Ernakulam – A perfect mix of tradition, trends and timelessness

From the quirky 'Machane Machu' of the film 'Honey Bee' to 'Kayalinarike' of Fahadh Faasil's 'Annayum Rasoolum,' Malayalam cinema has many songs that describe the spirit of Kochi and Ernakulam. For those who love the district, it's not just a place, but also a feeling, a culture and a connection that's beyond description. Be it the cultural-yet-cool aura of Fort Kochi or the greenery and 'kavaru' of Kumbalangi, Ernakulam offers many reasons even to tourists, to love it unconditionally despite any of its flaws. This is why it attracts visitors from far and wide throughout the year, whether they are history enthusiasts or seekers of pure relaxation. 

Many of you know this already, but here's what a tourist should understand at the outset: Ernakulam is the name of the district and Kochi is a region in it - encompassing the areas of Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Willingdon Island, and parts of mainland Ernakulam. However, the terms are often used interchangeably. The district attracts thousands of tourists who visit Kerala. The name and fame of Kochi have transcended boundaries, and no traveller can forget the city’s absorbing tourist spots. 

Malayalam films such as ‘Manichitrathazhu’, ‘Kumbalangi Nights’ and ‘Honey Bee’, among others, have captured the unadulterated beauty of different regions of Ernakulam with great dexterity. Options abound for those who come to Ernakulam after keeping tension and busyness at bay. The virgin waterfalls amidst verdant forest and the nature’s nip in the air that comforts both soul and body should not be missed at any cost. And numerous tourist centres in Ernakulam offer these and much more. Let’s take a walk through the tourist hubs in the district that can blow your mind away. 

Areekkal Waterfall 
You can safely take a dip in the eye-catching Areekkal waterfall as it’s not fraught with danger. Droves of sightseers flock to the falls when monsoon sets in. The waterfall, which is situated in the thick of the forest, near the Ernakulam-Thodupuzha road, is the favourite go-to place of hundreds of holidaymakers. You can reach the Areekkal waterfalls after travelling 3km from Kakkur Kurappilly Kavala on the Ernakulam-Kothamangalam (via Paravur) route. A one-hour drive from Ernakulam will take you to the falls. 

Hill Palace and Dutch Palace 
The centuries-old Hill Palace and Dutch Palace are two must-visit spots in Ernakulam that offer a glimpse into the past. The Hill Palace is close to Keralites’ hearts because of one movie – ‘Manichitrathazhu’. It’s not a tall order to visit the portions of this royal edifice that were featured in the film. The travellers reaching Ernakulam can visit the Hill Palace in Tripunithura with much ease. The palace, also known as Kanakakunnu Palace, was built in accordance with traditional architectural nuances and comprises 49 buildings spread across 54 acres of land. The grandiose palace was constructed by the Cochin King in 1865.

The Palace Museum boasts a vast collection of crowns, jewellery, coins, and sculptures. The palace is open from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and national and state holidays. There are many bus services that connect Ernakulam city with Tripunithura. Otherwise, you can get down at Tripunithura railway station and hail a taxi or an auto to the historic place. If you plan to take a metro train, alight at the Tripunithura or SN Junction metro station to visit the palace. 

The Dutch Palace, which was built circa 1545, was given as a gift to the Cochin Maharaja Veera Kerala Varma by the Portuguese. Later, the Dutch carried out repair work at the palace in Mattancherry, which is 12 km away from Ernakulam. The public can visit the palace between 10 am and 5 pm on all days except Friday. 

Jew Street and Synagogue in Mattancherry 
It will be worth devoting some time to take a leisurely stroll through the famed Jew Street. There are shops on the street that have exhaustive antique collections. Many travellers come to the street to take a peek into the history of Jews and pay obeisance at the synagogue. The street and its surroundings are known for their alluring charm and elegant architecture. The synagogue, built in 1568, is a storehouse of riveting history. The centerpiece is Torah’s scrolls, the first five books of the Old Testament. Other focal points include teak wood ark, hand-knotted oriental rug, age-old brass plates and invaluable gold and silver crowns. The place of worship is closed on Saturdays. 

Serene beaches all around 
Who doesn’t love to see a sunset on the crimson horizon and relish the soft breeze rustling the hair while sitting on sugar white beach sands? Ernakulam is the best place for beach lovers as it’s replete with many dreamy beaches. 
1. Puthuvype Beach and Lighthouse 
The Vypin Island, which is 5km from Ernakulam and spread across 25km of land, is known for its ravishing beaches and the Puthuvype beach is one among them. Though the beach has not been developed eyeing the tourism pie, it’s a treat for the eyes. The lighthouse is near the beach and its visiting hours are from 3pm to 5pm. 

2. Cherai Beach 
Cherai beach is one of the well-liked beaches in Kerala. The coconut tree groves and the Chinese nets make Cherai beach a go-to-place for those who adore beaches. If you are into swimming in cool and salty waters of the sea, then Cherai beach should be on your bucket list. The beach is also ideal to view the sunset spectacle of nature. 

3. Munambam Beach 
The Munambam beach on the Vypin Island has a magical spell to it. As the beach is less crowded, a peaceful escapade is a guarantee while visiting the beach. Children can have fun at the playground near the beach, which is also known for kite-flying. 

