Ernakulam: Discover The Urbane Face Of Kochi-Kerala!

Ernakulam is now regarded as one of the most prominent cities in the state of Kerala. This city is located in the southern part of the Indian territory. IT companies and cosmopolitan cities are the characteristic features of the city of Ernakulam.

Moreover, a lot of foreign tourists can also be seen in the location of the city. Waterbodies including beaches and lakeshores are quite common here. The backwater boat ride is one of the most exciting experiences you must indulge in while visiting this particular city.

Apart from all these, Ernakulam city has also got a rich heritage that marks its glory during the colonial period as well as during the royal period. There is a lot more to explore and experience in the city of Ernakulam which can be understood from the text given. Below we have mentioned a few best places to visit in Ernakulam.

Mattancherry Museum 

Mattancherry Museum and the artifacts collected here have got a lot to tell about the history, heritage, and tradition of the city of Ernakulam. This museum stands along with Mattancherry Palace which is also a marvel to witness in the city.

It was in the year 1557, that the palace and the museum got constructed in the territory of the city. The Portuguese colonizers who were in the city during those times are the ones who are behind the construction of this palace.

The mural paintings collection that can be seen in the museum is quite attractive and impressive to the tourists visiting the place. 

Hill Palace Museum

Another archaeological museum you can see is in the territory of Ernakulam. 1865 is the year of the establishment of the museum. In order to visit the Hill Palace Museum, you need to travel to the Thripunithura side of the city in which the museum is located.

Considering all the archaeological museums in the state of Kerala, this particular museum is regarded as the largest among them all. This museum was also the residence of Cochin Maharaja during the royal rule of the city.

Today, the palace and its surroundings function as a museum meanwhile some portions of the property are also given to lease for the University of Cochin. The intricacies of Kerala architecture and its aesthetics are portrayed in the museum. 

Bolgatty Palace

This was a palace during the earlier days of the city. Later the palace building got transformed into a heritage hotel and resort functioning under the tourism department of the state of Kerala.

This heritage hotel is now one of the most luxurious hotels perfect to enjoy the royal vibes in the Cochin region. If you are interested to experience world-class infrastructure and amenities you should definitely check out the stay available at the palace of Bolgatty. The construction credits of Bolgatty Palace go to the Dutch merchants.

The year of establishment of the palace gets marked as 1744. Honeymoon couples are also seen extensively in the location of this royal palace resort and hotel. There are a lot of recreational activities in the palace. 

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

Another tourist attraction in the district of Ernakulam is where you can go to satisfy the natural cravings and wildlife love inside you. In order to hit the destination of this particular bird sanctuary, you are required to travel to the Kothamangalam region.

The bird species available in the region are also quite exquisite and plenty so that the bird lovers visiting the sanctuary would also find it quite satisfying in every aspect. This bird sanctuary is situated near the river of Periyar making the surroundings quite pleasing and calming from every angle.

It will only take a distance of 10km to reach the destination of the sanctuary. The surroundings of the sanctuary are quite scenic with lush green all around. 

Cherai Beach

This beach is quite perfect for those who are seeking beach vibes in the tourist destination of the city of Ernakulam. This picturesque beach is located on the northern side of the island of Vypin in the district of Ernakulam.

From the city center of Kochi, you need to travel a distance of around 25km in order to reach the destination of Cherai. Unlike the other crowded beaches in the city of Ernakulam, this is one of the most calming and pristine beaches you can visit during your vacation.

If you are someone who would love the tranquil vibes of a beach vacation, you would definitely fall for this beach in the city of Ernakulam. You can also experience the vibes and culture of people living in the area. 

Vallarpadam Church

This is a pilgrim destination for Catholic believers visiting the city of Ernakulam. Foreign tourists also make it a point to visit the shrine during their visit to the city. According to the annual statistics, an average of 5 million pilgrims visit the shrine every year.

This church is located on the landscape of the beach in the city of Ernakulam. There are not any entry restrictions for people to the church of Vallarpadam.

Regardless of your caste, creed, and religious identity, you can get into the church to pay respects or even for a casual visit. The main deity worshipped in the church is “Vallarpadathamma” or the mother of Jesus Christ. 

Santa Cruz Basilica Church

This is another Christian pilgrimage destination found in the Fort Kochi region of the city of Ernakulam. There are a total of nine Basilicas in the state of Kerala, and this particular one among them is considered the one having the richest heritage and tradition among them.

The architecture and the designs in the church are quite impressive and finest welcoming a lot of aestheticians, artists, and architects to the church. A lot of foreign tourists are seen visiting the church every year. The founding date of the church is marked as 3^rd May 1505.

The Gothic style of architecture engraved in the church will always be a factor of excitement to the tourists visiting the church. 

Vypin Island

This is one of the most charming islands in the city of Ernakulam. The total area of the island of Vypin is calculated to be 27km. It is believed that the formation of the island happened in the year 1341. During that year a heavy flood took place in the region causing the formation of Vypin island.

During the earlier days, the inhabitants of the island were the local communities living on the island occupied with fishing. Later on, the Portuguese landed in the city of Ernakulam and took over the authorities of the island.

The Catholic believers living in the area are believed to be the descendants of the Portuguese population who once lived on the island, the interracial population that formed from their interaction with the local people, and also the locals who turned to Christianity of the Portuguese’s propagation of the religion. 

Willington Island

Unlike the other islands we discussed in the territory of the city of Ernakulam, this island is not naturally formed or existed even before. This is an artificially made island that has now got a high degree of tourism prominence and commercial importance in the city of Ernakulam.

Cruise rides and commercial boating are some of the activities quite active on this particular island in the city. Tourists especially foreigners find it quite interesting and attractive to explore the sights and experiences possible in the region of Willington Island. This is also a perfect destination to click the best moments of your vacation in the city of Ernakulam. 

Marine Drive

This location in the city of Ernakulam can be regarded as one of the most popular and rushing destinations in the location. The walkway in the location is just perfect for evening walks and spending quality time with your loved ones.

The Subash Bose Park found in the location is also mostly filled with tourists. The backwater views possible from the location are quite picturesque and impressive in every sense.

The Kettuvallam rides available from the location are also the best to indulge in especially if you would like to explore and experience the culture and lifestyle of the state of Kerala and the city of Ernakulam.

You can also buy souvenirs from the location testifying to the craftsmanship of the locals there. 

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

This is a destination for nature lovers and biodiversity enthusiasts visiting the city of Ernakulam for their vacation. Analyzing the characteristics of the region, this place is included in the list of ecologically sensitive locations.

This particular bird sanctuary is spread over an area of around 2.74 hectares. The backwaters and canals of the location are also quite picturesque making the visit satisfying for everyone who has got a taste of nature and biodiversity.

#Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, the ‘green lung of Kochi’, a native ground for birds and a paradise for bird watchers pic.twitter.com/Z03MDW6wU4

— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) June 27, 2016

You can easily get to the location of the bird sanctuary by taking the landmark of the High Court of Kerala. 2004 is the year of the establishment of this bird sanctuary. You can also get some fresh air and tranquil vibes from the location. 

Best Time To Visit Ernakulam

October – February

How To Reach Ernakulam?

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam Junction Railway Station (ERS)

Conclusion 

Best place to enjoy beaches, backwaters, and colonial and royal narrative in the state of Kerala.

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