Bolghatty Island This long narrow palm-fringed island is easily accessible from the mainland and is where you'll need to go to see the Bolghatty Palace.
Chennamangalam About 4km from Parur, houses the oldest synagogue in Kerala. There is also a Jesuit Church and ruins of a Jesuit College . One can also walk to the Hindu Temple overlooking river Periyar, a 16th-century mosque , as well as burial grounds .
Chinese Fishing Nets The Chinese fishing nets that line the sea-front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi are said to have been brought from China by traders of Kubalai Khan's Court, many years ago and are still used today at high tide.
Chottanikkara Temple Numerous stories attest to the early history of this 10th century temple, where tormented devotees found solace in the diety, Bhagavathi. Today it remains one of the most popular pilgrim sites in Kerala, devotees still flock here seeking liberation from torment. Sometimes they dance themselves into a flenzy in their battle between the demons and the deities. The Goddess at Chottanikkara is revered here in three forms; she is Saraswathi (goddess of learning) in the morning, Bhagavathi (fierce and destructive) at noon and Durga (divine mother) in the evening.
Coonan Kurishu Shrine Located in the heart of the busy Mattancherry is the Coonan Kurishu Shrine which was the venue for about 25,000 Syrian Christians who in 1653, assembled at the ancient cross in Mattancherry and tied long ropes to it. Pulling the ropes they took a solemn oath that they would never obey the Latin Archbishops or be under the Jesuits.
Dutch Cemetery located a short distance from St. Francis Church, near the entrance to the beach is supposedly maintained by the CSI, but is very badly kept. There is no information available on this cemetery, (if travellers have any, please forward it to us so that we may be able to inform others via these web pages) although it is of historical importance having many famous persons buried here. Most of the grave stones have been removed, but the few that are here are in fairly good condition, however because of the overgrowth of plants and shrubs, it takes a bit of real exploring to discover whose grave stone is whose.
Fort Kochi Founded in 1503, this Portuguese fort is now in ruins. With its European heritage, its air of genteel decay, and stubborn self-absorption, it is a place where history, still stalks the lonely streets and one can see the remains of Indo-European architecture that still exist here.
Fort Kochi Beach Easily the best part of the city, the beach at Fort Kochi extends from Kamalakada to the harbour entrance. A stroll along the beach at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background is an experience to cherish.
Hill Palace The palace of Rajas of Kochi in the 19th century, the palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi besides many archaeological findings. It is located at Tripunittura, 6 km from the city.
Jewish Synagogue or the ( Paradeshi Synagogue) was built in 1568 AD. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testment, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest here. One of the oldest synagogues in the world, it is a jewel of incomparable beauty with its brass columns, Belgian hanging lamps, and exquisite hand-painted, blue-and-white Chinese porcelain tiles of which no two are alike.It is open from 10.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 15.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs and is closed on Sundays and Jewish holidays.
Kathakali Performances The origins of India's most spectacular dance drama go back 500 years to a time when open -air performances were held in temple courtyards or in villages. There are more than 100 different arrangements, all of them based on stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The Kerala Kathakali Centre stage performances at the Cochin Aquatic Club on River Rd, Fort Cochin, near the bus stand. Ask at your hotel on arrival for more information and opening times.
Kochi Shipyard i s the biggest ship building yard in India, and is situated in the southern part of Ernakulam on the way to Willington Island. Set up with Japanese collaboration, this shipyard has a building dock for ships up to 85,000 DWT and a repair dock that can accommodate ships up to 1,00,000 DWT. Motilal Nehru, the first oil tanker made in India, was built here. It's an interesting spot and if you like boats shouldn't be missed.
Parur , 35km north of Kochi (Cochin), encapsulates the cultural and religious medley of this region. There is a synagogue, place of Brahmins, a Syrian Orthodox Church , a Krishna Temple , and a Temple of goddess Mookambic worth seeing here.
Place of Brahmins This agraharam (place of Brahmins) is a small street of closely packed houses that was settled by Tamil Brahmins and worth a wander through.
St. Francis Church This Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. It is here that the remains of the inveterate traveller, Vasco da Gamma were initially buried and 14 years later were exhumed and taken to Portugal.
Santa Cruz Baslica This Roman Catholic Church situated close to St. Francis Church is worth visiting for the beautiful paintings that can be seen here.
Willingdon Island is a man-made island created from the material dredged while deepening Kochin Port. Situated between the main land Ernakulam and the old town Mattancherry and separated by the backwaters. Willingdon Island is an important part of Kochin. The Government of India Tourist Office, the Southern Naval Command Headquarters, the Seaport, Naval Airport, Railway terminus, Customs House, Cochin Port Office etc are all located in this island.
Vypeen and Gundu Islands Ferries shuttle across the narrow strait from Fort Cochin to Vypeen Island where visitors can see a lighthouse at Ochunthuruth (open from 3 to 5pm daily), good beaches and the early 16th century Palliport Fort (open Thursdays). Gundu, the smallest island in the harbour, is close to Vypeen. It has a coir factory making doormats from coconut fibre worth stopping at too.
Zoo Although Kuchi ( Cochin) itself, doesn't have a zoo, there are a number in the Kerala area that have plenty to excite the animal lover in you. TheTrivandrum Zoo , one worth considering, is among the best designed in India and is set amidst a woodland, lakes and lawns.
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