Cochin or Kochi is a beautiful city and a photographer’s delight. I was in the city for 2 days in November in 1998 as part of a larger and a very memorable trip along the West coast of India (you can see a couple of pictures from that trip here and here). Even today, I can vividly recall the sights and smell of Jew town, the spice markets, Cherai beach and of course the strange-looking, but extremely photogenic Chinese fishing nets.
It was late afternoon when we reached the area where the Chinese fishing nets were (I can’t really remember the area now). And what a sight it was. The cozy winter sunlight made everything look soft and dreamy. And the Chinese fishing nets looked delicate as if they were spun out of air and sunlight and sea-foam. The gentle wind made the nets mirror the rippling sea waves. It was a magical sight.
So magical, that I had no recollection of taking this photograph. It is only when I developed the film roll (yes, it was that far back) and saw the photographs that I found out. I discovered this yesterday among some other photographs and decided to share it with you here.
The Chinese fishing nets in Cochin are probably one of the most photographed “sights” in India and that too from all angles and all possible moods. Just type these words in any search engine and you’ll know what I mean. And yet, each photograph is special as it captures the mood through the photographer’s lens. Just like mine. 😀
So tell me, have you photographed the Chinese fishing nets of Cochin? Do share the link in the comments section. I would love to see your images and the mood that you have captured.
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This is a sight one should not miss on a trip to Kochi. Magical indeed. Thank you for reminding me that I have a shot of this amazing net. Now, if only I’d got to shoot a silhouette at sunset.
Shall share my with you soon.
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Shall share my photograph* 🙂
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I liked Cochin for its cosmopolitan atmosphere as well as its sights. I want to visit Cochin once again and experience it once more. And am waiitng for your photographs of the fishing nets 🙂
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Coming soon, Sudha ji 🙂 thanks for adding oil to my Cochin plan!
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And do let me know when you travel to Cochin. And share those photographs, will you? 😀
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Definitely! 🙂 Thank you !!
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by th way, I would love to knw what you feel bout this post.
http://theburntmap.wordpress.com/2012/03/29/the-unsung-nandi/
Feel free to ignore if bothered! 🙂 Thanks in advance!
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Not at all. I love being bothered about travel 😀 Heading over to read and comment on the Nandi post.
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Thank u very much for your time and for ‘follow’ing!! 🙂
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Nope I have not photographed, I was in class 8th when I had gone to cochin , did not even have a camera 😦
but the photo is beautiful thanks for sharing .. maybe god willing one day might just turn up in cochin again
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And may your wishes come true, Bikram 😀
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No such luck, Sudhagee! But I was moved by your amazing description. You made them shimmer before my eyes. You also brought back memories of the olden days of film.
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Thanks, Umashankar. Photographs from developed from film are quite something, aren’t they?
So, when are you planning that trip to Cochin? 🙂
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O, I’ll just break free one of these days!
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nice. didn’t know about Chinese fishing net. liked the pictures in those two links as well. and ur header image is also cool.
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All the pictures were part of a dream trip along India’s western coast. A trip along India’s east coast is pending.
The header picture is from the Cotswold region in England.
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Oh! Wow! Never knew about these Chinese fishing net…. never been to Kochi as well 😦 But yes! Through your blog posts, you give me a visual road map of all these wonderful places in India! I love it ! 🙂
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Thanks, Lavender 🙂
These fishing nets were apparently brought by travellers from China. And these nets are found, to the best of my knowledge, only in Cochin. It is a city worth visiting is also a gateway for many “things to do in Kerala”
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Had seen many photographs of these fishing nets. But never knew they are called Chinese Fishing Nets.
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And now you have seen one more photograph and also know what they are called 😛
Thanks for your comment Ashwini.
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I haven’t photographed them yet but I so want to!
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Then a trip to Cochin in is order 🙂 These nets look particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
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Dear Sudha,
I recently made my first trip to Kochi. Here is a piece I wrote about my trip.
http://chotusing.blogspot.in/2012/01/something-really-pretty-happened-here.html
There is a photo of the chinese nets for you.
Shilpi
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Hi Shilpi, delighted to see you here. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your picture of the Chinese fishing nets. It’s a lovely capture. But more than that, I loved your account of your visit to Cochin and the photographs too, I tried to comment on your post, but your settings didn’t allow me to.
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Pictures of Chinese net may be abundant in net, but your description of the winter sunlight, the gentle wind….is unique. Magical too.
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Thank you for your lovely comments, Hariharan. 🙂
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I haven’t yet got the chance… but this sure looks like a destination that is not to be missed! I will keep it in mind and share my experiences with you whenever I get to go… 🙂
The picture is lovely. The dazzle of water, the blue, the serene skies, the interplay of light and shade… all put together in one frame.
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If you liked the place so much, then it’s time to pack up your bags and go for a trip to Kochi. though not right now.
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