Places to Visit

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  Kuzhupilly Beach

  The kuzhupilly beach is a gorgeous stretch of powdery golden sand fringed by Casuarina groves on either end. Sit beneath palm leaf thatched umbrellas on the beach, sink into a hammock stretched out amidst the trees, sip a chill drink, savor a sumptuous snack. Lying on a lounger you could read a book, contemplate the froth flecked waves break as they approach the shore, go down to the water line and swim. Else you could get a team together for a spot of beach volleyball, test your strength with tug of war or fly kites. End the day as a marmalade sun dips into the ocean past a final flourish of candy floss clouds.

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  Cherai beach

  A beautiful stretch of golden beach, for holiday makers who prefer to spend some time relaxing on the beach. Take dip and unwind, quench your thirst with tender coconuts and if lucky see dolphins at play. With beach beds and umbrellas available for hire, Cherai beach is a pleasant and convenient place to stay, swim and sunbathe. The newly beautified 400m of central beach has a walkway, high mask lamps and trained security staff, making the beach enjoyable even at night. There is also a park for children on the beach which is safe for all ages. Cherai beach is just 25 km from Kochi and 20km from the Cochin International airport.

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  Break - Water Point

  Situated at the northern end of Cherai beach, Break-water point is where the river Periyar flows into the Arabian Sea. It is a perfect place to sit and enjoy the views and watch local fishermen in their traditional canoes and colorful boats. Perfect spot to view dazzlingly beautiful sunsets

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  The Backwaters

  The backwaters of Cherai, with their charm and beauty are a combination of lakes, lagoons and canals, essentially the heart of Cherai. Beside the placid waters of the Periyar River with overhanging coconut trees you can observe the daily life unfolding on the shores of the canals, catch a glimpse of the art of coir making and see large boats being built entirely from wood. A quiet detour can also be made by boat through a stretch of scenic backwaters called the Kollam- Kottapurram National Waterway

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  Lake (Poyil)

  Situated just a stone's throw away from the main beach, where the sea and the backwaters are divided by a narrow strip of land. With the morning mist evaporating from the tranquil waters and traditional fishermen casting their nets, waking at dawn is well worth the effort. Another delightful way to experience the lake is from the water on a pedal boat or a row boat available for hire. You might want to practice your angling skills and experience the thrill of catching your own fish.

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  Paddy Fields Around Cherai

  The emerald green fields are cultivated below sea level amidst a charming pastoral environment. These waterlogged fields tend to be single crop areas, mostly rice. However, following the harvest, paddy fields are used to farm fish, mainly prawns. Exotic flora and fauna are to be found around the paddy fields allowing you to enjoy encounters with butterflies and spot dozens of alluring species of birds and fish.

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  Portuguese Fort

  Built in 1503 by the Portuguese and also known as ‘Aya Kota’, this fort is the oldest European monument in India. It was constructed as an outpost to safeguard the ancient port of Muziris. The Dutch captured the fort in 1661. In 1789 it was sold to the king of Travancore and in 1795 it came under the ownership of the British East India Company. The three storey hexagonal structure is a very well preserved bastion. The fort was repaired between 1596 and 1605 with a façade added in the Manuelino style, possibly the only such structure in India.

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  Gowreeswaram Temple and festival

  The Gowreeswaram temple is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre in Kerala built in 1912. It was dedicated to the Hindu god Murugan, the god of war. The idol was installed by the great social reformer Narayana Guru. The temple is renowned for its legendary festival with the trumpeting of more than 25 elephants, the compelling percussion of Panchavadya (a ethnic percussion ensemble) playing on the lawn and the thrilling fireworks display, all part of time honored traditions.

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  Pallipuram Church

  Pallipuram church was built by the Portuguese in 1507 and houses an exquisite picture of Ave Mary positioned above the altar that originated in Portugal. Surprisingly the church survived the Dutch slaughter of Catholics and the Dutch even built the chapel and a house for the priest. The annual festival at Pallipuram church which takes place for 15 days is an important part of the cultural life of Cherai.

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  Varaha Temple and Chariot FestivaL

  The Varaha temple was constructed in 1869 and is the only temple in South India where deities, incarnations of the Hindu god Vishnu are installed beside each other and worshipped as a unity. The temple structure is renowned for its wood carving, a silver palanquin, the eastern 'gopuram' and the temple tank that are distinctive. The temple chariot is built entirely of silver and Chinese glass and is a rarity in temples being the only temple chariot in the world that runs on rails. Traditionally the chariot festival takes place twice a year and involves devotees pulling it around the temple accompanied by a percussion ensemble.

