Ernakulam


Kochi The land of the Queen of the Arabian Sea

Ernakulam District Map Click here to view

District Head Quarters Kakkanadu,
Area 2,407 Sq.Km,
Population 30,98,378
Literacy 93.42%

The ancient temples, churches, mosques, synagogue and palaces and above all the birth place of Sri Sankaracharya provided a great deal of interest for the archaeologists and historians in particular and all tourists in general. The city of Kochi known as the "Queen of Arabian Sea" has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese sea forces followed the sea route to Kochi and left their indelible impressions on the town.


NEDUMBASSERY INTERNATIONAL AIR PORT

Cochin International Airport is one of the country's youngest Airports with modern facilities and conveniences. Located at Nedumbassery, a village in Ernakulam district, which is about 30 kms from Cochin City. This is the first airport in India that was constructed with private participation, outside the ambit of Airport Authority of India. The airport is owned by Cochin International Airport Authority Limited (CIAL). Government of Kerala, Non-Resident Indians from over 30 countries, Traveling Public, Financial Institutions, Airport Service Providers and others are the major stakeholders. It is built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala. Late Shri K.R.Nnarayanan, the then President of India has inaugurated the air port on May 25th 1999. Currently, more than 70 flights are operating in and out of this Airport daily connecting all major cities across India and International destinations like Dubai, Sharjah, Chicago, Colombo, Singapore Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait, Muscat, Riyadh and it is also linked with Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Hydrabad and Bangalore by domestic flights. The Airport is situated off NH-47 at Athani and at Angamaly. The Nearest Railway Station at Angamaly is about 8 kms away. Soon the Airport-Seaport express Road will connect the Airport with Cochin Port at Vallarpadom, making for easier and faster movements of container and other cargos.

Cochin International Airport, Cochin (IATA: COK, ICAO: VOCI) is an international airport serving the city of Kochi, in the state of Kerala, India. Located at Nedumbassery, about 25 kilometres (16 mi) northeast of the city, Cochin International Airport is the first airport in India developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This project was funded by nearly 10,000 non-resident Indians from 30 countries. It is the busiest and largest airport in the state of Kerala. As of 2019, the Cochin International Airport caters to 61.8% of the total air passenger movement in Kerala.It is also the fourth busiest airport in India in terms of international traffic and eighth busiest overall. In fiscal year 2018-19, the airport handled more than 10.2 million passengers with a total of 71,871 aircraft movements.The airport is a primary base for Air India Express operations which is also headquartered in the city. The airport operates three passenger terminals and one cargo terminal. With over 150,000 square metres (1,614,587 sq ft) in area,the airport's Terminal 3 is one of the largest terminals in India.[citation needed] Cochin International Airport became the world's first fully solar powered airport with the inauguration of a dedicated solar plant.For this entrepreneurial vision, the airport won the coveted Champion of the Earth award in 2018, the highest environmental honour instituted by the United Nations.


Road distances to:
Ernakulam 30 Kms
Kottayam 90 Kms
Trivandrum 250 Kms

DUTCH PALACE

This palace in Mattancherry was built by the Portuguese, and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555. Though built by the Portuguese, it is popularly known as the "Dutch Palace", as the Dutch renovated it during their brief reign here. The glory of the Palace lies in the murals which are in the best traditions of Hindu Temple Art. In the central courtyard of the palace is the temple dedicated to Pazhayannur Bhagavathi. In the coronation hall, there is a display of dresses and Palanquins used by the rulers of Cochin.

Dutch Palace in Ernakulam The Mattancherry Palace is located about 12 km from Ernakulam. One of the finest examples of the Kerala style of architecture mixed with colonial influences, the Portuguese built it as a gift to King Veera Kerala Verma. It came to be known as the Dutch Palace as it underwent major repairs at the hands of the Dutch. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the Fort Kochi area. The deity of the royal family, 'PazhayannurBhagavathi' (the Goddess of Pazhayannur) is placed in the central courtyard. It boasts of a brilliant collection of murals that retell the great Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata along with revered Gods of the Hindu faith like Guruvayoorappan. Most of them are said to have been done between the 17th and 18th century. It covers an area of almost 300 sq. km.There are many other interesting exhibits here as well that constantly inspire intrigue. These include the life-size portraits of all the kings of Cochin since 1864, sheathed swords, daggers and axes together with ceremonial spears decorated with feathers. Royal caps, coins issued by the Kings of Cochin, silver sequined gowns, royal umbrellas made of silk and brass, along with plans laid out for Cochin by the Dutch can also be viewed here.


