Ernakulam

Mattancherry and Fort Kochi Kumbalangi Tourist Village The Hill Palace Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary Cherai Beach

MUST SEE

Area : 2408 sqkms Population (2001) : 30,98,378 Male : 15,35,881, Female : 15,62,497 Altitude : Sea Level, Clothing : Tropical Tourist Season : September to May The Queen of the Arabian Sea is the synonym for Kochi. Ernakulam district is bordered by the Arabian sea in the west, Alappuzha district in the south, Kottayam and Idukki in the East and Thrichur in the North. The district stands out from the rest of Kerala on many accounts. This is the commercial capital of Kerala, 60% of the total revenue of the state is yielded from Ernakulam. All the major industries of Kerala in the central and state public sector and private sector are concentrated here. One of the seven special economic development zones of the country is located here. Ernakulam is one of the finest natural harbours in the world. All the export commodities from the state like marine products, cashew, coir, spices etc are shipped from Cochin. Three old towns of Ernakulam district put together was formed into a corporation – Cochin. Fort Cochin, Mattanchery and Willington Islands. Sir Robert Briston was the architect of Cochin. Mattanchery is an important centre of spice trade.

Telephone Access Codes

Ernakulam ++ 91 484 Kolencherry ++ 91 484 Kothamangalam ++ 91 485 Muvattupuzha ++ 91 485 Perumbavoor ++ 91 484

Transport and Communication

Sea: Cochin Harbour : Periodicals services to Lakshadweep Islands. Air: Cochin International Airport (20 kms from the town), Ph: 0484 2610115. Rail: Ernakulam is well connected with the major towns in and outside Kerala by an extensive rail network. Ernakulam Junction (South), Ph: 0484 2375131. Ernakulam Town (North) Ph: 0484 2390920, 2395198. Kochi Harbour Terminus, Ph: 0484 2666050. Railway enquiry - Ph: 139, 1397. Road: Ernakulam is connected by road with several tourist centres and cities in India. Long distance buses operate from the KSRTC Bus Station(near Ernakulam Junction Railway Station). Long distance private buses also operate from High Court Junction, Railway Station, Subhash Park and Kaloor Junction. Tamilnadu road transport bus station, Ph: 0484 2372616. Local Transport: Buses, Taxis and Auto-rikshaws.

Ferry Services : There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam. The main boat jetty is 1km away from junction railway station and the other near high court.

Tourist Information Offices: Tourist Information Officer, Department of Tourism, Ph: 2351015, 2355956. Info Kerala Communications Pvt. Ltd., Ph: 4051532, 2391023, mail@infokerala.in, www.infokerala.in. Govt. of India Tourism Office, Willington Island, Ph: 2668352, 2669125. Airport Information Counter, Department of Tourism Kerala, Ph: 2611308. Tourist Reception Centre, KTDC, Shanm-ugham Road, Ph: 2353234, 2382199. DTPC Tourist Information Centre, Old Collectorate Building, Park Avenue, Ph: 2367334.

Places Interested

Adi Sankara Janmabhumi Temple: The Adi Sankara-Sharadamba Temple complex draws a great number of pilgrims is open to all religion. Peoples from all parts of the world visit this Temples for spiritual solace and peace of mind.

Parikshith Thampuran Museum: A treasure house of Coins, bronzes, murals and megalithic relics of Kerala, this museum attracts a huge crowd.

Fascinating Destinations

Adi Sankara Temple | Bastion Bungalow | Bhoothathankettu | Bolgatty Island | Chendamangalam | Cherai Beach | Chinese Fishing net | Chottanikkara Temple | Ernakulathappan Temple | Fork Immanuel | Fort Kochi | Kalady | Kanjiramattom Mosque | Kodanad | Koder House | Kumbalangi Tourist Village | Malayattoor | Musical walk-way | Dutch Palace | Museum of Kerala History | Old Harbour House | Parade Ground | Parikshith Thampuran Museum | Pierce Leslie Bungalow | Thattekkad | Poornathrayeesha Temple | Princess Street | Santa Cruze Basilica | St. Francis Church | Synagogue | Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary | The Bishops’ House | Vasco House | The Dutch Cemetery | The Hill Palace | Vasco-Da-Gama Sqare | Willington Island

Chinese Fishing Net Nets are set up one teak wood and bamboo poles

Chinese Fishing Net: The legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar coast is this huge cantilevered fishing nets. Errected here between AD 1350 and AD 1450 by traders from the court of Kublai Khan. These nets are set up one teak wood and bamboo poles.

