Eranakulam district was formed on 1st April 1958. The district is named after the erstwhile Ernakulam town the name of which in turn is said to have been derived from the word Rishinagakulam a tank in the famous Siva Temple in the town. About 38 km. from north to south and 48 km. from east to west, the district is bounded by a 46.2 km. coast line of the Arabian Sea on the west, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts on the south, Idukki on the east and Thrissur on the north. It lies between latitude 90° 42' to 10' 18' 00" north and longitude 76° 12' 00" to 76° 46' 00".
The district is divided into three well defined parts-highland, midland and the lowland consisting of hills and forests, plains and the seaboard respectively.
The hilly or eastern portion is formed by a section of the Western Ghats. Muvattupuzha, Kothamangalam and Alwaye can be called the hilly taluks. Kottanna (1502 feet) and Kurisumudi (1274 feet) lie in the northern portion of the highlands. The midland consists mainly of plain land having natural facilities of drainage via backwaters and canals. Cochin taluk is divided into two blocks by the Cochin Azhi, viz., Vaipinkara island on the northern side and the southern portion from Fort Cochin to Chellanam surrounded on three sides by water. The western portion and part of the southern side of the Kanayannur taluk are divided by backwaters. The Parur taluk lies in the flat delta region of the Periyar river and cut by several canals, which have resulted in the formation of many islands.
Periyar and Moovattupuzha are the main rivers of the district of which the former flows through Thodupuzha, Moovattupuzha, Alwaye, Kunnathunadu and Parur taluks. The Chalakudi river which flows through north of Alwaye also joins Periyar at Alanthikara. The rivers Thodupuzha, Kallai and Kothamangalam join together to form Moovattupuzha river. During rainy season these rivers are full and the low-lying areas on the banks are affected by heavy floods, but in the summer season they generally go dry and narrow.
The seacoast in this district falls entirely in Cochin taluk , Cochin harbour which is a major natural harbour is also situated in this taluk. Malippuram and Njarakkal in Vypeen island are open road stead. The mud bank at Njarakkal extends about 4.5 km. along the shore and 6 km. Out to the sea which helped ships to ride safely and unload cargo in all seasons. But with the rise of the cochin harbour the importance of Njarakkal and Malippuram became lesser. Many islands can be seen scattered in the backwaters in Cochin and Kanayannur taluks. The main islands are Willingdon Island, Vypeen, Ramanthuruth, Cheriyakadamakkudi, Bolgatty island (Ponjikara), Vallarpadom, Valiyakadamakkudi, Kumbalam, Panangad, Chellanam, Nettur, Pizhala, Kankattuthuruth, Korampadam, Cheranellur and Chathannur. Most of these islands are very small in size extending from less that a sq. km. to 4 sq. km. There are transport facilities to all these islands.
A portion of the Vembanad lake falls within the Cochin taluk. The Kodungalloor Kayal and Varappuzha Kayal are also in this district.
The flora of this district is tropical. The heavy rainfall combined with moderate temperature and fertile soil support a luxuriant vegetation.
Many of the common plants are found in the coastal area which forms the low land region. Coconut is extensively cultivated here.
The midland region is mainly occupied by coconut palms, paddy, plantain, tapioca, sugarcane, pepper and pulses are also cultivated here.
The lower slopes of the highland region are under teak and rubber cultivation. Above 800 metres deciduous and evergreen forests are present. Ernakulam district has an abundant backwater system adjoining which are vast areas of paddy fields which are subject to inundation and movement of water in accordance with the ebb and flow of the tides. This condition is favourable for the growth of large and varied fish population and wading birds and water birds. The Eastern part of the district has dense forests with their characteristic fauna. The mammals are represented by monkeys, carnivores, elephants, ungulates, bats and insectivores. Once 'Khedda' operation in Kodanad forest in Malayattur forest division was a feature every year.
The population is 3,098,378. The decadel growth rate was 9.09 (1991-2001). The traditional feudal society of this district has now almost disappeared. A few decades ago the Hindu like Brahmins, the Kshathiriyas and the Nairs held a dominant position in the society. The progress of education, the spread of liberal ideas, the growing political consciousness among the lower classes, their increasing participation in Government service, the introduction of adult franchise, the growth of industrialisation and the dawn of democratic form of Government have contributed to the new social set up.
The agrarian reforms helped to take away from the people their fascination for land as a source of prestige and economic investment. The modern tendency is to turn away from land to jobs. The new social and economic changes have infused a spirit of independence in all classes of people.
