Tourist Places in Ernakulam

Best Places to visit in Ernakulam 

Welcome to the breathtaking beauty of the backwaters at the flourishing city of Ernakulam! Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Ernakulam is located in the central part of Kochi city and is a bustling commercial hub. Over the centuries, Cochin has been visited by merchants and tourists worldwide. It has witnessed the presence of invaders like the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, and even the Dutch. Get to know the best places to visit in Ernakulam and make it a point to see. Book with Blue Bird Travels, a prime tour operator in Kerala, and blast!

What are the tourist places in Ernakulam?

Best places to visit in Kochi

Check out the best places to visit in Kochi! The city abounds with palaces, vintage buildings, beaches, temples and heritage sites. Marine Drive, Willingdon Island, and the Chinese Fishing Nets are some of the best places to visit in Kochi. Ernakulam boasts of museums like the Thripunithura Hill Palace Museum, Museum of Kerala History, Portuguese Museum & Maritime Museum. The historical places in Ernakulam consist of Fort Emmanuel, Bastion Bungalow, Jewish Synagogue etc. Ernakulam also has many hangout destinations like the Lulu Shopping Mall, WonderLa etc. 

Best Places to visit in Fort Kochi

Have a look at the best places to visit in Fort Kochi! A tourists’ paradise, Fort Kochi offers everything for a discerning traveller! Colonial bungalows, handicraft shops with art and craft, and cafes and restaurants serving mouth-watering delicacies have a wide choice. The Jew Town, Princess Street or the Loafer’s corner, Princess Street, Fort Kochi Beach, Pallipuram Fort, Paradesi Synagogue etc., are the main attractions of Fort Kochi. The town also has many ancient churches and temples like the St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, etc. These are also popular Fort Kochi tourist places. 

You can enjoy the sights of the old world, European style buildings showcasing Dutch, British and French influences in Princess Street, along with modern styled housing and shops. Kochi also has the Dutch Palace, Kerala Kathakali Centre and the Chinese Fishing nets as part of its tourist attractions.

Best tourist places near Kochi

Kochi has been described as one of the most beautiful spots in Kerala with its perfect backdrop of the mesmerising backwaters. It is one of the most popular getaways for Indians and international tourists alike. The Best tourist places near Kochi consist of hill stations, trekking spots, backwaters, and wildlife sanctuaries. 

Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Vagamon etc., are some of the tourist places near Kochi that provide a perfect weekend getaway for vacationers or adventurers alike. The Cherai beach, Puthuvype beach, Marari beach & Kuzhuppilly beach are the best places! Athirappilly, Charpa & Vazhachal are some of the most scenic waterfalls near Kochi and not to be missed!

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Best tourist places near Ernakulam

If you are in the mood for a great holiday in Kerala, Ernakulam is a destination not to be missed! Ernakulam is a beautiful place with many tourist attractions. The best tourist places near Ernakulam consist of waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, backwaters, and more magnificent places. Ernakulam is one of Kerala’s most popular tourist cities with easy connectivity to other parts of the country. 

If you have more time in your hands, you can travel to the hill station Munnar or Thekkady to enjoy the greenery. Alleppey & Kumarakom are fascinating backwater destinations to be one with nature! You can also explore the green spots of Vagamon & Devikulam for the perfect weekend getaway. If beach fun is on your mind, the favourite places are the Cherai beach, Puthuvype beach, Marari beach & Kuzhuppilly beach! Also, do not miss out to visit the scenic Athirappilly, Charpa & Vazhachal waterfalls near Ernakulam!

Beautiful places in Ernakulam

Many beautiful places in Ernakulam include historical sites, temples, forts, beaches, museums, and other tourist places that attract travellers worldwide. Ernakulam is undoubtedly an ultimate destination for the global tourist in ‘God’s Own Country.

Paniyeli Poru, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Athirappilly waterfalls, Charpa & Vazhachal waterfalls, Cherai beach, are only some of the most beautiful places in Ernakulam. Travel with Blue Bird Travels’ taxis and enjoy to your heart’s content!

Best hangout places in Kochi

Kochi is the best city in Kerala to hang out with your friends & family! The busy streets, parks and malls, and cool beaches are the best hangout places in Kochi. Have fun and enjoy yourself with family and friends at the Marine Drive & walkway at the heart of Kochi city. Leisurely boat rides start from Marine Drive. The surroundings of Marine Drive are elegant and tidy & chairs are available to sit and enjoy the backwaters.

