Kalarippayatt

Kalarippayatt is a martial art originating and practiced in Kerala. It incorporates strikes, kicks, grappling, martial dance and weaponry as well as healing techniques. Regional variances of the Kalarippayattu are classified into Northern, Southern and Central styles.

The term Kalarippayatt is formed from the words “kalari” meaning school or gymnasium and payattu meaning to fight or to exercise.

Kalarippayatt may be one of the oldest martial arts in existence. Masters of Kalarippayattu are known as “Asaan or Gurukkal.

Northern Kalarippayatt (practiced mainly in the northern Malabar region of Kozhikode and Kannur) places comparatively more emphasis on weapons than on empty hands. Northern Kalarippayatt is distinguished by its meippayattu (physical training and use of full-body oil massage) to increase the practitioner’s flexibility and to treat muscle injuries incurred during practice. The term for such massages is thirummal and the massage specifically for physical flexibility chavutti thirummal (massage using feet pressure over the entire body).

In southern styles of Kalarippayatt (practiced mainly in old Travancore including the present Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu), practice and fighting techniques emphasize empty hands and applications.

The central style (practiced mainly in Thrissur, Malappuram, Palakkad and certain parts of Ernakulam districts is a composite from both the northern and southern styles that includes northern meippayattu preliminary exercises, southern emphasis on empty-hand techniques and its own distinctive techniques.

Weapons used in Kalarippayatt are Long Staff, Medium Stick, Long Stick, Flexible Sword, Short Stick, Curved Stick, Club or

Mace, Knife or Dagger, Machete or Kukri, Short Sword, Long Sword, Round Shield Spear etc.

It is claimed that learned persons can disable or kill their opponents by a mere touch in a Marmam (vulnerable parts of the human body). Marmam is taught only to the promising and levelheaded persons to forbid misuse of the technique.

Influence of kalarippayatt can be seen in major classical art forms of Kerala, mainly Kathakali.

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Koothu

Chakyar Koothu is a performing art form of Kerala. It is a solo narrative performance interspersed with mime and comic interludes. However, unlike the stand-up comic, the performer has a wider leeway in that he can heckle the audience. This highly refined art form narrating stories from Hindu epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas ( belonging to ancient times), combined with prevailing socio-political events, were originally performed in temples by members of Chakyar community along with Ambalavasi Nambiars. Chakyar narrates the story based on Sanskrit “champu prabandha” – mixture of prose and poetry. The medium used is refined Malayalam along with the original Sanskrit text.

In Chakyar koothu, facial expressions are important rather than choreography. Traditionally it was performed in Koothambalam, a place specially designed to perform Kutiyattam and Chakyar Koothu, inside a Hindu temple. The performer begins with a prayer to the deity of the temple. He then goes on to narrate a verse in Sanskrit before explaining it in Malayalam. The narration that follows touches upon social factors and various current events with great wit and humor.

A mizhav (A big percussion instrument made of copper) and a pair of cymbals are the only instruments accompany the performance.

Chakyar Koothu was performed only in Koothambalams of Hindu temples. Natyacharya Vidushakaratnam Padma Shri Guru Maani Madhava Chakyar a visionary and virtuoso of this art took Koothu and Koodiyattam outside the temples to the common people. He is considered as the greatest Chakyar Koothu and Kutiyattam artist of modern times.

He performed Chakyar Koothu for All India Radio and Doordarshan for the first time, which popularized this traditional art form among the common man.

Nangyar Koothu is a traditional art form performed by the women of the Ambalavasi Nambiar community of Kerala, known as Nangyaramma. Nangiarkoothu, an offshoot of Kutiyattam, is a solo performance with an antiquity of 1500 years. Nangiar koothu is the sole domain of female artistes.

The stories for the performance are taken from the text Sree Krishna Charitam, depicting the life of Hindu God Krishna. During the performance the actress presents the long-winded stories of Lord Krishna through facial expressions, hand gestures and body movements with the accompaniment of holy drum Mizhavu.

Koodiyattam or Kutiyattam

Koodiyattam, a Traditional art form of Kerala, performed in the Sanskrit language in Hindu temples, it is believed to be at 2000 years old. It is officially recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

The meaning of Koodiyattam is combined acting, a combined performance of Chakyar (a community in Kerala) and Nangyar (the women of Ambalavasi Nambiar Caste). The main actor is a Chakyar who performs the ritualistic Koothu and Kutiyattam inside the temple or in the Koothambalam. The female roles are played by Nangyar.