Kadamakudy Island 
The irresistible Kadamakudy island is 8km away from Kochi. The island, which is an archipelago of 14 isles, is the best getaway to be away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The 14 isles are Valiya Kadamakudy, Murikkal, Palayam thuruth, Pizhala, Cheriya Kadamakudy, Pulikkapuram, Moolampilly, Puthussery, Chariyyam thuruth, Chennur, Kothad, Korambadam, Kandanadu and Kadanadu. Valiya Kadamakudy is the largest isle in the cluster. The sunrise and sunset views from the Kadamakudy island is picture-perfect. Boating and watching migratory birds go hand-in-hand in the morning. 

Wellingdon Island 
Wellingdon island, which is the largest man-made island in India, is another popular tourist hub in Kochi. If you want to spend your holidays in style, then the luxurious hotels and beach resorts are more than happy to welcome you. The major landmarks of the island are the Kochi Naval Base, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and Kochi harbour, among others. You can indulge in watersports including ferry riding at the island. 

Mamalakandam 
The name itself will ring a bell or two as Mamalakandam is a quaint hamlet that caught the imagination of the world through ‘viral’ reels. What makes Mamalakandam, which is 60km from Kochi, different is that its climate is quite similar to the cool climes of Idukki. The region, which is in Kuttampuzha panchayat, was earlier part of Idukki district. The dolmens of the megalithic age that throw light on a bygone era are in this part of the world. Another main attraction is the majestic Koyinipara hills. Food connoisseurs can have a great time at this tourist spot. 

Pooyamkutty  
Verdant green forest embraces the small village of Pooyamkutty in Ernakulam district’s Kothamangalam taluk. Don’t look beyond Pooyamkutty, which is an ideal destination for a one-day trip from Ernakulam, if you want to beat the heat and take a refreshing dip in a brook with fresh water. The picturesque old Munnar-Aluva road cuts through Pooyamkutty, which is 17km from Kothamangalam. Private buses are running services to Pooyamkutty from Kothamangalam.  

Paniyeli Poru 
If you want to see another avatar of Ernakulam, you should hit the road from Paniyeli Peru, which is 30km from Kochi. Serenity can pale before this engrossing place oozing with tranquility. The most striking sight is the Periyar River meandering through the thick forest in a carefree manner. Private buses will take you to this bewitching place from Aluva. An important point that should be kept in mind is that there is no hotel or restaurant in Paniyeli Poru. So, carry enough food and water while visiting this place, and don’t litter. 

Marine Drive 
Marine Drive is undoubtedly the best spot in Kochi. Many people come to the naturally scenic water front to see sun go down in the evening. You can buy lip-smacking food without burning a hole in your pocket at the eating outlets in Marine Drive. You can also take home artifacts from shops in and around this wonderful place. There are benches where you can sit and munch peanuts while enjoying the wavelets in the lake. The well-designed Rainbow Bridge is a top pick. 

Kumbalangi 
The backwaters and the lush greenery of the leafy island of Kumbalangi, which is 15km from Kochi, was well canned by the Malayalam movie ‘Kumbalangi Nights’. After the film had hit the theatres, people were in awe of this spectacular sleepy hamlet. There will be no one who doesn’t have a desire to visit Kumbalangi, which is the first tourism village in Kerala. And the highlight is ‘kavaru’ a natural phenomenon in which the placid waters of the lake emit a bright blue light in summer. The backwaters of Kumbalangi are also dotted with the ubiquitous Chinese nets. The main occupations of the residents of Kumbalangi are fishing and farming. 

Kochi lake 
Ernakulam is synonymous with lake, and a visit to Kochi is complete only after enjoying the beauty of the lakes, indulging in boating and watching the sunset. The view of the city from the lake and a ride in the speed boat will give you lots of memories. 

A spiritual journey on offer 
People having a spiritual bend won’t be disappointed as Ernakulam is home to many places of worship. The city is dotted with many pilgrimage centers such as Vallarpadam Basilica, Kannamaly St. Antony’s Forane Church and others. 

1. St. George Forane church 
The St. George Forane church, which is the one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in Kerala, is in Edappally, which is 10km from the city center. When the church was built in AD 594, it was known as Edappally church, and a bigger church was constructed adjacent to the old church in AD 1080. Thousands of people participate in the church’s festival in April-May. 

2. Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple 
The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple is a much-revered place of worship enveloped in many legends. The history of the temple dates back to the 10th century and it’s awash in numerous legends, scriptures and beliefs. Many devotees visit the temple on the occasion of ‘Makam Thozhal’ that falls in the Malayalam month of ‘Kumbham’. The temple mainly has two portions – ‘Melkavu’ (upper section) and ‘Keezhkavu’ (lower section). The main festivals are Navaratri in the Malayalam month of ‘Kanni’ and the annual festival in the Malayalam month of ‘Kumbham’. 

3. Paravur Synagogue 
The Paravur Synagogue, 26km from Ernakulam city, embodies the history of the Jewish culture. Paravur is also home to the history museum of the Jews. The visiting hours are from 10am to 5pm on all days.