The most important religious communities of the district are the Hindus, the Christians and the Muslims. In Cochin, Gowda Saraswatha Brahmins form an important section of the Hindus. In addition to the major communities the Buddhists, the Jains, the Sikhs and the Jews also form part of the cosmopolitan population. The ancestors of the Jews migrated from Jerusalem in 72 AD Now there are very few Jewish families in Cochin with a total strength of less than one hundred members.
All communities celebrate their festivals generally during the months of February and March the duration of which ranges from one day to ten days.
The famous Sivarathri at the Siva temple of Alwaye attracts people from different parts of the country. Other important temples of the district are Chottanikkara, Thrikkakara, Tripunithura, Eranakulam, Ponnurunni, Palarivattom, Chowara, Sreenarayanapuram and Perumbavoor. Kaladi is famous as the birth place of Adisankara. The famous Christian pilgrim centre at Malayattoor is in this district. The St. Thomas Church is built on the Malayattoor hill top. The festival here lasts for ten days from April 10 every year.
St.George Church at Kadamattom is very old and was founded by Mar Abo Metropolitian in 5th century AD He brought a cross from Persia which is still preserved in the church. The name of "Kadamattathu Kathanar" is associated with this church. The church is also famous for the "Vellamkudi Vazhipadu".
The festival at the church of Vallarpadom on September 24 every year attracts people belonging to all religions. The icon of Virgin Mary in this church credited with many miracles. St.George's Forane Church at Edappally which was founded in 593 AD is considered to be the oldest church in Kerala after the seven churches founded by St.Thomas. St.Antony's church at Kannamally is famous for the feast of St.Joseph on March 19 where a large number of people are fed.
The festival at the church of Vallarpadom on September 24 attracts people belonging to all religions. The icon of Virgin Mary in this church is credited with many miracles. St. George's Forane Church at Edappally which was founded in 593 AD is considered to be the oldest church in Kerala after the seven churches founded by St.Thomas. St. Antony's church at Kannamally is famous for the feast of St.Joseph on March 19 every year where a large number of people are fed.
The Easter festival at St. Mary's Church at Piravom is also worth mentioning. One of the ancient mosques in Kerala is at Kanjiramattom which is also located in this district.
The population is 3,098,378. The decadel growth rate was 9.09 (1991-2001). The traditional feudal society of this district has now almost disappeared. A few decades ago the Hindu like Brahmins, the Kshathiriyas and the Nairs held a dominant position in the society. The progress of education, the spread of liberal ideas, the growing political consciousness among the lower classes, their increasing participation in Government service, the introduction of adult franchise, the growth of industrialisation and the dawn of democratic form of Government have contributed to the new social set up.
The agrarian reforms helped to take away from the people their fascination for land as a source of prestige and economic investment. The modern tendency is to turn away from land to jobs. The new social and economic changes have infused a spirit of independence in all classes of people.
The most important religious communities of the district are the Hindus, the Christians and the Muslims. In Cochin, Gowda Saraswatha Brahmins form an important section of the Hindus. In addition to the major communities the Buddhists, the Jains, the Sikhs and the Jews also form part of the cosmopolitan population. The ancestors of the Jews migrated from Jerusalem in 72 AD Now there are very few Jewish families in Cochin with a total strength of less than one hundred members.
Eranakulam district is bestowed with all the geographical factors which help the development of industries and it is in the forefront of all other districts in Kerala in the field of industry. The availability of all types of transport facilities viz., road, rail, canal, sea is a factor which is unique to this district.
Some of the major industrial firms in the district are the Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore, Indian Rare Earths, Hindustan Machine Tools, Premier Tyres, Ogale Glass Works, Carborandum Universal, Hindustan Insecticides, Forest Industries of Travancore, Travancore Cochin Chemicals, Asoka Textiles, Indian Aluminium Company, Cominco Binani Zinc, Periyar Chemicals, Standard Potteries, Kerala Agro Machinery Corporation, Cochin Shipyard, Cochin Refineries, Modern Bakeries, Kerala Electricals and Allied Engineering Company (Mamala), Traco Cable Company (Irimpanam), Transformers and Electricals (Angamali), Travancore Rayons (Perumbavoor) and Periyar Cables (Karukutty).
The Sea along the entire coast of the district and the backwaters abound in fish of various kinds offering enormous natural facilities for both marine and inland fisheries. Cochin is an ideal place to provide support to fisheries in its various aspect like education, research and development. Various important institutions are located here to serve this purpose like the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nautical and Engineering Training, Cochin Base of the Exploratory Fisheries Project, Export Inspection Council of India, Integrated Fisheries Project, The Marine Products and Export Development Authority, Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Central Institute of Fisheries, Regional Centre of the National Institute of Oceanography (ICAR), Office of the Fisheries Advisor, Office of the Joint Director of Fisheries, Kerala fisheries Corporation, Regional Shrimp Hatchery, Department of Industrial Fisheries, Department of Marine Sciences (University of Cochin), Fish eries Research Unit (Kerala Agricultural University) and the Sea Food Exporters Association of India.
