Willingdon Island - Man Made Island in KochiWillingdon Island

Willingdon Island is created in 1930s. It is createted as part of dredging Vembanttu kayal (Vembanad Lake). It is named after the former Viceroy of India, lord Willington. This manmade island is connected with main land Kochi with Venduruthy Bridge. Sir Robert Bristow, who was appointed by Lord Willingdon, then-the Governor of Madras Presidency was the main Engineer for this project. It is road and rail by side of it. Willingdon Island is created as part of improving ship handling facilities in Kochi during the British rule.
Willington Island is a link that connect Kochi with other and there are some of the beautiful hotels, commercial and industrial offices etc. The old Kochi airport, shipbuilding yard, wharf, the Southern Naval Command Head Quarters and the customs house are located in this island.

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Cochin International Airport

Cochin International Airport is located in Nedumbassery around 25 km from Kochi. It is also called Nedumbassery Airport. The Airport is situated off National Highway- 47 and the Nearest Railway Station at Angamaly. The completing Seaport – Airport will provide convenient access through road also. Cochin International Airport is built as a in public-private partnership and owned by a public limited company called Cochin International Airport Limited, CIAL. Government of Kerala, Non-Resident Indians, Financial Institutions, Airport service providers and others are share holders of CIAL.
It is one of the busiest air ports in India and handles around 10000 passengers and 420 flights in a week. Several national and international flights are operated from Cochin International Airport; there are flights to about 50 destinations in India and abroad. Please visit Cochin International Airport’s Official Website at http://www.cochin-airport.in/ for more information.

Map for Kochi International Airport, Nedumbassery

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Oberon Mall Kochi

Oberon Mall Kochi is situated just outside the City of Cochin. It is situated in By-pass road near Palarivattom signal. So Oberon Mall can be accessed very easily. Oberon Mall is the largest lifestyle shopping mall in Kerala. Launched in 2009 this shopping paradise has become the hub of major retail brands in India. With a lot of entertainment facilities people gather here for purchase and relaxation. It is very important that you can make a complete family shopping in this single building. Provisions, Clothing, Jewelers, Electronic Goods, Computers and the list of items available here is very huge. The Oberon Mall Shopping Mall consists of 350000 square feet area and the building cost was around 1 billion Indian rupees. Oberon Shopping Complex houses Reliance Super Bazaar, Reliance Trends, Graffiti Clothing and several exclusive showrooms. Oberon Mall was developed and promoted by the Oberon Group of Companies, India.

Vypin Kochi

Vypin, also spelled Vypeen is a small strip of land very near to Kochi. Vypin Island was formed with the heavy floods of 1341. The Vypin Island is 25 Kilometer long and very narrow strip of land.Vypin is heavily populated island. Vypin is a fast-developing suburb of the Kochi City. Goshree bridge constructed in 2004 by Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) joins the mainland Kochi and Vypin Island. This bridge also connects the islands Mulavukad and Vallarpadam. Tourists can reach Vypeen by road or by boat. There are regular boat services from Fort Kochi to Vypin Island. Famous beaches like Cherai, Munambam and Kuzhippally are in Vypeen island. The Portuguese, Dutch and British dynasties had ruled Munambam area, the oldest European Monuments the hexagonal fort in located in this island. Tourists love this traditional Kerala Village with several historic monuments.

Cherai Beach Kochi

Cherai Beach Kochi is one of the most beautiful and neat beaches in India. Cherai Beach Kochi is located just 30 km away from Kochi in Vypin island. Tourists can reach Cherai Beach Kochi bu road from Kochi. The long stretch of neat and clean sandy beach arouse any tourist. Tourists from across the glob visit Cherai Beach Kochi and enjoy swimming, sun bathing and the sun set. There are many hotels and resorts available around this beach. Also many home stay facilities are available. Cherai Beach Kochi offers much more than a beach, in this traditional village you will find lush green coconut palms and paddy fields, fishing nets, paddy fieldss and lagoons. The main attraction of Cherai is the lagoon 'Poyil'. When you go to Cherai make sure that you enjoy a water scooter ride or motor boat race. Enjoy the grace of Arabian sea and the Vembanad Kayal sharing the small land strip between. Munambam Beach Kochi is very near to this beautiful beach.

