| |
Being the biggest metropolis in the state and the nerve centre of commercial and industrial activities, Ernakulam offers much potential for a casu8al or shopping spree visitor. HOwever, as we are less interested in the metropolitan face of the city we drove directly to see the hill palace at Thrippunithura, which is situated a few kilometers south of the city. |
 |
|
|
|
Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi's charms are manifold. From the Chinese fishing nets and heritage buildings of Fort Kochi to the old spice markets of Mattancherry and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Ernakulam, buzzing with hotels, cinema halls shops and restaurants, the city combines the finest in tradition and modernity. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Essential Information |
Area
Population
Taluks
Villages
Blocks
Telephone Code
Pincode
Vehicle Regn. Code
When To Go |
: 3068 Sq.km.
: 30,98,378
: Kunnathunad, Aluva, Paravur, Kochi, Kanayannoor, Muvattuppuzha, Kothamangalam,
: Idathiruthi, Pappinivattam, Kaipamangalam, Perinjanam, Padinjare vembaloor, Azhikkodu, Eriyadu, Pulloottu, Lokamalleswaram, Peyya, Methala, Edavilangu, Koolimuttam, Panangadu, Chenthrappinni, AAla, Pallippuram, madathumbadi, Iringalakkuda, Porathisseri, Vallivattam, Kaduppasseri, Kattoor, Edathirinji, Kottanelloor, Karalam, Vadakkukara, Pulloor, Thekkumkara, Manavallesseri, Mattathoor, Nellayi, Aanandapuram, Varandarappilli, Parappukkara, AAmbaloor, Kalloor, Thoravu, Vellikulangara, Kalloor thekumuri, Kalloor vadakkumuri, Koratti kizhakkumuri, Aalathoor, Thirumukkulam, Vadama, Puthanchira, Kallettumkara, Kizhake chalakkudi, Padinjare chalakkudi, Kodakara, Kodasseri, Aaloor, , Meloor, Kuttichira, Padiyoor, Veloorkkara, Madayikkonam, Chengaloor, Muriyadu, Thottippal, Nandippooram, Pariyaram, Nenmani, Mupliam, Perambra, Potta, Thazhekkattu, Elinjipra, Poomangalam, Annalloor, Vadakumbhagam, Muringoor thekkumuri, Karumathra, Kuruvilasseri, Kakkulisseri, anjoor, Avanoor, Peramangalam, Tholoor, Puzhakkal, Kuttoor, Kolazhi, Alattu, Viyyoor, Ollookkara, Madakkathara, Pananjeri, Ayyandol, Peechi, Nadathara, Thrisur, Aranattukara, Kanimangalam, Chembakavu, Chiyyaram, Oorakam, Chovvur, Paralam, Paralam, Puthoor, Kainoor, Thangaloor, Palisseri, Olloor, Parakkadu, Manaloor, Karamukku, Andikkadu, Padiyam, Chazhoor, Thanyam, Vadakkumuri, Kurimbilavu, Manakodi, Kaipparambu, Velappaya, Peringavu, Killnnoor, Edakkalathoor, Choolisseri, Kurichikkara, Chittalamppilli, Vilvattam, Chalakkal, Puranattukara, Vellanikkara, Nittisseri, Poongunnam, Mulayam, Pullzhi, Kozhikkuulli, Manangamangalam, Pottor, Kukkanjeshi, Eravu, K. Marakara,Edakkukkunni, Kodannoor, Avanisseri, Venginisseri, Pullu, Pallipuram, Vallachira, Aalappattu, Cherppu, Kizhakkumuri, Enjimudi, Aarattupuzha, Kizhuppillikkara, Punnayoorkulam, Punnayoor, Vadakkekadu, Pookodu, Guruvayoor, Manathala, Elavalli, Thalikkulam, Nattika, Valappadu, Mullasseri, Vengittngu, Engandiyoor, Vadanappalli, Orumanayoor, Pavaratti, Chavakkadu, Kadikkadu, Vailathoor, Edakkazhiyoor, Perakam, Eringapram, Thaikkadu, Brahmakulam, Annakkara, Kadappuram, Venmenadu, Kundaliyoor, Erapranelloor, Kaniyaarkkodu, Thiruvilamala, Elanadu, Vadakethara, Pazhayannoor, Kodazhi, Chelakkara, Kurumala, Kumaranelloor, Vadakkanjeri, Desamangalam, Panjal, Venganelloor, Cheruthuruthi, Varavoor, Thekkumkara, Mulloorkkara, Engakkadu, Mundithikkodu, Perungandoor, Veloor, Aarangattukara, Kottappuram, Nelloovay, Kadangodu, Eyyal, Pazhanji, Karikkadu, Porkkulam, Kunnamkulam, Aarthattu, Aaloor, Chundal, Chonnoor, Kadavaloor, Minaloor, Paloor, Mayanoor, Paingulam, Thalassri, Pambadi, Nedumbara, Pilakkodu, Thichur, Killimangalam, Perimbalavu, Aattoor, Kanjirakkodu, Chelakkodu, Chittanda, Kattakadambal, Thonnoorkkara, Chiramanagadu, Kariyanoor, Akthiyoor, Vellarakkadu, Pulakodu, Vellattanjoor, Anjoor, Puthuruthi, Manalithra, Vennoor, Chemmanditta, Karumathra, Veruppakka, Kanippayoor, Paralikkadu, Chiranelloor, Keeranelloor, Kandanasseri.
: Chavakkadu, Chovvannoor, Vadakkanjeri, Pazhayanoor, Olloorkara, Puzhakkal, Mullasseri, Thalikkulam, Andikkadu, Cherppu, Kodakara, Eringalakkuda, Vellangulloor, Mathilakam, Kodungalloor, Mala, Chalakkudi.
: +91 0487
: 680 XXX
: KL-08, KL–45, KL-46, KL-47, KL-48
: September to March
|
|
|
|
|
Athirappally and Vazhachal water falls
Athirappally and Vazhachal,the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges infuse freshness into any tired soul. Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees, these waterfalsl are one of the best places in India. Athirappally falls that joins the Chalakkudy River below has a fairly good height of approximately 80 mts. The other one, Vazhachal is a marvellous water fall in thick forests just a drive away form Athirappally. Tehre are two amusement parks near Athirappally - Vazhachal namely dram world and Silverstorm.
more |
|
Ayyappa and Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy.
Another place that caught our attention was the Punnathur Kotta, an elephant sanctury where more than 50 elephants are stationed.
On way to Palaghat, we took a short deviation to have a visit at the famous Thiruvilwamala temple where Lord Rama and hsi brother Lakshmana are the presiding deities. The temple situated on a hill top offers a good view of the scenic beauty of the surroundings.
more |
|
Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores
With its three-storied façade and even higher steeples towering above the town’s skyline, this is claimed to be the largest and highest church in Asia. It is adorned with Gothic towers and an array of 15 altars and church bells imported from Germany.
more |
|
Cheraman Perumal Juma Masjid
This mosque is believed to have been built in the seventh century at the behest of King Cheraman Perumal, who embraced Islam and later went to Mecca. Rebuilt and renovated over the years, the masjid still retains some of its original interiors
more |
|
Cheruthuruthy, the land of Arts
Cheruthuruthy is a small serene village that achieved its fame through Kerala Kalamandalam and also because of its picturesque landscape. Kerala Kalamandalam that has fpreserved and nurtured the Kathakali dance form is located here on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River, a century ago by the great poet Valathol Narayana Menon and mukunda Raja for sustaining the traditional dance forms apart form Kathakali. Enriched by the waters of the river, this culturally rich place reveals the tradition and heritage of Kerala in its dance forms and pottery. We watched the classes of ‘Mohinityattam’, ‘Bharathanatyam’, and Kathakali in the respective’ ‘Kalaris’ and visited the Valathol museum.