Port: Cochin Port, one of the major ports of the country is blessed with several natural advantages and it lies on the direct route to Australia and the far east from Europe. This port was opened to vessels in 1930-31 and was given the status of a major Port in 1936.
Eranakulam occupies an important place among the districts of Kerala in the point of literacy and educational standards. There are adequate facilities for education from preprimary level to post graduate level and for professional and technical education.
Cochin University which came into existence on 10th July 1971, provides ample facilities for advanced study and research in pure and applied science, technology and developing social sciences and humanities like applied economics, management studies, law, commerce and banking etc.
The Forest Department in this district functions under the Divisional Forest Officer, Malayattoor. Three forest ranges are under this division and located at Eranakukam, Mudickal, Kothamangalam and Varappuzha there are four forest depots.
The lovely beach bordering the Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. The sea on the western side and the backwaters on the east give this upcoming tourist destination, a uniqueness which can be found only in Kerala. Thick coconut groves and chinese fishing nets on the waterfront are added attractions.
Location : Near Vypeen Island accessible by boat (30 minutes journey) from Ernakulam
The Synagogue at Fort Kochi,constructed in 1568, is the oldest in the Commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch. Mid-18th century hand painted, willow patterned floor tiles from Canton in China, a clock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, great scrolls of the Old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the erstwhile Cochin rulers were recorded etc., are articles of interest here.
The area around the Synagogue is a centre of spice trade and curio shops. To know more about this street.
Getting there:
Location:The Synagogue at Fort Kochi, about 10 km from Ernakulam town, central Kerala.
Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00 hours; closed on Fridays
Nearest railway station : Ernakulam, about 10 km from the Synagogue.
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 30 km from the Synagogue.
Welcome to a 60-90 minute walking tour of the old streets of Fort Kochi. This is the ideal way to discover a historic town brimming with tales of myriad seafaring visitors who came here to trade and then stayed on to cease their work on this impressionable land. 'Walking through Fort Cochin' is a tour organised as part of the conservation and development initiatives taken up by the Corporation of Kochi.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European township in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities. A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St.Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural splendours, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood are also popular among tourists.
The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.
The Santa Cruz Basilica, a church built originally by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul 1V in 1558, was spared by the Dutch conquerors who destroyed many Catholic buildings. Later the British demolished the structure and Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira commissioned a new building in 1887. Consecrated in 1905, Santa Cruz was proclaimed a Basilica by the Pope John Paul II in 1984.
Fort Kochi is also home to one of India's oldest churches - the St.Francis Church. This was a Roman Catholic Church during the Portuguese rule from 1503 to 1663, then a Dutch Reformist Church from 1664 to 1804, and Anglican church from 1804 to 1947. Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI). Another important fact about the church is that Vasco Da Gama, who died in 1524, was buried here before his mortal remains were returned to Portugal 14 years later... Each and every structure, street, door, window and brick in Fort Kochi has several stories to tell.
Getting there:
Fort Kochi is accessible by bus or ferry. The bus ride from Ernakulam town, which is nearly 13 km away, takes about an hour and the ferry ride from Main boat jetty at Ernakulam about 20 minutes.
Location: About 13 km from Ernakulam town.
Nearest railway station : Ernakulam about 1 1/2 km from the Main boat jetty.
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 20 km
Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, the last port of Vasco Da Gama, where you will find synagogues, mosques, churches and temples side by side, is a place with a fascinating history. The huge cantilevered fishing net, the Chinese fishing nets, seen here is a legacy of its spellbinding past. The nets, set up on teak and bamboo poles, were brought by one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast, the traders from the court of Kublai Khan.
An ideal place to watch fishermen use these nets is the Vasco da Gama square, a narrow promenade along the beach. The square, which has numerous stalls serving fresh delicious seafood, tender coconut and so on, is also perfect for a nice, relaxed evening
Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. The palace with a Bhagavathi temple in the central courtyard is built like the typical Kerala style mansion - the Nalukettu - the home of the aristocracy, nobility and upper classes, with four separate wings opening out to a central courtyard.
The double storeyed palace building which stands by the panoramic Kochi back waters has an exquisite collection of murals collectively covering over 300 sqft of its walls. The themes of these murals have been borrowed from the great Indian epics - the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, and mythology and legends about the Hindu gods especially Guruvayurappan. Some murals depict scenes from Kumarasambhavam and other works of the great Sanskrit poet Kalidasa.Also on display are royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.
