Cochin Sightseeing

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KOCHI MARRIOTT HOTEL – CONCIERGE

Extension no: 4111

Experimenting Kerala beyond the experienced……

Kerala, the dreamland of the southernmost part of Indian peninsula, cascade delicately down the hills to the golden
coast lined by lush green. This beauty spot or the land with rivers, hillocks and thickets, fringed with long coast of
surfing waters conveys a sense of attraction and affection to all. No wonder, no doubt, this tiny state of India is a gift
of the God, God’s own country.

Knowing Kochi
Kochi, called the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, formerly known in English as Cochin, is a major port city on the Malabar
Coast of India bordering the Laccadive Sea, which is a part of the Arabian Sea. It is part of the district of Ernakulum in
the state of Kerala and is commonly referred to as Ernakulum. Kochi is the most densely populated city in Kerala. As
of 2011, it has a corporation limit population of 677,381[4] within an area of 94.88 km2 and a total urban population
of more than of 2.1 million within an area of 440 km2, making it the largest and the most populous metropolitan area
in Kerala. Kochi was an important spice trading center on the west coast of India from the 14th century onward, and
maintained a trade network with Arab merchants from the pre-Islamic era. In 1505, the Portuguese established trading
ports in Cochin. There are still buildings like the Old Harbour House from this period, some of which have been
renovated in more recent times. The Kingdom of Cochin allied with the Ming Dynasty, Portuguese, and Dutch and
became a princely state of the British. Kochi ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourist
arrivals in Kerala. The city was ranked the sixth best tourist destination in India according to a survey conducted by
the Nielsen Company on behalf of the Outlook Traveller magazine. In October 2019, Kochi was ranked seventh in
Lonely Planet's list of top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2020. Kochi is known as the financial, commercial and
industrial capital of Kerala. It has the highest GDP as well as the highest GDP per capita in the state.
Major sightseeing places/attractions

Dutch Palace at Mattancherry (Mattancherry Palace)


The Mattancherry Palace, also known as Dutch Palace, is one of the
finest examples of the Kerala style of architecture interspersed with
colonial influences. Located at around 12 km from Ernakulam, it was
built around 1545 C.E. by the Portuguese as a present to King Veera
Kerala Verma of Kochi dynasty. It came to be known as the Dutch
Palace as it underwent major repairs at the hands of the Dutch. It is
famous for its long and spacious halls along with its central courtyard.
It is also the home of the deity of the royal family, Pazhayannur
Bhagavathy (the Deity of Pazhayannur).This double storied palace has
a lovely collection of murals. These depict some of the great Indian
epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata along with revered Gods of the Hindu faith like Lord Krishna of Guruvayur
Temple. The great works of Sanskrit poet Kalidasa have also been depicted. The mural paintings cover an area of
almost 300 sq. km. One gets an idea of the lives of the royal family with some of the other exhibits. These include the
life-size portraits of the Kings of Cochin since 1864, sheathed swords, daggers and axes besides ceremonial spears
decorated with feathers. Royal caps, coins issued by the Kings of Cochin along with plans laid out for Cochin by the
Dutch can also be viewed here.

Entry fee: ₹ 5
Visiting hours: 9 am to 17:00 hrs. The Palace is closed on Fridays and national holidays.

Jewish Synagogue (The Paradesi Synagogue)

The Paradesi Synagogue, in a corner of Jew Town, is more than a hundred


years old and houses many rare antiques. The synagogue, that woos
many visitors, adds to the quaint charm of Mattancherry. The Jewish
synagogue was built in 1568, almost 1500 years after the beginning of the
Jewish connection with Kerala. It was built on the land, adjacent to the
Mattancherry Palace, given by the erstwhile king of Cochin. The
synagogue, the oldest in the Commonwealth, was built by the Jewish
community of Cochin. The word Paradesi means foreigner in many Indian
languages. It refers to the White Jews - A mixture of Jews from
Kodungalloor, Middle East and Europe. The floor of the synagogue itself is a showpiece with the paving of hand-
painted blue willow patterned floor tiles. These ceramic tiles were brought from Canton, China in the 18th century by
Ezekiel Rahabi, a renowned Jewish businessman. Each tile is different from one another in its design and it never fails
to capture the admiration of the visitors. A pulpit with brass rails is built in the center of the room. An exclusive gallery
for women with gilt columns, a carved teak ark etc can be seen in the synagogue. The teak Ark houses four scrolls of
Torah (the first five books of Old Testament) and they are encased in silver and gold. Two gold crowns presented to
the Jewish Community by the Kings of Kochi and Travancore are also kept here.

Entry fee: ₹10


Visiting Hours: - The synagogue is open every day 9am to 17:00 hrs, except Friday afternoon, Saturdays and Jewish
holidays. Visitors are expected to enter the synagogue barefoot.
St Francis Church

The St. Francis Church, well-known for its beautiful architecture and ambience, is
believed to be one of the oldest churches built by the Europeans in India. The
church’s history dates back to 1503. It owes its origin to the Portuguese Franciscan
Friars, who reached Kochi along with Pedro Alvarez Cabral. The church, made of
wood and mud, was situated in the middle of the fort that had been constructed
by the Portuguese with the permission of the erstwhile Cochin Raja and it was
dedicated to St Bartholomew. The church was reconstructed and reopened in
1516 and dedicated to the patron saint of Portugal, Santo Antonio, hence named
Santo Antonio Church. The church has a lofty structure with a gabled timber
framed roof covered with tiles. A stepped pinnacle is constructed on both sides
of the façade, which is very impressive and retains the old world charm. The
interior of the church too provides a magnificent view with two stepped pinnacles crowning the top of the chancel
roof and with the plain arched opening that divides the chance from the nave. The old world charm and magnificence
is very visible on every element of the church – be it the pulpit made of wood decorated with carvings, the
confessional, baptism platform, book rests or the offering. There also stands a cenotaph in the middle of the lawn and
it was built in 1920 in remembrance of the Kochiites who laid down their lives in World War I.

Entry fee: Free


Visiting Hours: - The church is open every day 9 am to 17.00 hrs, Sunday 13: 00 hrs to 17:00 hrs)

Santa Cruz Basilica


One of the oldest and major attractions among Kochi tourist places,
the Santa Cruz Basilica, was constructed by the Portuguese in 1505
and is one of the eight Basilicas in India. This now stands as the
Cathedral of the Diocese of Cochin. The Gothic architecture of the
church, more than 500 years old, has a certain grandeur owing to its
pastel-coloured interior and paintings of historical significance. The
Italian painter Antonio Moscheni and his disciple De Gama of
Bangalore were the force behind this. A painting you must definitely
look out for is Moscheni’s imitation of Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’, a
sight you’ll never forget. The church is visited by people from all faiths and groups. The woodwork and immersive altar
are a few sights that you would not find in any church throughout the country.

Entry fee: Free


Visiting hours: 9am to 13: 00 hrs, 15: 00 hrs to 17: 00 hrs, closed on Sundays
The Chinese fishing nets

Chinese fishing nets - