Tourist Places

The Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square are erected on teak wood and the bamboo poles used in it, work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. The Square parallels the beach, & is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. Located near to these nets, are an array of restaurants which serves fresh seafood.

The Dutch palace or Mattancherry palace was originally built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma in 1555. It was later taken over by the Dutch who improved it through extensions and repairs in 1663. Since then it came to be called the Dutch Palace though at no time did the Portuguese nor the Dutch stayed there. Today it is a portrait gallery of the Cochin Rajas.

The Synagogue at Mattancherry built in 1568. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, the Copper Plates on which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest, it is the oldest Synagogue in the Common Wealth Countries. It was partially destroyed in the war of 1662, but was rebuilt by Dutch. In the mid 18th century a clock tower was added to the structure.

St. Francis Church, the oldest church in India built by the Europeans (The Protestant church was built originally by the Portuguese in AD 1510 and is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India). Vasco Da Gama the Governor of Portuguese territories in India was buried in here before his mortal remains were taken to Portugal, fourteen years after his death. But the original tablet still remains here.

One of the must visit places of Ernakulam is the Cherai Beach. Bordering the nearby Vypeen Island, which is also an ideal location for swimming. The long stretch of golden sand on the shore, make it one of the cleanest beach in Kerala. The tourism department have taken various steps to cater to the requirement of the visitors. Sports activities like Skiing, Para-gliding etc are arranged here, under guidance of experts.

Kalady is the birth place of Adi Sankaracharaya the great Indian Philosopher who lived in the 8th century is 45 Kms from Cochin. It is situated on the banks of river Periyar and there are two shrines in memory of Sree Sankaracharaya. One dedicated to him as Dakshina Moorthi and the other to the Goddess Sharada. Adi Sankara's Shrined in Kalady are open to all pilgrims irrespective of Religion and caste.

A visual treat of nature.. Athirappilly - Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls in Kerala. Located east of Chalakudy in Thrissur district near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges. The falls are a part of the Chalakudy river stream which flows through the Vazhachal Forest Division. Athirapally, falls from a fairly good height of approximately 80 mts (150 feet) and joins the Chalakudy river below.

Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of kerala. Guruvayoor has emerged as one of the most important places of worship in Southern India like Tirupati and Sabarimala. It is more than a spiritual journey for hundreds and thousands of people who visit this temple irrespective of their age and origin.

Munnar is a small hill station set amongst the Kannan Devan hills. It is famous for its lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, forests, and tea estates. The quiet environs of Munnar attract the traveler to relax in the lap of Mother Nature. It has some of the highest tea estates in the world. lush greenery, lakes, reservoirs, forests and tea estates. An environment that attract the traveler to relax in the lap of mother nature.

With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense and natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the east by travelers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. Today it has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of tourists.

Ensconsed between the paddy fields of Kuttanad and the majestic lake of Vembanad. Kumarakom today is home of hundreds of migratory birds. Birds such as Water ducks, Cuckoos, Siberian Storkes, make Kumarakom their peaceful home. A cruise, in a houseboat on the backwater, along the banks of Kumarakom, is an unforgettable experience.

Located 64 kms from Kottayam and 65 kms from Idukki town, Vagamon is a hill station perched at an altitude of 1100 m above sea level. A trekker's delight, Vagamon is surrounded by beautiful meadows, valleys and tea gardens, which are all spellbinding works of nature. Exotic locations in the vicinity - such as Kurisumala, Thangalpara, Muruganmala and Kulamavu are perfect base camps for tourists to explore.