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Chennamangalam :
Chennamangalam is located 42 km from Ernakulam town and well known for the famous Jewish Synagogue. Indian religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence is depicted in Chennamangalam. The co-existence of Church, temple, mosque and Jewish synagogue all lie in close proximity in Chennamangalam.
At Chennamangalam, apart from these historic evidences, nature also unveils her rare combination. The place has a singular geography of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plains.
Once Chennamangalam was the abode of the Paliath Achans, the prime ministers of the Maharajas of Kochi. Their residence, the Paliam Palace represents the architectural splendor of Kerala. The Palace houses a collection of historic documents and relics. The hillocks at Kottayi Kovilakom present an unusual view of the church, temple, mosque and the synagogue.
Also interesting is a visit to the remains of the Vypeenkotta Seminary built in the 16th century by the Portuguese.
Bhoothathankettu :
Bhoothathankettu located 50 km north east of Ernakulam town, is a scenic dam site with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest. It is a popular picnic sport with Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary near by.
A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts) overnight. Hence the name Bhoothathankettu (fort of the spirits). Later, this natural topography helped in building a dam here.
Lying close to Bhoothathankettu is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad . Trekking through the forests here is an exhilarating experience for adventure lovers.Two of the main irrigation projects of Ernakulam district - the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Idamalayar Irrigation Project - are also located nearby.
Cherai Beach :
One of the must visit places of Ernakulam is the Cherai Beach. Bordering the nearby Vypeen Island, which is also an ideal location for swimming and the Bolghatty Island, famous for its palace of the same name attracts a considerable number of tourists every year.
The Bolghatty Palace of the island was built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British. Now the palace has been converted to a hotel by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. It also has a small gold course and few special honeymoon cottages.
Kodanad :
Kodanad is located 30 km from Ernakulam town and lies on the high ranges on the southern bank of the river Periyar. The beautiful high ranges near Kodanad is famous for training center of elephants. The famous Malayatoor Church is located near Kodanad. Elephants specially trained for safari are provided with saddles for riding. There is also a mini zoo for wild animals here. Muthanga of Wayanad district and Konni of Pathanamthitta district are two other such centres. Another attraction for elephant lovers is Punnathur kotta, of the neighbouring Thrissur district, where some 40 elephants of the Guruvayoor temple are groomed.
Willington Island :
Willington Island is another place one must not miss a visit to. The island was named after Lord Willington, one of the former British Viceroys of India. Located between Ernakulam and Mattancherry, it is a man-made island created by using the soil obtained while dredging the Kochi harbor to allow vessels with deeper draughts to dock.
The island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island houses the cities best hotels, trading centers, the Port Trust and the headquarters of the Southern naval command.
The Old Fort, Kochi / Cochin :
Vasco da Gama, whose arrival in Kerala about 500 years ago opened up a new era of trade between India and Europe, died in Fort Kochi on Christmas eve in 1524. The house where he died is a huge Portuguese-style mansion on Rose Street, which stands close to the St. Francis Church, the first European church in India. In accordance with his last wishes, da Gama's remains were unearthed and send to Lisbon, Portugal, and reburied there in 1538.
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