Subhash Park and Walkway are just great to spend evenings watching the sunsets. Other hangout points are the Kaashi Cafe, Fort Kochi, Lokah Cafe, Vennala, Oberon Mall Foodcourt, Vytilla Lulu Mall, Wonderla and more. What more do you need for fun and entertainment in Ernakulam? 

Ernakulam famous tourist places

Here’s a chance to visit Ernakulam’s famous tourist places brought to you by Blue Bird Travels! The Jew Town, Paradesi Synagogue, Pallipuram Fort, Vypeen Island, Bolgatty Palace, Dutch Cemetery, Kerala Kathakali Centre are tourist places. Fort Kochi Beach, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Vypeen Island, Fort Immanuel and many more are the other attractions.

Be it travelling with family or solo travel, get on a Blue Bird Travels taxi and go on an exciting journey! You can travel at a relaxed pace visiting all the top attractions of Ernakulam. 

Ernakulam Local Sightseeing

Hire a Blue Bird Travels taxi and set off for Ernakulam local sightseeing tours! Ernakulam boasts of an array of magnificent attractions like white sandy beaches, captivating islands, heritage museums, and so much more. Visit this magical city in God’s own country – Kerala and have a wholesome excursion. 

Check out these stunning places on your Ernakulam Local Sightseeing tour and remain spellbound! Visit the Mattancherry Palace, Hill Palace, David Hall Art Gallery & Folklore Museum to get glimpses of Kerala history. Vypeen Island, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Cherai Beach, Santa Cruz Basilica are other attractions not to be missed. Also, shop till you drop at Princess Street, MG road & Lulu Mall, which has many entertainment options. The WonderLa Amusement Park and the

Entertainment zones at the Lulu Mall, Oberon Mall and other such malls are sure to keep your kids engrossed! Enjoy an incredible day sightseeing in Ernakulam.

Ernakulam Picnic Spots

Plan a picnic away from the hectic pace of life! Ernakulam is aptly considered one of the most preferred holiday destinations in Kerala. There are so many beautiful Ernakulam picnic spots that are just waiting to be discovered! A leisurely cruise through the enchanting greenery of the backwaters is what you can rightly call a perfect picnic. Blue Bird Travels arranges backwater cruises on houseboats for visitors to Ernakulam.

Go to favourite picnic spots like Cherai Beach, Athirappilly waterfalls, Vypeen beach, Kuzhuppilly beach on a Blue Bird Travels taxi and enjoy your picnic. Paniyeli Poru & Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary are other beautiful picnic spots in Ernakulam.

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Kakkanad tourist places

Suppose you have come to Kakkanad, the central industrial hub in Kochi, for a business trip and have spare time in your hands. Why not visit the tourist places near Kakkanad? Explore the best sights in Kakkanad with some popular tours & day trips with Blue Bird Travels and make the best of your time there.

The WonderLa Amusement Park, the Chottanikkara temple, backwaters and the historic town of Kochi are also at reachable distances from Kakkanad. The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Chinese Fishing Nets, the Jewish Synagogue, Tripunithura Palace, Edappally Church, Museum of Kerala History and more lie nearby. Shopping at the Lulu Shopping Mall is a good option near Kakkanad. You can also plan a trip to the Athirappilly waterfalls from Kakkanad and visit beautiful tourist hotspots like Ezhattumugham, Peringalkuthu Reservoir View Point etc., en route.

Ernakulam points of interest

Plan a trip to the gorgeous city of Ernakulam and have a great time! With its timeless beauty, enchanting tourist spots, mesmerising backwaters and beaches, Ernakulam is an ideal destination to experience a great holiday. Many Ernakulam points of interest excite travellers and locals alike. 

The busy waterfront promenade Marine Drive of Ernakulam is the starting point of several backwater cruises. Kerala Folklore and Hill Palace museums are places to learn the local heritage of art and antiquities. You can check out the fabrics, crafts, and spices collections at the Broadway and MG Road markets. The Lulu Shopping Mall & the WonderLa Amusement Park are the best places to hang out with friends and family. There are also many unique places to enjoy South Indian cuisine in Ernakulam. In short, visitors can quench their hunger for adventure and curiosity at the multifaceted city of Ernakulam!

