Explore Kochi The Gateway to Kerala

Namaskaram! Have you been to India lately? Well, I’ve been to India several times be it for work or my personal trip. However, my recently trip to Kerala, God’s Own Country for 18 days under Kerala Blog Express has changed my perspective towards life and many things. Kochi is known as "Gateway to Kerala," so my trip started in Kochi and I’m glad that AirAsia flies to and from Kuala Lumpur Kochi on daily basis. From Kochi, I travelled to Alappuzha, Thekkady, Munar, Suryanelli, Athirappilly, Palakkad, Wayanad, Vythiri, Kasaragod, Kollam, Trivandrum, Kovallam and then back to Kochi after 18 days. Lots of travelling huh… now I can’t wait to share so many experiences with you.

Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
Explore Kochi The Gateway to Kerala

Let’s get it started! My Flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi via AirAsia was just 4 hours. It was a short flight, pleasant one and I managed to take a nap then I arrived on time at Cochin International Airport. Well, I love to travel via AirAsia coz they have many flights to many destinations in India such as Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Kolkata, and Hyderabad as of now. Hopefully there will be more new routes to India because I plan to go to Madurai soon. 

Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
The Stay: Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty

The Stay: Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty

Aha! You know I stayed at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty omg… the hotel so luxe and I wish I can stayed there for more days. It’s a luxury waterfront hotel on Bolgatty Island, Kochi. The Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is a waterfront urban resort overlooking the backwaters of Vembanad Lake, we even took the sunset cruise from the city back to the hotel.

Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
The Festival: Holi Festival in India

The Festival: Holi Festival in India

Happy Holi! It was my first time celebrating Holi Festival India such a wonderful and colorful experience to kick start the trip. Holi is an annual Hindu festival popularly known as the Indian "festival of spring", the "festival of colours", or the "festival of love" which is celebrated in India and Nepal during spring where participants throw colored water, or powder at each other.

Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
Things To Do in Kochi: Visit Spice Road @ Fort Kochi

The festival signifies the arrival of spring, the end of winter, the blossoming of love, and for many a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships. Ahhh… a meaning one. So if you miss the Holi festival this year, do catch the next one on 9th to 10th of March, 2020.

Things To Do in Kochi

Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
Chinese Fishing Net @ Fort Kochi

Chinese Fishing Net @ Fort Kochi

This is the place you must visit when you are in Kochi, best time to visit is during sunset. The iconic Chinese Fishing Nets is one of Kochi's most recognizable sight. Chinese fishing nets were introduced by the chinese around 700 years ago, operate mainly during high tide. 


Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
Chinese Fishing Net @ Fort Kochi

Well, about 6 people work in a net and they dip and rise the net around 300 times every day. They can make a living out of it, that’s why this method of fishing is surviving even today.

Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
St. Francis Church @ Fort Kochi

St. Francis Church @ Fort Kochi

Well you can also find churches in Kerala, St. Francis Church is believed to be the oldest European-built church in India and its located close to Princess Street. However, it's most famous for the fact that it was once the burial site of explorer Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524 before his remains were taken back to Portugal. Details http://stfranciscsichurch.com/

Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
Spices, Princess Street & Jew Street in Matancherry @ Fort Kochi

Spices, Princess Street & Jew Street in Matancherry @ Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi's is the main strip, Princess Street is one of the oldest streets in the city for people watching, cafes, restaurants, bookstores, tea shops, art galleries, and some shopping for souvenirs and there are some grocery stores too.

Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
Spices, Princess Street & Jew Street in Matancherry @ Fort Kochi

Between Mattancherry Dutch Palace and the Pardesi Jewish Synagogue, is a quaint area known as Jew Town. It's the center of the spice trade in Kochi, we spent some time wandering through the colourful streets and lanes, and exploring some of the antique stores.

Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
The Arts: Muziris Biennale

The Arts: Muziris Biennale

Muziris Biennale is the only Biennale in India that happen every 2 year once, and so happen I was there at that time. Kochi Biennale Foundation is a non-profit charitable trust engaged in promoting art & culture and educational activities in India. 


Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
The Arts: Muziris Biennale

Primary amongst them the hosting of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, an art exhibition and festival that is the largest of its kind in South Asia. The fourth edition of the Biennale will run from 12 December, 2018 until 29 March, 2019. Details http://kochimuzirisbiennale.org/

Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
The Cultural: Kathakali Performance

The Cultural: Kathakali Performance

Kathakali is a classical ancient dance-drama form originated from Kerala. The Kathakali dancers is well known for its fascinating and colorful face painting and costumes.  The dance form presents themes and stories that are derived from Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana as well as many other folk stories. The Kathakali Center in Kochi runs regular performances as well as offers a backstage look at the artists as they prepare for the classical dance events. Details http://www.kathakalicentre.com/

Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
Explore Kochi The Gateway to Kerala via AirAsia

So here are some of the fun and experiences I had in Kochi. Later I’m going to take to my next destinations in Kerala such as exploring the backwaters in Alappuzha, Thekkady Periyar National Park, Tea Plantations in Munar, Trekking in Suryanelli, Athirappilly Waterfall, Cultural Vilage in Palakkad, Eco Stay in Wayanad, Nature Walk in Vythiri, Drive in Beach in Kasaragod, Jatayu Earth Center in Kollam, Trivandrum, Kovallam and many many more...



Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
Kerala Blog Express Trip of a Lifetime

So be sure to keep an eye on sunshinekelly.com for my updates

Explore Kochi, The Gateway to Kerala, AirAsia, Kochi, India, St. Francis Church, Spice Road, Jew Street, Matancherry, Fort Kochi, Muziris Biennale, Chinese Fishing Net, Kathakali Dancers Performance, Holi Festival in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Travel
AirAsia has daily flights to and from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi

Thanks to AirAsia for sponsoring my flight for Kerala Blog Express trip. If you wish to explore Kerala, you can start your journey in Kochi because it the Gateway to Kerala. There are so many incredible places, people, nature, wildlife, cuisine, and even ayurveda to dicover in Kerala.

AirAsia has daily flights to and from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi at a very reasonable price and it only take 4 hours. For more information about the flight details please visit AirAsia https://www.airasia.com


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13 comments:

  1. I penah sampai new delhi agra dan kashmir.. sini tak pernah lagi. nampak menarik lah. cuma makan kat sana tak berani sbb perut tak tahan

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  2. I love love the view in Kerala, its stunning! But I just wathed in Hindi movies so I have never been there. You're so lucky have the experience to celebrate Holi there.

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  3. tak pernah lagi lah kelly pergi india..tapi my hubby ada plan nak pergi sana..i like what hahaha..u know india kan very crowded..tapi i think banyak tempat yang menarik juga..mcm kashmir kochi and many more..

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  4. bestnya kelly pergi sana. menarik jugak tempat negara india & paling penting cantik suasana tu. nak ootd pun nice. teringin nak pergi travel ke india

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  5. wahhh..untungnya dapat pergi ke kerala...india salah satu tempat yang banyak sejarah..dah pernah pergi india di chennai..lps ni bolehlah i pergi kerala plk

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  6. India ni ada dalam wish list travel i, tapi masih di dalam list tak plan lagi nak pergi bila? nampak nice tempat-tempat yang u pergi.. cantik semua pic yang u share, buat tak sabar i nak pergi.. enjoy holiday!

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  7. Sis dah pernah ke Kerala. Sis dapat bermalam kat houseboat 2 malam, tgok chinese fishing net n bermalam di tea plantation. Dpt ke class memasak lagi di sana. Makanan sana mmg sis suka. Rasa nak ke sana lagi

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  8. The view is so stunning. It must be a great experience to go there.

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  9. Not in my list to go to India.. but when i read your entry make me want to visit India..espevially spice street tu.. memang fav sebab i suka masak..

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  10. Ohh here's the place where U goes to wipe out the wounds to your hand heheheheh but it looks like pretty much where the hotel is luxurious hehehee we never come here again to go too later ...

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  11. Wow! I love reading your travels - and now you make me wanna go there too. And it is not so far - only fours flight. Perhaps I will travel there for Holi next year.

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  12. Syok la Kelly dapat sampai ke negara india.. TB jarang dengar pasal Nama Kerala ni.. yang biasa dengar Kashmir, Bombay, New Delhi, Agra dan apa lagi tu.. huhu.. Tapi lepas baca entri ni baru lah tahu ada Kerala ni.. menarik juga ni utnuk dilawati

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  13. Bestnya kelly dah sampai ke india.
    Dapat tengok tempat yang cantik cantik kat sana.
    Beruntung tau, boleh juga selami budaya mereka disana.
    18hari ye kelly disana. Lama juga tu.

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