Fort Kochi!!!!

We began our little adventure on 1st May from Kasaragod railway station, and oh, Puttu was bubbling with excitement to hop onto the train! 🚉
It was an 8-hour journey, and by evening, we reached our Neighbourhood stay—an absolutely cosy, cosy place that felt like a warm hug. We loved every bit of it!

That very evening, we visited the Ernakulam Shiva temple—big and beautiful—followed by a peaceful Marine Drive walk and dinner at Ottupura (just okay, nothing wow).
We returned and snuggled into bed for a good night’s sleep—while Appa and Sonny went out on a banana hunt!

The next morning started fresh with yummy breakfast and the best chai ever. ☕
Add to that the cozy little café corner where we had it, surrounded by dancing plants and quirky artistic pieces—it was pure morning magic.

Then came one of the most relaxing and heart-soothing moments of the trip—the boathouse ride. It was pure therapy.
We saw Chinese fishing nets, fishermen in action, a fancy five-star hotel, the Lulu Mall owner's house, and trees that bent toward the water like they wanted to dip in for a sip. 🌴💧

Next stop: the Folklore Museum—another gem!
Then came some shopping—where we bought two smiley bugge for Puttu (because he had intentionally busted one and then cried like he’d lost a best friend!).
We walked to the Synagogue, soaking in the quaint charm of the lane, and then continued our walk to Kashi Café.

Lunch at Kashi Café—it was a dreamy little place, full of calm, nestled under trees and surrounded by art.
Though too pricey, the vibe was unbeatable.
Fresh food: veg sizzler, red rice, gooey chocolate cake, and coconut mango juice. It wasn’t just a meal—it was a slow, beautiful pause. 🌿✨

A quick visit to Lulu Mall followed, where we had apple pie ice cream, and Puttu happily got two more bugge!
Athe picked up a lovely handbag from Lulu Fashion. The traffic was too much that evening, but we crossed through the busy big city and made it back to our stay.

After freshening up, we strolled to the beach—it was so serene.
We found The Warehouse Café—a tucked-away gem full of old-wood charm and flickering golden lights.
Puttu played hide and seek, swung around, peeked behind pillars.
“Amma, yelli edde?” and “Yaava tindi bekamma?”—he played the perfect little host.
Dinner was delicious—soft rotis, creamy stew, thick curd, and the hug-in-a-glass mixed fruit juice.

Next day: Francis Church, Puttuz Park, and Bastian Bungalow.
Lunch at Kerala Café—meals, Kerala parotta, veg kadai, pineapple juice (we had ordered Kulikki!), and Appam. Food was average, but the vibe? Beautifully warm.

Then came the Water Metro ride to the High Court—this time, we got the seat!
We loved watching the huge ships unloading goods, so massive yet graceful.
While returning, we waited a bit and it paid off—we got to enter the metro FIRST and pick the window seat for all!
It was such a simple but beautiful thing—all hearts full. ❤️🫶

We headed back, refreshed, and strolled once more to the beach.
Dinner again at our favourite café—garlic chapati, ajwain chapathi, parotta, rice, veg kadai, stew, curd, and yes—that magical mixed fruit juice. It tied the day together like a lullaby.

On our final day, we visited the Mattancherry Palace—it was cool and soothing inside, with lovely windowpanes and a calm that wrapped around you like a shawl.
Then we visited the Basilica Church—serene and elegant.

This time, we had a plan for the train ride.
Last time, nothing worked—no food orders got delivered!
So now, at each halt, we tried our luck—Domino’s pizza here, rajma-chapati there—finally, something worked!
We boarded the train back home, food in hand, hearts full.

We chatted, watched sparkling waters, majestic ships, and those coconut trees dipping gently toward the calm.
Trees loaded with mangoes, trees with chestnut fruits, beautiful water bodies, and bridges connecting cities… and maybe even hearts.

And at last, a peaceful little boy, cheeks kissed by the breeze, drifted off to sleep in the warm cocoon of love and laughter.

This truly was our most beautiful little escape. ✨