Discover Ernakulam

Ernakulam can be explored through a range of interests: mangroves and migratory birds sit alongside museums, historic buildings and village activities. If you’re looking for a hotel, this mix of themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip. Are you most interested in nature, cultural history or experiences around Kumbalangi? The places below differ in their themes and offer a practical basis for planning your trip around them.

Mangroves and wildlife

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is located in Ernakulam district, in the centre of Kochi. It is Kerala’s only bird sanctuary in mangrove forests and is visited by large numbers of migratory birds. To date, 72 bird species and 17 butterfly species have been recorded there. Mangroves, migratory birds and the two species counts give this place a clear focus on nature. If you’re interested in birdlife and mangroves, it offers a specific theme to consider when planning your trip.

Museums and historic buildings

The Hill Palace Archaeological Museum is located in Thrippunithura and is the largest museum in Kerala. The Hill Palace complex also includes a Heritage Museum, a wildlife park, a Prehistoric Park and a children’s park. These different attractions bring together a range of themes under one name: archaeology, heritage, prehistory and the two parks. When choosing cultural sites, you can distinguish between these attractions rather than viewing the complex as just one museum.

Historic buildings offer further points of interest. Bolgatty Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744 and served as the official residence of the Dutch governor. Fort Kochi is the western part of Kochi in Ernakulam district; St. Francis Church there is considered the first European church in India. Mattancherry Palace was built around 1545 by the Portuguese as a gift to King Veera Kerala Verma of the Kochi dynasty and is known for its elaborate Ramayana murals. The two palaces differ in their histories: Bolgatty Palace is notable for its Dutch builders and its former role as a governor’s residence, while Mattancherry Palace is notable for its construction by the Portuguese as a gift and for its murals.

Shrines and festival dates

There are two shrines in Kalady commemorating Sankaracharya: one dedicated to Dakshinamoorthy and the other to the goddess Sharada. Festival dates also vary. The Fort Kochi Carnival celebrates New Year’s Eve each year; the Aluva Sivarathri festival is celebrated in February or March. If one of these festivals is the reason for your trip, check the specific dates before making plans.

Kumbalangi and experiences on the water

Kalagramam in Kumbalangi is an artists’ village where handicrafts and fishing equipment are displayed. Experiences in Kumbalangi also include boating and fishing. Packages combine a day with villagers with the chance to try local dishes; check availability in advance. These packages have a different focus from the water-based activities, as they also include time with villagers and local food.

The backwaters of Ernakulam offer houseboat trips along palm-lined waterways and past traditional fishing villages. A bioluminescent glow may appear in the Kumbalangi backwaters in summer, depending on conditions and with a little luck. The caveat is important for this natural phenomenon: it is possible, but not guaranteed.

More nature-related themes

Kodanad is an elephant training centre in Kerala. Paniyeli Poru offers a 1.5-kilometre riverside path leading to waterfalls. These two places add further nature-related attractions to the mangroves and backwaters; at Paniyeli Poru, the length of the path is specified.

The places mentioned offer a range of themes to explore. Choose your focus based on the interests you want to pursue during your trip.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Mamangalam, Karayamparambu, Kothamangalam, Aluva, Tripunittura, Vypin, Kochi, Karukutty, Kuzhuppilly, Kalady, Koovappady, Thuravoor, Muvattupuzha, Chellanam, North Paravur, Pulickamaly, Kuttattukulam, Keezhillam, Kurumaseri, Kuruppampady, Pallippuram, Angamaly.

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