Forest tourist places in Ernakulam

Enjoy nature at its best at the hill stations near Ernakulam! Munnar, Vagamon, Idukki, Lakkidi & Peermedu, BhoothathanKettu Dam & Reserve Forest are the only places blessed with dense forests, wildlife, mountains, waterfalls and picturesque viewpoints. These forest tourist places in Ernakulam are where you can go for wildlife safaris enjoy bird watching & jungle camping. Wild river rafting & trekking are more adventurous activities you can pursue.

You can explore the enchanting waterfalls at Athirappilly & the Idukki forest is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts! Engage in birdwatching at the Thattekkad & Mangalavanam bird sanctuaries. The Paniyeli Poru rapids of the Periyar River are excellent spots for picnics. If you enjoy wildlife safaris, Vagamon is the place for you! Painavu & Peermedu offer splendid landscape views. A Blue Bird Travels’ Taxi is the best mode of travel to get to these places. Just book in advance, and you can get discounted rates.

Tourist places in Ernakulam for couples

The eclectic mix of culture in Ernakulam is a perfect canvas for couples to paint their love story! There is no shortage of peaceful and romantic Tourist places in Ernakulam for couples to explore together. 

You can have beach fun at the beloved Cherai & Munambam beaches! A romantic cruise along the Kochi backwaters on a houseboat is just a dream come true for couples! Exploring the bird sanctuaries is best for you if you are both nature lovers. Fort Kochi Beach is a peaceful retreat away from the chaos of the bustling city. You can be lost in your world watching the sunsets from Marine Drive or going for a romantic stroll at Subhash Park. Stay at the old Bolgatty Palace & Island Resort and dine in a traditional setting. So, rekindle the romance in this lively city!

Places to visit near Ernakulam Junction

Reaching Ernakulam by train? There are many places to visit near the Ernakulam Junction. Famous for its scenic beauty, traditional architecture, churches and beaches, Ernakulam is home to the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth and numerous old churches and temples. Many places of interest attract tourists worldwide like Fort Kochi, Bolgatty Palace, Marine Drive, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Edappally Church, Mattancherry Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi Beach etc. 

If you stay near Ernakulam Railway Junction, many places to see. Just get on a Blue Bird Travels taxi and set off to see pilgrimage places like Chottanikkara Temple, Shiva Temple, St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica etc. Puthuvype Beach, BhoothathanKettu Dam & Reserve Forest,  Ernakulam, Paniely Poru etc., are the other tourist attractions near Ernakulam Junction.

Top 10 Places to visit in Ernakulam

There is no shortage of exciting places to visit in Fort Kochi. 

Ernakulam Tourist Places for One Day Trip 

Cherai Beach

Check out the best destination for beach fun in Kerala! Cherai Beach – the 15 km long beach destination near the Arabian Sea is one of the best Ernakulam Tourist Places for a One Day Trip. It is around 24 km from the industrial district of Ernakulam and to the side of Vypeen Island. Cherai Beach is every swimmer’s paradise with the perfect backdrop of coconut groves. You get a fantastic view of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets from the Cherai beach. 

While at Cherai Beach, try out the taste of Kerala’s fresh, exotic cuisine and a wide range of beach activities like Surfing, Water scooters, Speed boats, Snorkelling, and Canoe riding.

Munambam Breakwater Point towards the northern end of the beach offers exceptional views of the Periyar river and Arabian sea. A great destination to chill out and rejuvenate!

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Chinese Fishing Nets

A must visit tourist attraction in Ernakulam for a One Day Trip! The Chinese Fishing Nets near Ernakulam are fixed land installations used for fishing in a unique method & believed to be the legacy of ancient Chinese traders. These nets are set on bamboo and teak poles and controlled by giant mechanisms weighed by large stones tied to ropes to pull them up and down into the sea. 

The Chinese fishing nets have a height of around 10 meters & each net sprawls to 20 meters over the water body. Each net has a fixed operating depth, and hence the Chinese Fishing net cannot be repeatedly worked in tidal waters. A team of six fishermen operates the Nets. The backwaters with these nets at sunset make a fascinating and pleasant scene for the travellers. Don’t miss it!

