Destination Kerala - Cochin (Kochi)
Ernakulam district is located within the coast line of the Arabian Sea on the west, Kottayam and Alleppey districts in the south, Idukki district in the east and Trichur in the north. It has an area of 2408 Sq. km. Cochin city consists of the mainland Ernakulam, the islands of Willingdon, Bolghatty and Vypeen; Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. Cochin — The Queen of the Arabian Sea — is one of the most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese sea fares followed the sea route to Cochin and left their impressions on the town. Cochin's maritime history goes back to ancient days when trade was carried out by India with the far and middle east countries.
The ancient Temples, Churches and synagogues in this district are of special interest to archeologists and historians. The Chinese fishing nets, the Jewish Synagogue, the
Dutch Palace and the Bolghatty Palace in Cochin enrich
the heritage of Kerala.
Transport
Air : The airport is situated at Nedumbassery, 30 km. north of Ernakulam. Approximate taxi fare from Ernakulam will be around Rs.350/-. The Indian Airlines office is situated at Durbar Hall road, Ernakulam. Air India has an office at the south end of M.G. road.
Rail : Ernakulam has two stations, Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town. The former is the main station and most of the trains halt here. Computer Network Reservation facility is available at both the stations. Certain trains running to and from Trivandrum halt only at the Town station.
Road : Cochin is connected by good motorable roads with various centres of south India. The central bus station is situated in the heart of Ernakulam city and is very close to the Junction railway station. Long route private buses operate from High Court Jn.and Rly. Station.
There are also buses to Trichur, Mananthavady, Kalpetta and Sultan Battery. There are private buses to Munnar and Thekkady from Ernakulam Jn. railway stn and towards Guruvayur, Calicut etc from High Court Jn.
Inter State Private Buses
In addition to the state buses, the following agencies operate buses to Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mangalore, Madras and Madurai.
Ferry Services
The Main Ferry Station (Boat Jetty) is located one Km. away from Junction railway station and has services to the following places. The ferry to Bolghatty island operates from the jetty near the High Court.
Tourist Office
The Government of India Tourist Office (Ph: 668352) is situated at Willingdon island near the Malabar Hotel. This office is open from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and is closed on Sundays and public holidays. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (Ph: 353234) has a reception centre on Shanmugham road in Ernakulam city, one furlong away from Main boat jetty. It functions on all days from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Tourism Department has an information counter at the Cochin Airport (Ph: 610113 - ext.2105) which functions during flight hours. The DTPC Ernakulam (Ph : 383988) operates an information counter at the old collectorate building.
Tourist Desk (National and State Tourism Award winners) free Information Counter (Ph : 371761) is situated at the Main Boat Jetty, near Subash Bose Park, Ernakulam which functions from 8 a.m.to 6 p.m. on all days. Tourist map of Cochin, Kerala etc are available in this counter .Tourist Desk has an information counter opposite Delta School, Fort Cochin (Ph : 216129). There is also another Tourist Information Center (Ph:215710) opp. Hotel Park Avenue, Fort Cochin. They arrange air, train and bus reservations. Tourist Desk operates daily backwater village tour on a country boat and house boat cruises in Cochin.
Tourist Police : Tourist police assistance cells function at Fort Cochin, Cochin Air port, Ernakulam Junction railway station, near KTDC office and Mattancherry.
Conducted Tours
Tourist Desk operates half day Cochin Backwater-Village tour on a country boat at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The cruise takes 3 hrs. and starts from the main boat jetty, Ernakulam. Fare Rs.275. Special discount is offered for direct booking. They also operate house boat cruises in Cochin. Fare Rs.4000 for 24 hours for 2 persons including food.
KTDC conducts a boat cruise daily at 9 a.m. and at 2 p.m. The trip starts from Sea Lord boat jetty, one furlong away from KTDC Reception Centre and covers the Dutch Palace, Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church and the Bolghatty Palace. This cruise takes 3½ hrs. and the charge is Rs. 70 per person. KTDC also operates 3 hrs Cochin village canal tour everyday at 8.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. on a country boat. Fare Rs. 315/-
Kathakali Centres
See India Foundation (Ph:369471) is located at Kalathiparambu road, near Ernakulam Junction railway station. The daily show begins at 6.45 p.m. The Cochin Cultural Centre (Ph:368153) is situated on Manikath road. The daily show begins at 7 p.m. Art Kerala (Ph:366238), the third one is situated at Kannanthodathu lane, Valanjambalam. Kerala Kathakali Centre( Ph:215827) is located at Fort Cochin near the Chinese Fishing Nets. Charge Rs.100.
Post & Telegraph
The General Head Post Office is situated at the Hospital road, a furlong away from the main ferry station. It works from 8.30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on week days; on Saturdays from 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on public holidays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Speed Post facility is available near Padma Junction on M.G. Road. There are also branch offices at important places around the city.
The Central Telegraph office is situated near Jose Junction, M.G. road. It functions round the clock. Telex and Fax facilities are available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Passport Office
The Passport office is situated at the south end of Panampilly Nagar, Manorama Junction. It is open from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Office of the Commissioner of Police
This office, near High Court ferry station, is open from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It remains closed on the second Saturdays of the month, Sundays and other public holidays.
Banks
Nationalised and other banks have their branches all over the city. Banking facilities for foreign nationals are available at the following banks.
The State Bank of India, KTDC Shopping Complex, Andhra Bank and Bank Of Baroda on M.G.Road.
Banks are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on week days and 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays.
Authorised Money Changers
Most of the major hotels in the city accept credit cards and have facilities for foriegn exchange.The following are some of the authorised money changers in the city.
Thomas Cook, Ravipuram Ph :373829, AMEX near Aruns Colour Lab, M.G.Road.
ATM facilities are available at HDFC counters on M.G. Road near Seematti and, Opp Air India and Palarivattom Jn.
Shopping
The Kerala State Handicrafts Development Corporation's showroom "Kairali" and the State Handicrafts Society's emporium "Surabhi" are situated opposite to each other at Pallimukku, M.G. Road. "Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan", a show room of Khadi and Village Industries is also situated near the above show rooms. Most of the spice shops are at Mattancherry.
Places of interest
Mattancherry
It is situated 10 Km. away from Ernakulam and there are frequent buses and ferry services.
Dutch Palace (Ph : 226085)
This palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555 A.D. Though built by the Portuguese, it is popularly known as the 'Dutch Palace' as the Dutch renovated it during their short lived reign here. The Palace is well known for its mural paintings which are noted for their high level of excellence. These paintings represent scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The paintings cover a wide range of themes from the 'Puthra Kameshtiyagam' to Rama's return to Ayodya after vanquishing king Ravana of Lanka. They cover nearly 300 sq. feet of wall surface.
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. The Palace is open form 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days except Fridays and national holidays.
Koonan Kurishu Shrine :This small chapel in which the Holy Cross stands is in the heart of the busy commercial centre of Mattancherry. It was on this cross the famous "Oath of Koonan Kurishu" had taken place on 3rd January, 1653.
Jewish Synagogue :This synagogue built in 1568 A.D. was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two years after. Scrolls of Old Testament and a number of Copper Plates inscribed in Hebrew script are preserved
in this synagogue. The synagogue is open from 10 a.m. to
12 noon and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. except on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Fort Cochin
Fort Cochin is situated 10 Km. away from Ernakulam. There are frequent buses and ferry services to this place from Ernakulam.
St. Francis Church ( Ph: 217505): This is the oldest church constructed by the Europeans in India. This Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 A.D. Vasco de Gama who died in 1524 was buried here. Fourteen years later his mortal remains were transferred to Portugal.
Santa Cruz Basilica : This Roman Catholic Church with very beautiful paintings on its ceiling is situated close to St. Francis Church.
Indo Portuguese Museum (Ph; 215400): This Museum located in the Bishop's House has a good collection of sculptures, precious metal objects and Vestments
Dutch Cemetry : It is situated near the entrance to the beach, a short distance away from St. Francis Church.
Chinese Fishing Nets : At the entrance of the Cochin harbour, these nets are a fascinating sight. They can be seen all along the backwaters of Kerala. They were first brought to Kerala by the Chinese traders from Kublai Khan's court.
Willingdon Island
This is a man made island created from the materials dredged while deepening the Cochin port. Lord Bristow was the architect of this island. There are frequent ferry and bus services to this place from Ernakulam. The Harbour and Harbour Railway Terminus are in this island. Bolgatty Island
This is a beautiful island lying close to Ernakulam. The Bolgatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 is situated here. The Palace was formerly the residence of the British Resident of Cochin. Now KTDC has converted it into a hotel. This island is connected by frequent ferry services with the mainland Ernakulam. Boats to this island start from the High Court Jetty. Country boats (Machuvas) can also be hired near the Jetty.
Ernakulam
Siva Temple : This temple is situated in the centre of the town, near the Durbar Hall Grounds. The presiding deity is Lord Siva and the annual festival in the temple is celebrated for 8 days during January-February every year. The festival is rounded up with the Arattu procession when the image of the deity is taken for a sacred bath in the temple pool. A cultural festival is also held with a variety of programmes of music concerts, Kathakali, etc., as part of the celebrations.
Museums and Art Galleries
Parishith Thampuran Museum : This is situated on the Durbar Hall Grounds on the D.H. Road, Ernakulam. An Art Gallery is also functioning in the museum building.
