Cochin Excursion : Places nearby Cochin - Kerala

Places to visit nearby destination - Cochin

Chennamanagalam

An important centre of handloom weaving and coir manufacturing, Chennamangalam was one of the chief centres of the Jewish Colony and the seat of Paliath Achan, the hereditary prime minister of the erstwhile state of Cochin from 1632 to 1809. The famous Vaipinkotta Seminary, built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, used to stand in the vicinity of the Jewish Colony. An old Syrian Catholic Church established in 1201 now stands near the ruins of the seminary.

Cherai Beach

Situated at about 21 km from the city and bordering Vypeen Island, the beautiful Cherai Beach is an ideal place for swimming. One can occasionally see dolphins here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction here.

Kalady

Located 45 km from Cochin on the banks of river Periyar is Kalady, the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya. Shankaracharya was a great Indian philosopher who lived in the 8th century AD. Kalady has two shrines made in memory of Shankaracharya: one dedicated to him as Dakshina Moorthi and the other to Goddess Sharada.

Kanjiramattom Mosque

Thirty kilometres from Cochin at Kanjiramattom lies a mosque believed to have been erected over the mortal remains of Sheikh Parid. The great Muslim saint, Bavar is supposed to have prayed here and attained eternal bliss. Thousands of devotees throng this place during the Kodikuthu festival which takes place in December-January.

Pallipuram Fort

Situated in the northern extremity of the Vypeen Island and built by the Portuguese in 1503, Pallippuram fort is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The fort was captured by the Dutch in 1661 and subsequently sold by them to the State of Travancore in 1789. The Catholic Church at Pallipuram is an important pilgrim centre of the Christians.

Trichur

Located in the central part of the state, Trichur is also referred to as the cultural capital of Kerala. The city and the area around it have a number of museums, art schools, and institutes, which are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural traditions of Kerala. One of the most important landmarks of this city is the Vadakkunathan Temple, located on a raised hillock in the centre of the city. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an important pilgrim centre in Kerala.