unique conglomeration of artisans and master craftsmen from not just all over the country but also from the Eurasian region such as Uzbekistan, Kyrgystan and the SAARC nations get together to show their creations and products. Set in a rustic ambience which foot tapping local music and food, is a perfect opportunity for lovers of art, food and music to enjoy everything they love in the misty winters.

March:

1. Paripally Gajamela, Kollam (1^st March)

Paripally Gajamela is the unique elephant pageant held every year as a part of the annual festival at the Kodimootil Sree Bhadrakal Temple in the Paripally district of Trivandram. The festival where close to 50 elephants take part, presents a spectacular view of the caparisoned with their mahouts equally well adorned and holding high tinsel parasols and peacock feather fans swaying to the beats of the drums.

2. International Yoga Festival, Rishikesh (1^st – 7^th March)

Organized by the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh this decade old festival attracts hundreds of Yoga enthusiasts from all over the world to this small town on the foot of the Himalayas. With the Ganga weaving through the town and the towering Shivalik ranges, it gives the perfect setting to be one with one’s inner self and rediscover spirituality.

Exhale out all financial year-end worries!

3. Shigmo, Goa

Traditionally the biggest spring festival was celebrated to welcome home the warriors who had left their homes at the end of Dusshera to fight the invaders. The 14 day long festival sees the celebration of Holi, and shimmering floats with music and dance move across Goa.

4. Jaipur Elephant Festival (5^th March)

So just in case you couldn’t make it to down south to watch the almost gilded elephants, don’t sweat. A similar festival is held in Jaipur every year, more like pre-Holi festivities where these magnificent pachyderms are adorned with gilded paraphernalia and one can watch them participate in tug-of-war and polo matches!

I’d be trying to attend at least one festival every month, so everyone and anyone is free to look me and coordinate a trip together!