Museum of Kerala History : (Ph:558296) Located at Edappally, 10 km. away from Ernakulam on the Ernakulam-Alwaye route, this museum is the only one of its kind in Kerala. The speciality of this museum is that the history of Kerala for the last 2000 years is exhibited and narrated with the help of light and sound. There are frequent private buses passing through Edappally (Pathadipalam bus stop) where the museum is located.
Hill Palace Museum : (Ph:781113)This is situated 12 Km. away from Ernakulam on the Ernakulam-Chottanikkara route. It is the largest archeological museum in Kerala. Different types of sculptures, collection of rare coins, old weapons, manuscripts in ancient lipis and collections from the Cochin Royal family are exhibited here. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on all days except Mondays and national holidays. There are frequent private buses from Ernakulam to this place.
Chaitram Art Gallery is located opposite Air India office on M.G. road. Kerala Kalapeedom is located at Chavara Cultural Centre road.Dravidian Art Gallery is located at Mattancherry.
Around Cochin
Chennamangalam : It was the seat of Paliath Achan, the heriditory Prime Minister of the erstwhile state of Cochin from 1632 to 1809. It was one of the chief centres of the Jews in Kerala and there is an Oriental Jewish synagogue in the old Jewish colony. In the vicinity of the Jewish Colony, once stood the famous Vaipinkotta Seminari built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. The remains of the seminary are still visible. The old Syrian Catholic church established in 1201 is near the ruins of the seminary. Near the synagogue and the church there is a temple and a mosque. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The Jewish and Muslim cemetries are located near the temple. The existence of the Synagogue, the Church, the Mosque and the Temple in very close proximity to one another provides ample proof of the prevalence of communal harmony in this part of Kerala in olden days.
The Kottayil Kovilakam, which was the seat of the Kshatriya chieftains of Villarvattom is also situated near the temple.
Another interesting institution here is the ancient Kunnathali temple and there is also a temple of Gowda Saraswatha Brahmins here.
Chennamangalam is an important centre for handloom weaving and coir making. The annual fair called "Mattachanda" (Barter System) is held here on the eve of "Vishu" in April.
Chennamangalam is situated 42 Km. away from Ernakulam and 5 Km. away from North Parur. There are buses from Ernakulam to North Parur and Chennamangalam is connected with North Parur by frequent bus services.
Pallipuram Fort : Pallipuram fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the State of Travancore in 1789. This fort is situated in the northern extremity of the Vypeen island at Pallipuram. The Catholic Church at Pallipuram is an important pilgrim centre for the Christians. From Vypeen there are frequent buses to Pallipuram. Vypeen is connected by ferry with Fort Cochin and Ernakulam.
Kanjiramattam Mosque : It is believed that this Mosque was erected over the mortal remains of Sheikh Parid. It was here that the great muslim saint Baver is believed to have prayed and attained eternal bliss. The Kodikuthu festival which falls in December-January attracts thousands of devotees. The mosque is situated at Kanjiramattam, 30 Km. away from Ernakulam. There are private buses to Kanjiramattam from Ernakulam.
Veega Land Amusement Park (Ph: 684001): This amusement park is located at Pallikkara near Kakkanad, 14 kms from Cochin.It is open from 11.am to 6.30pm on week days and 11am to 8pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple :
Situated on the crest of a hillock, this temple is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus. Navarathri festival is celebrated here during October-November. Many prominent classical performances and Kathakali are held during the festival. The temple is situated 15 Km. away from Ernakulam and there are frequent private buses from Ernakulam to Chottanikkara.
Darshan timings: The temple is open from 4 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 7.30 pm.
Tripunithura : Tripunithura was the headquarters of the Maharaja of Cochin and his palace, the Hill Palace is situated here. Now it is a museum under Archeological department. Sree Poornathrayeesa temple at Tripunithura is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and celebrates two major festivals every year each lasting 8 days. The most important festival falls in November/December and on the last day of the festival the image of the deity is taken out in an impressive procession on beautifully caparisoned elephant.
"Athachamayam" is celebrated here 10 days prior to Onam (August/ September), the national festival of Kerala.
A cultural festival is also held as part of the celebrations. Tripunithura is situated 10 Km. away from Ernakulam and is connected by frequent private buses.
RLV College of Arts & Music : It is situated near Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, Tripunithura. Training is imparted in Kathakali, Music, Paintings, Sculpture and various dance forms here.
Sangeetha Sabha conducts regular performances of Karnatic music in Kalikotta Palace, Tripunithura.
Udayamperoor : It is situated 18 Km. from Ernakulam on the Ernakulam- Vaikom road and is a place of great historical importance. The Roman Catholic Church here was the venue for the famous Synod of Diamper which was held to bring the Malabar Syrian Christians under the control of the Pope in Rome. The mortal remains of the last Raja of Villarvattom, who embraced Christianity is preserved in this church.
