A lip Smacking obsession!

A lip Smacking obsession!  

Located in the heart of the City, The Name Shiro resemblance the rich interior of Japanese  Castle, and you are treated like  a prince. The sprawling  Shiro restaurant situated in the first floor of UB city.

I  visited Shiro with one of my friends to have dinner at Shiro, But let me talk about the striking feel of their dessert. I should call it is one of the  most delusions desserts called Chocolate volcano which was a distinct experience for my taste buds.

This is first time I have tasted Chocolate Volcano, The outside is so crispy and the chocolate inside is hot and fluid. When you cut the cake the fluid flows out like lava. This one of the tastiest dessert, I had in my past  restaurant visits. In fact we had eaten two each even though it was very large. The chocolate fluid was so rich in taste and I really flown in the force of the lava. I was totally fainted in the aromatic effect.

I promise you, if you are looking for a place to have Chocolate Volcano, Shiro is the chosen place to land and you will really indulge in it. 

John Antony,

Photography Journalist 

"Dating with the soul and pulse of captivating nature"

Picturesque Munnar

Munnar is famous for Scenery, beautiful mist blanketed hills, spreading tea estates and spices….. It was my dream came true, when I landed in Munnar. I set off my journey in the early morning around 04:45am from Cochin and I reached at 09:00am. The short –haul travel in a public transport was enthralling throughout. I headed out through the bus window and my eyes were running over the gazing mountains…. Waterfalls, snow hidden tea estates…. Chirping birds… busy milk men….. Rushing school children…..

The bus had stopover in Adimale for a tea break which is a local town in the bottom of Munnar. I peeped out through the bus window and ran my inquisitive eyes to the hills. I slowly walked out with my camera gear to imbibe the best out of the nature. Then I moved towards a Tea shop, before stepping in, I could sense the aroma of steaming tea which really hit on my head. I asked, “Chetta one tea in Steel glass”, (I never drink tea in a disposable cup) and when I lost my glass, I had stolen from a restaurant) and was so tasty and pushed me to grab another one.

The journey continued, and finally I am here in the heart land of the bountiful nature. The weather is so cold and tooth started to jolt each other. But my over thrilled emotions couldn’t dampen the trip. I was searching for a taxi with a friendly driver like a friend.

I saw and array of jeeps lined up at the taxi station. I for a jeep rather than car for many reasons like more visibility to clicking photographs, fresh air and its always thrilling to drive a four wheeler myself toward an uphill roads. So Mr. Murgan annan, the jeep driver and I started our enticing trip.



Irravikulam National Park

My first sight seeing spot was Iravikulam national park harbors the largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius). This endangered animal is endemic to the southern Western Ghats. Its nearest relative is the Himalayan tahr. We parked the jeep and taken the entry fees for the visit. The well comfortable government owned minivan took us to the sanitary. I comfortably found a side seat and curiosity aroused to see these Tahr and I was lucky enough to see very closer to me and many on the way were following. The Mini bus stopped and the rest of the places need to visit by walk for an hour toward the hillside to enjoy the scenery. I removed my slipper and walked barefooted to experience the heavenly feel on the rain water.

I let my mind fullest to wander in the scenic beauty….

I let my hand and feet to indulge in the water falls….

I lost in the indomitable power of nature….

I surrendered to the magic of your beauty.

The roller coaster Elephant Safari

If you are missed out a chance for an elephant ride, please take this chance and get on it. Each elephant will carry Pearson even you can go for the ride alone for a short distance minutes for twenty in the forest. If you are ready to shell out extra bucks, a professional photographer assigned with you click amazing pictures and deliver it instantly in CD .

The photo shoot Location

Munnar brings you a picturesque landscape background of thick tea estate meadow to keep it in your best frame. This exotic location emerged as one of the best movie shooting. The latest added in the list is Chennai express shot by Rohith Shetty.

Mattupetti Dam

The dam located about nine Km distance from the main town. Mattupetti Lake being snuggled close on the Idukki hills, which is extraordinarily a nature opulent district of Kerala. Once I reached, I was searching for my lunch. I found a small restaurants fuming out the smoke from their kitchen. When I sat for my order I found a panoramic window which gives you mind-blowing stills of the lake. It offers speed boating and pedal boating facility in the summer season. I tried an adrenaline rush with speed boats which gave me astonishing memories in Munnar.