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  MARTHOMA PONTIFICAL SHRINE

  This modern shrine honors St.Thomas the Apostle who is believed to have landed in Maliankara in AD.52. The shrine is set in a semi circle with the church in the centre flanked by statues of the saints. In 1953 relics believed to be the bones from the right arm of St.Francis were placed within the shrine. The shrine is opened daily, late in the afternoon, for public viewing. St. Thomas' arrival is celebrated annually with a huge festival on the Sunday following 21st November.

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  Munabam Fishing Harbor

  The Munabam fishingharbor is one of the major fishing harbors in India with more than 1000 fishing boats operating from it. Many types of sea food are exported from here to Europe and other destinations. Fishing is the main source of income in this area providing a livelihood to more than 20,000 local people. Near the harbor you can visit several boat building yards with the best times to visit being early morning and late afternoon.

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  Juma Masjid Munabam

  Although it is not known when this mosque was built, it was reconstructed in 1869. This place of worship makes an interesting excursion for visitors to Cherai.

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  North Paravur

  Paravur is an ancient town that was once a trading post and has a Jewish Synagogue and once held a thriving Jew community before their migration to Israel.

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  British

  The area named 'British' was granted to the Portuguese by the Raja of Cochin. In 1574 they established the Vypin Kota Seminary and a Jesuit Monastery here. In 1579 they started the first printing press in Kerala in the adjoining seminary, but Portuguese missionaries were forced to shift both the printing press and the seminary to Chennamangalam. In 1728 the seminary was converted to a leprosy asylum.

  The British defeated the Dutch in 1795 and entered into treaties with the rulers of Cochin and Travancore, assigning limited power to the local rulers with the British retaining ultimate power. The leprosy asylum, surrounding land and certain buildings were under direct British control and so the area came to be known as 'British'. In 1921 the leprosy asylum was closed and in 1925 the British Little Flower Convent was opened.

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  Chennamangalam
  Jewish Synagogue

  The Jewish Synagogue at Chennamangalam was constructed around the 17th century and is built in the traditional style of Synagogue architecture with a separate entrance for women. The land for it was provided by a prominent family of Paliam, traditionally ministers in the court of the kingdom of Kochi, who owned the village of Chennamangalam during that period.

  The Department of Archeology has scientifically conserved the Synagogue which was otherwise in a dilapidated state. A tomb inscription believed to belong to one of the early members of the Synagogue is found in front of it. Many other tomb inscriptions have been found at the same site on the eastern side of the Synagogue, in a cemetery that is a part of this Synagogue. The Department of Archaeology, in collaboration with Jews living abroad, has arranged a display inside the Synagogue that is worth viewing, titled – ‘The Jewish Synagogues in Kerala’.

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  Cheraman Juma Masjid

  The Cheraman Masjid is said to be the very first mosque in India, built in 629 AD by Malik lbn Dinar. Scholars are of the opinion that an old Buddha temple was gifted to the early Muslims to establish the mosque. It is believed that this mosque was first renovated and reconstructed in the 11th century C.E. and again 300 years ago. The front portion was demolished and extended in 1974 to accommodate the larger congregations that began to gather for prayers. Today, people of all religions come to this mosque and many non-Muslims conduct ‘vidhyarambham’ (the initiation ceremony to the world of letters) of their children here.

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  Kizhthali Siva Temple

  According to ancient historical sources this temple existed during the reign of the Perumals (B.C 113-AD 343.) It was first destroyed by the Portuguese and then the Dutch. Later, Tipu Sulthan of Mysore in the course of his invasion of Kerala destroyed it further, razing most of the temple to the ground, except the ‘garbagriham’, which still stands.

  In the days of its former glory, the temple boasted of a ‘Koothu Parambu’, a ‘Kalari Parambu’ and a ‘Kalapura Parambu’(spaces for the performance and demonstrations of art forms). Presently, it is maintained by the Department of Archaeology, while the religious functions are carried out by a private trust.

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  Kodungalloor Bhagavathi Temple

  The temple is located about 1.5 km southeast of the bus stand. It is assumed that an idol of ‘Kannaki’, a deity of the temple was installed about 1800 years ago by Cheran Chenkuttuvan of the Chera dynasty. The presiding deity of the temple is ‘Bhadrakali’ (Goddess Kali). On the eastern side of the main shrine there is a secret chamber from which a door opens to the shrine.

  The most famous festival of the Kurumbakavu temple is the Bharani festival which starts on the Bharani asterism, as per the month of Meenam (March-April) of the Malayalam calendar. The animal sacrifices that once were part of the festival in this temple are now banned, but the pilgrims still drink liquor and sing lewd songs, all the way on the pilgrimage from their villages to the shrine, as part of the rituals.

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  Kottakavu Church

  The Kottakavu church is said to be one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas during 52 AD. It is also known as ‘Valiyapally’(big church), indicating that it was a mother church. In the 19th century, due to the lack of space in the old church for conducting Holy Mass and community functions, the new church was built. The parishioners have preserved the old church situated behind the new one, an elephantine wall, called ‘Anamathil’ and on to the west a pond where the Apostle is believed to have baptized the devotees

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  Kottappuram Fort

  Kottappuram Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1523 was referred to popularly as Cranganore Fort, today, known as Kodungallur Fort. It was captured and destroyed by the Dutch in 1663. The fort had a strategic importance, situated at the mouth of the river Periyar and controlling access to the ships and boats that passed to and from the interior of Malabar. A town developed around this fort. A church and many traditional houses in the nearby area, built by the Europeans still remain today. Kottappuram Fort played a significant role in many wars between the Zamorin and the rulers of Kochi. In 1662 a Dutch fleet made an attempt to capture it from the Portuguese, but that invasion was successful only in 1663. A fierce battle ensued and the fort was severely damaged. After taking over the fort the Dutch used it as an outhouse to guard their trade ships.

  When the interest of the rulers of Mysore turned towards Malabar, the Mysore king Haider Ali negotiated with the Dutch for the purchase of the Kottappuram Fort and the one at Pallippuram. During Tipu Sultan’s possession of the Malabar Coast, the Travancore rulers felt it was imperative for them to possess these forts, to safeguard their kingdom against invasion by the Mysore rulers. The then Travancore King, Ramavarma Dharmaraja (1758-1798), purchased these two forts on 31 July 1789. The agreement was executed in 1909, by Raja Kesava Dasa, the Dewan of Travancore and John Gerard Van Angelbeck, the Dutch Governor.

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  Paliam Palace, Paliath Achans

  The Paliam Palace was the residence of the Paliath Achans, who were traditionally the prime ministers to the former Maharajas of the State of Kochi. During the 16th century, when the security of the king was under threat by the Portuguese, the then Paliath Achan ensured the safety of the Raja by escorting him to Chendamangalam where he lived incognito. The Dutch in appreciation of the Paliath Achan's services renovated this building in Chendamangalam and presented it to him.

  With minimal ornamentation, the building it reflects the Dutch influence in the architecture, elaborately carved wooden staircases and balustrades and thick walls with splayed openings. An air vent runs along the private area of the building, insulating the interior, facilitating movement of air movement, making it cooler compared to the periphery. In earlier times, women were not allowed inside. Only the elder members of the family could stay there. The Paliath Achans used to address the people of Chendamangalam from a podium built on top of the gateway of the palace.

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  MARTHOMA CHURCH

  The Marthoma Church is located on the bank of River Periyar. A holy relic of St. Thomas the Apostle of Jesus is enshrined here for public worship. The sannidhi is opened to the pilgrims every day on request, so that they can pay their tribute and worship at close quarters.

  Azhikode derived its name from azhimugham, meaning an opening to the sea, since it is here that the Periyar joins with the Arabian Sea. Boating facilities for pilgrims are available at a moderate rate at the Marthoma Gate on the river. Other facilities for pilgrims here include a light and sound show, dining hall, mini auditorium, daily stalls for mementos, research books, and scenery posters.

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  Paliam Nalukettu

  No longer occupied, this classical structure in the ‘Nallukettu’ style of architecture was built by an elder member of the family in the year 1786, for the women and minor boys of Paliam. It has a big courtyard at the centre with rooms and a ‘Purathalam’ (a common space for recreational activities, where the members gathered to chat.) surrounding it. There used to be a common dining hall and a common kitchen where all the members lived and dined together, under the protection of ‘Valiachan’ (the most elderly person in the family).

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  Pallippuram Fort

  Pallippuram Fort known as 'Ayakkotta' or 'Alikkotta' ('kotta' in Malayalam means fort) was constructed by the Portuguese in 1507. In many books, this fort is referred to as an octagonal structure, although it is a hexagon. The relics of this fort are now a bastion of three stories in height where, inside the fort, the floor is raised to 5 feet from the ground. Beneath the floor a small cellar opens on to a passage, which runs obliquely from north to south. The Portuguese used the Pallippuram Fort as a base to check the ships that sailed the Periyar and the cellar was used for storing gunpowder. A church, a hospital and living quarters have been found near this fort.

  This fort was besieged by the Dutch in 1662 and though the Portuguese defended it, they were ultimately defeated, after which the Dutch occupied the fort. The strategic location of the Pallipuram Fort caught the attention of the Mysore rulers, who tried to purchase it from the Dutch. But the English East India Company intervened and terminated that proposal. In 1789, the ruler of Travancore in a strategic move purchased the Pallippuram and Kottappuram forts. After the decline of the Mysore rulers, the English East India Company took possession of the whole Malabar area. Gradually the fort lost its importance and was abandoned by the military. In 1964, it was declared a protected monument, under the Department of Archaeology.

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  Pattanam Excavation Site

  The Pattanam excavations were the first ever multi-disciplinary excavations undertaken in Kerala. The first part of the project was a surface survey for archaeological and historical evidence in the region. This was followed by extensive excavations at the early historic urban site of Pattanam. The main objective of the excavation was to search for archaeological evidence that would help to locate/identify an early historic urban settlement and the ancient Indo-Roman port of Muziris or Musiri on the Malabar Coast.

  The site at Pattanam covers approximately 1.5 sq. km and the core area measures about 600 x 400 m. Many important findings were obtained like human bones, storage jars, a gold ornament, glass beads, stone beads, utilitarian objects made of stone, copper and iron, typical pottery, early Chera coins, brick walls, a brick platform, a ring well, a wharf with bollards, and a six meter long wooden canoe. The structures indicate a vast ‘urban’ settlement. The excavations also suggest that the site was first occupied by indigenous "Megalithic" (Iron Age) people, followed by the Roman contact in the Early Historic Period. It appears that the site was continuously occupied at least from the 2nd century BC to the 10th century AD. The maritime contacts of this region during the Early Historic Period seem to have been extensive as evidenced by the large number of Roman amphora shreds, a few Terra Sigillata shreds, Sassanian, Yemenite and other West Asian potteries. Proliferation of roulette ware probably made in the Bengal-Gangetic region signifies the site's importance in the pan Indian context as well.

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  Paravur Market

  Paravur market was a very important centre of commerce at one point in history and is situated beside the backwaters. Trade flourished with produce being transported in ‘Vanchis’, traditional barges that plied the river. Some of the old shops have been retained along with their rolling shutters. The market is still a thriving commercial centre in the area.

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  Jew Street

  The Jews who came here in search of land settled in this area. They flourished in business and established their community here. The entrance to Jews Street, from the main road to Paravur is bordered on either side by two ancient pillars. One of the pillars has fallen and is in a damaged state. There are still a few examples of old Jewish houses along the street.

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  Thiruvanchikulam
  Mahadeva Temple

  The western entrance to the temple is on the Kodungallur- Ernakulam highway. This temple is said to be more than 2,000 years old and is remarkable for its numerous of representations of Shiva. There is a ‘Namaskara Mandapam’ with 16 pillars, which is in front of the Shrikovil. The temple festival ‘Utsavam’ is held in the Malayalam month of Kum­bham (Feb-Mar) during which the festival of Shivratri is celebrated in a grand manner. ‘Aanayottam’(a spectacular elephant race) is conducted as part of the festival. Devotees attend the prayers held just before the temple closes in the evening on full moon nights, to pray for a happy married life and to be blessed with children.

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  Vypeekotta Seminary

  The remains of the Vypeekotta Seminary built by the Portuguese are preserved as a historic monument and site. This seminary was established to teach the priests of Malabar, the ceremonies and language to be used in Roman Catholic Churches founded here by the Portuguese.

  There were many buildings on the premises that were destroyed during the wars in later years after the seminary was established. There is a church still functioning in the compound, probably built during the same period and renovated later. Many stone inscriptions were found in the church compound during explorations conducted here in 1935. The inscriptions are fixed on a half wall in front of the church. The remains of the Seminary were declared as a protected monument in 1935

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  Paravur Jewish Synagogue

  The building is located in the former Jewish Street of the Paravur region serving as the place of worship for the Jewish community that settled very close to the Paravur Market. The complex comprises of two buildings – a section in the double storied entrance and the main synagogue separated by an open space. The section at the entrance called the ‘Padipura’ features two rooms on either side which were used for storage on the ground floor and Hebrew classes were conducted in the floor above. Beyond this is a small courtyard which leads to the main entry to the synagogue.

  The synagogue is attractive; with a pillared entry passage that leads from the two rooms at the main entrance to the prayer hall consisting of two rooms; a rectangular room generally used for meetings and the larger prayer room with the Bimah and the Ark. There is a balcony above the eastern entry, on the first floor, which was used by the reader on certain special occasions. The ceiling and the brackets supporting the balcony are decorated with gilded carved wooden rosettes, typical of most synagogues. Behind this balcony is the women's gallery, which can be approached by a staircase situated near the entry to the synagogue. The original Bimah and Ark were taken to Israel in 1992 and replicas of the original have been installed in their place.