Kochi was regarded as the spice capital of India. In the Jew Town area of Mattancherry, warehouses like the Ginger Palace still sell spices to visitors to the area. Pepper, ginger, turmeric and essential oils were traded for many centuries here.
Kochi is also the capital of Kerala. It serves as the gateway to the famous backwaters of Kerala, where multitudes of houseboats ply the waterways criss-crossing the patchwork of paddy fields found here.
Anjaneya Hill marks the spot where the locals believe that Hanuman was born. Steps snaking up the hill were filled with pilgrims; some chanting repeatedly as they hiked up the stairs. The view is quite breathtaking, to say the least.
Once at the top, one can take in the 360 degrees view. The arid landscape strewn with giant boulders interspersed with green paddy fields stretched as far as the eyes can see. The other-worldly landscape actually provided the ancient Vijayanagara empire with the rocks needed to build the capital in Hampi. Ancient palatial ruins and temples still dot the UNESCO-listed area.
These stacks of rocks were found at the top of a hill mound at Anegondi. It was within the fortress compound. I wonder why this spot was chosen. Not far below the fortress is the Lakshmi Temple.
For some, it's shopping therapy. Others, movie therapy. Yet more, reading therapy. For me, it's writing therapy.