Kochi, the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala, has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city.

One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi, earlier known as Cochin has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala's commercial hub.


Places To Visit In Cochin (Ernakulam)

Dutch Palace : This palace in Mattancherry was built by the Portuguese, and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555. Though built by the Portugese, 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.

Jewish Synagogue : The Jewish Synagogue at Mattancherry, built in 1568 AD, is said to be the oldest synagogue present in the common wealth countries. The exquisite construction still houses the scrolls of the original Old Testament and the copper plates, which recorded the grants of privilege, bequeathed by the Kochi rulers.

Chinese Fishing Nets / Vasco da Gama Square : These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles.

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.

Bolghatty Island :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.

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

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.

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.

Cherai Beach : One of the must visit places of Ernakulam is the Cherai Beach. Bordering the nearby Vypeen Island, which is also an ideal location for swimming and the Bolghatty Island, famous for its palace of the same name attracts a considerable number of tourists every year.

Parikshit Thampuran Museum : This is situated on the Durbar Hall Ground on DH Road, Eranakulam.This museum houses a collection of coins, bronzes, copies of murals and megalithic relics of Kerala.

Hill Palace Museum : Hill Palace, the official residence of the Kochi royal family built in 1865 AD, is about 10 kms. from Kochi and today it is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants grow here.

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

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.

Malayattor : 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 A.D. 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.

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.


How To Reach There

The nearest airport is at Karipur, Kozhikode, about 93kms south.Kannur railway station is an important rail head of the Southern Railway and is well linked to major towns up country as well as within the State.Kannur is also well accessible by road.