7 REMARKABLY ATTRACTIVE PLACES TO VISIT IN ERNAKULAM

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7 REMARKABLY ATTRACTIVE PLACES TO VISIT IN
ERNAKULAM
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7 REMARKABLY ATTRACTIVE PLACES TO VISIT IN
ERNAKULAM

• The flourishing city of Ernakulam or Kochi, in
  the South West Coast of Kerala, also known as
  Gods Own Country, is renowned for its
  breath-taking beauty overlooking the Arabian Sea
  with backwater hubs like Kottayam and Alappuzha
  districts in the south. For centuries, it has
  been a melting pot of merchants and tourists from
  across the world and has witnessed the presence
  of invaders like British, Arabs, Chinese,
  Portuguese, and even Dutch.
• The pleasing surroundings and easy connectivity
  to other parts of the country make Ernakulam one
  of the most popular tourist cities in Kerala.
  Also known as the Commercial Capital of Kerala,
  it hosts the highest number of international and
  domestic tourists and is the major business hub
  of Kerala with the highest revenue yielding
  record in the state.

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7 REMARKABLY ATTRACTIVE PLACES TO VISIT IN
ERNAKULAM

• Ernakulam was formed by the two princely states
  of Travancore and Cochin and the British Malabar
  in 1958 by carving out regions from Thrissur and
  Kottayam and came to be acknowledged as the
  biggest natural port and centre of trade on the
  West Coast. The city boasts some of the most
  charming churches and palaces that reflect the
  Portuguese, Arab and British influence left
  behind by their legacy and cultural imprints as
  well various historical sites, synagogues,
  ancient mosques, temples, forts, beaches and
  other tourist attractions.

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7 Best Places To Visit In Ernakulam

• Mattancherry Palace
• Fort Kochi
• Jewish Synagogue
• Willingdon Island
• Bolgatty Palace
• Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
• Santa Cruz Basilica

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1. Mattancherry Palace

• The magnificent Mattancherry Palace built by the
  Portuguese in the year 1557, is considered to be
  one of the important places to see in Ernakulam.
  Popularly known as Dutch Palace, its imposing
  structure and architecture resembles a typical
  traditional Kerala house with 4 individual wings
  and a patio in between. Located on Palace Road, a
  place noted for being the former trade centre, it
  is flanked by backwaters of the Arabian Sea and
  is a short distance away from the heart of
  Ernakulam.
• The rustic and old-fashioned streets leading to
  the Mattancherry Palace are an inspiration to
  history buffs, film-makers, travellers and
  artists alike. The palace encompasses a huge
  courtyard in the centre that has a beautiful
  temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagavati, the
  protective deity of Kochi community. Also worth
  seeing is the vivid collection of frescos and
  paintings adorning a large portion of the palace
  walls and the sprawling gardens and manicured
  lawns. It is believed that in the yester years,
  this cheri (street), was lined with mutton
  butchers, and so it ended up being called
  Mattancherry. 

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• Today, the place displays centuries-old
  architectures and various social and cultural
  imprints and ruins left behind by foreigners.
• Formerly known for being the spice hub in Kochi
  due to the trade of tea and spices like pepper,
  cardamom and turmeric, Mattancherry is known for
  being a place of multiple cultures with various
  communities like Jews, Konkanis, Gujaratis, Jains
  and Marathis residing there. Here gothic style
  churches, agraharams, mosques and synagogues
  coexist.
• Location Mattancherry, Kochi,
• Timings 10 AM to 5 PM, closed on all Fridays
• Entry fees INR 2 per person

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2. Fort Kochi
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• This seaside town in the south-western part of
  main Kochi is popular for its old-world colonial
  charm, and still showcases every single cultural
  change it has gone through over the centuries.
  One can spot remnants of Portuguese and Dutch
  colonialism in this quaint city which is dotted
  with similar structures and has an overall
  ambience that brings to light the colonial powers
  that once ruled over the place. The fort region
  of Kochi has witnessed the rise and fall of great
  powers including the Portuguese, Chinese and the
  Dutch, before it came under the nation-wide
  British rule in the 18th century. it houses the
  vibe of an ancient colonial city with its cobbled
  streets, colourful and charming buildings and a
  picturesque view of the beach, and is one of the
  best places to see in Ernakulam.
• Location Fort Kochi, Ernakulam
• Timings 530 AM to 1130 PM
• Entry fees N/A

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3. Jewish Synagogue

• Amongst the 7 synagogues located in this region,
  this Jewish synagogue is the only one which is in
  operation today. It was constructed in 1568 and
  is also called the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or
  Mattencherry Synagogue. A journey inside takes
  you through the rich architecture and history of
  the place and the pulpit in the middle of the
  hall signifies the rich heritage of a not so long
  ago established prayer centre. The buildings
  interior has been done up with rare and
  handcrafted materials most if which are extinct
  today. The best part is that the synagogue is
  still run by Jews and not the government
  authorities, which has helped to a great extent
  in maintaining the authenticity of the holy
  place. Cameras and handbags are not allowed
  inside.
• Location Synagogue Ln, Jew Town,
  Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry, Kochi
• Timings 10 AM to 12 PM, 3 PM to 5 PM
• Entry fees INR 5 per person

