Best Tourist Places In Ernakulam
Ernakulam(Cochin) is a wide choice for recreation and tourist interests in the Kerala. And an immense scope for shopping. The famous 13th century Italian traveler aptly remarked: “if China is where you make money, then Cochin surely is the place where you spend it!”
Some of the best tourist places in Ernakulam are listed below:
FORT KOCHI: Open spaces, centuries old towering rain trees, quietness and the ravishing Chinese fishing nets are the treasures of Fort Kochi. Walking through the old streets of Fort Kochi is the deal way to discover a historic town. The eventful history of the city is an integral part of the Dutch, Portuguese and the British colonial legacy.
- ST. FRANCIS CHURCH, FORT KOCHI: Reputed as the oldest church in India it was built by the Portuguese. Vasco da Gama was buried there before his mortal remains were taken to Portugal. Some old ajan leaf manuscripts preserved in the church give information about the life of the Portuguese and Dutch settlers here
- SANTA CRUZ BASILICA, FORT KOCHI: This is Roman Catholic church is north a visit .It is a specimen of Portuguese architecture build in 503. Frescoes, mural paintings decorate the ceiling and interior arts of the church. The Gothic architecture and the lofty spires is a unique grandeur.
DUTCH PALACE MATTANCHERY: Originally built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cohin, Veera Kerala Varma in 1555. Was later taken over by the dutch it in 1663. The double storied quadrangular building surrounds a central courtyard containing a Hindu Temple. In the center is the coronations, weapons and palanquins from the era. The highlight of the palace is the 17th century mural paintings of mythological figures and scenes from Ramyana. The floor of the palace reveals the unique traditional Kerala technique worth admiring.
JEWSISH SYNAGOGUE , MATTANCHERY: The synagogue built in 1568 the oldest synagogue in common wealth countries. It was partially destroyed in the war of 1662, but was rebuilt by Dutch. The mid 18th century the clock tower was added. The floors of synagogue are paved with exquisite blue willow tiles imported from China, One can find the great scrolls of the old testament, the proper plates in which the grand’s of privilege made by the Cochin tillers are recorded.
HILL PALACE MUSEUM: Situated 12km from Ernakulam, it is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Variety of sculptures, rare coins, old weapons are exhibited here.
THATTEKKAD BIRD SANCTUARY: The sanctuary is notable for indigenous and rare birds. Diverse migrant species come here during season. Wild life can also be sighted often. A boat cruise from Bhoothathankettu to Thattekkadu is an unforgettable experience.
Sagararani: It is the prestigious vessel of the KSINC offering a luxurious trips in the back waters of Kochi.This is the one and only Cruise Boat in kerala that makes trips till the Ship Route. A trip in “Sagararani” is an memorable experience to the tourists. All trips are conducted with on board entertainment.The cruise starts from High court Boat Jetty in Marine Drive. With an exquisite Air-conditioned conference hall, DJ Floor, Restaurant etc. it is certainly an ideal venue for conducting many an events like Conferences, Meetings, Product Launches, Board Meetings, Parties and a number of other business and social gatherings.
Marine Drive: Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful parts of the Kerala Tourism. It is also called Shanmugham Road. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbor from here is excellent. At night the lights from the various ships anchored at the harbor is just breathtaking.
Cherai Beach: Vypin Island was formed after the great floods of 1341. The Island is 25 kilometers long and has an average width of 2 kilometers. Pallipuram Panchayat, in which Cherai is included, is at the northern end of Vypin Island.
Munambam Beach (Muziris Golden Beach) : Munambam is a small fishing village Munambam Beach have been made due to a “Pulimuttu” which was constructed in the area (It is made by piling stones like a pathway to sea.). This Beach is situated close to the very famous Cherai Beach. It is the northern tip of the Vypeen island and surrounded by Periyar River at the East & Arabian sea the west. Beautiful chinese fishing nets also adorn the beautiful shores filled with fine grained sand. The ocean stole the fine grains from Cherai beach and deposited them in the shores of Munambam over the years. you can readily get fresh Fishy curry with Kappa (Tapioca) at shops around the corner. Toddy shops are also there in numbers..
Backwaters of Kumbalangi: Kumbalangy is an Island-village on the out skirts of Cochin city of Kerala State in South India . As Kumbaangi is close to the heart of Cochin city reaching there would pose no problems what so ever. Kumbalangy is surrounded by backwaters.
Puthuvyppu Beach: Puthuvyppu Beach is situated in Vypeen Island. This beautiful beach is one of the best hangout location in Kochi, but also the least explored. The walkway at the beach offers a great experience to the visitors. The plans of International Oceanarium are under processing. The proposed site is very near to the beach. Once completed it will be the largest Oceanarium in Asia and first of its kind in India. A stretch of pine trees separate the beach from the shallow ditches in the north. Also a light house is situated here. This lighthouse is one of the tallest in India. There is a shallow ditch to the north of the Beach.Entry to the light house is permitted from 3 P.M to 5 P.M.