Bastion Bungalow: This European style building was built in 1667. With marvelous building structure the Bungalow attracts many visitors. Today it is the official residence of the sub collector.

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 CSI. Thakur House which belongs to Ram Bahader Thakur and Company, the David Hall built by the Dutch East India Company and the Cochin club are other historical monuments that no tourist to Kochi can miss.

Vasco House: This is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi, believed to have been the residence of Vasco-Da-Gama. Built in the early 16th century, vasco house sports the typical European glass paneled windows and balcony cum verandahs characteristics of the times.

Princess Street the earliest streets constructed in Fort Kochi.

Princess Street: Princess Street is the one of the earliest streets which was constructed in Fort Kochi. The European style buildings keep its old charm. 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 ground houses their defence establishments. Musical Walk-Way: An exceptionally new and beautiful concept in Kerala, Next to Subhash Bose Park in the Centrifuge of city. The beauty of the Sunset can be seen from this place. Fork Immanuel: This bastion of the Portuguese in Kochi was a symbol of strategic alliance between the Maharaja of Kochi and the Monarck of Portugal, after whom it was named. Built in 1503 the fort was reinforced in 1538. By 1806 the Dutch and later the British destroyed it. Today the remains of the imposing structure can be seen along the beach. Vasco-Da-Gama Sqare: The best place to watch the Chinees Fishing nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in, is the Vasco-DaGama square a narrow promenade that runs along the beach. The square is the best place for leisure and has stalls serving fresh seafoods.

Fort Kochi The first European township in India

Fort Kochi: One can experience the pulse of Fort Kochi with leisurely walk through the city. It was the first European township in India. This old obscure fishing village has sweet memories of history. The town was shapped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. The result of these cultural influences are seen in the many examples of Indo-European Architecture that still exist here.

Poornathrayeesha Temple: The deity of this temple, located Thripunithura, is Poornathrayeeshan and was the patron deity of the rulers of erstwhile Cochin kingdom. Poornathrayeeshan means, Lord who is having authority over Wrik, Yajus, and Sama Vedas. The idol, which is molded in Panchaloha, has a specialty and faces east.

Kodanad Elephant Training Centre Elephant safari available

Kodanad: (40 km from Ernakulam & 30 km from Kottayam Town) Situated in the high ranges on the South bank of Periyar, Kodanad is one of the largest elephant training centers in South India. Elephants specially trained for Safari are provided with saddles for riding. There is also a mini zoo for wild animals here. Ph: 2649052

St. Francis Church: This is India’s oldest European church built in 1503 by Portugeuse Franciscan frairs. Although this was built of timber, ab-initio, later constructed in stone masonry. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch converted into an Anglican Church by the British in 1795 and at present governed by the Church of South India (C.S.I.), Vasco-Da-Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Portugal. The tomb stone still remains. Ph: 0484 2217505

Pierce Leslie Bungalow: This elegant mansion is the office of PierceLestlie India Limited, a British Trading Company engaged in the trade of various commodities apart from tourism and travel. This Bungalow which is a representative of colonialism reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. Characteristic features are wood panels that form the roof of the ground floor, arched door ways, carved doors and sprawling rooms. Water front sit-outs are an added attraction.