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4. Willingdon Island
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4. Willingdon Island

• Beautifully housed in the heart of Kochi, the
  82-year old Willingdon Island showcases the
  spectacular prowess and the intellectual level of
  human mind, and is counted as one of the best
  places to see in Ernakulam. The archipelago is
  named after Lord Willingdon, the British Viceroy
  of Indiaand international ports, and is home to
  some of the opulent resorts and commercial and
  industrial buildings of the district.
• The artificial islands surrounded by the
  mesmerizing Kerala backwaters, also serve as
  headquarter for the southern naval base of the
  Indian Navy and Central Institute of Fisheries
  Technology. Apart from the commercial purposes,
  the island has become a popular weekend getaway
  destination amongst locals and tourists alike.
  One must visit this place to experience absolute
  bliss and rare natural beauty.
• Location Kochi Port, Off Kochi City, Kochi
• Timings 5 AM to 11 PM
• Entry fees N/A

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5. Bolgatty Palace

• This magnificent palace located in Bolgatty
  Island of Ernakulam is one of the oldest existing
  Dutch palaces that is situated outside
  Netherlands, and is an exquisite example of the
  Kochi style of architecture. Built in 1744 by
  Dutch traders, it is one of the major tourist
  attractions and was later extended, and gardens
  were landscaped around it. The palace has been
  remodelled today as a luxury hotel and is a
  favourite among couples. The palace is divided
  into three distinct sections, the Main Block, the
  Marina Block and the Mansion Block, overlooking
  the citys International Marina. 4 well-appointed
  luxury rooms are fitted with plush amenities like
  swimming pool, nine-hole golf course, health
  club, in-house restaurants and conference hall,
  which warrant a comfortable stay. The edifice is
  extremely plush and exudes a regal vibe with
  their lavish furniture and is truly priceless.
  From the comfort of your room, you can watch
  ships entering the Kochi port through the estuary
  or simply hop aboard a boat yourself and explore
  the very famous backwaters of Kerala.
• Location NH966A, Mulavukad, Kochi
• Timings 930 AM to 530 PM
• Entry fees N/A

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6. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

• The massive sanctuary sprawling over 7 acres is
  situated in the heart of the lively city of Kochi
  and comprises of 18-acres of mangroves which are
  filled with various species of trees and plants.
  The sanctuary remains one of the major tourist
  attractions and conducts a free nature camp which
  is attended by tourists, nature lovers and
  botanists from different parts of the world. The
  sanctuary is home to a large variety of rare
  migratory birds and is like a heaven for all the
  bird watchers and nature lovers. In the middle of
  the sanctuary, there is a shallow tidal lake
  present which is surrounded by thick mangrove
  vegetation and is connected to the backwaters of
  Kochi via a canal. The sanctuary houses six
  species of mammals, seven species of fishes and
  species of amphibians, and close to 194 birds
  belonging to 32 different species along with 17
  species of butterflies and 51 species of spiders.
• Location High Ct Road, Ayyappankavu, Kochi,
• Timings 9 AM to 630 PM
• Entry fees N/A

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7. Santa Cruz Basilica
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7. Santa Cruz Basilica

• The Santa Cruz Basilica at Fort Kochi is one of
  the finest and most impressive churches in India
  that is thronged by tourists all year round.
  Built by the Portuguese, Santa Cruz Basilica is
  considered as one of the heritage edifices of
  Kerala, and serves as the cathedral church of the
  Diocese of Kochi. This Roman Catholic Cathedral
  is a centre of great historical significance and
  exhibits marvellous artistic splendour with
  vibrant colours of medieval times. Its interiors
  are adorned with paintings and murals of gothic
  style and columns are decorated with frescoes.
  Inside there are seven large canvas paintings
  along with beautiful stained glass windows. When
  the Dutch captured Kochi, they ruined all
  Catholic establishments except the famous St.
  Francis Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral.
• But later in the year 1795, the church was
  destroyed when British took over the Kochi city,
  and only a granite pillar of this grand cathedral
  remained following the devastation of the Santa
  Cruz Cathedral Basilica, and till date, it is
  well preserved in the south-eastern corner of the
  cathedral.

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7. Santa Cruz Basilica

• The stunning architecture of the basilica depicts
  a perfect blend of the Indo-European and the
  gothic style, and exhibits gorgeous architectural
  splendour with beautifully crafted wooden panels
  and pulpit. Due to its unparallel beauty and
  grandeur and overwhelming arches, the church is
  one of the top places to see in Kochi for every
  kind of traveller.
• Location Bastian St, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi,
  Kochi
• Timings 700 AM 630 PM on weekdays, and 8 AM
  to 630 PM
• Entry fees N/A
• Ernakulam is all about sun soaked golden
  seashores, endless beaches, incessant calm blue
  waves and green swaying groves of coconuts, and
  ideal for holiday seekers. So are you ready to
  soak in the beauty of Kerala with Ernakulam? Keep
  this list of top places to visit in Ernakulam
  handy and book your flights and stay well ahead
  of time.

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