Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Munambam kerala - Google Maps

If you are in Boghatty, let me remind you that you are on an island between mainland Ernakulam and larger island Vypeen. At the end of Vypeen is the new born beach of Mumambam.

Munambam beach is rather new. An artificial barriar meant to regulate currents and waves known as pulimuttu in Malayalam has caused "birth of a new beach" at the northern end of Vypeen Island.

This is not croweded because it is new and there is no motorable road there. Very very private it would appear. You need to walk for about a km west wards from motorable road.

Most people who are familiar with Cochin, could reach Munambam by driving 30 kilometers.

As on today March 2008, a 30 km busride from Ernakulam High Court busstation to Munambam would cost you approx. 15 Rupees. or 30 US Cents.

If you are at Fort Kochin, you need to cross a ferry ( would carry cars and buses as well) over to Vypeen ilsand.

Coming from east, say Trichur, come to Paravoor (North Paravoor to be precise). From Paravoor, it is about 6 Rupees to Munambam ( 50 rupees make a US Dollar).

If you are rich, trying hiring a speed boat to enjoy the scenic beauty of backwaters and reach Munambaman half an hour ride.

There is a bus stop called IR Valavu ( valavu means bend) , stop your vehicle there, and start walking. The walk would be very enjoyable.

Those who are coming from the North, try out hiring boats by the hour.

Ask around, you could hire canoes as well.

There is no eatery here, however, there is a watering hole where coconut palm toddy is sold. For the hungry they serve cassava (tapioca, manioc) plus fish curry. This is not a posh thing, and ideally you ought to carry your ownf food and water with you.

There is a barge service, here , from Munambam to Azhikode, if you are lucky might see frolicking dolphins. Otherwise enjoy the secenic beauty.
A bit of history here:
If St. Thomas came to India, in AD 52, he came to port of Kodungaloor (old name Crangannore). Migrating Jews found Crangannore an ideal place to land, and they made settlements in nearabouts place called Chendamangalam.
First ever Christian Church known as Azhikode Church is just across the waters. Then there is the Vypikottai Seminary. First ever Juma Masjid (masjid = mosque) All these because of the port connection and hospitalbe attitude of Kings and people around this place.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Malcolm (Benny) D'Souza Passes Away

Every body knows him as Benny, so let me refer to hom only as Benny. Passed away on the 26th February 2009

His wife had passed away few years ago, he is survived by four sons and a daughter.

Sons
Shabel
Laybel
Shine

Daughter
Christabel

Not much is known about his father, Antony because, his mother Mary was a widow and belonged to Vivera family of Puthenthara , Ponnarimangalam Bolghatty.
Mary's brothers were John and Joseph, they were children of Mathew Vivera.

Mathew had two brothers, Ignatius and Lewis (Mathew was a contractor, who built tea factory facilities in the highranges of Kerala)
Their father was Pedireek Asan (Patrick)
Pedireek was son of Babuchic (spelling not real, converted form info in Malayalam)

As the story goes, Sethulakhshmi Kunjamma, had eloped with Babuchick
went to Varapuzha Bishops palace and got converted and married Pedireek.
Pedireeks father was a Portuguese sailor and merchant whose cargo ship carrying pepper developed a leak and never could go back to Portugal.
The sailors name is mentioned as Babuchick (as pronounced in Malayalam, can not be the real Portugese spelling). Babuchick had a brother in the same ship, they both had sought permission from the Maharaja of Cochin to live in Cochin.
The Cochin Maharaja granted them a place ( near the current day St. Alber's College) where they built a house with timber salvaged from their ship docked at Aroor.
Later it was Paliath Achan who granted them land at Bolghatty (current day Puthenthara)

Babuchick had four sons and two daughters, their history is yet to be collected. one was Pedireek, ancestor of Mathew Vivera, (materanal grandfather of Benny)

The surname Vivera is a variant of Viera, if you are searching for history, please look up for Viera as well.