The last two days of our stay in Kerala were spent in Cochin and Ernakulam.
The view from the 10th floor of the hotel was pretty good.
The only problem was that we had to depend on the mini bus to take us to the city.
The first day was devoted to Jew street and visiting all the historic churches nearby (more on that in the next post)
There was a Tribal mela held near marine drive. We ambled around for some time and the thing that caught our attention was the ice cream !! (more of ice and less of cream)
A stroll in the mall at Marine Drive turned out to be a good shopping event for some.
We were lucky to witness the last day of the eight day long festival of the Shiva Temple at Ernakulam (near Darbar Hall) where the deity is taken out on the caparisoned elephant in procession.
This elephant is accompanied by eight other elephants all decked up.
I was observing these elephants, the huge giants that roam the earth, but so docile and submissive to the quick orders from their mahout.
Their eyes speak a lot.
Pretty feet in chains should be an apt title for the picture below.
The changing of the coloured umbrella is a ritual that takes place here with the accompaniment of the Panchavadiyam.
It is said that the best available chendavadiyam artists are arranged for this occasion.
The instruments used for the Panchavadiyam are Timila, Madalam, Ilatalam, Idakka and the kombu.
Blowing the kombu is not an easy task as can be seen by the way this boy is straining on it.
It was fun to watch the crowd, some eagerly following the drum beat and keeping a count of the 14 beat adanta taalam, while others waiting for the next programme to start.
(I believe there was some variety entertainment after that as I could see these sound mixers busy fine tuning their work)
We moved out of the Durbar Hall ground and entered Avenue Regent Hotel. The air conditioned comfort and the soothing drinks put us at ease and was a good prelude to the dinner that followed.
I found the food quite good and a special mention should be made about the magician who mysteriously appeared as soon as we finished our buffet dinner.
Well, this video that I made with the still pictures should explain that sequence better:
(wait for the complete video to buffer and then replay it so that you get the right effect with the music)
25 comments:
great pics!! and i am sure u had a gala time in God's own country! :-)
What a wonder is the elephant. And while you and family were away how many birds took up residence on your deck?
Looks like you had a good time. Nice pix
Great post! I enjoyed the pictures, and it is fascinating to read about life there. I especially liked the pictures of the elephants!
..great pictures..specially the elephant..so very cute..
I love your posts, because they always make me feel as if I was there too.
Very impressed. Pictures are very nice
You're right! The elephants are great creatures and one of my favourites. I would LOVE to have been there to soak in the atmosphere.
loved all the pics- and of course, the text which accompanied them.
wow! lots of things going on....:) what a treat to stay at the 10th floor...:)thanks for dropping by!
Great pictures! You sure had some great time!
I really enjoy this post dear.
Have a great week
Love
Sabi sunshine
The pics are great, so are your travel notes.
Its interesting to see Cochin through another person's view. Hope you had a nice time here. I agree with you about the poor elephant.
@ Jeanette, you are absolutely right.
A small bird did take up residence in the existing nest and laid eggs, but unfortunately it fell down and broke and that is the end of the story.(I am yet to identify the tiny bird....)
Nice pics. The pretty feet in chains makes sense with the delocalization of the species. They are not left free the way they should be.
Very entertaining post, Joe! I would say magical even. It was a good idea waiting for those margaritas to disappear before engaging the audience.
Thanks for those pics..Really miss these things being away from God's Own Country
So nice to be able to share this trip with you through these great photos! Love seeing the elephants!
cochin is a quaint city, we loved it when we visited it 3 years ago during our honeymoon!!
Hi,
So much information you have packed in one post with lovely photos. I enjoyed your lovely detailed narration.
Joseph
Superb pics. nice to know you had a gala time
I was born in a town close to Eranakulam and it was nostalgic to read your post.
Nice pictures and beautiful write up as usual
Nice pictures. Nostalgic.
I remember the Jew street. But I heard even the last of the Jews had left !
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Cochin is one of the most beautiful place and is famously known as the Gateway to Kerala. Layered with beautiful beaches and historic churches, the place is worth visiting. Experience best accommodation with some of the best 5 star hotels in Cochin.
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