Kochi The land of the Queen of the Arabian Sea

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CHINESE FISHING NETS 
At the entrance to the harbour these nets are a fascinating sight. They can be seen all along the backwaters of Kerala. They were first bought to Kerala by the Chinese traders from Kubla Khan's court

WELLINGTON ISLAND
                   This is a man made island created from earth dredged, while deepening the Kochi Port. Lord Bristow was the architect of this island. There are frequent ferry and bus services from Ernakulam. The Harbour, Air Port and Harbour Railway Terminus are in this island.

BOLGATTY ISLAND
Bolgatty palace on a narrow stretch of land built by the Dutch in 1744 is situated here. The building was once a Governor's Palace for the Dutch and later a home for British Governors. Now it has been converted into a hotel by the K T D C. The Bolgatty Palace Hotel has a commanding view facing the outlet into the open sea

MANGALAVANAM 
This mangrove forest is a small bird sanctuary, located in the heart of the town behind the High Court of Kerala, attracts a large number of tourists.

PARIKSHITH THAMPURAN MUSEUM 
This is situated on the Durbar Hall Ground on DH Road, Ernakulam. Collection of 19th Century oil paintings, old coins, sculptures in stone and plaster of paris and copies of mural paintings are exhibited here.

CHERAMAN JUMA MASJID
 The first mosque in India situated 52 Kms. away from Kochi. It was built in 629 AD and resembles a Hindu Temple in appearance. There are bus services from Ernakulam.

MUSEUM OF KERALA HISTORY 
Eight Kms. from Ernakulam., this museum is a treasure house of important scenes of Kerala History from Neolithic age to modern period portrayed through life-size statues. Recorded commentary of each scene with sound and light shows is staged here.

Hill PALACE MUSEUM 
This is situated 12 Kms. Away from Ernakulam. on the Ernakulam-Chottanikkara route. It is the largest archaeological museum of Kerala. Different types of sculptures, collection of rare coins, old weapons and collections from the Cochin Royal Family are exhibited here.

PALLIPPURAM FORT
 Pallipuram Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Catholic church at Pallipuram is an important pilgrim centre.

CHERAI BEACH The beach at Cherai on Vypeen island is 18 Kms. Away from Vypeen. This is a beautiful and clam beach.

KALADY
Kalady is the birth place of Adi Sankara the great Indian philosopher who lived in the 8th century. It is situated on the banks of river Periyar and there are two shrines in memory of Sree Sankaracharya. One dedicated to him as Dakshinamoorthy and the other to the Goddess Sharada. Adi Sankara's shrines in Kalady are open to all pilgrims irrespective of religion or caste.

MALAYATTOOR
On the slopes of the picturesque Western Ghats, 52 Kms. From Kochi and 8 Kms. From Kalady is the Malayattoor Church. This is a Christian pilgrim centre and is believed to have been blessed by the Apostle of Christ, St. Thomas and the Church atop the hill was established in AD 900. Malayattoor is accessible by road up to the foot hills of Kurishumudy. The church at the top of the hill, about 2 Kms. can be reached only by foot. Situated beside the Periyar river and a small lake called Manappattuchira, Malayatoor is also a place of scenic beauty.

KALLIL TEMPLE
22 Kms. Away from Kalady, there is a ninth century Jain temple. This temple is cut from a huge rock and a climb of 120 steps leads to the temple.

KODANAD
 Kodanad lies on the southern bank of Periyar river amongst the scenic beauty of the High Ranges. It is 45 Kms. From Kochi city and 12 Kms. to the east of Perumbavoor town. There is an elephant taming centre here. Facilities for elephant ride are provided here. There is also a mini zoo at Kodanadu.

BOOTHATHAN KETTU 
Situated 63 Kms. Away from Kochi. There is a dam here and in the reservoir boating facilities are provided. The Forest Department provides elephant rides through the forest to old Bhoothankettu, which is very interesting.