JEWISH SYNAGOGUE

The synagogue was built in 1568 A.D. Scrolls of Old Testament and a number of copper plates inscribed in the Hebrew Script are preserved in this Synagogue. The Jewish Synagogue in Kochi stands out as a testimony for the communal harmony in the state for centuries.

Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi Fort Kochi, the place not far away from the city of Kochi can ideally be termed as a cultural melting pot of Kerala. This small geographical entity is perhaps unique in the world due to its cultural representations. Be it for people from other parts of India or those from far off lands like those in the Middle-East and Europe, Fort Kochi at various stages of time in the past welcomed them all to settle down and lead a life in harmony with the native folks.Visitors to Fort Kochi would invariably be treated to many a cultural representation. They all have left their marks in the form of traders, asylum seekers, rulers and those who came to spread their religious faiths. What we are going to unravel is a landmark in a place called Mattancherry in Fort Kochi; a monumental one that rose from the cultural traits and religious beliefs of a community that came to Kochi seeking asylum. The Jews of Fort Kochi, who fled their homeland - Israel during the Diaspora embraced Fort Kochi as their second home.A short walk from Mattancherry bus stand or from the boat jetty nearby would take you to the Jewish Synagogue, situated at one end of the Jew Street in the Jew Town enclave of Mattancherry in Fort Kochi. This synagogue was built in 1568 by the Malabar Yehudans or Cochin Jewish community. It was built close to the Mattancherry Palace Temple on the land gifted by King Rama Varma, a former ruler of Kochi. The Mattancherry Palace Temple and the Mattancherry synagogue share a common wall. This synagogue at Mattancherry is the oldest one in the Commonwealth of Nations.


St. FRANCIS CHURCH

This church was built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD It is believed to be the oldest European Church built in India. Vasco-dA-Gama was buried here. Fourteen years later, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal

The St. Francis Church, well-known for its beautiful structural design and ambience, has an important place in history. It is here that the famous explorer, Vasco-da-Gama, was originally buried. His remains would be taken back 14 years later but to this day, the exact spot is clearly marked. The place is known for its deep Dutch and Portuguese influences and is an architectural marvel in itself. The credit for its construction goes to the Portuguese Franciscan Friars in 1503. Originally made with mud and wood, it went under a lot of work with the Portuguese, Dutch and the British leaving their imprints on the place. Eventually it would come under the control of the Church of South India in 1949. Visitors are especially charmed by its gabled timber framed roof. The interiors have two stepped pinnacles crowning the top of the chancel roof. The entire experience is the epitome of old school charm; from the pulpit made of wood decorated to the confessional to the baptism platform. History has left its imprint here, which is evident to this day. Saint Francis Church, in Fort Kochi (Fort Cochin), Kochi, originally built in 1503, is one of the oldest European churches in India and has great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent.The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon.


CHINESE FISHING NETS

At the entrance to the harbour these nets are a fascinating sight. They can be seen all along the backwaters of Kerala. They were first bought to Kerala by the Chinese traders from Kubla Khan's court

Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) are a type of stationary lift net in India. They are fishing nets that are fixed land installations for fishing. While commonly known as "Chinese fishing nets" in India, the more formal name for such nets is "shore operated lift nets".Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across. Each structure is at least 10 m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. Each installation is operated by a team of up to six fishermen. While such nets are used throughout coastal southern China and Indochina, in India they are mostly found in the Indian cities of Kochi and Kollam, where they have become a tourist attraction.This way of fishing is unusual in India and almost unique to the area, as it was introduced by Chinese explorers who landed there in the 14th century. Indeed, one interpretation of the city name Kochi is ‘co-chin', meaning like China. The system is sufficiently balanced that the weight of a man walking along the main beam is sufficient to cause the net to descend into the sea. The net is left for a short time, possibly just a few minutes, before it is raised by pulling on ropes. The catch is usually modest: a few fish and crustaceans, which may be sold to passers-by within minutes. Rocks, each 30 cm or so in diameter, are suspended from ropes of different lengths. As the net is raised, some of the rocks one-by-one come to rest on a platform thereby keeping everything in balance. Each installation has a limited operating depth. Consequently, an individual net cannot be continually operated in tidal waters. Different installations will be operated depending on the state of the tide.The Chinese fishing nets have become a very popular tourist attraction. Their size and elegant construction is photogenic and the slow rhythm of their operation is quite hypnotic. In addition, catches can be purchased individually and need be taken only a short distance to a street entrepreneur who will cook it.


WELLINGTON ISLAND

This is a man made island created from earth dredged, while deepening the Kochi Port. Lord Bristow was the architect of this island. There are frequent ferry and bus services from Ernakulam. The Harbour, Air Port and Harbour Railway Terminus are in this island.

Willingdon Island Kerala Known after Lord Willingdon who was a British Viceroy of India, the Willingdon Island is one of the largest artificial man-made islands in India which is located in the city of Kochi, Kerala. It links Kochi with other seaports of the world and houses some of the best hotels, and commercial & industrial buildings of the district. This beautiful island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters of Kerala. It is considered as the habitat for the port of Kochi and the Kochi Naval Base of the Indian Navy and Central Institute of Fisheries Technology. One who wants to take a feel of serene atmosphere and natural beauty may visit here and enjoy holiday with pleasure. This island is a heart of Shipyard area of Cochin where luxury hotels are situated; some also provide Arabia Sea views as well.Willingdon Island is the largest artificial island in India, which forms part of the city of Kochi, in the state of Kerala. Much of the present Willingdon Island was claimed from the Lake of Kochi, filling in dredged soil around a previously existing, but tiny, natural island. Willingdon Island is significant as the home for the Port of Kochi, as well as the Kochi Naval Base (the Southern Naval Command) of the Indian Navy, Plant Quarantine station, Custom House Cochin and Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, a constituent unit of Indian Council of Agricultural Research.


BOLGATTY ISLAND

Bolgatty palace on a narrow stretch of land built by the Dutch in 1744 is situated here. The building was once a Governor's Palace for the Dutch and later a home for British Governors. Now it has been converted into a hotel by the K T D C. The Bolgatty Palace Hotel has a commanding view facing the outlet into the open sea.Bolgatty Island is a picturesque island located near Fort Kochi in Ernakulam district. It is famous for its eponymous palace along with being a growing cosmopolitan hotspot in the area. The Bolgatty Palace was built in 1744 by the Dutch and was eventually taken over by the British. This has now been transformed into a famous Kerala Tourism Department Corporation (KTDC) Hotel and Resort and boasts of its own golf course and honeymoon cottages. The Kochi International Marina is situated here. It is the only marina of its type in India and can host up to 34 yachts alongside water, electricity and sewage pump-out facilities. The Bolgatty Event Centre is renowned for hosting a large number of international conferences, conventions, exhibitions and wedding ceremonies. With the backwaters, Cochin Seaport, Vallarpadam Container Terminal and the Arabian Sea overlooking it, there is no better location to host such important events. Kochi, the prominent travel destination of Kerala, India, has always been an exotic location in a traveler's not-to-be-missed list. The sea, backwaters, monuments, heritage; Kochi has all that would keep a traveler engrossed. With many architectural, cultural and natural splendors, Kochi, which is also the commercial hub of Kerala will never cease to enthrall you. Just off the Kochi Marine Drive is the Bolgatty Island. It is an island of calm right in the midst of the bustling City of Kochi. Located in this fascinating island is the stunning property of KTDC - Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort. The other centre of attraction in this property is Kochi International Marina and Bolgatty Event Centre.


