Places
to visit
Tourist
spots
Ambalamukal: A fast developing
area lying about 16 kms. east of Ernakulam. Site of Oil
Refineries and FACT Kochi Division.
Bolghatty Island: A beautiful island lying close
to Ernakulam and Willingdon Island. The Bolghatty Palace
was built by the Dutch in 1744 which later became the
seat of British Resident. The palace is now converted
into a hotel. There is also a well laid golf link.
Chennamangalam: Chennamangalam was
one of the chief centres of the Jews in Kerala. Very
old Black Jews Synagogue, remains of Vaipicotta Seminary
etc, are still present, It was the seat of Palieth Achan,
the Prime Minister of erstwhile State of Cochin.
Chowara: Former summer resort of cochin Royal
family . Lies on the northern bank of Aluva river (Periyar),
Site of water works supplying drinking water to Ernakulam
city.
Cochin Harbour and Willingdon Island:
Cochin, one of the finest natural harbours in the
world, and the only all weather harbour on the west coast,
south of Bombay, affords a safe anchorage to ships,
Willingdon Island is a man made one which was formed with
materials dredged while deepening the Cochin Port and
channel, It is the seat of the harbour and cochin Port
Trust. The Southern Naval Command has its headquarters
here. The seaport, naval airport and the railway terminus
are all on this island.
Dutch Palace: Situated at Mattancherry,
it is 8 kms, away from Ernakulam. Although called Dutch,
it was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Maharaja
of Cochin in 1555. It acquired the present name after1663
when the Dutch added some extension to the building and
carried out some repairs. In the centre of the building
is the coronation hall. 17th century murals
depicting scenes from the Indian Epic, Ramayana can be
seen here.
Ernakulam : situated on the banks of
the Vembanad lake, Ernakulam is accessible by all routes-backwater,
sea, road, rail and air.
Fort Cochin : Lies 10 kms away ,from
Ernakulam . The architectural style of the buildings and
lay-out of the town mark out Fort Cochin from other cities
and towns of Kerala. The buildings show the influence
of European architecture. The Chief attraction of Fort
Cochin is the St. Francis Church built by the Portuguese
It is believed to be the first church built by Europeans
in India. The body of Vasco Da Gama was buried here.
Close to St. Francis Church is Santa Cruz Church. some
beautiful paintings can be seen in the Roman Catholic
Church.
Jewish synagogue: The Jewish Synagogue
at Mattanchery was built in 1568. The great Scrolls of
the Old Testament, The copper plates containing the privileges
granted by the cochin Ruler to the Jewish community and
the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles at the Synagogue
are of great interest.
Cherai Beach
It is located in Vypin Island accessible by
ferry or by road from mainland, Kochi. This calm beach
is ideal for swimming. It has sea on the western side
and backwater on east, which gives this tourist destination,
a unique surrounding. Thick coconut grooves and Chinese
fishing nets on the waterfront give it an added attraction.
Dolphins can also be seen here occasionally.
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
This sanctuary is 12 km from Kothamangalam, which
is on the Kochi-Munnar route.
Kodanadu
This is a forest elephant care centre. Here
you can see baby elephants rescued from the forests being
cared for. Elephants are also trained here. Kodanadu
is 15 km from Perumbavoor which is on the Kochi-Munnar
route (via Aluva).
Art Complex - Madhavan Nair Foundation, Edappally - Located
at Edappally, 10 kms north of Ernakulam en route to Alwaye,
the complex consists of two units: the Gallery of Paintings
and Sculptures, which presents over 200 original paintings
by contemporary Indian artists, some of them internationally
acclaimed, and works of reputed Indian sculptures. The
other unit, the Centre for Visual Arts is reserved for
authentic reproductions of selected world masters from
Leonardo da Vinci to those of the present century. The
centre also exhibits certain larger-than-life mural reproductions
of ancient Indian art.
Fort Kochi Beach: The Fort Kochi beach
is a place ideal for an evening stroll, Bathing and swimming
are not recommended here, The colourful carnival at
New Years Eve is a feature of this beach.
Bolgatty Island: This long narrow palm-fringed
island,easily accessible from the mainland, is where the
Bolgatty Palace is situated amidst15acres of lush green
lawns. Built by the Dutch in 1744, and later became
the seat of the British Resident. In 1976 the palace
was converted into a hotel under the Kerala Tourism development
corporation. The palace has a golf course on its grounds.
Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura- Set
on top of a hillock, this prestigious palace-turned-museum
displays 13 categories of exhibits, including paintings,
carvings and other royal antiquities donated by the Cochin
and Travancore royal families and the Paliam Devaswom.