Paniyeli Poru

Be one with nature at this new spot caressed and nourished by the River Periyar! About 50 km from the Ernakulam city, in the stretch of the river which flows between Malayattoor in the north and Paneli in the south, Paniyeli Poru is a calm and serene place nestled in the lush foliage. The routine fight (Poru) of raftsmen with the wild waves of the river gave the name Paniyeli Poru to the place. You can get panoramic views of the river at this beautiful place. 

Get set for trekking at Paniyeli Poru! There is a 1.5 km trekking through the riverside pathway, which will take you to the waterfalls. After walking for 400 m, you have to cross the river on foot to reach the forest and then walk another kilometre to reach the cascade. Several small islands in the river are also the best places to hang out and roam about the jungle. 

Hill Palace

Welcome to the ancient history of Kochi at the Hill Palace Museum! Located about 10 km from Ernakulam, the Hill Palace was the official residence of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi. Initially built in 1865, the palace is today renowned as a full-fledged Ethno-Archaeological Museum and first-ever Heritage Museum of Kerala. The palace complex includes 49 buildings in the typical traditional Kerala style of architecture. It has over 52 acres of terraced land around it.

The Hill Palace houses manuscripts and belongings owned by the Kochi royal family, oil paintings, sculptures, murals and more. Thoppikkallu (hood stone), laterite and wooden memorials from ancient civilisations like the Indus Valley and Harappa, antique ceramics from the Far East, Kudakkallu (tombstone) etc. A gallery housing contemporary art is also present at the Hill Palace. Certainly, a place not to be missed.

Ernakulam Town Tourist Places 

Paradesi Synagogue

Have a brush with history at the hundred-year-old Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry. The Synagogue has many rare antiques and attracts many visitors worldwide. Built in 1568, the Jewish Synagogue is the oldest in the Commonwealth. Located adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace, the Portuguese destroyed the Synagogue. They then reconstructed it two years later by the Dutch.

The Synagogue displays rare antique objects like Belgium glass chandeliers, lamps, hand-painted blue willow patterned floor tiles and more. The synagogue houses a carved teak ark, four scrolls of Torah (the first five books of Old Testament) encased in silver and gold, copper plates belonging to the 4th century with inscriptions in Malayalam. The Kings of Kochi and Travancore had gifted two gold crowns to the Jewish Community, which are displayed here.

Mattancherry Palace

Here’s a chance to have a glimpse of the Dutch influence of Kochi! One of the finest examples of the Kerala style of architecture mixed with colonial influences, the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is located around 12 km from Ernakulam. Built around 1545 by the Portuguese as a present to King Veera Kerala Verma of Kochi dynasty, it was renovated by the Dutch & came to be known as the Dutch Palace. 

The palace has long and spacious halls along with its central courtyard & it also houses a temple of the deity of the royal family, Pazhayannur Bhagavathy.

The double-storied Dutch Palace has a beautiful collection of Murals that depict some of the great Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with Lord Guruvayurappan. The great works of Kalidasa have also been depicted here. Some of the royal exhibits are life-size portraits of the Kings of Cochin, crowns, daggers & axes, sheathed swords, coins & ceremonial spears decorated with feathers. 

Willingdon Island

If you wish for a luxurious stay in Ernakulam, Willingdon Island is the place to be! The Island houses some of the best hotels in Kochi. Willingdon Island is one of the largest human-made Islands in the country. It was created in 1933 when excavation for the Cochin port took place. The Island was named after the then British Viceroy of India, Lord Willingdon and had many significant commercial & industrial buildings in it. Today, it is a busy hub for commercial shipping and cruise liners and links Kochi with other world seaports.

You are surrounded by the enchanting backwaters of Kochi at Willingdon Island. It functions as the departure point for backwater boat tours. It is a popular destination for ferry trips from the mainland. The island’s attractions include a charming Maritime Heritage Museum with rare photographs and nautical relics reflecting the local maritime history of Kerala.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Check out this spot of greenery with a wide variety of flora and fauna near the buzzing metro! The Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, known as the ‘green lung of Kochi’, is an ecologically sensitive area behind the Kerala High Court building. It is bordered by the Arabian Sea and is primarily a panoramic bird refuge.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher’s paradise. It is a nesting ground for a large variety of more than 150 migratory and domestic birds belonging to 32 species. The Mangalavanam area has dense foliage of various trees, plants and many types of mangroves. 

