Sunday, December 20, 2009

Places of Interest Kochi - Places to See Near Cochin -Kochi Attraction

Cochin or Kochi is commonly referred as Queen of Arabian Sea.
Kochi is one of the principal seaports of the India.
Kochi is the commercial hub of Kerala, and one of the fastest growing second-tier metros in India.
A growing center of shipping industries (Cochin Port Trust), international trade, tourism and information technology.
The residents of Kochi are known as Kochiites.

Here is a list of interesting places around Ernakulam districts.The information given below may not be complete and accurate.
Kodanad
Kodanad is 45 km to the north east of the city of Cochin and 12 km to the east of Perumbavoor town.Kodanad is a beautiful rural riverside village and a popular picnic spot and tourist destination in the Ernakulam district of the state of Kerala.Elephant rescue and care centre for central and southern forest region of Kerala is located in Kodanad.                             
Chendamangalam
Chendamangalam is about 42 km from Ernakulam town.It is located in Paravur Taluk of the Ernakulam district of Kerala. It has three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and large expanses of green plain.
This is considered as a geographical wonder.The Paliam Palace, residence of the Paliath Achans, hereditary Prime Ministers to the former Maharajas of Kochi, is one of the architectural splendours of Kerala.The hillocks at Kottayil Kovilakom are unique as the site of a Hindu temple, a Christian church, a mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue, all within 1 km of each other.Comprising of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and green pastures, Chendamangalam is an amazing little town.

Malayatoor- St.Thomas Shrine

Malayatoor is located around 50 kilometers from Cochin.Malayattoor is one of the most prominent Christian pilgrim centers in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. It is famous for the Catholic Church located on the Malayatoor hill and is dedicated to St. Thomas.St. Thomas the Apostle was the one who took initiative to begin a Christian community in Kerala. He also set up the church here which has been designated by the Vatican as an International Shrine. It is believed that St. Thomas held prayer at this church when he landed in Kerala. The hilltop church is located 10 km away from the Kalady town.
St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kerala at Kodungallur (Cranganore) in AD 52.
Every year, thousands of worshippers embark on a pilgrimage to the shrine to take part in the annual festival of the Church, which falls during the months of April or May.

Bhoothathankettu
Bhoothathankettu is situated in the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam and 50 km away from the main city of Ernakulam.This beautiful patch of unexplored land lies near the famous Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.It is connected to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where visitors can see different varieties of birds and animals. The Idamalayar reservoir is about 12 km distance from the site.

Cheeyappara Waterfalls
Located between Neriamangalam and Adimali, along the national highway linking Cochin and Madurai.The Cheeyappara Waterfall cascades down in seven steps. This is also a great place for trekking.

Kaladi-The Birth Place of the Great Adi Shakaracharya

Kaladi is located around 35 kilometers from Cochin and is the birthplace of the great Adi Shankararcharya, who was a great philosopher in ancient India. It is said that a crocodile caught hold of his leg and left it only when his family agreed to Shankararcharya's decision to become a saint.Adi Shankara was born in Kalady as the only son of Sivaguru and Aryamba, a Namboothiri couple. Shankara's shrine at Kalady, run by the Sringeri Mutt, is a large, partly open structure situated on the northern bank of the river Periyar.
Sri Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthamba Mandapam is an eight-story memorial built by Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt.
To the west of the Sringeri Mutt temple complex is a temple dedicated to Sri Krishna. This temple is known as the ancestral deity of Sree Sankara Acharya.

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary - Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekkad Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Kerala.
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern bank of the Periyar river. Dr. Salim Ali described Thattekad as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with the eastern Himalayas.

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Tourist Places in Kochi-Cochin Tour Ernakulam Kerala-Attraction in Cochin - Kochi Places of Interest

Cochin or Kochi is commonly referred as Queen of Arabian Sea.
Kochi is the commercial hub of Kerala, and one of the fastest growing second-tier metros in India.
A growing center of shipping industries (Cochin Port Trust), international trade, tourism and information technology.
The successive waves of migration over the course of several centuries, the population of Cochin  is a mix of people from all parts of Kerala and most of India.

Here is a list of interesting places in Kochi and Ernakulam districts.The information given below may not be complete and accurate. 

Chinese Fishing Nets and Vasco da Gama Square
Chinese Fishing Nets are one of the main attraction of Cochin. These Fishing Nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets ,erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles. From Vasco da Gama square you can watch these nets and the square is a narrow promenade that lies parallel to the beach.