The Heritage Museum, located on the rear side of the palace
buildings familiarizes you with the traditional lifestyles
of ancient Kerala. As part of the establishment of a
mini zoo, a deer park with spotted deer, sambar and peacocks
is run by the Society for the Preservation of Hill Palace
Premises. The museum premises has also been converted
into a botanical garden with exotic tropical trees from
central America to Australia. Located 11 Kms east of
Ernakulam, en route to Chottanikkara.
Kali
Kota, Tripunithura - As the name suggests, this
beautiful, imposing building a legacy of the Dutch rule
served as an entertainment auditorium to the erstwhile
royal family featuring dance, drama, and plays. Today
it functions largely as a marriage hall, Situated near
the Poornathreyesa temple
Kerala
Lalitha Kala Akademi Gallery of Contemporary Art, Ernakulam
- It is situated at the Durbar Hall ground on D.H. Road.
The hall had been the durbar of the raja of Cochin
Mangrove
Forest, Ernakulam - This small protected area
a haven for birds, is located on Dr. Salim Ali Road, adjacent
to the High Court of Kerala, Winter migrants include species
coming from Kashmir and even distant siberia. Best time
to visit mid-January to early March.
Museum
of Kerala History, Edappally - Located along
with the Art Complex at Edappally, it is a Sound and
light show presenting thirty five scenes from the political,
social, and cultural history of Kerala. Commentaries in
English and Malayalam.
Pallipuram
Fort, Vypeen- It is situated at the far end
of Vypin island. SMall and hexagonal, it was built in
1503, claiming to be the oldest European fort in India.
Santa
Cruz Basilica, Fort Cochin- There are some beautiful
paintings in this Roman Catholic church situated close
to the St. francis Church.
Pilgrim
centres
Aluva : Situated about 21 kms north of
Ernakulam. It is known for the famous Sivarathri festival.
Ankamali: A place of historic importance
to Syrian Christians. Lies 40 kms. North of Ernakulam.It
is the seat of the first Portuguese Bishop.
Kaladi: Kaladi is the birth place of
Sreesankaracharya , the great Indian Philosopher. It
is 13 kms. away from Aluva. Kaladi has got Sringeri Madham,
Ramakrishna Asramam and the Sreesankara stupa.
Kanjiramattom:- It is 18kms. south east
of Ernakulam. The most important and beautiful mosque
of the District is situated in this place
Chottanikkara Temple: Famous for the
Devi temple, an important pilgrim centre of Hindus. Navarathri
is celebrated on a grand scale. The temple is located
15kms from Cochin City. The presiding deity here is Durga
Bhagavathy. It is also that this deity was brought from
Mookambika Temple in Karnataka and therefore there is
a presence of Mookambika Devi till 7 a.m. in the morning
at this temple. There is also one more temple as a part
of the complex where deity is Bhadra Kali Devi. THe major
festival is Makam Thozhal. It falls during February-march
every year for a period of 9 days Temple is open from
4 am to 12 Noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Ernakulam Siva Temple
The Temple is situated in the heart of Kochi
City with Siva as deity also known as Ernakulathappan.
It was built during Maharaja rule and is presently under
devaswom Board control . This is one of the rarest Siva
Temples where deity is facing Sea towards west. The temple
has Deity of siva & Parvathy in Kirathamurthy form
which is claimed to be self originated (Swayambhoo)
Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple
Located at TrIpunithura, 10 km from Cochin city.
The deity here is Maha Vishnu and is one among three Vishnu
Temples in Kerala . Arjuna (one of the Pancha Pandavas
) is believed to have established this temple., The
Major festival of this temple is held during November-December.
The Other cultural festival, Athachamayam during harvest
festival of Onam is also celebrated with procession of
float, Tableau and dances like Pulikkali, This deity
is Kula Daivam of Cochin Royal family.
St. Francis Church
St. Francis Church is the oldest European Church
in India Built i in 1503 A.D. by the Portuguese at Fort
Cochin. the Dutch later restored the church in 1779.
Which was converted into an anglican Church by British
in 1795. Vasco-da-gama, who discovered the sea route
to India from Europe, was buried here in 1524 A.D. before
his mortal remains were removed to Portugal, his tomb
stone still remains.
ST.George Forane Church
This is an important pilgrim centre located approximately
6 km from Kochi city. This Roman CAtholic church was
built way back in 594 AD in the land donated by Raja of
Edapally, This church is considered to be one of the
oldest churches in Kerala. A new church building was
built in 1080. CHurch is well known for the nine-day
feast in the month of May.
Vamanamoorthy Temple, Thrikkakara -
Set in a land of great mythological significance, this
ancient temple, dedicated to Vamana- the fifth avatara
of Lord Vishnu is venerated by the Vaishnavates. The
temple holds a large number of lithic records, some of
great historical significance. The annual festival is
held in the month of chingam (Aug- sept.)
