Travel And Tourism Ernakulam

The Complete Guide to Travel and Tourism Ernakulam

What is Ernakulam?

Ernakulam The city where tradition beautifully merges into modernity has been aptly named The Queen Of Arabian Sea It is a cluster of Islands networked by lagoons and backwaters covering an area of 2407 Sq Kms Ernakulam district was formed on 1st April 1958, carving areas of erstwhile Travancore-Kochi Malabar Kingdoms. Major portion of the district is from Kochi kingdom Ernakulam consists of the man made Willingdon Island, Mattanchery, Fort Kochi, Vypeen etc.Tourism Ernakulam, Tourist Attractions in ernakulam, Ernakulam Tourism

The ancient name of Ernakulam was ‘Anchu Kaimal: Ernakulam provides an excellent platform for various Tourism Industry-Health Tourism (Ayurveda, Dental etc), Farm Tourism, Pilgrimage etc. to name a few. The Chinese fishing nets are another major attraction of this spectacular city

Here, one can find an amazing blend of various traditions and cultures with the ancient Temples, Churches and Synagogues standing in complete harmony with varying faiths Also the nature shines in all its glory here as this area is abound in Tea, Coffee, Rubber, Spices, Plantations etc. Innumerable historical monuments are of special interest to Archaeologists and Historians.

Another star attraction of Ernakulam is the ICTT (International Container

Tran shipment Terminal) at Vallarpadam Dubai Port International, now known as Dubai Port World will be developing this 2000 Crore project, which is expected to be operational by 2010. ICTT, India’s first global hub terminal is all set to alter the development map of Kerala by ushering in huge investment in the coming years.

Bolgatty Palace

The Bolgatty Island is a short but inspiring boat ride away from Kochi. A Dutch trader built one of the old existing Dutch palaces outside Holland, this quaint mansion away back in 1744. The palace was formerly the residence of the British resident of Cochin. Now KTDC has converted it in to a hotel and now it is easily accessible through Goshree bridges.

Cherai Beach

The beach at Cherai is a Very Beautiful and Calm Place Situated Between Backwaters and the Arabian Sea. It is on Vypeen Island and Easily Accessible by Ferry or by Road From Main Land. It is 18 kms away from Vypeen. Its thick Coconut groves and Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront gives an added attraction. Occasionally Dolphins are also seen here.

Cochin Harbor

Come into Cochin (Kochi), Queen of the Arabian Sea. Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Layered impressions Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese, are contained within its environment.

It is believed to be the finest natural harbor in the world. Giant Chinese fishing nets that billow from massive teak and bamboo poles dot the entrance to the harbor. Silhouetted against the setting sun, they present a magnificent sight at the waterfront.

ERNAKULAM SIVA TEMPLE

This temple is situated at the center of the town, near the Durbar Hall Grounds. The presiding diety is Lord Siva and the annual festival in the temple is celebrated for eight days during January February every year. The festival is rounded up with the Ararat 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 programmers of music concerts, Kathakali, etc., as part of celebrations.

Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple

Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is situated 15 kms away from city, on the crest of a hillock. Navarathri festival is celebrated here during October-November. Many prominent classical performances and Kathakali are held during the festival. Makam Thozhal in February is very famous. Time: 4am to 9.30pm

ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK

This sanctuary was set up especially for the preservation of Nilgiri Tahr, one of the seriously endangered animals. Now the number of tahrs has increased and they constitute the largest known population of tahrs existing in the world. In addition to tahr, the park shelters elephants, sambars, gaurs, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, tigers and leopards, Accommodation and board facilities are available at Munnar, the nearest town, which is connected to Kottayam (148 km.) and Emakulam (130 km.) by road. There is a motorable road upto Rajamalai. Further, travel son foot, but the trekking is really enjoyable.

BHOOTHATHANKETTU

Boothathankettu, which is famous for both natural and manmade dams, is 50 km north east of Ernakulam town. A picturesque haven situated in a vast virgin forest, this popular picnic spot lies close to the Salim Ali bird sanctuary at Thattekadu. Boating facilities are also available here.

HILL PALACE MUSEUM

Tripunithura was the headquarters of the maharaja of Cochin and now his palace is the largest archeological museum in Kerala. The Different types of sculptures, rare coins, old is weapons, manuscripts in ancient lipis and sta collections from the Cochin royal family are exhibited here. This is situated 12 km away from Emakulam on the chottanikkra route. Time: 9 am to 5 pm

Kalady

Kalady is the birth place of Sri Sankaracharya, the Great Indian Philosopher who lived in the 8th century. It is situated on the banks of river Periyar. There are two Shrines in memory of Sri Sankaracharya. One dedicated to Dakshinamoorthy (Shiva) and the other to the Goddess Sharadha. The ancient Sree Krishna Temple situated here was the family temple of Adi Sankaracharya. Adi Sankaras shrines in kalady are open to all pilgrims irrespective of religion or caste. Kalady is connected by road with important cities in south India.

JAIN TEMPLE MATTANCHERRY

The Dharmanath Jain temple at Mattancherry is over 100 years old and will soon attain the status of a Thirath, one of the holy places for the Jain community. There is beautiful Jain temple here. It is great to visit at about 12:15hrs when the pigeons are feed by Jain mandir people last 17 years. A huge number of pigeons first take three circle of the temple and listen to mantra and before eating.

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 buried and attained eternal bliss. The Kudikkuthu Festival which Falls in December-January attracts thousands of devotees. The Mosque is situated at Kanjiramattam, 30Km Away from Kochi.

VALLARPADAM CHURCH

It is a basilica and national pilgrim center, which is situated west of Ernakulam in Vallarpadam island. People from all walks of life come fo blessing from Vallarpadathamma (Mary Mother of Jesus) for their various needs Adima and blessing of boats are the two common forms of prayers at this church.

Mass Timings at The Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam as follows.

Monday through Friday – 6.30 am and 5.30 pm

Saturdays – 6.30 am, 10.30 am, 4.30 pm and at 6.00 pm in English

Sundays – Morning at 6.00 am, 7.00 am, 9.30 am, 11.30 am and Evening at 4.00 pm and 5.30 pm

Vallarpadam church is a major Marian Pilgrim Centre in India. It is one of the 23 basilicas of the Catholic Church in India and belongs to the Arch Diocese of Verapoly (Varapuzha). Mother Mary is called as the Vallarpadathamma and is believed to have saved many people from violent storms.

The feast of Vallarpadathamma is celebrated from 16th to 24th September every year, in which September 24th being the main feast day. Apart from the basilica, the rosary village is a major attraction at the Vallarpadam Church.