There are around six species of mammals, seven varieties of fish and multi-hued butterflies to be seen in and around the Mangalavanam sanctuary.

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Museum of Kerala History

Be away from the hustle and bustle of the main town Ernakulam at the Museum of Kerala History, Edappally! The magnificent Madhavan Nayar Foundation or Museum of Kerala History exhibits take you on an odyssey through the annals of Kerala’s history. At the start of the museum tour, you can see historical episodes from the Neolithic to the Modern era through life-size figures. 

The Museum of Kerala history houses a gallery that displays paintings and sculptures, more than 200 original works by contemporary Indian artists. Do not miss out on the sound and light shows in both English and Malayalam, which make an engaging experience and a visual spectacle, chronicling the past. Certainly, a must-visit destination for all interested in the glorious history of Kerala.

Hill Stations Near Ernakulam 

Munnar

Enjoy your holidays at Munnar – the Switzerland of India! Nestled in the Western Ghats Mountains, Munnar is South India’s largest tea-growing region, located at an elevation of nearly 1,500 meters. Munnar offers a stunning landscape of misty mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, green valleys carpeted by Tea plantations, replete with a misty veil!

Everything about Munnar is beautiful, from its beautiful greenery to its rich fauna! And from its stately tea farms to its spectacular valleys & waterfalls! The main attractions of Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Plantation Resort, Atukkad Waterfalls, Mattupetty Dam, Blossom Park, Anamudi Peak and more. You can indulge in adventure activities like Rock climbing, trekking, camping, rappelling, paragliding, cycling etc., in Munnar. The glorious view of the Neelakurinji flowering once in 12b years attracts many tourists to Munnar. Isn’t that precisely what you want from your vacation spot?

Athirappilly

Enjoy one of the best moments in life at Athirappilly waterfalls! Known as the Niagara Falls of India! The Athirappilly waterfalls are just magical with their roaring cascade of frothy waters that fall from a height of 80 ft. The largest waterfall in Kerala, the Athirappilly waterfalls, lies in the Sholayar ranges of the Western Ghats and joins the Chalakudy river flowing through the dense wooded Vazhachal Forest toward the Arabian Sea. 

The forest area near Athirappilly falls a nature lover’s paradise! The fabulous Athirappilly Waterfalls has been the beautiful backdrop of many film shootings with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Beautiful spots like the Vazhachal waterfalls and Charpa waterfalls lie at reachable distances from the Athirappilly waterfalls. Just get on a Blue Bird Travels taxi and be off to enjoy the enchanting panoramic vistas at Athirappilly falls with your friends and family!

Vagamon

Experience the trekker’s paradise, Vagamon! Located 64 km from Kottayam, this beautiful hill station is 1100 metres above sea level. The gorgeous evergreen landscape of Vagamon is indeed magical with the misty hills, rugged terrains, velvety meadows & charming pine forests. The gentle breeze, beautiful grasslands, breathtaking waterfalls and lush greenery all add to the magical vibe!

A favourite haunt of tourists from across the globe, the quaint hill station of Vagamon is a pleasant way to escape in the hot summers. The hillocks of Vagamon are rich in flora, and fauna & is also a bird watcher’s paradise! Vagamon has many tourist hotspots like Marmala Waterfall, Vagamon Pine forest, Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary, Thangal Para, Barren Hills etc. Vagamon Lake, Mundakayam Ghat, Vagamon Meadows, Idukki Dam, Pattumala Church & Kurisumala are the other attractions. Hire a taxi from Blue Bird Travels and set off to visit the attractions of Vagamon!

Idukki

Idukki welcomes you to the dense greenery! As one of the stunning Hill Stations Near Ernakulam, Idukki is one of Kerala’s most visited tourist places. Located in the magical Western Ghats and nestled amidst lush and evergreen settings, Idukki is famous for its rich flora and fauna. Idukki is home to Eravikulam National Park and the Anamudi mountain. The gigantic Idukki Arch Dam is amongst the must-visit places in Idukki. 