Getting there:
There are frequent bus and boat services to Mattancherry. The boats start from Main Boat Jetty near Subash Park at Ernakulam town.
Visiting hours:10:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Fridays.
Nearest railway station : Ernakulam, about 10 km
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam town.
In the historic town of Fort Kochi in Ernakulam district, the commercial capital of Kerala, is the Bolghatty Island - your destination of the month!
This lush, lovely island is famous for its palace of the same name. The Bolghatty Palace, built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British, is today a popular hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
Getting there: There are regular ferry services from Kochi.
Highlights: Kerala's first heritage museum. Royal collections of the erstwhile Maharaja of Kochi.
The Hill Palace, the official residence of the Kochi royal family, is today the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Built in 1865, the palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the trational architectural style of Kerala, sprawled over 52 acres of beautifully landscaped terraced land which houses a deer park and facilities for horse riding. Numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants grow here. On display in the full-fledged Ethno-archaeological museum are oil-paintings, murals, sculptures in stone and manuscripts, inscriptions, coins, belongings of the Kochi royal family and royal furniture including the simhasana (throne).
Also exhibited are over 200 antique pieces of pottery and ceramic vases from Japan and China, Kudakkallu (tomb stone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), menhirs, granite, laterite memorials, rock cut weapons from the stone ages, wooden temple models, plaster cast models of objects from Mohanjodaro and Harappa of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The museum also houses a gallery of contemporary art.
Location : 10 km from Ernakulam town,central Kerala.
Visiting hours : 9.00 to 12.30 hrs. and 14.00 to 16.30 hrs. on all days except Mondays.
Located a little distance from the crowded urban centre of Ernakulam is a quiet ethnic building hidden in the shades of huge trees. A statue of Parasurama, the sage who is said to have created Kerala, greets the visitor. This is a monument to the history of Kerala and homage to its makers. The Madhavan Nayar Foundation also called the Museum of Kerala History and its makers showcases historic episodes from the neolithic to the modern era through life size figures.
Light and sound shows are regularly organised with commentaries in English and Malayalam. There is also a gallery for paintings and sculptures, displaying over 200 original works by contemporary Indian artists.
The Centre for Visual Arts here has a collection of the authentic reproduction of select world masters and larger than life mural reproductions of Indian art.
Getting there:
Location : Just 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edappally, Ernakulam district, central Kerala.
Timings: 10:00 - 17:00 hours on all days except Mondays.
Attractions : Showcases the historic events and arts of Kerala.
Nearest railway station : Ernakulam, about 8 km from Edappaly.
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam city.
A church, a temple, a mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue - all lying in close proximity is an ideal example of the ancient Indian tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence. At Chendamangalam, apart from these historic evidences, nature also unveils her rare combination. The place has a singular geography of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plains.
This land was once the abode of the Paliath Achans, the prime ministers of the Maharajas of Kochi. Their residence, the Paliam Palace represents the architectural splendour of Kerala. The Palace houses a collection of historic documents and relics. The hillocks at Kottayi Kovilakom present an unusual view of the church, temple, mosque and the synagogue.
Also interesting is a visit to the remains of the Vypeenkotta Seminary built in the 16th century by the Portuguese.
Location :About 42 km from Ernakulam town, Ernakulam district,central Kerala.
One picture can say what a thousand words cannot! That being the case, without further ado, we recommend that you pay a visit to The Museum of Kerala History in Edapally, Kochi. And once you are on the lush grounds of the museum, head straight to the MNF Gallery of Paintings and Sculptures and the Centre for Visual Arts. The unassuming gallery houses immortal creations that will give you glimpses of the glorious history and rich cultural legacy of this land. Some of the masters whose works are on display include mural maestro Mammiyoor Krishhan Kutty Nair, Raja Ravi Varma, M F Hussain, folk painter Jamini Roy, abstract painter Manu Parekh and so on.
Getting there:
Open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and public holidays.
By road: At Edapally, 10 km north of Ernakulam city on NH 47
Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. The palace with a Bhagavathi temple in the central courtyard is built like the typical Kerala style mansion - the Nalukettu - the home of the aristocracy, nobility and upper classes, with four separate wings opening out to a central courtyard.
The double storeyed palace building which stands by the panoramic Kochi back waters has an exquisite collection of murals collectively covering over 300 sq ft of its walls. The themes of these murals have been borrowed from the great Indian epics - the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, and mythology and legends about the Hindu gods especially Guruvayurappan. Some murals depict scenes from Kumarasambhavam and other works of the great Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. Also on display are royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.
Getting there :
Location: Mattancherry, 10 km from Ernakulam.
Visiting hours : 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Fridays.
There are frequent bus and boat services to Mattancherry. The boats start from Main Boat Jetty near Subash Park at Ernakulam town.
Nearest railway station : Ernakulam, about 10 km
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam town.
This heritage structure promoted by the Grahasthali Project and approved by the Department of Tourism has preserved and maintained its traditional architecture, and way of life. This 100-year-old structure was home to the famous Malayalam writer Malayattoor Ramakrishnan, which is now owned and maintained by a couple and are the hosts to visitors coming to the Illam.
Thani Illam (short form of Thannikkatt Illam) means the original home of a Brahmin family. At the Illam visitors are served only vegetarian cuisine and no liquor is allowed inside the house. Highly flexible approach to a visitor's activity program, which depends entirely on the visitor's interests and needs, makes Thanni Illam a home away from home. The Illam currently offers two rooms viz. Thekkini and Kulappura. Thekkini is located on the South side and hence the name Thekkini (Thekk means South). The second room, Kulappura, is situated on top of the car porch. Originally, it was the room above an internal pond specifically for ladies of the house. Kulam means pond/pool and pura means room/ house.
Services Offered
Kerala Vegetarian Cuisine (No eggs, no fish and no meat), Travel Assistance, Daily site seeing trips, Washing machine at disposal (for laundry services), Direct international dialing from rooms
Address: Thani Illam, Thottuva, Koovappdy, Ernakulam- 683544, Kerala, India Ph:+91-484-2649679.
TIndia reckoned as the top ten naval power in the world owes its credit to dedication and selfless services rendered by the brave men of India's formidable naval force.
It is of significance for civilians to understand the value of existence of such a force, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding territorial waters of India.
The Maritime Museum, located at INS Dronacharya in Kochi throws light on the genesis, history, evolution and landmarks of the Indian Navy.
Step into the Maritime Museum to have a feel of the great maritime heritage of Indian Navy, which dates back to Indus Valley civilizations; Kerala's trade links with Arabs, its famous maritime hero Kunjali Marakkar; Influence of India's maritime power in South East Asia; Colonization of Indian sub-continent by European powers.
At the museum, the visitors are enlightened on the evolution of the navy since 1612, when the Indian Marine was established in Surat.
Another section of the museum presents interesting aspects of shipbuilding activities in India. It unravels India's prowess in shipbuilding, which took its culture to the shores of Java, Sumatra and Bali between 3rd century BC and 12th century AD.
The museum also has a section, which highlights Indian Navy's share of glory, when it took on its aggressors and eventually emerged victorious in the end. These include details of Junaghad operation, the Goa liberation, Indo-Pak conflicts of 1965 and 1971, Operation Cactus, Operation Pawan and the strategic maneuvers during Kargil.
Getting there: The Museum is located on the beach road about 1 km south of St.Francis Church in Fort Kochi.
Visiting time: 9:30 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm
The Indo-Portuguese Museum situated in Fort Kochi throws light on the strong Portuguese influence in both the art and the architecture of the region.
The museum today is an important center to understand the Indo-Portuguese Christian Art heritage, which is still surviving. The museum is the outcome of the untiring efforts of the late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, Bishop of Kochi. Driven by sheer commitment to protect the rich heritage of his Diocese, the bishop established the Indo-Portuguese Museum to preserve some of the invaluable collections for posterity.
The museum is divided into five main sections, according to the nature of items displayed in each section. They are viz. Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral.
The museum currently houses some outstanding collections, well known for its artistic and architectural marvel, which bear the mark of strong Portuguese influence. Some of these include a piece of the altar made in teak wood (16th century) from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen, a chasuble (19th century) from Bishop?s House, Fort Kochi, Processional cross, which is a combination of silver and wood (17th century) from Santa Cruz Cathedral, Fort Kochi, Indo-Portuguese Monstrance (18-19th century), from Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen. Among the displayed items, the Coat of Arms of the Franciscans needs special mentioning.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has also contributed to the rich collection at the Indo-Portuguese Museum and has to its credit sculptures, precious metal objects and vestments, among others from the Cathedral of Santa Cruz and other churches of the Kochi diocese.
The Indo-Portuguese Museum in Kochi is indeed one of those symbols in the annals of Kochi, bearing the rich heritage of Indo-Portuguese culture and artistic influence.
Address: Bishop's House, Fort Kochi, Kerala- 682001. Tel: 91-484-2215400 / 2215401
Working Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays and all Public Holidays. Entry is free on 1st Thursday of every month.
