Dutch
Palace, Mattancherry
As one may surmise from the name, the Dutch were not the original
builders of the Mattancherry Palace. It was built by the Portuguese in
1557 as a gift to the Raja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma, partly as a
compensation for a temple they'd destroyed and partly as a bribe to gain
favors from the ruler.
St. Francis Church, Fort
Cochin
Fort Cochin is believed to be the oldest European Settlement in India
and St. Francis Church was the first European Church to be built in
India. The history of this Church reflects the colonial struggle of
European powers in India, from the 15th to 20th Centuries.
Willington
Island
Named after the former Viceroy of India, lord Willington, Willington
Island is connected to the mainland Ernakulam by road-cum-railway
Venduruthy Bridge. An artificial lake that was made by the dumping of
the materials that were dug out while Cochin Port was being deepened.
Mangalavanam
Known for its small bird sanctuary, Mangalavanam mangroves is situated
in the Ernakulam District of Kerala State. Bharath Petroleum Company
borders the northern and eastern portion of the area, South by Emakulam
Railway goods station, West by Salim Ali Road 16 and Central Marine
Fisheries Research Institute.
The Pareekshit Thampuran
Museum
An archeological museum situated adjacent to the Shiva temple in Durbar
Hall Road, Ernakulam, the museum features a rich collection of the 19th
century paintings, Pre-historic monuments, Old coins in a numismatic
gallery, Scriptures in stone and Plaster of Paris, Copies of mural
paintings and the collection from the Cochin royal family.
Kathakali Centres
It is Kerala's very own, much celebrated dance drama. Kathakali evolved
in the 8th century from 'Ramanattam' a dance drama created by
Kottarakkara Thampuran, a great admirer and promoter of traditional art
forms. Kathakali draws its theme from the wealth of Indian mythology and
folklore.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Though recently established Thattekkad is one of the most important
bird sanctuaries in South India. A boat cruise from Bhoothathankettu to
Thattekkad is an unforgettable experience through the evergreen forests
nesting migratory and indigenous birds.
Kodanad
Kodanad lies on the southern bank of Periyar cradled amidst the scenic
beauty of the high ranges. 45 km to the north east of the city of Cochin
and 12 km to the east of Perumbavoor town, it was once one of the
largest elephant-capturing centres of South India.
Jewish Synagogue,
Mattancherry
The prosperous Jewish trading community built the Jewish Synagogue in
1568 whose links with Kerala begin in Kodungallor (Cranganore) in the
north of the state. The oldest synagogue in India, it was partially
destroyed in the war of 1662 and was rebuilt by the Dutch.