Dutch Palace, Mattancherry
History says the Dutch Palace, Mattancherry was built by the Portuguese in 1557 as a gift to the Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin. Dutch were not the original builders of the Mattancherry Palace. The Dutch renovated the palace in 1663. On display here are beautiful murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata and some of the Puranic legends.

St. Francis Church, Fort Cochin
St. Francis Church, Fort Cochin was built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, it is the India's oldest European church.Fort Cochin is believed to be the oldest European Settlement in India. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795.
The church is presently used by the church of South India (CSI). Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524, and later moved to Lisbon, Portugal but his tombstone still remains.St. Francis Church is the principal landmark in Fort Kochi

ST. George Forane Church, Edappally
Edapally ST. George Forane Church is a historically 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.
Edappally church is considered to be one of the oldest in Kerala after the seven churches were founded by St. Thomas.
History records says that a session of the Synod of Diamper (Udayamperoor), 1599, was held here. The Annually held nine-day feast of ST. George Forane Church in April/May is a very famous event.

Marine Drive Kochi
Marine Drive is a long curving road along the seacoast of Kochi City which gives a breathtaking view of the backwaters and the Kochi harbor .Marine drive is also called as Shanmugham Road.The Marine Drive Walkway paved with black-dotted, red-carpet ultra tiles along the edge of the backwaters is very popular with both locals and tourists. There are two beautiful bridges along the walkway. At the other end of the walkway, a number of country boats and motor boats are parked which are available for rides in the backwaters.

Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry
The Jewish Synagogue of Mattancherry was buit in 1568 and is the oldest synagogue in India.This is believed to be the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. The Synagogue was partially destroyed in the war of 1662 and was rebuilt by the Dutch. 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, exquisite Chinese hand-painted willow patterned floor tiles, and the synagogue's elaborate lighting are of interest.The Synagogue is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow:
This is a wonderful mansion which was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862 a representative of the Fort Kochi colonial bungalow.Pierce Leslie Bungalow reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences.

Santa Cruz Basilica
History says Santa Cruz Basilica is originally built by the Portuguese in 1558.The beautiful paintings on the ceiling are very famous. Santa Cruz church was elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558.
The church was totally demolished by the British who took over Cochin in 1795. Later Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira commissioned a new building in 1887. Santa Cruz was finally proclaimed a Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984. The basilica is situated close to the St. Francis Church.

Sree Rajarajeswari Temple, Chottanikara
Sree Rajarajeswari Temple, Chottanikara is located 15 kms from Ernakulam is an important pilgrim centre.This is a 10th century temple, The Chottanikara temple is one of the most renowned temple in Kerala. The goddess here is worshipped in her three forms, one after another, as the day progresses - as Saraswathy in the morning, as Bhadrakali at noon, and as Durga in the evening.
The 'Makam Thozhal' the most important day of temple's annual festival is held in Feb-Mar for nine days.

Vallarpadam Church
The Basilica of Our Lady of Vallarpadam which was already a national pilgrim centre, was raised to the status of a Basilica on the basis of a request submitted by Archbishop Daniel Acharuparampil of Varappuzha in December 2003.The Vallarpadam church was bestowed a special status by Pope Leo XIII in 1888. In 1951, it was declared a pilgrim centre.

Old Harbour House:
This elegant old bungalow built in 1808 is in the possession of Carrit Moran & Co., renowned tea brokers.

Loafer’s Corner-Princess Street:
Princess Street is one of the earliest streets to be constructed in Fort Kochi.
Princess Street has alot of European style residences still retains its old charm. The best view of this quaint street can be had from Loafer’s Corner, Loafer’s Corner is the traditional meeting place and hangout of the jovial funloving people of the area gives the best view of the Princess Street.

Vasco House:
Vasco House is believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama.This is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi.

VOC Gate:
The large wooden gate facing the Parade Ground, with the monogram (VOC) of the once mighty Dutch East India Company carved on it, was built in 1740.

Cherai Beach:
Located 25 kms from Ernakulam in a typical village ambience with a lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here.Cherai village has paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.

Bolghatty Island:
Bolghatty Island is a beautiful island near the Ernakulam, Bolghatty is famous for the Bolghatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744.Bolghatty Palace once the residence of the British resident of Cochin today a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), with a small golf course and special honeymoon cottages.Bolgatty Palace is situated amidst 15 acres of lush green lawns.
This Bolghatty Island is a long narrow palm-fringed island, easily accessible from the mainland.