Traditionally the main musical instruments used in Koodiyattam are Mizhavu, Kuzhitalam, Etakka, Kurumkuzhal and Sankhu.Mizhavu, the most prominent of these is a percussion instrument which is played by a person of the Ambalavas Nambiar caste accompanied by Nangyaramma playing the kuzhithalam (a type of cymbal).

In 1955 Guru Maani Madhava Chakyar performed Koodiyattam outside the temple for the first time. For performing the art forms outside the temples he faced lot of problems from the Chakyar community.

The performance of the maestro Maani Maadhava Chakyar made great impact on the people and art critics so that Koodiyattam and Mani Madhava Chakyar became famous outside Kerala also. He performed Koodiyattam all over India and popularized the traditional art form.

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Theyyam

The Theyyam or Theyyattam is a popular ritual art form of north Kerala particularly presented in the Kannur and Kasargod districts. As a living cult with centuries old traditions, ritual and custom, it embraces all castes and classes of Hindu religion. The term Theyyam is a corrupt form of Daivam (God). It is a rare combination of dance and music and reflects important features of a tribal culture. People here consider Theyyam as a God and they seek blessings from Theyyam.

The Theyyam dance is generally performed in front of the village shrines. It is also performed in the houses as ancestor worship.

Theyyam performs with elaborate make-up and costumes. There are different patterns of face painting for different types of theyyams. All dancers take a shield and sword in their hands.

Theyyam Dancer performs different steps repeated systematically, circumambulates the shrine and runs in the courtyard dances. Theyyam is accompanied by folk musical instruments like chenda, tudi, kuzhal and veekni are played with rhythm and recitation of the ritual songs describes the myths and legends of the particular diety.

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Bekal

Bekal is a tourist place located on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Kasargod district of Kerala. Extremely scenic landscape, extensive beaches and backwaters and unspoilt environment qualified Bekkal as a potential site for an International standard beach destination.

Kasaragod, the northern end of Kerala, is a magical land of forts, rivers, beaches, backwaters, lush green forests, hills and plantations.

The important tourist attractions here are the magnificent 300 year old Bekal Fort and the Bekal beach surrounding the fort.

Bekal fort is the largest and best preserved fort in Kerala. The Fort is built by the Jeheri Nayak dynasty and completed during the period of Sivappa Nayak. Bekal subsequently fell into the hands of the Mysore Sultans. The Tipu Sulthan who died fighting against the British and subsequently the Bekal fort came under the British East India Company.

There is an Observation tower more than 30 ft. high, where a few centuries ago huge cannons used to be placed, offers a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea and the green landscape.

There is an old mosque nearby said to have been built by the Tipu Sultan of Mysore.

In 1992, the Government of India declared Bekal as a Special Tourism Area. Bekal Resorts Development Corporation Ltd (BRDC) was formed in 1995 with the Chief Secretary to Government of Kerala as Chairman, senior Government officials as Directors and Managing Director to develop Bekal as an international standard Beach Tourist Destination. BRDC focuses on planned, environment-friendly and ecologically viable methods of development. Comprehensive infrastructure development at the Bekal Project site includes water supply scheme, roads, street lighting, sanitation, solid waste disposal systems, public amenities, communication systems and basic tourist facilities.

Bekal is a favourite shooting location for the film makers.

Nearest railway station is at Kasaragod, about 16 km away. Nearest airport is at Mangalore, about 50 km away and Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode is about 200 km away.

Important tourist places near to Bekal

• Wayanad
• Kozhikode
• Malampuzha
• Nelliyampathy

Alappuzha

Alappuzha ( Alleppey ), known as Venice of the East is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala. Alapuzha is beautiful place with the unending stretch of paddy fields, canals, small streams and with lush green coconut palms.

Alappuzha is the hub for backwater tourism in Kerala. “Kettuvallam” (Traditional House boats of Kerala) are available on hire to take visitors on the waterways of Vembanad Lake, the largest Lake in Kerala. Alappuzha is strongly connected by the waterways to various other parts of Kerala, including the famous tourist destination, Kumarakom.

Kuttanad in Alappuzha District is known as the rice bowl of Kerala.

Pathiramanal is a little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundred of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. This beautiful island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom is accessable only by boat.

Alappuzha Beach is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Vijaya Beach Park adds to the attractions of the beach. The Alappuzha Lighthouse here built in 1862 is a major tourist attraction.

Snake boat races involve long thin boats powered by up to 120 oarsmen are the most significant traditional event in Alappuzha. Snake boat races are usually held between August and October. Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in Punnamada Lake is the most famous snake boat race.

Video of Nehru Trophy Boat Race…

Alappuzha is a centre for coir industries.

Alappuzha is the only district in Kerala without forest.

Nearest railway station is at Alapuzha and Nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport.

Important tourist places near to Alappuzha

• Kumarakom Backwaters

• Munnar

• Thekkady

• Mattupetty

• Kovalam Beach

• Athirappilly and Vazhachal water falls

• Nelliyampathy

• Kochi City

• Thiruvananthapuram

Kozhikode ( Calicut )

Kozhikode also known as Calicut is the third largest city in Kerala and the headquarters of Kozhikode district.

In 1498 Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed at Kappad, about 25 km away from Calicut city. Discovery of the sea route from Europe to India gave the Portuguese a significant advantage in the control of international trade that lasted for almost a century and changed the political scenario of India ultimately ending with its colonization by the British.

Kozhikode was an independent kingdom in 14th century, whose ruler was Samoothirippadu ( anglicised as Zamorin). Thus Calicut came to be called the City of Zamorins.

There are many numbers of rivers and lakes in the district. Kallayi Puzha, Chaliyar puzha, Korapuzha, Poonoor puzha, and Iravanjhi puzha are some amongst them.

Kozhikode is the most important coastal city of the north region of state of Kerala.
Kozhikode is the birth place of one of the top Malayalam dailies “Mathrubhumi“.

Kozhikode is home to two premier educational institutions in India; the IIMK, one of the seven Indian Institutes of Management and the only National Institute of Technology in Kerala, the NITC.

Places of interest

Kozhikode Beach

The beauty and serenity of Kozhikode beach is not yet developed as a tourist center. Still people from all around gather here to enjoy the sunset and it is a popular leisure option for local people. Two sea piers almost 125 years old extending well inside the sea are a specialty. Lion’s club and children’s park make the evenings pleasant for visiting families.

Kappad Beach

Vasco Da Gama landed in Kappad Beach on 27th May 1498 with three vessels and 170 men. This beach of historical importance is 16 km north of Kozhikode. A monument is here to memorialize the historical landing of Vasco Da Gama. An ancient temple on a hill facing the sea is an added attraction.

Beypore

Beypore is a port city situated 10 km south of Kozhikode at the mouth of Chaliyar River. Beypore is famous for its ancient shipbuilding industry, which constructed Uru, the traditional trading vessels. The place was formerly known as Vaypura and Vadaparappanad. Tippu Sultan named the town “Sultan Pattanam”. It is one of the important ports of Kerala and naturally an important trading centre. It is the major fishing harbour of Kerala. There are two man-made extensions to the sea to facilitate easy access for fishing boats. This is an ideal place for an outing

Vadakara

This ancient place is now the headquarters of the taluk as well as the municipality of that name. There is a ruined fort in the town. Vadakara was the scene of many exploits of ‘Thacholi Othenan’, the hero of the ballads of north Malabar (Vadakkan Pattukal). Five km South-East of Vadakara is the Lokanarkavu (Temple) which has three rock-cut caves in its vicinity. Annual ceremonies are conducted in memory of Thacholi Othenan, whose birth place is Manikkoth near Meppayil.

Mananchira Square

Mananchira Maithan, in the heart of the city is the sublimation of the concept of a planned modern city. The historic maithan, adjacent to Manachira has been converted into an arcadia with beautiful trees and plants, artificial hill, shrubs, sculpture, an open air theatre and above all a musical fountain. Locals and tourists seekings leisure and relief from the mad rush outside find shelter here. Mananchira Maithan is managed by the Corporation of Kozhikode.

Art Gallery and Krishna Menon Museum

It is situated adjacent to the Pazhassi Raja Museum, the art gallery houses paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and other collections. The museum has a section dedicated to V.K. Krishna Menon exhibiting the personal belonging of the late leader.