more |
|
Guruvayur
An air of piety pervades the atmosphere around the Sree Krishna Temple in Guruvayur where thousands of devotees wait in long queues for a fleeting glimpse of Guruvayurappan. It is Kerala’s largest shrine and South India’s second largest revenue earner. A 33.5-m tall gold-planted dwajasthambha, or flagstaff, stands in front of the temple.
more |
|
Irinjalakkuda, the land of Bharatha
It was through Irinjalakkuda that we reached Thrissur city. In Irinjalakkuda we visited the renowned ‘Koodalmanickam’ temple, where the presiding deity is Bharatha, the brother of Sree Rama. The temple environs are enchanting by the sheer serenity derived out of divinity. Teh ‘Koothambalamj’ the traditional auditorium where the classic art form lous on account of its architectural associated with teh legend of ‘Perunthachan’. The present ‘Koothambalam’ constructed when the old one was engulfed by fire is also notable for its artistic beauty.
more |
|
Juma Masjid, the oldest Mosque in India
Our next halt was at the Juma Masjid, the oldest mosque in India, established by Malik Ibn Dinnar around 629 A.D. This mosque is unique in its appearance as it is based on a mixture of Arab and traditional Kerala art and architecture. A white marble kept in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca. The old brass lamp kept in the mosque deserves special mention on account of its artistic beauty and antiquity.
more |
|
Kodungallur
The ancient port town of Kodungallur, once called ‘Cranganore’, echoes with the tales of an illustrious past in which legends and history become one. A busy port town once, it is a quiet, picturesque place today, with a bustling fishing centre at nearby Azhikode. The town’s ancient shrines beckon the devout.
more |
|
Koodalmanikyam Temple, Irinjalakuda
Bharata, Rama’s brother, is the deity of this temple. It is an architectural maravel with imposing gateways, round sanctum sanctorum and a marvelous koothambalam. Exquisite woodcarvings and granite friezes on the outer wall and the murals on the other walls are distinctive
more |
|
Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple
Kali is the main idol of this temple complex. The majestic six-foot-high wooden image of Kali, her eight hands with their deadly weapons, and face covered by a mask, is carved out of a jackfruit tree. Bharani an Thalappoli are the famous annual festivals and attract pilgrims.
more |
|
Lourdes Cathedral
This is one of three most important churches in Thrissur. Established in 1885, it was given the status of a cathedral in 1891. A flight of steps from the altar leads to an underground prayer chamber.
more |
|
Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine
Located at a vantage point on the edge of the backwaters at Azhikode Jetty, this shrine was built to commemorate the arrival of St Thomas the Apostle at Kodungallur. Built in the form of a semicircle, the small church in the centre is flanked by statues of the saints.
more |
|
Martha Mariyam Chaldean Church
What makes this church distinctive is the absence of idols or pictorial representations of Church. A cross is the only symbol here. This is a church that still follows the old rites and holds mass in Syriac
more |
|
Palayur Church
This is said to be the oldest among the churches established by St. Thomas the Apostale, who is believed to have arrived in Kerala in 52 AD. Numerous life-sized granite statues depicting the life of saint adorn the entrance of this building
more |
|
Punnathoor Kotta
The palace grounds of the erstwhile Punnathoor rajas, it is home to more than 60 elephants, all gifted by devotees, and the only one of its kind in the world.
more |
|
Sakthan Thampuran Palace
Of historical, architectural and cultural importance, this palace of the erstwhile maharaja of Cochin has been converted into a heritage museum. It has the largest collecton of excavated megalithic material in kerala.
more |
|
Shiva Temple
The Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is located in the same area as the Cheraman Juma Masjid. Inside the enclosure are a large multi-tiered metal lamp and a porch adorned with carvings dedicated to the heroes of the Ramayana. The shrine is a fine example of Kerala’s Famous temple architecture
more |
|
Sree Rama Temple, Thriprayar
Built in the same architectural style as the Vadakkumnathan Temple, the exquisite sculpture here is noteworthy, as are the 24 panels of woodcarvings and several ancient murals. The circular sanctum sanctorum has several sculptural representations of scenes from the great epic, the Ramayana.