Willingdon Island:
Willingdon Island is named after Lord Willingdon, a former British Viceroy of India.This man-made island made by the dumping of the materials that were dug out while Cochin Port was being deepened is surrounded by the kochi backwaters.
The island is the site of the Cochin Port Trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.There are many Luxury hotels and trade centers are situated in Willington Island.
Willington Island is connected to the mainland Ernakulam by road-cum-railway Venduruthy Bridge.


Mangalavanam
Mangalavanam is known for its small bird sanctuary and mangroves. Mangalavanam is a popular among bird sanctuary frequented by tourists, bird lovers, ornithologists as well as locals. Mangalavanam is located in the heart of the Eranakulam city of Cochin, adjoining the backwaters and the Arabian Sea.

Fort Immanuel
The Fort Immnual built in 1503 was symbolic of the strategic alliance between the Maharaja of Cochin and the Ruler of Portugal.
Even though the Dutch, and later the British, had destroyed most of the fort walls and its bastions the remains can bee seen along the beach.


The Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura
The Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura is around 10 kms from Kochi.The Hill Palace, is the official residence of the erstwhile Kochi royal family, was built in 1865.
The palace complex consists of 49 buildings with traditional architectural style of Kerala surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a deer park and facilities for horse riding.

Parikshith Thampuran Museum:
An archeological museum situated adjacent to the Shiva temple in Durbar Hall Road, Ernakulam.This museum houses a collection of coins, bronzes, copies of murals and megalithic relics of Kerala.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.

Vamanamoorthy Temple:
Vamanamoorthy Temple is in Thrikakkara near Ernakulam. Inscriptions from the 10th to the 13th century are found in this temple.

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary - Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekkad Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Kerala.
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern bank of the Periyar river. Dr. Salim Ali described Thattekad as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with the eastern Himalayas.

Vypin-Vypeen Island
Vypin, also spelled Vypeen is an island near Ernakulam.The island which is about 27 km long was formed in the year 1341 after a heavy flood. It is known to be the island having highest density of population in the world. It is connected to Kochi by a bridge from Kalamuku (built by Goshree Islands Development Authority). There are regular boat services from Fort Kochi to Vypin Island.There is a magnificent lighthouse at Ochanthuruth.

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Saturday, December 19, 2009

Kochi Hotels- Hotels in Cochin- Ernakulam Hotels- kochi - kerala tourism - Hotels Guide

Cochin or Kochi is commonly referred as Queen of Arabian Sea. Kochi is the commercial hub of Kerala, and one of the fastest growing second-tier metros in India. A growing center of shipping industries (Cochin Port Trust), international trade, tourism and information technology.Fort Kochi in Kochi was the first European colonial settlement in India. St. Francis CSI Church, in Kochi, built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India.Kochi has the highest density of telephones in India.
Various technology and industrial campuses including the government promoted InfoPark, Cochin Special Economic Zone.Kochi is the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command, the primary training centre of the Indian Navy.The Cochin Shipyard in Kochi is the largest shipbuilding facility in India.
 Here is a list of Luxury and budget hotels in Kochi and Ernakulam.The list is not complete and may not be accurate.

5 star Luxury Hotels


Hotel Taj Malabar - TAJ Group of Hotels

Willingdon Island,
Cochin 682009, INDIA

Taj Residency -TAJ Group of Hotels
Marine Drive,
Ernakulam, Cochin - 683 011, Kerala

4 star hotels-First Class Hotels

Hotel Abad Airport
Cochin International Air Port,
Nedumbassery, Kochi -683590, India.

The Trident
Willingdon Island,
Cochin,Kerala,682003

Hotel Abad Atrium
M.G Road,
Cochin, Kochi -682 035, India.


Hotel Best Western Avenue
39/2026, M.G. Road,
Cochin (Kochi (Cochin)), Kerala, 682 016.

Casino Hotel
Willingdon Island,
Cochin - 682003.

Hotel Gokulam Park Inn
N H Road, Kaloor,
Cochin - 682017, Kerala

Hotel Hilton
C-46-452 (II), Bristow Road,
Willingdon Island , Cochin - 682 003.

Hotel Le Meridien -LE MERIDIEN Group of Hotels
NH 47 Byepass,
Kundannur Junction Maradu Cochin, Kerala - 682304

The Avenue Regent Hotel Cochin
M.G. Road,
Cochin - 682 016, Kerala

Hotel Presidency
Marine Drive,
Ernakulam, Cochin,

Hotel Renaissance
P.B.No.2310 Palarivattom,
Cochin - 682 025.

Quality Airport Hotel Cochin
Near Cochin International Airport,
Nedumbassery,
Angamaly, Cochin - 683 572, Kerala


3 Star - Budget Hotels

Hotel Yuvarani Resdency Cochin
Jos Junction, M.G. Road,
Cochin - 682 311, Kerala

Harbour View Residency Hotel Cochin

Opposite Cochin Shipyard,
M.G. Road, Cochin, Kerala


Hotel Abad Plaza
M.G. Road Cochin 682 035 Cochin

The International Hotel
P.B. NO. 3563, M.G. Road,
Ernakulam, Kerala

Sealord Hotel Cochin
Shanmugham Road,
Cochin - 682 031, Kerala

Hotel Abad Fort
Chullickal,
Cochin 687005

Hotel Abad Metro
Rajaji Road,
Kochi, 682 035

Hotel Mermaid
Kaniampuzha Road,
Vyttila,Cochin-682019

Hotel White Fort (Hotel Wyte  Fort)
N.H. 47,
Maradu Cochin - 682 304, Kerala.

ATS Willingdon Hotel Cochin
Matsyapuri, Willingdon Island,
Cochin - 682 029, Kerala

The Avenue Center Hotel Cochin
Panampilly Avenue,
Panampilly Nagar,
Cochin - 682 036, Kerala

Hotel Cochin Tower
Lissie Junction,
Cochin, Kerala
Multicuisine.

Hotel The Metropolitan
Near South Railway Station,
Cochin, Kerala


Heritage Hotel

Hotel Brunton Boatyard
1/498, Fort Cochin,
Cochin - 682 001

Hotel Malabar House Residency
Parade Road,
Fort Cochin 682001 , Kerala

Bolgatty Palace Cochin
Mulavukad,
Cochin - 682 504, Kerala


Resorts

Cherai beach Resort
Cherai,
Vypin island,kochi


Gramam Backwater Homestay
Kumbalanghi village,
Cochin.

Kimansion Anamika
Fort Kochi,
Cochin

Royal Village
Alungal Jn,
Eloor North Udyogmandal PO,
Cochin

Kamyakam Haven Resort
Kothad Island
Kothad Post, Cochin

Jacobs Holiday Home
Shanthi Nagar Kakkanad
Kusumagiri P.O, Cochin

Haritha Farms
Kadalikad Post,
Muvattupuzha, Cochin

2 Star Hotels

Hotel Abad
Chullikal
Cochin, Kerala

Bharat hotel
P.O.BOX NO 2357,
Darbar Hall Road,
Cochin, Kerala

Gaanam hotels
Chittoor Road,
Cochin, Kerala

Hotel sangeetha
Chittoor Road,
Cochin, Kerala

Other Hotels

Hotel Luciya
Stadium Road,
Ernakulam, Kerala

Hotel Woodlands
M.G. Road,
Ernakulam, Kerala

Hotel Blue Nile
Opp. K.S.R.T.C. Bus Stand,
Ernakulam, Kerala

Island Hotel Maharaja,
Bristo Road,
Cochin, Kerala

Hotel Paulson Park
Ernakulam South,
Kerala

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Saturday, December 12, 2009

Athirapally waterfalls -Hotels - Resorts - Athirapilly Vazhachal Falls Kerala -routes and where to stay


Athirapally waterfalls is the unique and most famous waterfall of Kerala.The Athirappilly Falls are situated on the Chalakudy river, which originates in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats.
Athirappilly Falls is one of the best places to visit in Kerala.Vazhachal Falls is near to Athirapally and is another famous falls.

Athirappilly Falls is a part of Chalakudy river and it is approximately 80 feet in height.The majestic Athirapally Falls is the main attraction of the Chalakudy river.
The route to Athirapaillay and Vazhachaal is really amazing.Combined with the greenery, it infuses freshness into any soul.If you really needs a break ,a break from the daily busy and stressed life and want to escape to the calm and quite nature to rediscover yourself,this is one of the best place in India.
Athirapally and Vazhachal are major attractions of Kerala's famed rain forests where many of the worlds endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna are found.Also four endangered Hornbill species are seen in these Sholayar forest ranges.

 This is a must see place in Kerala.

How to reach:

Athirapilly is in Thrissur district of Kerala.

Where to stay @ Athirapally:
There are plenty of best hotels in Kochi and Thrissur.
But if you want to stay at Athirappally itslef you have the following choices;
  • Rain Forest, Athirapally
          6/93A, Kannamkuzhy PO, | Athirapally
  • Riverok Villas,
           Athirapally
  • Pleasant Residency
  • Ecogreen Homestay

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