MANGALAVANAM

This mangrove forest is a small bird sanctuary, located in the heart of the town behind the High Court of Kerala, attracts a large number of tourists.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary in the city of Palakkad district of Kerala state in India.It is located in the heart of Kochi city and has an area of 0.0274 sq km. A large number of migratory birds visit this place. Spiders and bats are the main attractions here. The Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary which was established in 2004 is the smallest protected area under the state forest department. It is the only bird sanctuary in Kerala which is located in Mangrove forests. The word Mangal means mangroves in Portuguese. A survey conducted in May 2006 found that there are 194 birds in 32 species. The number of bird species recorded so far from this area is 72. In addition, 17 species of butterflies are recorded here. There are 51 different types of spiders.Mangalavanam is an ecologically sensitive area situated at the centre of the Indian city of Kochi, covering about 2.74 hectares.It also houses a shallow tidal lake connected with Kochi backwaters by a canal. It is situated behind the Kerala High Court building. It is a nesting ground for a large variety of migratory birds and supports many types of mangroves. The Managalavanam is often regarded as the "green lung of Kochi",considering its role in keeping the city's air pollution under check. The area is a roosting place for many kinds of resident and migratory birds. Recently the high-rise buildings surrounding the area are curtailing the movement of birds in the sanctuary. The buildings close to the sanctuary interrupt proper orientation, take-off and landings of the birds. They also cause hurdles in the regular movements of the nesting birds in transporting nesting materials. It is also likely to hinder the movement of birds while bringing food materials to the chicks and fledglings.


PARIKSHITH THAMPURAN MUSEUM

This is situated on the Durbar Hall Ground on DH Road, Ernakulam. Collection of 19th Century oil paintings, old coins, sculptures in stone and plaster of paris and copies of mural paintings are exhibited here.

Pareekshith Thampuran Museum is a very good archeological museum located near the Shiva temple, on the Durbar Hall Road at Ernakulam. This museum boasts of an impressive collection of 19th century paintings, ancient monuments and coins, scriptures made in stone and Plaster of Paris, murals as well as memorabilia belonging to the Cochin royal family. Infact, Parikshit Thampuran Museum is counted amongst the best museums of not only Kerala, but the whole of the Indian subcontinent.Much before it was turned into a museum, the building housing it was used as a venue to receive the guests of the Kochi royalty. It also substituted as a place for official ceremonies and meetings. The most attractive part of this magnanimous structure is the former guest room, or the durbar hall, of the Kochi rajas. It has a sprawling, stringently Kerala style structure. The museum is, now, under the administration of the State Archaeological Department, which named it after Rama Varma Parikshith Thampuran, the Royal family's last ruler.This museum on Durbar Hall Road, adjacent to the Shiva Temple, has a valuable collection of 19th century oil paintings, old coins, sculptures and copies of mural paintings. Scriptures in stone and plaster of paris, the collection from the Cochin royal family, etc., are added attractions. The building itself is in typical Kerala-style architecture. Visiting times: 9. 30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Closed on Mondays and national holidays.


CHERAMAN JUMA MASJID

The first mosque in India situated 52 Kms. away from Kochi. It was built in 629 AD and resembles a Hindu Temple in appearance. There are bus services from Ernakulam.