more |
|
The Cheraman Perumal who embraced Islam
It is believed that once, the followers of Prophet Muhammad visited Kodungallur and the then ruler of Kerala, the Cheraman Perumal was attracted to the philosophy of Islam. He was renamed as Thajudeen and married a Muslim princess. It is said that he died on his way back to India. After some yerars the Malik Ibn Dinar reached in Kerala and constructed the Juma Msjid for the remembrance of Cheraman Perumal. It is said that the mortal remains of followers of Muhammad had been kept here
more |
|
The State Museum and Zoo
Built in 1885 and covering an area of 13.5 acres, the Art Museum, the Natural History Museum and the zoo are located at Chembukavu.
more |
|
The Swaraj Roudn the heart of Thrissur
Unlike other towns in Kerala, Thrissur, the the vernacular name of which was Thrisshivaperoor, is distingusihed by the vst open space in the very heart of the city, called the ‘Swaraj’ Round. The open space is the place where all meetings, cultural programmes and the like take place. it is here that the world famous Thrissur ‘Pooram’ takes place. We had a leisurely walk across the round enjoying the different faces and moods of the city.
more |
|
Vadakkumnathan Temple
One of the most revered temples in Kerala, a lofty stone wall and four imposing gopurams enfold the Vadakkumnathan Temple and its cover of sacred medical trees. In a unique ritual, ghee, or clarified butter, is poured over the shiva linga every day.
more |
|
| |
Places to Visit |
Thiruvananthapuram |
Aakulam Tourist Complex, Agasthayarkoodam, Anjengo Fort, Ammachiplavu, Ananthapuri, Beemapalli, Kanyakumari, Kerala State Science and Technology Museum, Kovalam Beach, Maruthwamala, Napier Museum, Neyyar, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Priyadarshini Planetarium, Puthen Malika, Shankhumugham Beach, Sree Chithra Art Gallery, Sree Chithra Enclave, Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Sucheendram temple, The Zoo and Museum Complex, Thriparappu waterfalls, Varkala, Vattakkotta, Veli, Vivekanandappara, Vyloppilly Sanskrithi Bhavan, |
|
|
|
|
Pathanamthitta |
Aranmula boat race, Ashtamudi Backwaters, Kakki Reservoir, Kaviyoor, Konni, Mannadi, Maramon, Perumthenaruvi Falls, Sabarimala, Thiruvalla, Vastu Vidya Gurukulam, Vijnana Kala vedi Cultural Centre, |
|
|
Alappuzha |
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Bhagavathi Temple, Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathi Temple, Chavara Bhavan, Karumadi Kuttan, Krishnapuram Palace Museum, Kuttanad, Mannarassala Snake Temple, Pathiramanal Island, R Block,, St George Orthodox Syrian Church, St Mary's Church, Champakulam, Subrahmanya Temple. |
|
|
Idukki |
Blossom international Park, Cheriyapalli, CSl Church (St George's Church), Devikulam Lake, Eagle Rock or Parunthumpara, Idukki Arch Dam, Kalvary Mount, Kolukkumalai, Kundala, Kurisumala Ashram, Kurisumala, Malanadu Development Society (MDS), Mampara Grasslands, Mangaladevi Temple, Marayoor, Mattupetty, Mount Carmel Church, Munnar, Murugan Para, Nelliyampathy, Orange and Vegetable Farm,Panchalimedu, Peermede, Pine Forests, Pothundy, Rajamalai, Seetharkundu,Summer Palace, Tea Museum, Thekkady, Thommankuthu, Thrisangu Hills, Top Station, Vagamon, Viewpoints, Waterfalls of Munnar, |
|
|
Kottayam |