Kuzhupilly Beach

Kuzhupilly beach Kochi is en-route to Cherai Beach. If you are little early for Cherai Beach you can spend a couple of hours in the pine shade here. This beach is enroute to famous Munambam Beach Kochi Munambam Beach Kochi and Cherai Beach Kochi.

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Munambam Beach Kochi

Munambam Beach Kochi is very near to the famous Cherai Beach Kochi. It is around 25 km from city and yoiu can reach here by road through Gosree Bridge. Munambam Beach is famous for the Kerala Kite Festival, organized by Rotary Club of Cochin Lords in association with DTPC. Munambam Beach is also called as Pulimuttu by local people. If you watch the satellite picture you can observe a one kilometer strech of rock that formed the land. Pulimuttu is the 1 km long bridge made of stone stretching in to sea. You can watch a large row of Chinese fishing nets and fishermen fishing using these tets. During the Kite Festival a lot of tourist gather to this beach and there will be cultural events arrange by organisers. Munambam Beach is one of the popular place that is arranged recently in a modern manner.
Munambam is a small fishing village - and you can find traditional food courts around. Fresh fish curry with kappa are popular combination.

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Dutch Palace Mattancherry, Kochi

The Dutch Palace is situated in Mattancherry, Kochi. This palace is also known as Mattancherry palace. The Mattancherry Palce exhibits Hindu temple art, portraits and beloging of the Rajas of Kochi. The Dutch Palace Mattancherry is built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi Veera Kerala Varma in 1555. But the name Dutch Palace is given in 1663, owing to the extension works carried out by the Dutch. Now the Dutch Palace Mattancherry, Kochi is a tourist spot that attracts both foreign and local tourists. The palace, exhibits ceremonial robes, headdresses, weapons, palanquins, furniture murals, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara, and Durga. Inside the Palace there are three temples, they are of 'Pazhayannur Bhagavati', Lord Krishna and Lord Siva.
Also read: Hill palace museum Thripunithura

Subhash Bose Park Kochi

Subhash Bose Park Kochi, Cochin is a beautiful park situated right in the heart of the Cochin City. The Subhash Bose Park Kochi is a strech of beautiful garden along side the backwaters of the Vembanattu Lake. You can have a beautiful view of Cochin Harbour, ships anchored in Cochin Port, unloading tankers and huge bridges and buildings. Subhash Bose Park Kochi is named after the famous freedom fighter, Subhash Chandra Bose. Subhash Bose Park Kochi offers a good breathing place and evening gathering venue for the Metro Citizens. The children park situated very near is also popular among kinds. There is a traffic rules learning ground for children. The ancient Shiva temple is situated near by with “Shiva” as deity also known as “Eranakulathappan”.
Also read: Changampuzha park and Changampuzha Samskarika Kend...

Changampuzha park and Changampuzha Samskarika Kendram

You cannot avoid Changampuzha park and Changampuzha Samskarika Kendram if you visit Kochi. Changampuzha park and Changampuzha Samskarika Kendram are built to commemorate Changampuzha Krishna Pillai and Edappally. .K Balachanmdarn, Changampuzha Krishna Pillai and Edappally. .K Balachanmdarn, host several cultural funtions and houses several social gatherings like Edappally Kathakali Aswathana Sadaus, Sangeetha Sabha,Elder's forum,Aksharasloks Sadus etc. Most of the veteran social workers and intellactuals are gathering here to witness cultural programs and share their openions. The Changampuzha park is popular hangout for kids in this area, they love to play here and to be the part of a legendary culture.

Marine Drive Kochi

Marine Drive Kochi is perhaps the most attractive place in Kochi City. Marine Drive Kochi also can consider as the most happening place in Ernakulam and Kerala State. You can see tourists come and visit this place from early in the mornig to late in the site. A few years back most of the Malayalam movies used this canvas for their industrial scenes. The Marine Drive stretches from the Jankar Jetty in the north to the Ernakulam Boat Jetty in the south. Marine Drive offer a lot of attractions for National and overseas tourists. There are many star hotels, budget hotels and fast food outlets available across this strech. The Marine Drive also offer several shopping outlets and shopping malls. There are street side vendors to exclusive mshowrooms for multi national brands. The Penta Menaka and GCDA Complex offer several outlets for electronic personal gadgets. The Broadway is one of the traditional market for spices and other items. The evenings at Marine Drive is very busy and beautiful.

