Ernakulam Shiva Temple & Jewish Synagogue
Start to make your way to the Ernakulam Shiva Temple for a luxurious early darshan, the unique west-facing shrine, a shrine of Parvati and Ganesha. People are required to follow a modest dress code to get in. It displays grand, hand-painted, china tiles, elevated, and old Torah scrolls.
These historical sites are near each other to such an extent that one can hardly spend the time moving from one to the other.
Dutch Palace & Indo-Portuguese Museum
Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace is a perfect example of the Nalukettu style of architecture with bright frescoes of Ramayana and royal palanquins—built by the Portuguese, renovated by the Dutch. Just a few steps away, the Indo-Portuguese Museum is the place that houses church artefacts like a cross for procession and altars with golden decorations depicting the colonial ages.
Also Read: Spice Route - Fort Kochi
From the synagogue to this museum and palace, it is a walk of 500m. Thus, this couple is the answer to how one can utilize one afternoon to revive 400 years of history.
Santa Cruz Basilica & Fort Kochi
Santa Cruz Basilica was among the first churches built in Kochi in 1550. However, as the architectural style of buildings changed, the basilica was entirely rebuilt in the 1900s in the style of the 190s of Rome. Santa Cruz has attributes such as gothic artwork, da Vinci paintings, and serene interiors. Other elements include colonial buildings, the popular beach promenade, and the aroma of spices. These describe Kochi, a unique blend of religion and maritime history.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Within the outline of the Mangalavanam bird sanctuary, along with 32 species of birds, such as the Mangalavanam bird sanctuary and the sanctuary’s urban portion of the coastal green belt, which includes the city of Ernakulam, there are kingfishers, egrets, and herons. The 1 Km walking trail located in the bird sanctuary is a less noisy place in the city and a green break to see the biodiversity of Kochi. Additionally, this trail is stroller-friendly.
Gallery of Contemporary Art
Close by is the Durbar Hall contemporary art gallery. Among the works of contemporary artists are paintings, miniatures, and sculptures. These works are displayed in the ex-Raja's audience chamber. The gallery operates daily, and a 10-rupee visit is definitely worth the visual feast in the tiny space. This action goes well with the nearby sanctuary for a dose of art and nature.
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St. George Forane Church & Our Lady of Ransom Basilica
St. George Forane Church (Edappally) has mural paintings of the Virgin Mary that attract the visitor's eyes, and also a very impressive St. George statue. Our Lady of Ransom Basilica (Vallarpadam), which was granted the status of a national shrine in 2004, is the holder of a painting of Mary and Infant Jesus done by Vasco da Gama in 1524—the miracle is the flood of 1676 from which the mother and son were saved, and thus, they attract the pilgrims; Portuguese style of building with arches and a white facade.
Cherai Beach
First, go to Cherai Beach and enjoy the endless view of the calm sea, the backwaters, and coconut trees and take in the low-tide dip. Prawn shacks serve fresh fries. The Water Metro is the best way to travel since it is both scenic and efficient. At present there is no dedicated Water Metro stop right at Cherai Beach itself, but you can take the Water Metro to Vypin terminal and then continue the short land journey (by taxi, auto, or local bus) to reach Cherai Beach.