Kumbalangi Tourist Village The first ecotourism village in India

Kumbalangi Tourist Village: (25 km from Ernakulam) Essentially a fishing hamlet, this tiny village facing the Kochi backwaters in the western part of the city is the first ecotourism village in India. Kalagramam, an artist’s village, displays handicrafts and fishing equipments. Mangroves are nurtured here as also fish farming. Bait fishing is extremely popular among tourists here. Many houses in the village are homestays and visitors can book their stay directly with homestay operators or seek the assistance of village council. Museum of Kerala History: Situated at Edappally, hardly 8 kms from Ernakulam this museum reveals historical episodes from the Neolithic to the modern era through life size figures. Light-n-sound shows are regularly arranged with commentaries in English and Malayalam. There are two art galleries. One displays paintings by contemporary Indian artists while the other is the centre for visual arts, the authentic reproduction of selected world masters.

Kalady: (35 km from Ernakulam) On the bank of the holy river Periyar, Kaladi, now famed being the head quarters of the only Sanskrit University in Kerala, is the birth place of Sree Sanakaracharya the founder of Advaita (nonduality) Philosophy, who lived during the 8th century. Sree Sankara, Sarada Devi, Sree Krishna and Sree Ramakrishna are worshipped in temples here which add to the glory and sanctity of the destination. Sree Sankaracharya Keerthistambham is the monument built in the memory of the great Acharya which is the beacon light of architecture of that century.

Cherai Beach Ideal spot for tourists

Cherai Beach: One of the loveliest of beaches in India. Sandwitched between backwaters and the Arabian Sea. It is the ideal spot for tourists. Cherai is located at 20 kms away from the city of Eranakulam and 25 km from the International Airport. Willington Island: Surrounded by beautiful backwaters this island was named after Lord Willington, a former British Viceroy of India. This island is an important trade centre, the head quarters of Kochi port trust and the southern naval command. The office of the India Tourism Department is located here. Ph: 0484 2668352.

Chennamangalam Synagogue Constructed around 17th century

Chennamangalam: (42 km from Ernakulam) This is a rare geographical combination of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plane. The Paliam palace abode of Paliath Achans, the hereditary prime ministers of erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi represents the architenctural splendour of Kerala. The hillocks at kottayil Kovilakam represents the unusual sight of a temple, a church, a mosque and the remains of a jewish synagogue all situated next to each other.

Synagogue: This is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth, constructed in 1568. Partially destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese raid in 1662 it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch. Known for 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 etc.

Kanjiramattom Mosque: (18 km from Ernakulam) The mosque retains the antique beauty of Mazhars and Dargahs. Honouring the Saint Sheikh Fariduddin, at the Chandanakudam festival, pilgrims carry pots covered with sandalwood paste in a procession to the mosque. Old Harbour House: This charming old Bungalow built in the early 19th century is in the possession of Carrit Moran and Company, the renowned tea brokers who now use it as their residence. It was once a boat club.

Bolgatty Island: This island is famous because of the palace built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British. Today it is run as a hotel by the KTDC.

The Bishops’ House: Built by the Portuguese governor as his residence in1506, the Bishop’s house stands on a little hillock near the parade ground. The facade of the house is characterized by large Gothic Arches and has a circular garden path winding upto the main entrance. Dom Jos Gomes Ferreira, the 27th Bishop of the Diocese of Kochi, whose jurisdiction is extended over Burma, Malaya, and Cylon acquired this building. Ph: 0484 2215400.

Santa Cruze Basilica: This historic church was built by the Portuguese and was elevated to the cathedral by Pope Pual IV in 1558. In 1795 it fell into the hands of the British, when they took over Kochi and was demolished. About a 100 years later Bishop Dom Gomes Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site. The church was proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. Ph: 0484 2215799.

Ernakulathappan Temple: Situated in the heart of the city, adjoining D.H. Hall, the benefactor god Shiva, eradicator of all evils is worshipped here.

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1669 by the Dutch. Beautiful murals depicting scenes from the epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata are displayed here. The palace is also the treasure of Dutch maps of Old Kochi, coronation robes of former Maharaja’s of Kochi, palaquins etc.

Bhoothathankettu: (50 km from Ernakulam) A picturesque haven situates in a vast virgin forest, this mythologically popular picnic spot lies close to the Salim Ali bird Sanctuary at Thattekkadu. Two major irrigation projectsPeriyar valley irrigation and Idamalayar irrigation projects – are situated here. Trekking through the lovely wilderness to the old Bhoothathankettu holds promises of excitement to adventure lovers.

