A cruise through the historic locales of the erstwhile Muziris is likely to keep your engaged, even if you are not a history buff. Muziris, for the uninitiated, was that glorious port of long long ago that traded with the Greeks and the Romans from the days of Ptolemy.
And it is this bit of history that makes a trip from Kottappuram on the hop-on-hop-off boat service, one of its kind. The fleet has three air conditioned boats which can carry 24 passengers each and two water taxis in which six people can take a ride.
The passengers can ride on any boat with a day ticket and this ticket ensures entry to the historical sites as well. The service which covers the locations in three circuits begins at the visitor’s Centre in Kodungallor and proceeds to Thiruvanchikulam Temple, Kottappuram Fort, the Amphi Theatre and Azheekode Marthoma Pilgrim Centre. A flavor of the Portuguese and Dutch influences in the art and culture of Kerala can be experienced at the Gothuruth Chavittunadaka Kalakendram, Paliam Palace which boasts an aesthetic combination of Dutch and Kerala architecture, the Kerala History Museum adjoining the Paliam Palace. The Paliam palace which was the abode of Paliathachans, the Prime Ministers of the Kings of Cochin; and the extremely beautiful ‘naalukettu’(traditional homesteads with an open courtyard in the center) in it is truly an example of architectural brilliance. Another attraction of the second circuit of the journey is the Synagogue and the Jewish streets which narrate the history of Jews in Kerala.
The third circuit lets you witness the grandeur of yore in the historical remnants and relics. A trip to the Synagogue at Paravoor, Kottakavu Church which is believed to be established by Saint Thomas, Sahodaran Ayyappan Memorial Centre at Cherai, Pallipuram Church, Pattanam Excavation Site and Manjumatha church comprises the third circuit. The ticket costs Rs 700 per head; children below 12 years can take the trip for Rs 400 and the ticket fare for the senior citizens is Rs 550. Students coming for educational trips from schools can enjoy the journey for just Rs 325. The ticket costs a hefty Rs 1000 for the foreign tourists who are eager to know about the historical heritage of Kerala. There is no ticket for kids below 5 years.
The hop-on-hop-off boat service operates between 9 in the morning and 5 in the evening.
Kodungallor Kurumba Temple, Cheraman Juma Masjid, Islamic Heritage Museum and The Birthplace of Abdurahiman Sahib who took part in the Indian Independence Movement can be reached through road as well. The boat service is available on all days except on Mondays when the museums are closed. A 15-minute ride for six people on the water taxis would cost Rs 500 and Rs 2000 for an hour. For bookings contact: 9020 86 4649, 0480 2807717
The Amphi theatre built as part of the Muziris Heritage Project on the banks of Kanjiram river is luring tourists and visitors in huge numbers. This enchanting site has become an unavoidable location for those who visit the historical destinations at the Muziris Heritage Project area which presents an overwhelming history of more than 2000 years. The beautiful view of the pristine lake from here is also another major factor which attracts tourists to this location which is only 2.5 kilometers away from Kodungalloor.
Also read: Your one-stop guide to traveling in Kerala during Onam