The significance of Cheraman Juma Majsid in the Muziris Heritage Project lies in the fact that it is the first mosque in India. Built in 629 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar it is located in the district of Thrissur in Kerala, on the Paravur-Kodungallur road. The oral tradition is that Cheraman Perumal, the Chera king, went to Arabia where he met the Prophet and embraced Islam. From there he had sent letters with Malik Ibn Dinar to his relatives in Kerala, asking them to be courteous to the latter. The masjid is believed to have been renovated in the 11th century and also 300 years ago. The front portion was expanded in 1974 and further expanded in 1984. The older part of the mosque including the Sanctum Sanctorum is left untouched and is still preserved. Its grandeur is still kept alive by the wooden steps and ceiling. People of all religions come to this mosque and many non-Muslims conduct vidhyarambham (initiation ceremony to the world of letters) of their children here.Malik Bin Dinar, one of the first Arab propagators of Islam to have come to the Indian subcontinent, built the Cheraman Juma Masjid in 629 CE. Among the many stories in circulation about the mosque’s origins, the most popular recounts how Cheraman Perumal, the region’s king, gave up his throne to embrace Islam and make a pilgrimage to Mecca. After years spent in Mecca, the king decided to return home but fell ill and died on the way. However, Malik Bin Dinar and his companions completed the king’s journey on his behalf. They carried with them a series of letters written by Cheraman Perumal asking local rulers of Kerala for their permission to build the area’s first mosques.Besides its impressive history, distinct Kerala-style architecture and deep legacy, the mosque’s prime attraction for visitors is an ancient oil lamp that has supposedly been burning continuously ever since the mosque’s origin – that is for more than a thousand years. Visitors often bring in oil to add to the lamp. The mosque has had to go through several renovations, with the first being in the 11th century CE. However, the inner hall, including the ancient lamp, has been preserved as is throughout the years. Today, the mosque also houses a museum for those interested in learning more about its history. It even displays replicas to show how the mosque’s architecture has evolved over time.


MUSEUM OF KERALA HISTORY

Eight Kms. from Ernakulam., this museum is a treasure house of important scenes of Kerala History from Neolithic age to modern period portrayed through life-size statues. Recorded commentary of each scene with sound and light shows is staged here.

If the hustle and bustle of Ernakulam gets to you, walk over to a neatly placed behemoth in Edappally. You are greeted at the entrance by the Sage Parsurama, the man who is said to have carved out present day Kerala. The silence is striking in itself but the exhibits take you on a singular odyssey through the annals of Kerala's history. The location is none other than the magnificent Madhavan Nayar Foundation or Museum of Kerala History. The way it has been designed immediately captures your attention. Onstepping in, you witness historic episodes from the Neolithic to the Modern era through life-size figures. There is a wonderful gallery that displays paintings and sculptures that include over 200 original works by contemporary Indian artists. The sound and light shows in both English and Malayalam make for a riveting experience. It is a visual spectacle, chronicling the past, which is a must-visit destination for all who are interested in the glorious history of God’s Own Country.The Museum of Kerala History is the oldest gallery in the Kerala Museum. It recounts the history of the state of Kerala through 36 dioramas on key historical episodes and personalities from the region. A light and sound show is organised for all visitors to the gallery, with commentaries in English and Malayalam. Important historical personalities in focus in the gallery include including Ay Andiran of Pothiyilmala, Senguttavan and Ilango Venmani, St. Thomas, the Aryan immigration, Nannan of Ezhimala, Kulasekhara Alwar, Cheraman Perumal Nayanar and Shankaracharya.Sculptor Karamana Rajagopal of Thiruvananthapuram created the sculptures and dioramas in this gallery, and pre-eminent Kerala historian A. Sreedhara Menon extended advice on content. Outside the gallery is a statue of Parasurama, the sage who is believed to have brought forth the land of Kerala from the ocean.


HILL PALACE MUSEUM

This is situated 12 Kms. Away from Ernakulam. on the Ernakulam-Chottanikkara route. This is largest archaeological museum of Kerala. Different types of sculptures, collection of rare coins, old weapons and collections from the Cochin Royal Family are exhibited here.

Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura Located about 10 kms from Kochi, the Hill Palace Museum was the official residence of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi. Built in 1865, it is now famous for being a full-fledged Ethno-Archaeological Museum and Kerala's first ever Heritage Museum. The palace complex itself comprises 49 buildings and is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. It has over 52 acres of terraced land around it. One can see oil-paintings, murals, sculptures, manuscripts and belongings of the Kochi royal family. Antique ceramics from the Far East, Kudakkallu (tombstone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), laterite memorials and wooden memorials from ancient civilisations like the Indus Valley and Harappa can also be found here. It even has a gallery housing contemporary art. It is our pride to have relics of such value and significance placed here.Hill Palace is the largest archeological museum in Kerala, located at Tripunithura, Kochi. It was the imperial administrative office and official residence of Cochin Maharaja. Built in 1865, the palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style, spreading across 54 acres (220,000 m2). The complex has an archaeological museum, a heritage museum, a deer park, a pre-historic park and a children’s park.The campus of the museum is home to several rare species of medicinal plants. Presently the palace has been converted into a museum by The Kerala State Archaeology Department and is open to public. The palace is about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the city centre and is approachable by road and rail. The Centre for Heritage Studies (CHS), an autonomous research and training institute set up by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala also functions at the site. CHS is designated as the 'Manuscript Conservation Centre' (MCC) and Manuscript Resource Centre (MRC) by the National Mission for Manuscripts.


PALLIPPURAM FORT

Pallipuram Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Catholic church at Pallipuram is an important pilgrim centre.

Pallippuram Fort known as Ayakkotta or Alikkotta (kotta in Malayalam means fort) was constructed by the Portuguese in 1503. The fort is is hexagonal in shape. The relics of this fort now stand as a bastion of three storeys in height. Inside the fort, the floor is raised to 5 feet from the ground. Underneath this platform, a small cellar opens on to a passage, which runs obliquely from north to south. The cellar is 4 feet high and 7 feet square. The Portuguese used the Pallippuram Fort as a base to check the ships that ply up and down the Periyar to the Arabian Sea and the cellar was used for storing gunpowder. A church, a hospital, living quarters and other buildings are found near this Fort. This fort was attacked by the Dutch in 1662 and they occupied the fort. The advantageous location of the Pallippuram Fort caught the attention of the Mysore rulers, who tried to purchase it from the Dutch. But the English East India Company interfered and terminated that proposal. In 1789, the ruler of Travancore made a strategic move and purchased the Pallippuram Fort along with the Kottappuram Fort. After the decline of the Mysore rulers, the English East India Company took possession of the whole Malabar area. Gradually the Fort lost its importance and was abandoned by the military. In 1909, the Government of Travancore erected a memorial in front of the Fort and finally in 1964, it was declared a protected monument, under the Department of Archaeology. The fort is located about 8 km on the North Paravur-Munambam route.


CHERAI BEACH

The beach at Cherai on Vypeen island is 18 Kms. Away from Vypeen. This is a beautiful and clam beach.

Cherai Beach is a beach located in Cherai in the northern side of Vypin Island, a suburb of the city Kochi in the state of Kerala, India. One of the most visited beaches in the state, it is situated at around 25 km (15 mi) from downtown Kochi and 20 km (12 mi) from Cochin International Airport.The beach is around 10 km long and is ideal for swimming as the tide is mostly low and the waves are gentle. It is known for frequent dolphin sightings. It is one of the few places where the backwaters and the sea can be seen in a single frame.Cherai Beach offers the less busier and cleaner option accessible to Kochi and always attract the tourists from around and other states as well.The 18 kilometer long Cherai Beach is the golden beach of Kerala and is rightly called "The Princess of the Arabian sea". Feel the warmth of the golden rays of sunset infront of our resort. Dolphins are seen here occasionally.The beach is shallow, calm and is ideal for swimming & sunbathing. Enjoy a game of beach volley ball & take a dip in the sea. We provide all beach amenities like beach benches, towels, umbrellas etc. for your comfort. The newly beautified main beach with the walkway adds to the charm and the Highmast lamp makes the beach enjoyable even at night.Cherai Beach Resorts is exquisitely landscaped with lagoons and canals meandering in and around a number of cottages (heritage & modern) built around picturesque greenery overlooking the clean beach at the front and serene backwaters behind. Amongst these are traditional heritage Fishermen villas facing backwaters & the Modern villas fully air-conditioned and with all modern facilities. The resort is designed with love and style. Each and every detail is just perfect. Sun rises at the backwater side of the resorts – first you see a wave of crimson at the eastern horizon. As and when it approaches Cherai, it thickens to molten gold and in minutes you see it merging with the ubiquitous skies and backwaters turning everything in and around it into a maze of crimson yellowish gold. The sun sets in front of the resorts in the Arabian Sea.