Silver Storm Water Theam Park Athirapilly

Silver Storm Water Theam Park Athirapilly is situated in Athirapally Panchayath, Vettilappara. This comes en-route to Athirapally Water Falls and Vazhachal Water Falls. A lot of tourists from Kerala, Tamilnadu and Andra are visiting this beautiful theme park. Silver Storm Water Theam Park Athirapilly is about 80 km from Kochin and 60 km from Thrissur. Silver Storm Water Theam Park Athirapilly offer many rides that include Surf Hill, Kids Super slide, Kiddies Body, Kiddies Turbo, Kiddies Free Fall, Lazy Mountain River, Kiddies Dry Games, Master Blaster, Hara Kiri, Wild Raft Ride, Wild Body Ride, Super Slide, Turbo Twister, Wave Pool, Super Splash, Mamma Aqua Dance, Baby Train, Columbus, Flying Dutch Man, Bumbing Boats, Go-Karting, Jurassic Splash, Sky Jet, Striking Car, Swing Chair and Tea Cup.
Silver Storm Water Theam Park Athirapilly is a perfect picnic spot for your family. You can spend a few hours at Athirapally Water falls or Vazhachal Water falls. Please check out the ticket details before you visit this place..
Silver Storm Water Theam Park Athirapilly contact details are 080-2769116, 2769150 and you can visit their web site at www.silverstorm.in/

Thrissur Zoo and Museum

Thrissur Zoo and Museum is located right at the heart of Thrissur (Old Trichur) city just outside the famous "Thrissur round", and it is just 70 km away from Kochi. Thrissur Zoo and Museum is started functioning in 1885. Thrissur Zoo & Museum occupy around 13.5 acres of land in the heart of Thrissur metro. The zoo is is comparatively less but houses some interesting stuff for your kids. The museum located inside the zoo campus exhibit a lot of historical articles including sculpture, religious idols, kathakali figures, traditional jewelers of Kerala and votive objects with a really delightful collection of traditional lamps. Thrissur Zoo & Museum is opened for public from 10 am till 6:30 pm, on all days except Mondays. The zoo entrance ticket costs a nominal fee of Rs. 5 for the adults and Rs. 3 for with children up to the age of 14 years and your cameras may costs you some additional bucks. This zoo houses rare animals like lion tailed macaque, tiger, lion, deer, sloth bears, monkeys, hippopotamus, camels, species of birds and deer, King Cobras, Kraits, Vipers and Rat Snakes etc. It is a Kerala Government Institution.This is one of the perfect picnic spots for your young kids.

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Thenmala Eco Tourism Project

Thenmala eco tourism project is situated around Thenmala dam site near Punalur town, Kollam district in Kerala. Thenmala is famous for being the shooting location in Malayalam and Tamil movies. You must have seen a lot of frames of this beautiful site in various Tamil and Malayalam movies. Thenmala is ocated about 72kms from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. It is a small village at the footing of Western Ghat and the dam is built across Kallada River. . You can reach here by bus or cab via Kottarakkara, Punalur. From Tamilnadu one can reach here by Aryankavu check post. There are many hill resorts and points of attraction around this place. Palaruvi, only 16 km away, the deer rehabilitation center and the traditional tree house etc attracts the tourists. Other places near Thenmala are Kulathupuzha, Anchal, Punalur, Kamukumchery and Shenkottah. Few years back the meter gauge train journey was an exciting event for the visitors. The first eco tourism project in India is located at Thenmala.