Veega
Land Pallikara - Located 12 kms from the city
is this unique amusement park offering a world of non-stop
fun and adventure. Sprawling over 18.5.acres, the main
attractions include caterpillar trains, a 500- seater
theatre with a Musical fountain, the exciting family Fun
Pool, the Nest housing a variety of exotic birds, and
an array of water rides.
Malayattor
Kurishumudi ( It is believed where St.Thomas
visited during his apostolic journey) Bhoothathan kett,
Kadamattom Church ( connected with Kadamattathu kathanar)
Uliyannur (Near Aluva , place connected with Uliyannur
Perumthachan) Kallil Temple, Kakkoor Kalavayal (Famous
Agrarian Festival) Changampuzha Nagar Edappally Pazhoor
Padippura (Near Piravom) Koonan Cross( Mattancherry) Kochi
Bishops House (Built in 1566 as the residence of the
Portuguese Governor ) Fort Immanuel (built in 1503.
Remains of the structure can be seen). Bastian Bungalow
(Built in 1667) David Hall (Built in 1695 connected with
Van Reed) Parade Ground, Dutch cemetery, St.Mary's Basilica,
Sahodaran Ayyappan Smarakam at Cherai, Children's traffic
Park at Ernakulam, St. Francis Assisi Cathedral, Ernakulam
are other Tourist attractions of the District.
Contact
address
For
More Tourist Information Contact : Tourist Reception
Centre KTDC, Shanmugham Road - Phone - 2353234, 2382199
DTPC
- Park Avenue - Ph. 2371488
Distance
from Ernakulam to other Places
|
Ernakulam - Adoor |
124
km |
| EKM
- Alappuzha |
63
km |
| EKM
- Aluva |
21
km |
| EKM
- Angamaly |
37
km |
| EKM
- Attingal |
187
km |
| EKM
- Chalakkudy |
49
km |
| EKM
- Changanacherry |
93
km |
| EKM
- Chengannur |
110
km |
| EKM
- Chertala |
39
km |
| EKM
- Erattupetta |
81
km |
| EKM
- Erumely |
109
km |
| EKM
- Guruvayoor |
160
km |
| EKM
- Haripad |
95
km |
| EKM
- Idukki |
129
km |
| EKM
- Irinjalakkuda |
68
km |
| EKM
- Kalpetta |
286
km |
| EKM
- Kannur |
306
km |
| EKM
- Karunagapally |
124
km |
| EKM
- Kasaragod |
420
km |
| EKM
- Kayamkulam |
109
km |
| EKM
- Kilimanoor |
188
km |
| EKM
- Kodungalloor |
49
km |
| EKM
- Kollam |
149
km |
| EKM
- Kothamangalam |
54
km |
| EKM
- Kottarakkara |
156
km |
| EKM
- Kottayam |
76
km |
| EKM
- Kozhikode |
213
km |
| EKM
- Mala |
52
km |
| EKM
- Malappuram |
173
km |
| EKM
- Mananthavadi |
319
km |
| EKM
- Mavelikkara |
107
km |
| EKM
- Munnar |
132
km |
| EKM
- Muvattupuzha |
46
km |
| EKM
- Nedumangad |
212
km |
| EKM
- North Paravur |
37
km |
| EKM
- Pala |
69
km |
| EKM
- Palakkad |
150
km |
| EKM
- Pamba |
196
km |
| EKM
- Pathanamthitta |
132
km |
| EKM
- Payyanur |
349
km |
| EKM
- Perinthalmanna |
153
km |
| EKM
- Perumbavoor |
36
km |
| EKM
- Ponkunnam |
109
km |
| EKM
- Ponnani |
139
km |
| EKM
- Punaloor |
156
km |
| EKM
- Sulthan Batheri |
310
km |
| EKM
- Thamarassery |
245
km |
| EKM
- Thekkady |
176
km |
| EKM
- Thiruvalla |
101
km |
| EKM
- Trivandrum |
222
km |
| EKM
- Thodupuzha |
62
km |
| EKM
- Trissur |
81
km |
| EKM
- Vaikom |
35
km |
Government
Guest Houses/Yatri Nivases and Rest Houses
Guest
House, Ernakulam
Guest
House, Aluva;
Yatri
Novas, Ernakulam (Palarivattom)
PWD
rest Houses and T.B.S.: Rest House Ernakulam.
T.B.
Aluva (palace) Rest House, Aluva, T.B. Fort Kochi, Camp
Shed, Angamali (T.B.) Rest House, Perumbavoor, Rest House,
Moovattupuzha, T.B. North Parur, Rest House, Kothamangalam
