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Monday, May 18, 2009

Jew Town, Cochin.

Jew Town in Cochin has a lovely old world charm, brightly painted walls with interesting Hebrew inscriptions, narrow lanes leading to one of the oldest Synagogues and streets dotted with spice and antique shops.
It is one of the oldest Jewish settlements in the world dating back to 700 B.C. when Jewish traders came to the shores of Cochin seeking spices. Now only a handful Jews remain. You can read more about their history here.
Intricately carved spice boxes over-flowing with aromatic spices displayed on the streets.
The antique shops got us excited, but we were also a bit wary considering it is one of the prime tourist spots.
It was wonderful walking and exploring the lanes of Jew Town. An old shop selling hand embroidery and textiles.Some of the pieces we picked up from Jew Town, Wooden Padukas ( slippers)Seasoned wooden kitchen utensil.

Useful tip: Look around many shops and bargain hard;-)
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29 comments:

  1. Vasudha NarasimhanMay 18, 2009 at 9:03 PM

    Hi arch

    After reading this, I instantly want to appear in the Jew Town of cochin specially to check out the antique market....and to bring back home a beaticully carved spices box....

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  2. kavithaMay 18, 2009 at 9:20 PM

    This is awesome.... we were just there in munnar... but with family... so couldnt visit jew town. maybe next time.

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  3. ChandanMay 18, 2009 at 9:58 PM

    Lovely post Arch!. Love each one of the pictures.

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  4. AnonymousMay 18, 2009 at 11:28 PM

    Nice post!! I'll surely visit the Jew Town... specially for the antique market & the must have spice box.. looks lovely!!

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  5. VedaMay 19, 2009 at 12:00 AM

    hey arch....lovely post....though been to cochin....i dont think i went to jew town.....but just loved that spice box....if i ever go there again....that one will be on my shopping list!

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  6. VineetaMay 19, 2009 at 12:05 AM

    Wow wow wow. What fun. I HAVE to go there. I especially loved the cow heads. I loved all your photographs & your wooden Padukas and vessel. Beautiful post!

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  7. AnonymousMay 19, 2009 at 2:31 PM

    Very beautiful! Would you have any pictures of the inhabitants of Jew Town?

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  8. trueblueMay 19, 2009 at 5:46 PM

    Hi Archana,

    When I read your last post couple of weeks back I was wondering, why you didnt mention Jew Street. Now I know why ! :)
    Thanks a lot for the detailed tour. Antiques and Carved Wood: two things that top my list of favorite things ! Love them ..and BEAUTIFUL photos :)
    -Aswathy

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  9. Archana Srinivas PotteryMay 19, 2009 at 7:07 PM

    Thanks all:-)

    Aditi- Here is a link to my Flickr stream where I have a shot from Jew Towm:-)
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/archanasr_2000/3429850625/in/set-72157616474586027/

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  10. all*over*printMay 19, 2009 at 8:55 PM

    Hi Arch
    very beautiful place i like what you post
    X
    Ayelet

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  11. ~mEMay 19, 2009 at 10:37 PM

    i love those padukas...

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  12. Lakshmi -CelebrationsMay 21, 2009 at 1:30 AM

    Padukas are agood buy.
    I Remember my grandfather had one.He used to regularly use those.will search for his.
    its hard to be a tourist in ones own city,and abusy schedule when we are at home.let me try being atourist this time and ur post have encouraged me to do so dear.Thanx arch.

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  13. LudwigMay 21, 2009 at 2:11 AM

    You have such an amazing blog! I'm reading it and i feel like i am in an altogether new space..i am almost getting a mental orgasm reading stuff here!

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  14. ShaliniMay 21, 2009 at 2:13 AM

    Nice finds Arch! I enjoyed reliving walking down the street through your photos!

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  15. NatMay 21, 2009 at 6:51 AM

    ho dyou manage to find such exotic backgrounds for your pics? that yellow luminous tile is divine.

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  16. PaavaniMay 21, 2009 at 9:59 PM

    nice shopping guide.
    I loved wooden paduka.

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  17. JoMay 22, 2009 at 12:09 AM

    Hey Arch, as always, lovely photos. Am busy with
    Madhulika and am seeing your blog after ages. hope all is well. take care.

    cheers!
    Jo

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  18. Rajee SoodMay 22, 2009 at 3:28 AM

    Hi Arch,
    I have been talking so much about Jew town these past few days ... all because of that spice box,I have ... you've just made me more eager to want to visit cochin.
    Mean while I settle for antiquing in mumbai :)

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  19. My Dream CanvasMay 23, 2009 at 10:14 AM

    I simply love the spice boxes and a visit to Cochin is now a must on my list.Beautiful post Archana!

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  20. megha puNAter"May 23, 2009 at 11:24 AM

    i can only wish,this is awesome arch.
    great post

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  21. AnonymousMay 24, 2009 at 2:21 PM

    Ah, those shopkeepers know what visitors like to buy and they know they can charge them for it...
    Love the wooden items you've bought, but those spiceboxes are gorgeous, too. And that cow mask in the top pic! And I'm such a lousy bargainer...

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  22. AnakaMay 26, 2009 at 3:46 AM

    Well Jew Town is charming for sure, but your photography makes it look more stunning than I remember! I'm envious of all the beautiful crafts you got to see and buy!

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  23. pRiyAMay 26, 2009 at 9:26 AM

    One day I will visit here.

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  24. JessicaMay 26, 2009 at 8:17 PM

    I've never seen wooden slippers like that! What a great photo.

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  25. purple areaJune 2, 2009 at 1:58 AM

    Great images, looks really nice!

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  26. Rebecca CorveseJune 3, 2009 at 3:14 PM

    The colors are just absolutely vibrant and beautiful! It looks like such a wonderful place.

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  27. SudhaJune 8, 2009 at 7:40 AM

    hi Archana

    havent seen soemthign new for a while....i religiously check your blog for updates, everday in the morning...:)

    take care

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  28. kavithaclicksJune 11, 2009 at 6:42 AM

    Arch
    You know what... i went to pondy last week to get some furniture and pillars for our new apt. raided almost every furniture shop/dealer... and guess what. all the best pieces i found... u already had them!!! saw a similar cupboard, 2 chests that u had, and some other stuff. it was so hard for me to resist getting the same since you got them first ;) but i did. resist i mean.
    Kav

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  29. Fernanda R. LimaJune 18, 2009 at 7:40 AM

    Oh i miss mother India so much... tks for these incredible pictures!

    ;-)

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