KALADY

Kalady is the birth place of Adi Sankara the great Indian philosopher who lived in the 8th century. It is situated on the banks of river Periyar and there are two shrines in memory of Sree Sankaracharya. One dedicated to him as Dakshinamoorthy and the other to the Goddess Sharada. Adi Sankara's shrines in Kalady are open to all pilgrims irrespective of religion or caste.

Kalady or Kaladi is a census town located between Angamaly and Perumbavoor, east of the Periyar river, in Ernakulam district of Kerala, India, not far from Cochin International Airport. It is notable as the birthplace of 8th century Indian philosopher and theologian Adi Shankara and is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims. Kalady came to prominence only after its rediscovery in the late 19th century by the then Shankaracharya of Sringeri and the subsequent consecration of an Adi Shankara temple in 1910. The centenary of Kalady was celebrated in May 2010, and the story of its re-discovery a hundred years ago has been documented in a film by the Sringeri Sharada Peetham.Kalady, the Adi Shankara Janma Bhumi Kstetram or birth place of Sri Sankara remained obscure till the beginning of 20th century. Jagadguru Sri Sachidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharathi Swamigal, the 33rd Peetathipathi of the illustrious Sringeri guru parampara with the help of Sri Moolam Thirunal Ramavarma Maharaja of Thiruvitamcore located Kalady. His Holiness built two temples one for Goddess Sharadamba and one for Sri Sankara. The Kumabhishekam was performed on the auspicious Magha shukla dwadasi in the year 1910 (21-02-1910). Then after Kalady grew into prominence as a great international pilgrim center. The Maha Swamiji began the conduct of Sri Sankara Jayanthi and Navarathri at Kalady from that time.


MALAYATTOOR

On the slopes of the picturesque Western Ghats, 52 Kms. From Kochi and 8 Kms. From Kalady is the Malayattoor Church. This is a Christian pilgrim centre and is believed to have been blessed by the Apostle of Christ, St. Thomas and the Church atop the hill was established in AD 900. Malayattoor is accessible by road up to the foot hills of Kurishumudy. The church at the top of the hill, about 2 Kms. can be reached only by foot. Situated beside the Periyar river and a small lake called Manappattuchira, Malayatoor is also a place of scenic beauty.Malayattoor is a village in Aluva Taluk. It is situated around 15 km (9 mi) north-east of Angamaly in Ernakulam District in the state of Kerala in South India. The name `Malayattoor' is an amalgamation of three small words. Mala (Mountain) Arr (River) Oore (Place). This is to say, Malayattoor is a meeting place of mountain, river, and land.It no more a wonder if you encounter a hidden serene destination in Kerala. Such is the beauty of this God's Own Country, that each and every district is home to numerous hidden beauties. One such place sprawling in the expanse of the Western Ghats is the small hamlet of Malayattoor. As it is unknown to travellers and tourists, it remains uncrowded throughout the year, thereby, making it an ideal destination to savour the loveliness of nature. If you always long for such places, then this natural marvel is your calling this season. Read on to know everything in detail about this untold wonder and how to reach it.As Malayattoor maintains a mild temperature and moderate climate, it is a year-round destination. However, if you are looking forward to avoiding its summer sun, then the best time to visit is from September until the end of February. You can also visit it during the monsoon season, i.e., in the months of July and August. During this period, the lush green beauty of its surroundings is at its peak.

KALLIL TEMPLE

22 Kms. Away from Kalady, there is a ninth century Jain temple. This temple is cut from a huge rock and a climb of 120 steps leads to the temple.Kallil in Malayalam means ‘in stone’. As the name suggests, this is a cave temple and is built of natural rocks and caves in its all grandeurSituated in Asamannoor village, near Perumbavoor, Ernakulam district, the temple is in a natural cave formed by a gigantic rock about 75 feet in length.