Kallai

Kallai was known as one of the world’s best timber trading centre. Even now it is the best place for timber trade in Malabar.


Kozhikode Backwaters

The unexplored and unspoiled backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is a popular watersport destination.

Kadalundi

The bird sanctuary at kadalundi is a haven for migratory birds. The migratory birds from all over the world gather here during the season which starts from November.


Tourist Places near to Kozhikode

• Wayanad
• Bekal

• Malampuzha

• Nelliyampathy

• Athirappilly and Vazhachal water falls

Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram (formerly known as Trivandrum), the largest and most populous City in Kerala, is the capital of Kerala State. Thiruvananthapuram District is situated at the southern most end of Kerala, sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats.

The name Thiruvananthapuram is derived from the Sacred Snake God “Anantha”, on whom Lord Vishnu (Hindu God) reclines. The temple of Vishnu rests on Anantha; Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple located at the central part of Thiruvananthapuram remains the iconic landmark of the City.

The economy of the city is mainly focused on Information Technology and Tourism. As the Capital City of Kerala, there are many Government offices, organisations and companies in Thiruvanathapuram. The state legislative assembly and Secretariat are located here.

Establishment of Technopark in 1995, India’s first technology park and among the three largest IT parks in India today was the major mile stone in the city’s recent history. Technopark hosts over 120 IT and ITES companies, employing over 15,000 IT Professionals.

The city comes to life during the Onam festival season in August or September and during the tourist season later in the year. Kerala government conducts the tourism week celebrations every year during Onam with cultural events taking place at various places in the city.

Thiruvananthapuram is the place where the highest number of foreign tourists visiting in Kerala.

There are more than fifty recognised Ayurveda centres in and around the city. This is mainly due to Ayurveda’s immense popularity in the Western countries.

The Napier Museum is an art and natural history museum situated in Thiruvananthapuram. It also contains the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which contains works from Raja Ravi Varma, one of the greatest painters in the history of Indian art, as well as examples of Mughal and Thanjavur art.

Maharaja Swathi Thirunal (King of Old Travancore) was a great composer and played a vital role in the development of Carnatic music. There is a music college in his name in the city.

The proposed Mega Deep Water Container Trans-shipment Port at Vizhinjam is just 1 km away from the City limits. After the completion of the Project a massive development in the commercial activities of Thiruvananthapuram is expected. Specialty of Vizhinjam port is its proximity to the international shipping route and East-West shipping and the Thiruvananthapuram City and International Airport are closer to the port.

Thiruvananthapuram is well connected with all parts of India by road. Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station is located at Thampanoor in the central part of the city.

International Airport is 4 km away from the city.

Consulate of Maldives is at Thiruvananthapuram.

Tourist Places in Thiruvananthapuram

Kovalam

Kovalam Beach, 12kms away from Thiruvananthapuram is one of the finest beaches in India and one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala, attracting millions of tourists. Read more about Kovalam..

Shree Padmanabhaswamy temple

Shree Padhmanabhaswamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is at the central part of the city. The temple has a large complex with a huge gopuram (a monumental tower). This temple attracts devotees and tourists.

Vizhinjam

About 2kms south of Kovalam, it is believed to be an ancient port. The Dutch and Portugese had commercial establishments here. Now Vizhinjam is a fishing harbour. There is a light house in the beach. Old Vizhinjam Church built by the Portuguese near to the sea shore is still functional.

Shangumugham Beach

A clean beach away from the crowd of the city is very near to Thiruvananthapuram international airport. The sculpture of Jalakanyaka (Mermaid) by Kanayi Kunhiraman and the stone pavalion made of stone pillars are an added attraction.

Ponmudi

Ponmudi is a beautiful hill station at an elevation of 912m above sea level, located at 61 km away from Thiruvananthapuram City. Ponmudi is fast developing as a hill resort.

Veli lagoon

Veli is developed as a major tourist spot in Thiruvananthapuram. The boat club and tourist village attracts tourists by providing facilities like pedal boating, row boating and swimming on the placid waters of the Veli Lake.

Akkulam

Akkulam is one of the beautiful picnic spots in Trivandrum city on the banks of Akulam Lake, which is an extension of the Veli Lake. The Boat Club here operates speed, safari, pedal and row boats from Akkulam to Veli Tourist Village. A traditional style Kettuvallom (Houseboat) is also available here. The Children’s Park here is a unique amusement spot.

