Year 3 -14 March 2026- – Marari Beach Resort-Brunton Boatyard – Kochi - India

We had an early breakfast as we had to pack and leave by 11.00am and Jules wanted to spend a bit of time by the pool before we had to leave (she is going back to UK weather after all).

We relaxed a bit and then Sabu, the driver, met us and off we went toward Kochi. He took the road alongside the sea and the beach all the way to Fort Kochi. It was interesting seeing the large houses and shacks along the route and the number of large Churches which lined the road. As it was a Saturday everyone was out and about and there were little markets selling fish and meat and fruit and vegetables.  

As we approached Kochi I noticed a number of large rectangular areas of water – sort of water fields and I wondered whether they were fish farms.

I looked it up and found the following information.

“Prominent fish farms south of Kochi include the Edakochi brackish water farm and the Matsyafed Palaikari Aqua Tourism Centre in Vaikom, which are key producers of prawns, karimeen (pearl spot), and mullets. These areas, particularly around Kumbalangi and Edakochi, serve both as aquaculture hubs and scenic eco-tourism spots for visitors.”

They have so much water here that it is good it is being put to use like the backwaters toward Alappy which come from the same source.

We drove on and within about 30 minutes we came into Fort Kochi area and to the Brunton Boatyard Hotel, which I had stayed at on the 1st and 2nd March. They welcomed us in the usual fashion and the reception staff welcomed me back and said I was like family!.

We had to wait a bit for our room but when we got in it was a river suite and seemed to be the best in the hotel with a large living room, kitchen, separate loo and a large bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. 

We decided to go out as Jules had not seen the Fort and we grabbed a tuk tuk who took us on a little tour. I think I could have done it myself as I have been round the Fort a few times. However, Sunny, the tuk tuk driver took us to some new things like the oldest Hindu Temple in the Fort. The Cochin Thirumala Devaswom Temple, located near the Mattancherry/Fort Kochi area, is one of the most prominent and historic temples for the Gowd Saraswath Brahmin community. While colonial structures define much of Fort Kochi's immediate area, this temple serves as a major, ancient Hindu landmark in the immediate vicinity. It was built in the late 16th Century. Nearby was a Brahmin area which he showed us which had a little shrine in the street and there were religious markings on the road created by the Brahmin women.

He also took us to a large spice warehouse from which traders by and which supplies the shops and the warehouses. He showed us some Himalayan salt in huge lumps which would be very expensive in the UK. He also showed us a lump of black salt which has too many minerals really for human consumption but is used for medicinal purposes. He also showed us a whitish crumbly stone called Alum Stone. This white stone is traditionally used in India for post-shaving care and is commonly known as Fitkari or Phitkari. It is a natural mineral (potassium alum) applied to wet skin after shaving to soothe razor burn, tighten pores, and act as an antiseptic to stop bleeding from minor cuts. It is rubbed on damp skin after shaving to disinfect, tighten skin, and prevent acne or ingrown hairs.

Opposite was a small spice shop and Jules was able to buy some ground cumin she had been seeking.

We continued our tour and ended up at a shop which had lots of lovely things and Jules wanted a Buddha.

We then went on to Jew Town and walked amongst the shops and enjoyed browsing. Jules got a couple of tee-shirts and then we returned to the hotel.

By this time we needed a swim and enjoyed a dip in the pool right on the shore front. We could see the ferries, fishing boats and cargo ships in the port entrance.

Afternoon tea was served at 5.00pm which was nice and different for a change. We then relaxed and packed and got ourselves ready.

We showered and had a good last supper at the History Restaurant.

We need to be up early as Jules needs to be at the airport at 8.00am and it is a 1.5-hour drive to the airport.

The picture of the day is Jules and I having afternoon tea.

 Need/Opportunity Year Three

In year three I will be going from Thailand to Sri Lanka, India, Maldives and then on to Mauritius, Reunion, Cape Town, St Helena, Azores and back to the UK. 

I am looking for one crew from Mauritius/ Reunion Island to Cape Town (mid June to end of July). If of any interest do email me.

The blog will continue as we continue the journey. If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog then do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com