Fishing Trawlers, Kochi, Kerala - October 2012

Fishing boats come in different sizes and shapes mostly painted in bright colors. The demersal fishes of Kerala coast are exploited mainly by these mechanized trawlers which are 9 to21 meters in size with a large number of crew (15 to 50) needed for its operation. Usually these fishing boats spent 2 to 7 days in deep sea depending on the size and capacity before returning to their respective harbors with their catch. Trawling is banned for 47 days in Kerala during monsoon from June 15 as it is the breeding season for the fast depleting fishing stock and shrimps.

In February 2012, two Fishermen working in these type of trawlers were shot dead by Italian Marines aboard the oil tanker Enrica Lexie off Alleppey coast thinking that they were pirates. Italian marines involved in this case were arrested by Kerala police and are facing trial in India. This incident lead to a diplomatic scuffle between India and Italy.

The Church of Our Lady of Hope: A Historic Landmark on the Shores of Vypeen

The Church of Our Lady of Hope (NOSSA SENHORA DE ESPERANCA) is a centuries-old church located on the picturesque island of Vypeen, off the coast of Kochi, Kerala, India. The church was built by the Portuguese in the early 16th century and is believed to have been blessed in 1605 A.D. by DOM ANDREA de SANTA MARIA O.F.M., a prominent Franciscan missionary.

The Church of Our Lady of Hope is an architectural marvel that showcases the unique blend of Portuguese and Indian styles. The church's exteriors are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, and the interiors boast beautiful paintings, murals, and religious artifacts. The church's unique location overlooking the Cochin Harbor provides a breathtaking view of the Chinese fishing nets of Vypin and the bustling shipping channel.

Over the years, the Church of Our Lady of Hope has played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of the people of Vypeen. The church is a symbol of hope and faith, and it continues to attract pilgrims and tourists from across the world.

Visitors to the church can witness the unique blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures and admire the stunning architecture and art. They can also participate in the religious services and gain a deeper understanding of the church's history and significance.

In conclusion, the Church of Our Lady of Hope is a historic landmark that stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Vypeen. The church's unique location and stunning architecture make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Kochi.

Top Station, Munnar - Canon EOS 5D Mark III, September 2012

Top Station is the highest spot were one can reach by a car from Munnar as the tarred road ends here, covering Mattupetti and Kundala dams. Tea estate covered mountains and the breath taking view of Tamil Nadu state from here is astounding.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III ISO: 1600 Lens: EF17-40mm f/4L USM

Kundala Dam, Munnar - Canon EOS 5D Mark III, September 2012

Kundala Dam arch dam on the way to Topstation, Munnar.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III  ISO: 800 Lens: EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM

Eravikulam National Park - Canon EOS 5D Mark III, September 2012

Eravikulam National Park, Rajamalai in Munnar, Kerala which is the dwelling-place of Nilgiri Tahr, the mountain ungulate threatened with extinction. When I visited the park this time, I could not see any herds except a solitary male Tahr in the proximity.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III ISO: 800 Lens: EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM

Munnar - Canon EOS 5D Mark III, September 2012

Tea estates of Munnar, Kerala with mist capped mountains in the background.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Lens: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM
Focal length: 24mm, Shutter speed: 1/1600 sec
Aperture: 5.6, ISO: 1600

Oil Tanker Ship - Enrica Lexie – February 2012

Images of  Italian Oil Tanker vessel Enrica Lexie, from which on board Italian Navy personnel shot dead two Indian fishermen in their boat off Kerala coast misunderstanding they were pirates. Valentine aged 50 and Ajish Binki aged 21 belonging to Neendakara fishing village in Kollam district were the fishermen killed. The incident took place at 4 pm on 15 th of February off the cost of Alleppey, Kerala in the Arabian sea.

This ship now under the custody of Indian Coast Guard and Kerala Police for further interrogation, is
docked at Cochin Port Trust oil tanker berth near Marine Drive, Kochi city.

Wayanad Trip – January 2012

Panoramic View of Thamarassery Churam (Mountain highway with several hair pin bends between Kozhikode and Kalpetta).

Kalpetta in Wayanad is 270 kilometers away from Kochi – my home town. We started at 1.00AM and

reached here at 7.00 AM where we had our breakfast. I prefer to travel at these early hours to avoid traffic block on highways and also at Thamarassery Churam.
Road Block at Thamarassery Churam. Took these photos on our return journey: 

What I felt about Wayanad: Major towns are Kalpetta, Mananthavady and Sultan Bathery, Of these Kalpetta and  Sultans Battery is on the Kozhikode – Mysore National Highway NH 212 (new no. NH766). Comparing with tourist centers' and cities in other parts of Kerala, hotels and home stay tariffs are much cheaper for the same standard.

Sony Cyber-shot HX100V Sample Photos – January 2012

Sample images & videos taken with Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V super zoom camera.

Shutter speed: 1/400 sec,Aperture: 6.3,Exposure mode: Av,Exposure compensation: -2/3,Metering mode:
Multi-segment,ISO: 400,Focal length: 6.2mm.

Ernakulam – Athirappilly – Vazhachal – Valparai – Ernakulam Round Trip – November 2011

A One Day Round Trip from Ernakulam to Valparai covering Athirapally, Vazhachal, Malakkapara with my family & back via Pollachi road, Kollengode, Vadakkancherry. 

Sprawling Tea Estates at Valparai.

We started of around 6:30 in the morning from Kochi. From Angamaly, there are two ways to reach Athirapally, one is driving through NH47 and taking right turn from Chalakudy town straight to Athirapally. The 2nd option is taking a right from Mukkannur Jn. just after Angamaly town passing through Kerala Plantation Corporation’s oil palm estates. The Ferry across the Chalakudy River at