Kochi - Southern India

Kochi is located on the southwest side of India on the Laccadive Sea. It is a major port and fishing has been happening here for centuries.

We visited a traditional Chinese fishing structure. There are less fish now and the fisherman demonstrated how the nets work to earn income.

Chinese fishing nets and large tanker in the background.

The nets are held up by large rocks. The men pull ropes to raise the heavy rocks and this lowers the net into the water. The fish then swim over the net. The fisherman then lower the rocks to the deck of the platform and the net rises out of the water catching any fish that are over the net.

Rock Weights

Men have raised the rocks by pulling ropes

Example of earlier catch

Kochi is where Vasco De Gama died. The Church of St. Frances is the oldest Christian Church in India and is where Vasco De Gama was interred.

Vasco de Gama was returned to Lisbon Portugal at the request of the family for burial.  

There still is a gravestone in the church for the famous explorer.

We had an opportunity to visit a local women's sponsored store to purchase their crafts and spices. En-route we walk through the streets and saw some interesting shops.

Colourful Dies 

Then off to meet our cooking instructor Nimmy. She demonstrated a traditional Kerala recipe and then we all enjoyed a lunch that she had prepared.

In the evening we attended a performance of traditional Kathakali dance. The dancers use eye,  facial and hand movements to tell the story to the rhythm of a drum.

The next day on the drive to Kumarakom Lake we stopped at a palm weaving factory. They use the palm tree fibre to make mats.

Weaving the mat fabric

Finishing the edge with a large needle

Checking the mats

Making the rope by twisting palm fibers

Transporting the mats for sale