Ayyampara hills, Cheriyapalli, Erumely, Ganapathiyar Kovil, Good Shepherd Church, Ilaveezhapoonchira, Kanjirapally, Kayyoor Temple, Krishnapuram Palace Museum, Malanadu Development Society (MDS), Pala, Poonjar Palace, Shrine of our Lady of immaculate Conception, St Dominic's Cathedral, St George Church, St Mary's Church, St Mary's Church Bharananganam, St Mary's Forane Church, St Thomas Benedictine Abbey, Thirunakkara Temple, Vagamon, Valiyapalli, Kumarakom, Driftwood Museum, Bird Sanctuary, Midlands. |
|
|
Ernakulam |
Antique Shops in Jew Street, Bhoothathankettu, Bishop's House/indo-Portuguese Museum, Broadway, Cherai Beach, Chottanikkara Temple, Clock tower, Dutch Cemetery, Fort Kochi Beach, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi, Kochi, Kumbalangi, M.G.Road, Marine Drive, Maritime Museum, Museum of Kerala History, Pardesi Synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica, Shiva Temple, SNC Maritime Museum, Spice Market, St Francis Church, Thirumala Devaswom Temple, Willingdon Island, Chendamangalam. |
|
|
Thrissur |
Athirappally and Vazhachal water falls, Ayyappa and Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy, Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores, Cheraman Perumal Juma Masjid, Cheruthuruthy, The land of Arts, Guruvayur, Irinjalakkuda, The land of Bharatha, Juma Masjid,Kodungallur, Koodalmanik, Yam Temple, Irinjalakuda, Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple, Lourdes Cathedral,Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine, Martha Mariyam Chaldean Church, Palayur Church,Punnathoor Kotta, Sakthan Thampuran Palace, Shiva Temple,Sree Rama Temple, Thriprayar,The Cheraman Perumal who embraced Islam, The State Museum and Zoo,The Swaraj Roudn the heart of Thrissur,Vadakkumnathan Temple, |
|
|
|
|
Malappuram |
Kadalundi Nagaram, Kondotty, Kottakkal(Centre of Ayurveda), Kottapadi, Malappuram, Manjeri, Nilambur(Forest area), Perinthalmanna, Perumpadappu, Ponnani, Tanur, Teak Museum,Tirur,Tirurangadi, |
|
|
Kozhikode |
Beypore and its ‘Urus’, Beach Road, CSI Church, Kallai, Lokanarkavu of Vadakkanpattu, Mananchira Square, Mishkal Mosque, Mother of God Cathedral, Muchundipalli, Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery, Planetarium and Science Centre, Tali Temple,Valayanadu Devi Kshetram, |
|
|
Wayanad |
Mananthavady, Brahamagiri, Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves,Jain Temple, Karalad Lake, Kerala Kalamandalam, Kuruva Dweep, Lakkidi's Chain Tree, Mahe, Meenmutty Falls,Muthanga,The jungle of secrets, Pakshipathalam,Pazhassi Museum,Pookot Lake,River Nila,Soochipara and Kanthampara Falls, The tree of Karimthandan,Thirunelly Temple,Thrissiteri Temple,Wayanad Heritage Museum, |
|
Kannur |
Alluring Beaches, Cheruvathur Kota Palli, Delightful Backwaters, Ezhimalai, Fort St Angelo,Kanhirode weaving Co-operative, Kerala Folklore Academy, Kottiyoor Shiva Temple, Mahalingeshwara Temple, Nileswaram, Parassini Kadavu Temple, Payyambalam Beach,Rajarajeshwara Temple,Thalassery,The tree of Karimthandan,Ummichipoyil and Varikulam,Valiyaparamba Backwaters, |
|
|
Kasargode |
Anandashram, Ananthapura Temple, Bekal Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Kanhangad Hosdurg Fort,Kanwatheertha Beach, Kappil Beach, Kodagu, Kottanchery, Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque, Possadi Gumpe, Ranipuram. |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