Various attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation centres and mountain treks attract you to Idukki. The Thommankuthu Waterfalls, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary & Ramakkalmedu are prominent attractions of Idukki. The Kalvari Mount / Calvary Mount, Ilaveezha Poonchira & the Malankara Dam are the other tourist hotspots in Idukki. There exist many spice plantations in Idukki, and you can have a whale of a time shopping for spices here. Get on a Blue Bird Travels taxi and have a great time exploring Idukki!

Devikulam

Enjoy a holiday amid nature at Devikulam! The hill station near Munnar is a must-visit spot for all nature lovers! Mist laden hills, velvety meadows, spicy breeze and a vast range of exotic flora and fauna add to the charm of Devikulam!

The wildlife sanctuaries of Chinnar, Kurinjimala & Eravikulam National Park are enchanting locations to see exotic plants, animals and birds. The picturesque surroundings of the Sita Devi Lake, Mattupetty Lake & Kundala Lake are the best locations in Devikulam to enjoy boating & unwind! Devikulam presents numerous opportunities to explore hills through trekking and hiking. Thoovanam falls, Rainbow falls & Kuthumkal falls are three enchanting waterfalls in Devikulam that never fail to amaze visitors!

While at Devikulam, you can also visit the Mangalam Devi Temple, Pallivasal, Mattupetty Dam, Attala Rock Shelter, Devikulam Tea Estate, Blossom International Park.

For free travel consultation through WhatsApp. Contact us now.

Options: Swift DZire, Innova, Tempo Traveller (12 to 19 Seater), Coaches.

Historical Places in Ernakulam 

Museum of Kerala History

Be away from the hustle and bustle of the main town Ernakulam at the Museum of Kerala History, Edappally! The magnificent Madhavan Nayar Foundation or Museum of Kerala History exhibits take you on an odyssey through the annals of Kerala’s history. At the start of the museum tour, you can see historical episodes from the Neolithic to the Modern era through life-size figures. 

The Museum of Kerala history houses a gallery that displays paintings and sculptures, more than 200 original works by contemporary Indian artists. Do not miss out on the sound and light shows in both English and Malayalam, which make an engaging experience and a visual spectacle, chronicling the past. Certainly, a must-visit destination for all interested in the glorious history of Kerala.

Hill Palace Museum

Welcome to the ancient history of Kochi at the Hill Palace Museum! Located about 10 km from Ernakulam, the Hill Palace was the official residence of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi. Initially built in 1865, the palace is today renowned as a full-fledged Ethno-Archaeological Museum and first-ever Heritage Museum of Kerala. The palace complex includes 49 buildings in the typical traditional Kerala style of architecture. It has over 52 acres of terraced land around it.

The Hill Palace houses manuscripts and belongings owned by the Kochi royal family, oil paintings, sculptures, murals and more. Thoppikkallu (hood stone), laterite and wooden memorials from ancient civilisations like the Indus Valley and Harappa, antique ceramics from the Far East, Kudakkallu (tombstone) etc. A gallery housing contemporary art is also present at the Hill Palace. Certainly, a place not to be missed.

Fort Emmanuel

History sleeps here at Fort Emmanuel – the first European colonial fort in India! A Portuguese fort was built in the year 1503 by the Portuguese viceroy Afonso de Albuquerque as a symbol of the strategic alliance between the Maharaja of Kochi and the Kingdom of Portugal. The Dutch destroyed it in a war at the end of 1662. The Portuguese fort had seven bastions. The Dutch invasion destroyed the fort, and later on, the Dutch also built a fort in Kochi with seven bastions. The British destroyed the fort altogether, and only one imposing structure remains.

Different parts of the Fort Kochi beach contain the remains of the former forts under the sand. The ruins of Fort Emmanuel are a tourist attraction not to be missed in Fort Kochi.

Bastion Bungalow

Delve deep into the history of Fort Kochi at the Bastion Bungalow. This heritage edifice is an impressive building of Dutch architecture!

The Dutch constructed it on top of the northernmost Bastion of the Portuguese Cochin fort in the last quarter of the 17th century. The Portuguese built the Fort Cochin, or the Manuel Fort was, built in 1505 by the Portuguese with many bastions, watchtowers, ramparts, and buildings inside. The Dutch defeated the Portuguese & occupied the fort later. Towards the end of the 18th century, the English took over the fort. Only the northernmost Bastion remained by then, and the British built a residential bungalow over it. The bungalow has large rooms, high roof ceilings, long, open verandahs and a tiled roof in geometric patterns. The northern and western outer portion of the Bastion Bungalow looks precisely like a Bastion. The bungalow is used as the official residence of the Sub-Collector of Kochi.