Chathangad Beach: Chathangad Beach/Chathanad Beach is located Near to Edavanakkad Village in Vypeen Island. Its a new born beach. Because of low crowd its a calm beach side for lovers.
Kuzhuppilli Beach: Kuzhuppilli/Kuzhupilly Beach is located in Vypeen island. Kuzhuppilly is a village area. This is upcoming tourist sport in Kerala. It was identified as a potential tourism spot by the authorities.The village has Freshwater prawn farms (Malayalam – ചെമ്മീന്കെട്ട്) and Paddy Fields , The village contains the Pallathamkulangara Bhagavathi Temple , Sree Balakrishna Swami Temple, St. Augustine’s Church, Mahadeva Temple, Ayyampilly Mahadeva Temple and Chempoozhi Sree Dharmasastha Temple. It is very important to include that this village is developing in a very fast way. Pulauyavamshodharini sabha Sree Rajalangaramoorthy temple is at Cheruvyppe.
Wonderla Amusement Park: Wonderla (Veega Land), located just 16kms from Kochi city, In Wonderla there are 55+amusement rides. The full park spreads over 30 acres it is built to international standards and impeccably maintained, the park is situated on the top of a hill at Pallikkara,Wonderla is a good formula for transforming one’s leisure into an unforgettable experience. The park has now become the most sought after fun destination for youngsters in South India.
Ezhattumugham: Ezhattumugham is a country village in the Ernakulam .It is situated 11.8 km from the Kochi Airport and 40 km from Cochin. You can get there hiring a taxi from the nearest town Angamaly as there is no public transport to the location. This Place is yet to enter the tourist’s itinerary for one very good reason. About 13 km away, uphill, lies the majestic Athirappally Falls, which sashayed into celluloid history with Raavan, starring Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan. Film crews, both from the north and the south, often camp in its precincts to exploit its raw appeal. Therefore the quiet charm of Ezhattumugham, through which Chalakkudy flows leisurely, remains eclipsed by the glamor of Athirappally.
Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary: Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary is a rural riverside village in the Ernakulam district of the state of Kerala . Its a popular picnic spot and tourist destination in kerala too. It is the only elephant rescue and training center in Kerala specialized for rescuing and training stranded adult and baby elephants from the forest regions across Kerala. Kodanad Elephant Training Camp, Kerala is situated on the south bank of Periyar River, about 42 kilometers east of Kochi (Cochin) city.
Bhoothathankettu Dam: This Dam is situated outside the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam and 50 km away from the main city of Kochi. The original natural dam has been supplemented by a modern dam impounding the Bhoothathankettu Reservoir (Thattekad Reservoir). During the Malayatoor pilgrim season, travelers use the roads through the forest. Kerala might be known as God’s Own Country.
Subhash Park: Subhash Park is Also Known as Subhash Chandra Bose Park . This park is situated near the Boat Jetty , Kochi ( opposite to Maharaja’s College). From here, the view of the backwaters is magnificent, the Canoes(Vanji/Vanchi), Passenger Boats, Fishing Boats, Ships Berthed at the Port, the Yachts of the Tourists from different parts of the world anchored near Bolgatty Palace, all this dotting the backwaters add delight to any one who visits this park. The children’s park is situated near by this . A small lawn gardens called Ambedkar Park also close to this park. entry to this park is free.Subhash Park is maintained by the Corporation of Cochin. Associated with Subhash Park, there is a solar project funded by the Government of Kerala. There is a straight entry from Subhash Park to the musical walkway and marine drive.
Chilren’s Park: The Children’s Park is also known as “Indira Priyadarshini Children’s Park”, situated close to Subhash park. if you want to enter here you have to pay a small ticket fee.The Roller skating track attracts students as well as adults. Boating in the children park is awesome. The internal roads in the Children Park are designed in such a way that it creates awareness in children about traffic rules. There is traffic signaling and roads are marked with different names as in the real case, though it seems funny for adults. The train in the Park is very interesting for kids.
Athirapally Waterfalls: Athirapally Waterfalls is the most prominent getaway from Cochin and attracts millions of visitors every year. Together with Vazhachal and the picturesque route through Western Ghats presented Athirapally a prominent seat in World tourist Map. The most beautiful waterfalls in Kerala, a must visit spot for anybody who would like to enjoy the beauty of Kerala is Athirapally Waterfalls.
Other places of interest:Vallarpadom pilgrim center, Malayatoor pilgrim center, Chierai beach, Pazhassiraja museum and art gallery, Veega land amusement park, Bolghatty island palace, Willingdon island, Kodanad.