Echo Point

You will find many street vendors selling sweaters, bangles, colorful masks, spices, tea powder and many more. Bargain your best..

Mattupetti Indo-Swiz Framing

This is the one place you miss out in Munnar as per the government restrictions, the public are prohibited due to the delectable concern of the cattle. But you can have gaze from the main gate.


Top Station

You come to this place, and you will come to know this was a main point of transshipment of tea during the time of British rule .So Top station which is border area of Tamilnadu and Kerala has historical importance. The tea was transported from Munnar and then to Madupetty by train and from there it was taken to Kottagudi by ropeway.

My general Advice:-


When you enter the national park, please try to enjoy the nature with your full heart alone. I noticed many groups are failed to maintain the silence and spoiling the feel of being there. Remember, you are entering into someone habitat not you fun frolic picnic spot.


If you are commuting in your vehicle, please park at safe place and hire a jeep that is really thrilling and enjoy the fullest.


If you are going in monsoon season, please carry your rain gear, not an umbrella which takes you away in a heavy breeze.


There are three ATM in the town, SBI, SBT and Union Bank


Every nuke and corner of the town, you will find a tea shop and you will be surrounded in the great aroma.


John Antony

Travel and Food Photographer

Fish and the marvelous sun kissed Fort Cochin

An obscure fishing island that became the first European township in India, Fort Cochin has an eventful and colorful history. Reputed as a seafaring commercial town, many travelers and traders from across the world came to Fort Cochin.

a view of Fort Cochin 

Charming street at a glance

The largest network of Tea shops in the world, the Mallu Tea shops

The world is taken from the steam

The charming street

The Portuguese street

A lady walks by a beads shop

Piping up the Historical era

Fort Cochin is a century old island located for kilometer away from the Cochin city. You can reach this island by Ferry or by road transport. I strongly suggest traveling by ferry to explore a thrilling trip.

The ferry gushing out on the Arabian Sea and forwarding fast against the cold breeze and the golden sunset. I was quite worried of reaching Fort Cochin to enjoy the sunset on the lovely texture of the Chinese fishnet. But the ferry promised my bunch of longing hopes carrying on my shoulder for years. Finally; I set a sail to cherish the momentary experience. Yes! I landed the historical island which heralded for many foreigners who has found their space in the leaf of the history.

Tourist boats bay 

The booming economy in the Cochin City, a mirror image of  Dubai 

Now, the time is too late to cover up my exiting spots, so let me run fast ………….

I was so much heard about those Chinese fish net from school & friends which was discovered by Portuguese people for fishing. It has made out of long teak wood that connected with net in four sides. But three century long age has caught up the age of these fish nets, the main supports have dilapidated and replaced by iron pipes. But these fish nets are still lingering to lure the tourist. It was a very interesting experience to walk on the thin bridge which supports the fish net towards the sea.  You can sit and enjoy the marvelous sunset.

The Chinese fish nets

My eyes caught up with a delightful scene at far, I inquisitively asked a gentleman, "what’s going on there?" He said with a smile “it is a fish auction; you can also buy fresh fish at cheap price”. I saw many fishing boats are getting closer on the sparkling sea towards that auction spot. The moment the boat reached, the dealer approaches those fishermen for fixing the rate and toss auction in the air with the wholesalers. Fort Cochin hosts a plethora of fish species. If you have a hobby in fishing, you can try hands on experience with angling.

A fisherman fetching fresh fishes 

Fish Auction

Verity of fish in a fish market 

The island is mushroomed with hotels and restaurants, the ambiance of the restaurants are maintained with English music, port wine, street performers and of course Wi - fie too. This is the place you can immerse in the fry and spicy fish verities that any non vegetarian falls flat on the plate. 

The other side of the sea spread out unending for the beach lovers. The breathtaking light house, the swaying palms and the unspoilt beach.

Your privacy is highly secured 

My feet........

 

Enchanting beach

The very attractive and romantic view is the twine sitting stone -  chair facing towards the sea on a long ramp. Your privacy is highly accepted with a great note. I proudly removed my Hawaii’s and gently walked on the beach and I felt like my feet are sailing with the legends, my toes ticked on the surface of those melodies sand and waves. I bowed down myself of witnessing the queen of Arabian Sea shining in the golden touch of sunset.    