Chottanikkara Bhagvati Temple: (20 km from Ernakulam) This is a famous temple of the goddess, one of the 108 popular and important Devi temples of India.

Malayattoor: Malayattoor is the International Christian pilgrim centre and famous for the Catholic Church dedicated to St. Thomas. The apostle who landed in Kerala to propagate his gospel in 7th century is the main attraction. 47 kms from Kochi the shrine is on the 609 metre high hill. Thousands of devotees undertake the pilgrimage to the shrine to participate in the annual festival. Ph: 0484 2468208.

Koder House: This wonderful building constructed by S.S. Koder of the Cochin Electric Company is the best example of the transition from colonical to Indo-European Architecture. Features like verandah seats at the entrance floor tiles set in a chess board pattern red coloured bricks like facade, carved wood furniture and a wooden bridge connecting to a separate structure across the street are all unique to this Bungalow. Ph: 0484 2218485.

The Hill Palace

The palace was built in 1865 The Hill Palace: The official residence of the erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi this palace was built in 1865. Spread over to 52 acres of terraced land, the palace complex houses consists of 49 buildings, a deer park and facilities for horse riding. A full fledged ethno archeological museum and Kerala’s first ever heritage museum are the main attractions. Thirteen galleries of oil paintings, 19th century paintings, murals, sculptures in stones and plaster of Paris, manuscripts, inscription and coirs belonging to the royal family are displayed here.Ph: 0484 2781113.

Thattekkadu : Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, nestled amidst evergreen forests covering an area of only 25 square kilometers of forests, wetlands and rivers, is the first bird sanctuary to be established in Kerala. Dr. Salim Ali, one of the best known ornithologists in the world, described it as the richest bird habitat on peninsular India. The sanctuary was named after Dr. Salim Ali who was a keen observer and familiar with the birds found there. After his famous bird survey of Travancore in the early 1930s, he reported that this area was extremely rich in bird diversity and that it should be made into a bird sanctuary. Thus his efforts were instrumental in the formation of this sanctuary to a large extent. More than 300 species of rare birds are found here. Thattekkadu is made up of tropical evergreen and deciduous forests and some grassland patches. The sanctuary lies between the tributaries of the River Periyar like a peninsula. There are hundreds of species of birds. The list is ever growing as new birds are added every year. Birds like Srilankan Frogmouth, Racket tailed Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, Whitebellied Treepie, Shama, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Rufous Babbler, Malabar Parakeet, Whitebellied Blue Flycatcher, Malabar Grey Hornbill, are some of the birds that can be easily seen here. The sanctuary is a habitat for different varieties of cuckoos and a region of the

Thattekkadu The richest bird habitat on peninsular India

sanctuary is popularly called “Cuckoo Paradise”. They include Drongo cuckoo, Indian hawk cuckoo, Large hawk cuckoo etc. In addition to birds, many types of butterflies are also found here. Thattekkad also has extensive plantations of teak, rosewood and mahogany. Latest studies show that it is not just birds but wild animals including elephants are now making it their home. Apart from the wild elephants there are deer, Elks, Bear, Tiger, snakes like the King Cobra and many types of monkeys. Winter (Nov – Feb) is the peak migratory season. Birds from the Himalayas and other parts of the world arrive here during that period. For that reason, that is the best time to visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary. Thattekad is about 54 kms from Cochin. The drive is along Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam and takes under two hours.

Conducted Tours

KTDC: Boat cruise: From Kochi harbour to Willington Island, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi & Bolgatty Island Sunset cruise. Backwater cruises: Three hours backwater village cruises which include visits to coir villages and coconut plantations.

Info Kerala Communications: 2nd Floor, PC Chambers, Ashirbhavan Lane, Kacheripady, Kochi - 682 018, Ph: +91 484 4051532, 2391023, Email: mail@infokerala.in, Web: www.infokerala.in, www.easykerala.com

A1 Kerala Holidays: Ph: 9447 291601, Web: www.a1keralaholidays.com, Email: info@a1keralaholidays.com