One picture can say what a thousand words cannot! That being the case, without further ado, we recommend that you pay a visit to The Museum of Kerala History in Edapally, Kochi. And once you are on the lush grounds of the museum, head straight to the MNF Gallery of Paintings and Sculptures and the Centre for Visual Arts. The unassuming gallery houses immortal creations that will give you glimpses of the glorious history and rich cultural legacy of this land. Some of the masters whose works are on display include mural maestro Mammiyoor Krishhan Kutty Nair, Raja Ravi Varma, M F Hussain, folk painter Jamini Roy, abstract painter Manu Parekh and so on.
Getting there:
Open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and public holidays.
By road: At Edapally, 10 km north of Ernakulam city on NH 47
Bhoothathankettu, a scenic damsite with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest. A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts) overnight. Hence the name Bhoothathankettu (fort of the spirits). Later, this natural topography helped in building a dam here. Lying close to Bhoothathankettu is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad.Trekking through the forests here is an exhiliarating experience.
The two main irrigation projects of Ernakulam district - the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Idamalayar Irrigation Project are also located nearby.
Getting there:
Location : 50 km north east of Ernakulam town, Ernakulam district, central Kerala.
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam junction, about 50 km away.
Nearest airport: Kochi international airport about 26 km from Ernakulam town.
Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds. This globally acclaimed bird sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the internationally renowned ornithologist. It is the exotic microcosm of India's bird population that brought Dr. Salim Ali to this place. His efforts were instrumental in the formation of this sanctuary to a large extent.
Spread across 25 sq. km. the sanctuary lies between the tributaries of the river Periyar like a peninsula. Rare birds like the Crimson-throated Barbet, Bee eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black Winged Kite, Night Heron, Falcon, Grey Jungle Fowl, White-Breasted Water Hen, Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmoth, Rose-billed Roller and Blue-winged Parakeet live here.
Thattekkad also has extensive plantations of teak, rosewood, mahagony, etc. The dense forest is also the home of nearly 28 varieties of animals and nine varieties of reptiles.
Getting there:
Location : About 58 km from Kochi city and 13 km northeast of Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district; Thattekkad is in Devikulam taluk, Idukki district, central Kerala.
Nearest railway station : Aluva, about 48 km away.
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 44 km.
This is the oldest synagogue, which was built in 1568. It is well known for the 18th century hand printed, willow patterned flow tiles from china, the great scrolls of the old testament, a clock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, ancient scripts on copper plates etc. there are also gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by various patrons.
10kms away from Alwaye is a famous pilgrim center Kalady, situated on the banks of River Periyar, which is the birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Indian philosopher of the 8th century. There is a shrine dedicated to him in the name of Dakshimurthy and a temple of goddess Sharada. Also and ancient Shri Krishna Temple is situated close by, which was the family temple of Adi Sankaracharya, known as the International temple dedicated to Shri Ramakrishna. There is also a place situated there called the crocodile ghat, where this great philosopher took his vows of renunciation.
47 kms from Kochi is a famous Catholic Church, built on the 609 feet high Malayattur hill dedicated to St. Thomas, as it is believed that he had once prayed here. Thousands of devotees visit this church to pray during the annual festival "Malayaattur Perunnal", which is held during March- April.
This place is located on the top of a hill at Chengamanad, 30kms north of Kochi. It is believed that sage Jangaman live here 2000 years ago. A famous temple of Lord Murugan is located on the spot, where the sage is said to have meditated, which was later consecrated by Chattambi Swamikal in 1898. This place got the name " Munikkal Guhalayam' which means 'Sages Rock Cave"
25 kms towards the south east of Kochi, near Piravom is the place Pazur. It is believed that Shiva Temple here is nearly 1800 years old. The River Muvattupuzha flowing westward from the east, changes direction on reaching the temple, otherwise the temple would have been washed away. This place is important for astrologers who believe that it is blessed with divine powers.
This is one of the oldest temples in India. The original foundation of this temple was laid in 947 BC, according to the inscription found in the temple.
Built by Portuguese, St. Francis Church in memory of Franciscan Friars in 1503. This is the first European church in India. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican church by the British in 1795, and is presently used by the protestants in south India. Vaso-Da-Gama was buried here. But fourteen years later, his mortal remains were taken to Lisbon, in Portugal. His tombstone still remains here.
In Thrikakkara near Ernakulam is this beautiful temple where the inscriptions from the 10th to 13th century are found.
This centuries old church at Fort Kochi was originally built completely of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry. It was restored in 1779 by the Protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican church by the British in 1795 and is at present governed by the Church of South India. Vasco Da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal. The tombstone still remains.
Pierce Leslie Bungalow: This charming mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862. A representative of the Fort Kochi colonial bungalow, this building reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. Characteristic features are wood panels that form the roof of the ground floor, arched doorways, carved doors and sprawling rooms. Waterfront verandahs are an added attraction.
