The “Queen of the Arabian Sea” or Kochi takes you to the heart of India’s historic spice trade. Also, with Kochi’s intriguing backwaters and culture there are many other highlights to explore on land and water. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea I enjoyed my days off here exploring this historic port-of-call. So, read on to learn about taking a Kochi spices and backwater tours.
Kochi lies on the southwest coast of India along the Laccadive Sea, within the Arabian Sea. As part of the Kerala state, the city spreads over the mainland and many islands on the Kerala backwaters. Overall, the Kerala Backwaters are an intricate labyrinth of manmade and natural waterways going a distance of 900 km (560 miles) and fed by 38 rivers. Similarly, in the U.S., the Kerala backwaters are compared to the American southern bayou. They built a barrage to prevent the seawater from mixing with the freshwater, so it is used for irrigation. Therefore, this is a unique ecosystem and species on land and sea.
Since the 14th century, Kochi has been a spice trading center, opening it to multi-cultural influences from Chinese, Arabian and European. For example, historic reminders of this are Fort Kochi, an icon from the European colonialism, the Arabic spice markets and the Chinese cantilevered fishing nets on the backwaters.
Kochi Spices and Backwater Tours
Group Spice Tour
Spice and backwater tours are the must-see highlights of the Kerala region. Furthermore, visitors learn and enjoy the spices through markets, plantations, restaurants or cooking classes. The center of the spice trade in Kochi’s Mattancherry district (“Jew Town”). Firstly, our tuk tuks brought us to the Mattancherry District to explore the Spice Nirvana! My favorite experience was shopping at the Organic Spice Market with a group of crewmembers from my ship.
We all immersed our 5 senses and shopped among the cornucopia of spices, such as, black and green pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, masalas, fennel, mustard seed, ginger, coriander powder, chili’s, dried fruits, dates, almonds and cashews. It was a spicy bliss, let me tell you. Many of the herbs were in bulk in large mesh bags on the ground, while other were neatly packaged in boxes or small bags.
Kochi Markets or Bazaars
Overall, the eclectic markets of Kochi include the various spices and foods, handicrafts, clothing and antiques. For example, popular markets include the following: Jew Town, Ernakulam Market, Princess Street, Broadway and Bazaar Road at Fort Cochin. I enjoyed the renowned Ernakulam Market. My highlight experience was seeing for the first time of my life gorgeous red and gold cashew apples and nuts.
Backwater Cruise
After the spice and market tours, my friends and I headed over to the backwaters for a cruise. Along with my 6 friends, we laughed our way throughout this humble tour through the backwaters. We saw many interesting scenes, such as, the massive Chinese Fishing Nets, fishermen on boats, temples and islands.
Vedic Astrology Reading
Another day in Kochi, I explored highlights, such as, a deliciously spicy Indian lunch and a Vedic Astrology Reading. As a Western Astrologer myself, it’s always enlightening to get a fresh Vedic perspective. My traveling buddy and I each took our turn with an astrologer that read our palms and explained prophesies about our future regarding life questions, such as, love, career, health and family.
This is an authentic and novel way to connect with India’s culture, where astrology influences wedding dates and other important events. However, Vedic Astrology is much more fatalistic than Western and more likely to ignore free will. So, keep that in mind while filtering through your own belief systems.
Overall…
Because India can seem overwhelming and chaotic to foreigners not used to this lifestyle, it’s especially important to have a plan or guide for a tour. (Unless your plan is to have “no plan” which could be interesting.) For Kochi, if you just remember the Spices and Backwaters, you tap into the essence of this region and can have the time of your life.
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