Cochin - Places to Visit

ART COMPLEX - MADHAVAN NAYAR FOUNDATION, EDAPPALLY

Located at Edappally, 10 kms north of Ernakulam en route to Alwaye, the complex consists of two units: the Gallery of Paintings and Sculptures which presents over 200 original paintings by contemporary Indian artists, some of them internationally acclaimed, and works of reputed Indian sculptors. The other unit, the Centre for Visual Arts is reserved for authentic reproductions of selected world masters from Leonardo da Vinci to those of the present century. The centre also exhibits certain larger-than-life mural reproductions of ancient Indian Art. Open 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays.

BOLGATTY ISLAND

This long narrow palm-fringed island, easily accessible from the mainland, is where the Bolgatty Palace is situated amidst 15 acres of lush green lawns. Built by the Dutch in 1744, it became the seat of the British Resident later. In 1976 the palace was converted into a hotel under the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The palace has a golf course on its grounds. The hotel has also a boat, available on request - Tel: 2355003.

CHINESE FISHING NETS, FORT COCHIN

These nets, at the entrance of the harbour and along the backwaters with pivots of wood, were introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan.

DUTCH PALACE, MATTANCHERRY

The Palace, originally built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin raja Veera Kerala Varman in 1555, acquired its present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out some extensive repairs. The Cochin rajas held their coronation ceremonies in the Central Hall of this double- storey quadrangular building. Rooms adjacent contain breathtaking 17th-century murals depicting scenes from the Puranas and the great epics - the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.Open 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Fridays.

HILL PALACE MUSEUM, TRIPUNITHURA

Set on top of a hillock, this prodigious palace-turned-museum displays 13 categories of exhibits, including paintings, carvings and other royal antiquities donated by the Cochin and Travancore royal families and the Paliam Devaswom. The Heritage Museum, located on the rear side of the palace buildings, familiarizes you with the traditional lifestyles of ancient Kerala. As part of the establishment of a mini zoo, a deer park with spotted deer, sambar and peacocks is run by the Society for the Preservation of Hill Palace Premises. The museum premises has also been converted into a botanical garden with exotic tropical trees from central America to Australia. Located 11 kms east of Ernakulam, en route to Chottanikara. Open 9 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Mondays. Tel: 781113.

JEWISH SYNAGOGUE, MATTANCHERRY

Built in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, copper plates on which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded, gold and silver crowns gifted by various patrons to the synagogue and exquisite Chinese hand-painted willow patterned tiles are of interest. Open 10 AM to 12 Noon and 3 PM to 5 PM. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

KALLI KOTA, TRIPUNITHURA

As the name suggests, this beautiful, imposing building - a legacy of the Dutch rule - served as an entertainment auditorium to the erstwhile royalty featuring dance, drama, and plays. Today it functions largely as a marriage hall. Situated near the Poornathreyesa temple.

KERALA LALITHA KALA AKADEMI GALLERY OF CONTEMPORARY ART, ERNAKULAM

It is situated at the Durbar Hall ground on D H Road. The hall had been the durbar of the raja of Cochin. Open 10 AM to 5 PM.

LIGHT HOUSE, VYPIN

The light house at Ochanthuruth in Vypin is open from 3 PM to 5 PM, on all days.

MANGROVE FOREST, ERNAKULAM

This small protected area, a haven for birds, is located on Dr. Salim Ali Road, adjacent to the High Court of Kerala. Winter migrants include species coming from Kashmir and even distant Siberia. Best time to visit : mid- January to early March.

MUSEUM OF KERALA HISTORY, EDAPPALLY

Located along with the Art Complex at Edappally, it is a Sound and Light show presenting thirty five scenes from the political, social, and cultural history of Kerala. Commentaries in English and Malayalam. Open 10 AM to 4 PM. Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays. Tel: 2558296.

PALLIPURAM FORT, VYPIN

It is situated at the far end of Vypin island. Small and hexagonal, it was built in 1503, claiming to be the oldest European fort in India. The structure's walls have around 20 cannon emplacements. Open on Thursdays.

SANTA CRUZ CATHEDRAL, FORT COCHIN

There are some beautiful paintings in this Roman Catholic church situated close to the St. Francis' Church.

ST. FRANCIS' CHURCH, FORT COCHIN

This Protestant church, originally built by the Portuguese in 1510, is believed to be the oldest existing European church in India. Vasco da Gama was originally buried here in 1524 before his remains were sent to Lisbon, 14 years later. Closed on Sundays.

ST. GEORGE FORANE CHURCH, EDAPPALLY

An important pilgrim centre, this Roman Catholic church was built way back in AD 593 in a plot of land donated by the raja of Edappally. After the founding of the seven churches by Saint Thomas, the Edappally church is considered to be one of the oldest in Kerala. The new church beside it was built in 1080. Historical records have it that a session of the Synod of Diamper (Udayamperoor), 1599, was held here. The church is also well known for its annually held nine-day feast in May.

VAMANAMOORTHY TEMPLE, THRIKKAKARA

Set in a land of great mythological significance, this ancient temple, dedicated to Vamana - the fifth avatara of Lord Vishnu - is venerated by the Vaishnavaites as one among the 108 holy places in India. The temple holds a large number of lithic records, some of great historical significance. The annual festival is held in the month of Chingam (Aug-Sept).