Old Harbour House: This elegant old bungalow built in 1808 is in the possession of Carrit Moran & Co., renowned tea brokers, who now use it as their residence. The house was once a boat club.
Koder House: This magnificent building constructed by Samuel S. Koder of The Cochin Electric Company in 1808 is a supreme example of the transition from colonial to Indo-European architecture. Features like verandah seats at the entrance, floor tiles set in a chess board pattern, red coloured brick like facade, carved wood furniture and a wooden bridge connecting to a separate structure across the street are all unique to this bungalow.
Delta Study: Once a warehouse, this heritage bungalow built in 1808, houses a high school today.
Loafer's Corner/Princess Street: One of the earliest streets to be constructed in Fort Kochi, Princess Street with its European style residences still retains its old world charm. The best view of this quaint street can be had from Loafer's Corner, the traditional meeting place and hangout of the jovial funloving people of the area.
Vasco House: Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi. Built in the early sixteenth century, Vasco House sports the typical European glass paned windows and balcony cum verandahs characteristic of the times.
VOC Gate: The large wooden gate facing the Parade Ground, with the monogram (VOC) of the once mighty Dutch East India Company carved on it, was built in 1740.
Parade Ground: The four acre Parade Ground was where once the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British colonists conducted their military parades and drills. The buildings around the ground housed their defence establishments. Today, the largest open ground in Fort Kochi, the Parade Ground is a sports arena.
The United Club: Once upon a time one of the four elite clubs of the British in Kochi, the United Club today serves two roles - as class room for the nearby St. Francis Primary School by day and as card room for the current members by evening. Until 1907, the building housed the offices of the Fort Kochi Municipality.
The Bishop’s House: Built in 1506 as the residence of the Portuguese Governor, the Bishop’s House stands on a little hillock near the Parade Ground. The facade of the House is characterised by large Gothic arches, and has a circular garden path winding up to the main entrance. The building was acquired by Dom Jos Gomes Ferreira, the 27th Bishop of the Diocese of Kochi whose jurisdiction extended over Burma, Malaya and Ceylon, in addition to India.
The Dutch Cemetery: The tomb stones here are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans who left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires and changed the course of history of this land. The cemetery was consecrated in 1724 and is today managed by the Church of South India.
Thakur House: This graceful building holds within itself a reflection of the colonial era. The Bungalow was built on the site of the Gelderland Bastion, one of the seven bastions of the old Dutch fort. Earlier known as Kunal or Hill Bungalow, it was home to the managers of the National Bank of India during the British reign. Today, the Bungalow belongs to Ram Bahadur Thakur and Company, the renowned tea trading firm.
David Hall: Though built around 1695 by the Dutch East India Company, David Hall gets its name from one of its later occupants, David Koder, a Jewish businessman. The Hall was originally associated with Hendrik Adriaan van Reed tot Drakestein, renowned Dutch commander better known for his Hortus Malabaricus, a pioneering compilation of the flora of the Malabar Coast.
The Cochin Club: The club, with its impressive library and collection of sporting trophies, is housed in a beautifully landscaped park. In the early 1900s, when the club had just become operational, admission was restricted to the British and to men only. Today, though the club retains its traditional English ambience, its rules are more liberal and the membership of 250 includes women as well. Strangely enough, alcohol is not served on the premises.
Bastion Bungalow: Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667, the Bungalow gets its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old Dutch fort. The building blends beautifully into the circular structure of the bastion, has a tiled roof and a typical first floor verandah in wood along its front portion. Though it has been said that a network of secret tunnels runs beneath the bungalow, none have been found. Today, the Bungalow is the official residence of the Sub Collector.
Named after Lord Willingdon, a former British Viceroy of India, this man-made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island is the site of the city's best hotels and trading centres, the Port Trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.
Kaladi: The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher of the 8th century, Kaladi is 10 km from Aluva. Temples dedicated to Sri Sankara, Sarada Devi, Sri Krishna and Sri Ramakrishna add to the sanctity of the destination. A place called Crocodile Ghat is where Sri Sankara took his vows of renunciation. According to legends, a crocodile caught hold of him and refused to release him until Sankara's mother Aryamba permitted him to accept Sanyas (renunciation)
Vamanamoorthy Temple: Inscriptions from the 10th to the 13th century are found in this temple in Thrikakkara, near Ernakulam.
Santhanagopala-Krishnaswamy Temple: The original foundation of this temple was laid in 947 AD according to the inscriptions found here.
Malayatoor is famous for the catholic church on the 609 m high Malayatoor hill (dedicated to St. Thomas).Thousands of devotees undertake the pilgrimage to the shrine to participate in the annual festival - Malayatoor Perunnal (March/April). St.Thomas is believed to have prayed at this shrine.