Tourist Attractions In Ernakulam

Mattancherry Palace

Here’s a chance to have a glimpse of the Dutch influence of Kochi! One of the finest examples of the Kerala style of architecture mixed with colonial influences, the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is located around 12 km from Ernakulam. Built around 1545 by the Portuguese as a present to King Veera Kerala Verma of Kochi dynasty, it was renovated by the Dutch & came to be known as the Dutch Palace. 

The palace has long and spacious halls along with its central courtyard & it also houses a temple of the deity of the royal family, Pazhayannur Bhagavathy.

The double-storied Dutch Palace has a beautiful collection of Murals that depict some of the great Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with Lord Guruvayurappan. The great works of Kalidasa have also been depicted here. Some of the royal exhibits are life-size portraits of the Kings of Cochin, crowns, daggers & axes, sheathed swords, coins & ceremonial spears decorated with feathers. 

Jewish Synagogue

Have a brush with history at the hundred-year-old Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry. The Synagogue has many rare antiques and attracts many visitors worldwide. Built in 1568, the Jewish Synagogue is the oldest in the Commonwealth. Located adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace, the Portuguese destroyed the Synagogue. They then reconstructed it two years later by the Dutch.

The Synagogue displays rare antique objects like Belgium glass chandeliers, lamps, hand-painted blue willow patterned floor tiles and more. The synagogue houses a carved teak ark, four scrolls of Torah (the first five books of Old Testament) encased in silver and gold, copper plates belonging to the 4th century with inscriptions in Malayalam. The Kings of Kochi and Travancore had gifted two gold crowns to the Jewish Community, which are displayed here.

Bolgatty Palace

Staying at an old Dutch palace sounds beyond belief? Not at all! Enjoy a royal stay at the Bolgatty Palace & Island Resort, the oldest Dutch palace outside of Holland! The resort reflects the magnificence of the royal lifestyle amidst the stunning backdrop of the greenery of the backwaters. You can reach the Bolgatty island with a few minutes’ boating from Ernakulam & Kochi. The Goshree Bridge connects the island with other parts of the city.

The resort has a main block, a mansion block consisting of the palace rooms and a marina block that faces the marina. Six lake view cottages provide additional accommodation at the resort. The main amenities are a beautiful Golf course, an outdoor swimming pool, meeting facilities, a fitness centre, and a spa and wellness centre. Enjoy a wonderful stay in the backwaters at this heritage resort!

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Check out this spot of greenery with a wide variety of flora and fauna near the buzzing metro! The Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, known as the ‘green lung of Kochi’, is an ecologically sensitive area behind the Kerala High Court building. It is bordered by the Arabian Sea and is primarily a panoramic bird refuge.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher’s paradise. It is a nesting ground for a large variety of more than 150 migratory and domestic birds belonging to 32 species. The Mangalavanam area has dense foliage of various trees, plants and many types of mangroves. 

There are around six species of mammals, seven varieties of fish and multi-hued butterflies to be seen in and around the Mangalavanam sanctuary.

Santa Cruz Basilica

Go for a blessed pilgrimage to Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica in Fort Kochi, one of the eight Basilicas in India! Built by the Portuguese in 1505, the Basilica is one of India’s oldest cathedrals and the finest architectural marvels. The church has beautiful wooden panels and exquisite historical paintings of Italian origin. It serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin, the second oldest Diocese of India.

The two lofty spires of the church welcome all, even from a distance! The church’s interior boasts of Gothic-style architecture with its overwhelming arches and a beautiful altar. The frescoes and mural paintings of renowned Italian painter Fr Antonio Moscheni and his disciple De Gama of Mangalore decorate the altar, ceiling & walls of the church. The incredible beauty and grandeur of the church have made it a must-see destination in Fort Kochi.

For free travel consultation through WhatsApp. Contact us now.

Options: Swift DZire, Innova, Tempo Traveller (12 to 19 Seater), Coaches.