Kallil Temple is a Jain temple located at Kerala, South India. It is 12 km away from Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Kallil in Malayalam means 'in stone'. It is one of the most ancient Jain temple in Kerala.It is one of the protected monuments in Kerala under Archaeological Survey of India.The temple, located in a 28-acre (113,000 m²) plot, is cut from a huge rock, and a climb of 120 steps leads to the temple. To reach the temple one has to travel a distance of about 2 km from Odakkali, on the Aluva Munnar Road and 10 km from Perumbavoor. The temple is owned by the Kallil Pisharody family. The present Karanavar of the family turned over all the administrative control of the temple and all its belongings to 'Chenkottukonam Sree Ramadasashramam'. But all that retrieved back due to some hassle between local people and Ashram authorities.Rock-carved images of the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha, Vardhaman Mahavira (24th Tirthankara) and Padmavati devi are present in the temple.Padmavati devi is worshipped as Bhagawathi by the local population.The major festival of the temple is celebrated from Karthika of month Vrishchika and usually lasts for a week


KODANAD

Kodanad lies on the southern bank of Periyar river amongst the scenic beauty of the High Ranges. It is 45 Kms. From Kochi city and 12 Kms. to the east of Perumbavoor town. There is an elephant taming centre here. Facilities for elephant ride are provided here. There is also a mini zoo at Kodanadu.

Kodanad is a rural riverside village of Ernakulam district in Kerala, South India. Kodanad is situated on the south bank of Periyar river, about 42 kilometers east of Kochi. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport which is about 20 km (12 mi) by road. The village is a major tourist destination because it houses an Elephant training center.Elephants are considered as auspicious animals in Kerala. No major festival or celebration in Kerala is complete without a massive elephant processions. Considered an important part of our culture, elephants are loved, revered and groomed with the utmost care and respect. The Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, which was moved to Abhayaranyam near Kaprikkad, is one of the largest elephant training centres in Kerala. It is flanked by the high ranges and is set near the southern banks of the Periyar River. Since the ban on capturing elephants was enforced, this place now serves as one of the premier elephant training centres in Kerala. Muthanga of Wayanad and Konni of Pathanamthitta are two other elephant training centres. One may also visit PunnathurKotta in Thrissur where over 40 elephants specially groomed for the Guruvayur Temple are kept. It is surely every elephant lover’s paradise to view these magnificent beings up close.Kodanad has got private bus services to places inside and outside Ernakulam District and run into several neighbouring towns. There are frequent bus services to Perumbavoor from here. AutoRickshaws are commonly used for small distances. The nearest railway stations are Angamaly and Aluva. The Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery is only 16 km from the kodanad Elephant training centre.KL-40 is the RTO code for Kunnathunad Taluk and Perumbavoor. Perumbavoor JRTO is situated at Pattal. Kodanad is surrounded by many small but populous commuter villages, The notable ones are Koovappady, Thottuva, Alattuchira, Panamkuzhy, Cheranalloor,Kurichilakode, kaprikad etc. Vallam town, is one of the main interchange points for public transport.


BOOTHATHAN KETTU

Situated 63 Kms. Away from Kochi. There is a dam here and in the reservoir boating facilities are provided. The Forest Department provides elephant rides through the forest to old Bhoothankettu, which is very interesting.

Bhoothathankettu is among the most picturesque dams in Kerala. It is said the natural fortification of hills and forests that guard the place were built by bhoothams (spirits/ghosts). Located in Ernakulam district, it contains some of the best trekking trails in the State. Trekking through the forests here is an exhilarating experience. A boat ride here is a beautiful way to explore the natural beauty on display. Located nearby is the legendary Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad. The two main irrigation projects of Ernakulam district - the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Idamalayar are also located nearby. One can also access pedal boats and cruises in these parts. It is a wonderful picnic spot about 10 km from Kodamangalam.Bhoothathankettu is a dam that also doubles as a tourism spot attracting a large number of people around the year with its picturesque views, bountiful nature and of course the myths pervading it. The Malayalam name Bhoothathankettu means, 'monster fort', which throws light to that legend pervading the crude dam built by the demons.




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