God's Own Country Kerala

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Tourist places in and around Kottayam

Kottayam is the first town in Inida to achieve 100 % literacy and is the land of the popular Malayalam daily Malayala Manorama.

Cheriyapally, Kottayam - One of the oldest churches in Kerala, Established in 1579 AD. The church is European in style with galleries, granite pillars, wood carvings, Baptismal font and a hanging oil lamp. The altar is of Portuguese style arch with Biblical paintings using vegetable dyes.

Valiyapally church, Kottayam is one of the oldest churches in Kerala established in 1550 AD. Syrian Knanaya Christians who migrated to India (Crangannore) in 345 AD from Jerusalem and nearby places under the leadership of Kana Thoma. The church has two famous Persian granite crosses. The church has rare antique carvings and mural paintings behind
the main altar, two hands projecting from the church walls symbolising the Biblical scene (Dani 5.5).

St George Forane church - Edakkat church, Diocese of Kottayam, is near the Valiyapally church. Thazhatangady masjid constructed in the traditional Kerala style is worth a visit.

Vimalagiri cathedral (Diocese of Vijayapuram) is one of the highest church spires in Kerala. Tirunakkara temple is the main temple of the town.

Chavara church, Mannanam 1831 AD (10 km from Kottayam). Fr Elias Chavara (1805 - 1871) died at Coonanmavu near Kalamassery, Ernakulam (Kochi). Canonical inspection in 1985 by Pope John Paul II. Church gateway, Chavara museum and art gallery, Sanskrit school started by Fr Elias Chavara in 1846 AD. Wooden press and coat for Bishops made by Fr. Elias. Earthern pots used by blessed Fr Elias. Water mill was used to pump water in olden days. Horse driven carriage, boat used by Fr Elias. Wooden flour mill are some of the main attractions. St Joseph's college, Mannanam - MEd, BEd and TTC couses are offered here.

Kottayam photos

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Trissur

Shrine Basilica of our lady of Dolours, Trissur having a high Bible tower. The tower is having a lift and gives a good aerial view of the city. The admit fee is Rs 20 for lift and Rs 10 for using the staircase. Closed on Mondays. The church has a height of 140 feet and having 15 altars. The Bible tower was completed in 2002.

The Lourde's Metropolitan cathedral was estd in 1875 and an underground chamber was added in 1952. It is near Shrine Basilica of our lady of Dolours.

Zoological gardens and multipurpose museum, Trissur. Closed on Mondays, Fee Rs 8, for camera Rs 15.

Shaktan Tampuran palace & museum is a well arranged museum with a garden.

Vadakkunnatha Shiv temple : Pooram is celebrated here with great pomp and it attracts a large crowd (April / May). During Pooram, there will be display of caparisoned elephants and parasols, a fine display of fireworks etc.

Trissur photos

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Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is 12 km from Kochi, Kerala. It is located near Mattanchery and the Vypin island. The main tourist attractions are Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1505 AD. The Basilica has paintings on church roof and walls. Stained window glasses is another attraction. Shrine of Mother Mary and the pillar of 1585 commemorating the death of a Port officer is near by.

St Francis CSI church is a main historical church where the great Portuguese sailor Vasco da Gamma was cremated in the 16 th century.

Indo Portuguese museum located in the Bishop house (Diocese of Kochi). closed on Monday and public holidays. Dutch cemetery (1724 AD) near the beach and both are at walkable distance from Basilica. Fort Kochi has a nice beach with lots of Chinese fishing nets. The ship channel having heavy water current has to be crossed by boat to reach Vypin island.
The island is connected to mainland - Kochi - by bridges. The 'you buy we cook restaurants' at Fort Kochi beach gives a traveller to taste the sea food - fish variety - at it's best.

Fort Kochi photo gallery

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St Mary's Cathedral Basilica ( Thuramukha matha palli in Malayalam). The church was built in 1112 AD. The altar was used by Pope John Paul II when he visited India during 7 Feb 1986 (at HMT ground, Kalamassery). The two church towers (68 feet high) has Pathrose and Paulose statues on top. The 88 feet high bell ower has a st.Thomas statue on top.

Ernakulam photo gallery

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Kathakali is the classical dance drama of Kerala, which dates from the 17 th century and is rooted in Hindu Mythology. Kathakali has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. It is danced with elaborate masks, ornaments and costumes. The performer wears ceremonial make up and dress that includes a large circular head dress made of wood. The make up is complicated and it takes several hours to apply. The actor expresses himelf through highly complicated mudras, closely following the text being sung.

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Kochi, Land of spices, has a wealth of historical and cultural diversity. For centuries various spices, tea and coffee were exported to amny parts of the world from its harbour. The Portuguese occupied it in the 16 th century and then the Dutch took over. The Dutch palace at Mattancherry, near the harbour, was actually built by the Portuguese in 1557 and later renovated by the Dutch in 1663.

Kochi is also the home to the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Though constructed only in 1568, Jewish immigrants came to Kerala as early as the first century AD as refugees fleeing Roman persecution in Jerusalem. It is only here that one can come across Chinese fishing netsstill being put to use. One can watch dolphins frolicking on Willingdon island or enjoy a quiet walk along the winding paths on Vypeen island. Kochi is called the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. It is a very interesting port town in India and the biggest in Kerala.

Ernakulam photos