Located on the coast of the Arabian sea, Ernakulam district is a cluster of islands networked by lagoons and backwaters. Kochi, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, was once a major centre of commerce and trade with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the British. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi is also known as the queen of the Arabian Sea. Once a major centre of commerce and trade with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the British, all these foreign traders have left their mark on this beautiful island. Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will take you to several quaint spots.
Cherai (Beach): This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.
Vypeen Island: (21 km from the city) is a major centre for commerce. The island which is connected to the main land by a bridge is more easily accessible by boat. The ferry ride over the backwaters takes just 30 minutes.
Fort Kochi (Beach): Access: Backwater ferry / bus / three wheeler auto rickshaw A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India, Kochi has an eventful and colourful history to tell. Its reputation as a seafaring commercial town was such that Nicolas Conti, an Italian traveller of the middle ages remarked: If China is where you make your money, then Kochi surely is the place to spend it. The town was shaped by the Potuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural interfaces are seen in the many remains of Indo European architecture that still exist here. The huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets which were brought here by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, are a fascinating sight on the Kochi shore line.
Bolghatty Island (Backwater): This island is famous for its palace of the same name. The Bolghatty Palace was built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British. Today it is a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, with a small golf course and special honeymoon cottages.
Willingdon Island (Backwater): Named after Lord Willingdon, a British Viceroy to India, this man-made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island is the site of the city's best hotels, customs and trading centres, the port trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.
Fort Kochi: Access: Backwater ferry / bus / three wheeler auto rickshaw A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India, Kochi has an eventful and colourful history to tell. Its reputation as a seafaring commercial town was such that Nicolas Conti, an Italian traveller of the middle ages remarked: If China is where you make your money, then Kochi surely is the place to spend it. The town was shaped by the Potuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural interfaces are seen in the many remains of Indo European architecture that still exist here.
Lakshadweep, a Union Territory of India, is a group of 36 islands, located in the Arabian Sea, about 300 km off Kochi. Of these islands, Androt, Amini, Agatti, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadamat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti and Minicoy are inhabited. The main occupation of the islanders is fishing. The languages spoken are Malayalam and Mahl. Tourists are permitted to enter through package tours offered by SPORTS.
For reservation and details contact the Assistant Manager, SPORTS, Lakshadweep Administrative Office, Willingdon Island Kochi Ph: 668387 668647
Fort Immanuel: This bastion of the Portuguese in Kochi was a symbol of the strategic alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and the Monarch of Portugal, after whom it was named. Built in 1503, the fort was reinforced in 1538. By 1806 the Dutch, and later the British, had destroyed most of the fort walls and its bastions. Today, remains of this once imposing structure can be seen along the beach
Parikshith Thampuran Museum: This museum houses a collection of coins, bronzes, copies of murals and megalithic relics of Kerala
Delta Study: Once a warehouse, this heritage bungalow built in 1808, houses a high school today
Elephants are an integral part of Indian mythology and culture. In God's Own Country, elephants are often referred to as the sons of the 'Sahya' (the Western Ghats). Once a part of every day life in Kerala, elephants are the most ornamental and auspicious animals here. No festival or celebration is complete without an elephant procession. Rows of majestically caparisoned elephants, replete with colourful silken parasols form the most spectacular part of any event here.
Kodanad, set on the southern banks of the Periyar river amid the beautiful high ranges near Perumbavoor, is one of the largest elephant training centres of Kerala. Earlier elephants captured from the Malayatoor forests (the forests in the east and north of Kodanad) were trained here. Since the introduction of a ban to elephant capture Kodanad has been reduced to a training centre. The famous Malayatoor Church is near Kodanad.
Muthanga of Wayanad district and Konni of Pathanamthitta district are two other such centres. Another attraction for elephant lovers is Punnathur kotta, of the neighbouring Thrissur district, where some 40 elephants of the Guruvayoor temple are groomed.
Location : Kodanad is about 30 km from Ernakulam town the highranges on the southern bank of the river Periyar
Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village project is a unique initiative to transform the tiny island as a model fishing village and tourism spot. Here at the Kumbalangi Tourism Village one can fully savour a variety of natural splendours, and paramount to a model tourist village the outstanding ecological balance of the location. The village, the first of its kind in the country is located near the port city of Kochi in Ernakulam District. The model village is a veritable treat to its visitors with the famous Chinese fishing nets and many other sights to savour.
As art of the model village project at Kumbalangi, a nearby island near Palluruthy would also have plenty of interesting vistas and activities in the near future. This coastal hamlet without doubt provides a fascinating glimpse of the simple and prosperous livelihood of the villagers, and also unravels the age-old, magnificent culture and heritage of the place.