I promise you,
Great hospitality with full of heart…….
Mesmerizing sun set……
Fascinating scenery…..
Romantic beach….
What else you need to fulfill your dream in an unpredictable life
 

Handy Tips:

Cochin is well connected by Road, Rail and AirThere is no ATM facility in Fort CochinMost of the shops accept Credit. Debit cardsHow to Reach: - Ferry/BusBest time to visit: September to AprilYou can finish the sightseeing in half day.

The last ferry service of the day goes by 09:00 pm

John AntonyPhoto Journalist (Travel & Restaurants)

Associated with 

History Never Lie...... Laid -  Back Mattancherry 

Mattancherry, the western part of the corporation of Cochin,was once a bustling centre of trade,particularly in spices.Invasions from across the sea were frequent and these and these conquests left ildeliable marks on the landscape,culture,art and social history of the place.

Mattancharry welcomed every migrant community that came to her with warmth and provided them with ample opportunities to flourish.Thanks to the benevolence of the erstwhile kings of Cochin,many a community likes that of Jews,Konkanis,Gujaratis,Jains and marathis made the place their home. Even today Mattancharrey has people of different tongues and ethnic identities.

The Jewish Street in Mattancherry

I have been waiting  at Marine drive with a great patiences for the ferry to reach in Mattancherry. I eagerly grabbed my side seat and started clicking photographs. Finally I stepped into the laid back historical city to witness and experience in its entirety. I couldn't bottle up my emotions when my eyes ransacked the beauty of the island.   

Ferry taking passengers to Mattancherry

You will marvel at the architecture of what are some of the most stunning and captivating historical attractions that Mattancharrey offers.

The frame of this island is completely different from the bustling Cochin city.The roads are spic and span. People here are very friendly, no honking, no traffic jam, plenty of trees and most of the people prefer to commute by walk and cycle.

The favorites of Mattancerry

Shopping:-

The interminable street shops have plethora of antiques and Indian craft. You can buy the old wall clocks, gramophone, camera, chandeliers, binocular and many more as per your wish and price range.

Antique shop

Colorful lanterns

bowing down in front of the discovers   

 You will find the authentic spices at the another end of the street without being told by anybody because the moment you reach, the air is filled with the magical aroma of spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, Cummins, dry chili , saffron, dry ginger, coriander etc..

The fragrance and oils shops are the favorite of international tourists; the verities are like sandal wood oil, rose wood oil, lotus flower oil, water lily, white gardenia oils etc. The fragrance of oils gives you a refreshing feeling as you feel yourself being bathed in various aromas.

Antique Lanterns and Chandlers 

Street Vendors 

Fragrance  shop

Sightseeing

The Kerala art gallery which showcases the biggest urulli (braze vessel)  in the world, the snake boat which used for Onam celebration by the king who ruled in the era of Dutch, the dilapidated pillars of the old palace, brass status and oil lamps.

Snake Boat 

The biggest Braze vessel in the world 

The Dutch palace:- 

The Portuguese had initially built the Mattancheery Palce in 1557 and had gifted it to the Raja of Cochin.The exterior of the Mattancherry Palace is fairly ornaments,stark white walls,sloping brown roofs and trees from the picture. Ots a two-storied,quadrangular building,with a small temple dedicated to the deity palayannur Bhagwati in the central courtyard-on either side of it are smaller shrines to krishna and Shiva.

The dutch palace

Mattancharrey Synagogue also known as Paradesi Synagogue and Dutch Synagogue is the oldest existing Synagogue among common wealth nations.The synagogue is situated near the Dutch palace,known also as Mattancharrey palace.It is so close to the palace that both share a single wall.It was built by the people of Cochin Jewish Community in the year 1568 on the land gifted by Raja Rama Varma,then ruler of Cochin.  

This clock still shows the accurate time

The buildings are well maintained and retains the beauty of the era in its purity and unmatched charm. The intricate carvings on the street beckons the art and skills of the era. I wind up the visit by evening and moved to the next destination. 

Intricate hand made carving