Vazhachal Falls

Vazhachal Falls is very near to famous Athirappilly water falls. It is just 90 km from Kochi and situated in Thrissur district. Vazhachal Falls are located in Thrissur District of Kerala. Running on Chalakkudy River, these are just 3 kms from Athirappilly. It is the fall of water through Chalakkudy river just before Athirappilly falls. Vazhachal Water Falls spans from the Charppa water falls to Athirappilly water falls. This fall start calmly from the high ranges and the tail race water of Poringalkuthu Power House and catch speed as it runs through slippery rocks of the Green Forest. The drizzling water provides an extreme soothing effect to the visitors. Visitors from Kerala and Tamilnadu comes throughout the year. But June to October is considered as best time.
Also read: Athirappally Waterfalls

Athirappally Waterfalls

If you want a bit of adventure and action, Athirappally Waterfalls is a nice one day picnic spot near Kochi. Athirappally Waterfalls is just 70 km from Kochi and you can reach there in an hour. Away from the rushing street in to virgin forest Athirappally Waterfalls is a nice treat to your eyes. It is perfect to travel there in a cab and you must start as early as possible. Any tourist will love Athirappally Waterfalls and like to spend the whole day at this heavenly gifted place. Tourist can reach Athirappally Waterfalls from Kochi via Angamaly, Chalakudy, Vettilappara. Also tourists from Tamilnadu can visit here from Coimbatore-Pollachi -Valparai -Malakkiparai -Sholayar -Peringalkuthu -Vazhachal 5-Athirapalli. Athirappally Waterfalls is very popular and pictured in many of Indian language films. Athirappally Waterfalls is situated at the beginning of western Ghats, the ever green forests of the eastern side of Kerala. Athirappally Waterfalls is an intimidating water pledge in chalakkudy river of about 80 feet. The rippling water comkes from Vazhachal falls and offer an exciting view. If you are lucky you can watch a few animals there.

Caution: Athirappally Waterfalls is very dangerous picnic spot and never risk your life. Follow the instructions from guards.

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Hill palace museum Thripunithura

The Hill Palace Museum Thiruvankulam (Thripunithura) was the official residence of the Kochi royal family in nineteenth century. The Hill Palace, Thiruvankulam is now the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. The museum displays 14 categories of exhibits including murals, paintings, sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris, manuscripts, inscriptions, carvings etc. The collections displayed in the museum are mainly from the Cochin Royal Family. 200 antique pieces of pottery and ceramic vases from Japan and China, Kudakkallu (tomb stone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), menhirs, granite, laterite memorials, rock cut weapons from the stone ages, wooden temple models, plaster cast models of objects from Mohanjodaro and Harappa of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The museum also houses a gallery of contemporary art. Paliam gallery in the museum contains the collections donated by the Paliyathachan's (the hereditary Prime Ministers to the Cochin Maharaja’s for a long period) family. The museum is situated in a land or around 52 acres and full of vegetation and a deer park. The Hill Palace, Thiruvankulam complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional Kerala style. The Hill Palace, Thiruvankulam was built in 1865 by the Maharaja of Cochin. The latest construction is carried out in 1950 and it is a western style building. Hill Palace is located 16 km east of Cochin in Thiruvankulam, near Trippunithura. Tourists can reach this museum by road. It is open to public on all days except Mondays from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Hill palace museum Thripunithura is one best place for your family to spend a holiday and get some insight into Kerala History.

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and Ernakulam are the three major townships that constitute the city of Kochi. Kochi the queen of Arabian Sea is one of the most beautiful natural harbours of the world. Fort Kochi is one of the major attractions of European tourists as it hold a lot of monuments of the colonial era. Fort Kochi is a colonial town, with Portuguese, Dutch and English footprints. Its main tourist attractions are Indo Portuguese museum, Chinese Fishing Nets, Beach, Dutch Cemetery, Southern Naval Command Maritime Museum, Cochin Thirumala Devaswom Board Temple, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Bishop's House, Jewish Synagogue etc. Starting from the Chinese Fort Kochi holds several monuments of its trade ties with foreign countries. Dutch, Portuguese and the English traded with Fort Kochi and stayed there for years. You can watch several land marks there.

Fort Kochi is just a couple of kilometres away from the mainland. You can reach there by road or by boat. This can be a perfect Sunday out for a student who wants to learn colonial history. You can by some antiques and coins from the row of antique shops there or by a live sish that cought using a Chinese fishing net or walk through the beaches enjoying the breeze.

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