Peppara

Peppara or Peypara on the Western Ghats is 50 km from the city on the way to Ponmudi. The sanctuary there is emerging as a big attraction to wild life enthusiasts. Elephants, leopards, sambars, lion-tailed macaques and cormorants are commonly seen here.

Neyyar Dam

Neyyar Dam across the Neyyar River located 29 km away from the City. The catchment area offers facilities for boating and mountaineering. A three hour climb over the hills across the reservoir affords the thrill of hiking. Meenmutti and Kombaikani Waterfalls are on the way. A Lion Safari Park and a Crocodile Rearing Centre have also been set up in the reservoir.

Anchuthengu

Anchuthengu Situated 40 km north of Trivandrum city is a place of historic
importance. The first settlement of the English East India Company was here. The remains of the old English Fort can be seen here even today. There is an ancient christian church in Mampally built by St. Francis Xavier in 15th century.

Napier Museum and Zoo

The Napier Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Shri Chitra Art Gallery, the Reptile House, Garden and Park are all within the Zoo complex. There is a lake and a boat club operated by the Department of Museums and Zoos and the District Tourism Promotion Council.

Tourist Places Nearer to Thiruvananthapuram

• Kanyakumari

• Thekkady

• Munnar

• Mattupetty

• Kumarakom Backwaters

Major Organizations in Thiruvananthapuram

• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
  Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Lead centre for rocket and launch vehicle

• Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)

• Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)

• Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station

• Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
  Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is the largest city corporation in the state of Kerala.

• Official website of University of Kerala, India
  Official website of the Kerala University. Kerala University, formerly known as The University of Travancore.

• Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC)

• Milma
  Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF)

• Keltron
  KELTRON is one of the few companies in India which manufactures a wide range of electronic products starting from discrete components to sub assemblies…

• Travancore Titanium Products Ltd

• Hindustan Latex Ltd, India
  Producers of health care products like contraceptives, IUDs and blood bags.

• Chithranjali Film Complex

• Kerala Industrial infrastructure Development Corporation ( KINFRA )

• Kinfra Apparel Park

• Kinfra Film and Video Park

• Kerala High-tech Industries (KELTECH)

• Kerala Automobiles

• English Indian Clays Ltd

Kochi City

Kochi (Formerly Cochin) known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, is the top metropolitan city of Kerala in Ernakulam District . Kochi was the place of first European colonial settlement in India.

There is another one city named Kochi in Japan.

A growing centre of information technology, tourism and international trade, Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala and one of the fastest growing cities in India.

Kochi city includes the mainland Ernakulam, old Kochi, Edapally, Kalamassery and Kakkanad to the northeast, Tripunithura to the south east and a group of small islands in Vembanad Lake.

The economy of the city can be classified as a business economy with emphasis on the service sector. Major business sectors include gold and textile retailing, seafood and spices exports, information technology, tourism, health services, banking, shipbuilding and the fishing industry. The economy is mostly dependent on trade and retail activities.

Cochin Stock Exchange is the only Stock exchange in Kerala.

National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) ranked Kochi as the second-most attractive city in India for IT-based services. Availability of cheap bandwidth and the lower operational costs compared to other major cities in India has been its advantage.

Kochi harbor is one of India’s major seaports in India, administered by Cochin Port Trust.

Eloor, situated 17 km north of the city, is the largest industrial area in Kerala.

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor is an international stadium, built in 1996 has a seating capacity to hold 60,000 spectators. It is the fourth largest stadium in India and the third largest cricket stadium in India.

Boat services operated by Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation, the State Water Transport Department and of private operators are available from various boat jetties in the city. Ferry services for vehicles and passengers are available between the islands.

Ernakulam Junction and the Ernakulam Town are the main railway stations in the city.

The Cochin International Airport, the largest international airport in Kerala which is about 25 km away from the city, handles both domestic and international flights.



Tourist places in Kochi

Marine Drive

A promenade built facing the backwaters, is a popular hangout for the natives and tourists. With so many shopping malls, it is also an important centre for shopping in Kochi. The view of sunrise and sunset and the breeze from the Vembanad Lake are quite tranquilizing and attract tourists.