Alwaye : This is situated 20 Km. north of Cochin on the banks of the Periyar river. A large number of big industrial establishments are set up in and around Alwaye. This place is the most important industrial centre of the State of Kerala.
Sivarathri festival celebrated here during February-March is attended by thousands of devotees.
Kodungallur
Also known as Crangannore, 50 Km. away from Cochin, this was the premier sea port on India's west coast. It was the capital of Cheraman Perumals. It is believed that St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus who came to India in 52 A.D. landed at Kottappuram near Crangannore. A shrine to commemorate the advent of the Apostle was erected here in 1952.
Cheraman Juma Musjid, the first mosque in India is situated 2 km. away from Kodungallur town. It was built in 629 A.D. and resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. An ancient Portuguese fort and Thiruvanchikulam temple are also situated here. The Bharani festival during March/April in the Kali Bahgavathy Temple attracts thousands of Hindu pilgrims. There are buses to Kodungallur from Ernakulam. There is no ferry service to Kodungallur from Ernakulam.
Cherai Beach: The beach at Cherai on Vypeen island is situated 18 Km. away from Vypeen. It is a very beautyful and calm beach.
Kalady
Kalady is the birth place of Sree Adi Sankaracharya, 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 memmory of Sree Sankaracharya, one dedicated to him as Dakshinamoorthy and the other to the Goddess Sharada. The ancient Sreekrishna temple situated here was the family temple of Adi Sankaracharya. Adi Sankara's shrines in Kaladi are open to all pilgrims irrespective of religion or caste.
The nearest airport is at Nedumbassery and the nearest railway stations are Angamaly (10 Km) and Alwaye (23 Km.).
Kalady is connected by road with important towns in Kerala. There are frequent buses to Kalady from Angamaly.
Sringeri Matt Temples : Sree Saradamba and Sree Shankara temples were built in AD 1910 by Jagadguru Sree Sachithananda Shiva Abhinava Narsimha Barathi Swamigal of Sringeri Sarada Pidha.
Sree Ramakrishna Advaita Ashram : Established by Swamy Agamananda in 1936, the centenary year of Sree Ramakrishna. The shrine was later reconstructed on the model of Sree Ramakrishna Temple, Belur Mutt (Howrah) in 1976 and a life-size marble image of Sree Ramakrishna was installed. The Swami Vivekanada Social Education
Library and religious reference library have a collection of over 8000 books.
Sree Adi Sankara Keerthi Stamba Mandapam : It is an architectural beauty, being a tower type construction of about 45 metres in height on an octogonal base with easy to climb steps. It consists of 9 floors. There is a beautiful Panchaloha idol of Adi Sankara on the top floor. The important events in Sree Sankara's life are depicted on
the inside the walls of the Sthoopam.
Brindavans : An Alter with Tulasi plants where Aryamba, mother of Sree Shankaracharya was cremated.
Crocodile Ghat : Sree Sankara took to sanyasa (renunciation) at this spot. According to legend, it was here that the crocodile caught hold of him and Mother Aryamba permitted him to accept sanyasa and the crocodile disappeared.
Accommodation is availabe at Sree Sankara Guest House (Ph:0484 - 462350 ). Tariff Rs.100.There is also a Kerala State PWD Rest House close by.
Around Kalady
Malayattur: Located on the slopes of the picturesque western ghats, 52 Km. from Cochin and 8 Km. from Kalady, this is a Christian pilgrim centre and is believed to have been blessed by the Apostle of Christ, St. Thomas.The church atop the hill was established in A.D. 900.
Malayattur is accessible by road upto the foothills of Kurishumudy. The church at the top of the hill, about 2 Km. up, can be reached only on foot. On the Sunday succeeding Easter, pilgrims visit this place. Malayattur, situated on the banks of the river Periyar, is also a place of great scenic beauty, and there is a small lake called Manappattuchira closeby.
There are frequent buses to Malayattur from Alwaye and Angamaly.There is a Yatri Nivas ( Ph: 468180) at Malayattur with Rs.230 for double occupancy.
Kallil Bhagavathy Temple : This 19th century Jain temple is located 22 Km. away from Kalady. The temple is cut from a huge rock and a climb of 120 steps leads to the temple.
Iringol Forest Temple : This temple is located amidst a dense forest, 8 Km. away from Kalady.
Boothathankettu: Situated 63 Km. away from Ernakulam, this is a good picnic spot. There is a dam here and in the reservoir boating facilities are provided. Trekking through the forest to old Boothathankettu is very interesting.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary: 20 Km. from Kothamangalam on the Cochin-Munnar road, this sanctuary is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Kerala. (For more details see 'Wild Life Sanctuaries of Kerala) |
