The Other Side Of Kerala Tourism

Kerala is indeed a bountiful land stuffed with incredible provisions. From relishing backwaters, beaches and rolling tea plantations to cultural vibrance, it stands out as one of the best places to visit in India. Hence, It is dignified as ‘God’s Own Country’. Take the other side of Kerala tourism apart from the most popular cities or towns, and explore a bit of the local side. 

Kerala Tourism Pilgrimage Sites

Cochin Jewish Synagogue

The Cochin Jewish Synagogue (Jewish house of worship) or the Mattancherry Synagogue, Paradesi Synagogue is one of the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. The synagogue was constructed in 1567 and is located right next to the Mattancherry Palace. It was built by Spanish- speaking Jews who named it pardesi. The interiors of the Synagogue are laden with various beautiful chandeliers, antiques, and clock towers. More splendid, the Chinese hand-painted tiles makes the holy place strikingly beautiful to visit.

Mangaladevi Temple 

Champakulam Kalloorkadu Marth Maryam Basilic or the St. Mary Forane Church

The Champakulam Kalloorkadu Marth Maryam Basilic or the St. Mary Forane Church is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. The Church was built in 427 AD. It is one of the oldest Syrian Catholic churches in India. The structure resembles the Syrian and Portuguese architecture, rock inscriptions, and artefacts showcasing the Portugal influence that spread during that era.  The locals believe that the church was the reason for agreement between the Catholics and Jacobian Syrians centuries ago. Hence, it is considerably a rich heritage of Christianity in India and not one tyyo miss in Kerala Tourism.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most popular temples in South India. The temple worships Lord Padmanabha who is a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is in the Bhagwat Gita, which is at least 5000 years old as told. The temples ask visitors to follow a specific dress code. Many mysteries and incredible discoveries have led this temple to gain a lot of limelight from the media and people too.

Kerala Tourism Heritage Walk 

The Mattancherry Palace 

The Mattancherry Palace or the Dutch palace is one of the most primitive historical landmarks of Kochi. Built around 1545 and hence, largely faces a Portuguese influence in it. The purpose behind the Portuguese people constructing the Mattancherry Palace was to offer it as a gift to the King Veera Kerala Verma of the Kochi dynasty. It received the name ‘Dutch palace’ only when the dutchmen repaired it with their own hands. Currently, it is the home of the royal family, Pazhayannur Bhagavathy (the Deity of Pazhayannur). Paintings of Ramayana, Mahabharata, Lord Krishna, works of Kalidasa, the portraits of Kings of Cochin since 1864 adorn the palace. And sheathed swords, daggers, axes, royal caps and coins issued under the reign of Kings of Cochin since 1864 too.

Krishnapuram Palace

The Krishnapuram Palace and museum is located at a distance of 47 km from Alappuzha. The structure have narrow corridors, dorm windows, gabled roofs, paintings, and murals. The major attraction of the palace is Gajendra Moksha the biggest mural paintings only found in Kerala. The mural painting spreads on a large area of 53 square feet. It holds a rich historical value for the locals of the state. The double-edged sword Kayamkulam Vaal can also be found inside the Krishnapuram Palace.

Halcyon Castle

Halcyon Castle or the Kovalam palace was built in 1932. It was to serve as a summer retreat spot for the family of Maharani Sethu Lekshmi Bai. It display a traditional Kerala-style architecture. However, the Halcyon palace was converted into a luxurious hotel in 1964 and then later sold to a private resort group. Visit here to learn about the royalties and the colonial rule as part of exploring the ricjh kerala tourism.

Kanakakunnu Palace

The Kanakakunnu Palace is India’s first digital garden. Akhilesh S. V. Nair and A. Gangaprasad founded the University of Kerala. The palace is host to various cultural meets and programs. Every year the Department of Tourism organizes the All India Dance Festival.  

Other Attractions

Willingdon Island

Willingdon Island in Kochi is one of the largest man-made islands in India. It got its name after Lord Willingdon, the British Viceroy of India. The island is located between Ernakulum Jetty and Kochi Port and the ferry costs around 6 rupees only.

Poovar Island

Poovar Island is just 30 km away from Trivandrum and is one of the most pristine locations in Kerala. The island is also famous as a fishing village. The waters of the Arabian Sea and the Neyyar River surrounds this place which makes it a beautiful sight to witness. The island is also famous for its rich diversity. But, sadly you cannot take a dip here as the water is not suitable for swimming. Hence, taking a walk while admiring the surrounding trees, waters and sand is also a great experience.

The Chinese Fishing Nets 

The Chinese Fishing Nets are the most popular attraction spots in Kochi. For a long time, these fishing nets have been the way through which people have recognised the city in magazines or posters. The Chinese fishing nets are large fishing nets. The bamboo and teak poles supports these huge nets. Meanwhile, the stones tied onto the ropes help the net to let down into the sea and through a mechanism. These nets are left in the sea for a long time and are pulled back only when a significant amount of fish are caught. Visit here to experience the wonderful sunlight and the fishermen of Koch involved in their daily routine practices.

Toddy shop

The Toddy shop is famous for offering various kinds of mildly alcoholic beverages. These drinks are extracted from the fermented sap of Coconut palm trees. Kerala men climb tall trees to extract sap from the cut flowers which require great skills to gather. After keeping for a day or two, the sap will form toddy due to fermentation. Toddy is served with delicious Kerala cuisine, hence enhancing the entire experience.

Munnar Tea Plantation

Tea has played an essential role in the development of Munnar. It is gone through years of vast development and growth regarding the way the teas plantations are grown and nurtured on top of the valleys of Munnar. Just some years ago, Tata Tea decided to dedicate an entire museum. The tea museum depicts the history of tea estates. The museum takes visitors on a significant journey that showcases the years when people used the rudimentary tea roller and then moved forward with the advanced fully automated tea factory. Tea lovers are going to fall in love with this place as it shows you the way the tea was made in the yesteryears and how it’s made today. A demonstration room in the museum has been dedicated especially for tea tasting too.

Also Read:- THE HILL STATION OF SOUTH INDIA