1.Fort Kochi was the first time I was travelling alone in India for leisure. I have travelled alone abroad, several times, but in India, never. I decided to go to the Kochi Biennale in early March. And I think the fact that I felt extremely comfortable as a solo woman traveller, staying at a budget hotel, made the experience very special. The people were open, friendly and warm.
2. Since I went for the Biennale, I spent a lot of time with the varied art on display. But more than the art itself, it was the actual sites that took my breath away. The old warehouses, dilapidated bungalows and the view of the harbour everywhere I went. What I must recommend is cycling through Fort Kochi. I hired a cycle for Rs 100 a day and just cycled. The streets are narrow but there is scant traffic, so the pure joy of cycling on the quaint streets is something else – wind in your face, the scorching sun, the humidity, the anxiety of parking your cycle right – it took me back to my summer holidays as a child. Everyone should try it, honestly.
3. The seafood is superb. I ate at different places – the fancy ones plus the local ones on the street. I enjoyed both. A must try for tourists is the Allepy fish curry. The wood fired oven seafood pizza at Cafe Italia opposite Delta School is also one of my highly recommended. I also had a superb Biryani at a hole in the wall restaurant. An evening drink at Seagull Bar and Restaurant is a must. The coffee at Pepper house is good too.
4. One thing that I always do, no matter which part of the world I travel to, is send post cards to close friends. This time was no different. The act of selecting a post card, buying stamps, and posting it makes the local experience even richer. For example, I didn’t know Gangajal could be posted. I discovered that at the local post office in Fort Kochi. And my post card reached London in record time from Fort Kochi – one week! Always make that effort to write letters or postcards, it’s a lovely record of your travel.