Bolghatty Island and Bolghatty Palace

Bolghatty Palace built in 1744 by the Dutch, is situated on Bolghatty Island which is just a short boat ride away from the City. Now the Palace has been converted into a heritage hotel resort run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). The scenic beauty of Bolghatty island makes it an attractive picnic spot in Kochi. Frequent boat services are available from the mainland.

Kochi Backwaters

The serene backwaters are the northern extension of Vembanad Lake. Houseboat cruising through the backwaters is an amazing experience.

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is home to many important tourist attractions of Kochi.

Fort Kochi beach is one of the famous beaches in Kerala. Fresh seafood is available all over here.

Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi is a popular tourist attraction. These massive Fishing nets are attractive by its size and its construction. It is operated from the shore by a team of up to six men. The way they operates the net is amazing to watch.

It is believed that traders from the China introduced these nets here. In the coast of Fort Kochi and Vypin you can see these fishing nets.

Vasco house

Vasco house is located at Rose Street is believed to be one of the oldest Portuguese houses in India. Vasco da Gama is believed to have lived here.

St. Francis Church

A Church built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India. Vasco da Gama died in Kochi and he was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were returned to Portugal in 1539.

The Santa Cruz Basilica


Santa Cruz Basilica is a church in Fort Kochi built by Portuguese. Later the British demolished the structure and Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira commissioned a new building in 1887 and Consecrated in 1905. Santa Cruz was declared as a Basilica by the Pope John Paul II in 1984. This magnificent Church is a must see destination for tourists.

Jewish Synagogue


The synagogue in Jew town, Mattancherry built in 1568 is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.

Mattanchery Palace

The Mattanchery palace or Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the King veera kerala varma of Kochi.

The palace is built in “Nalukettu” style; the traditional Kerala style of architecture and certain elements of architecture have the European influence.

The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings, portraits and exhibits of the Kings of Kochi. In the courtyard middle of the Nalukettu there is a small temple dedicated to ‘Pazhayannur Bhagavati’, the protective goddess of the Kochi royal family.The palace is located at Mattancherry.

Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach is 30km away from Kochi, in the Cherai village is a part of Vypin Island.This lovely beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Cherai Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kerala.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is located in the central part of the city. It has a wide range of mangrove species and is the nesting ground for a vast variety of migratory birds. Certain species of dolphins are also present in the backwaters of Kochi.

Hill Palace


Hill Palace is located at Tripunithura 16km east of Cochin, built in 19th century by the Raja of Kochi. Now the palace has been converted into a museum. The complex consists of 49 buildings built in the traditional architectural style has an archaeological Museum, a Heritage Museum, a Pre-historic Park, a Deer Park and a Children’s park.

Pallipuram Fort

It is the oldest European fort in India built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is located at Pallipuram on Vypin Island.

Museum of Kerala History

The history and culture of Kerala in the last two thousand years have been represented here in Light and Sound Tableaus. The gallery in this museum consists of paintings, sculptures and mural paintings depicting Kerala history.

Willingdon Island

A manmade island created while deepening the backwaters for the Cochin Port, named after Lord Willingdon (a former British Viceroy). Southern Naval Command, Naval air station, Cochin Harbour, Port Trust head quarters and a few best Hotels of Kochi are situated at Willingdon Island.


Veega Land

Veega Land is one of the largest water theme parks in Kerala, situated 14 km away from Kochi.

Other important tourist places near to Kochi

• Kumarakom Backwaters
• Athirappilly and Vazhachal water falls
• Munnar
• Thekkady
• Kovalam Beach
• Mattupetty
• Nelliyampathy
• Malampuzha

Important Organisations and Links

Official website of Corporation of Cochin

Official Website of Kochi City Police

Official site of the Greater Cochin Development Authority

Kerala State Legal Services Authority

Infopark – IT Park being developed by the Government of Kerala.

Cochin Special Economic Zone – A Special Economic Zone is a foreign territory within India with special rules for facilitating foreign direct investment, run directly by the Government of India.

Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) – A government agency that undertakes development of industrial estates.

Cochin Shipyard – is the largest ship building facility in India.

The Spices Board of India headquarters at Kochi.

Kochi Refineries (BPCL)

Coconut Development Board headquarters at Kochi.

Coir Board headquarters at Kochi.

Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) headquarters at Kochi.


Major Educational Institutions

Cochin University

Mahatma Gandhi University

Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training

National University of Advanced Legal Studies

Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

National Institute of Oceanography

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham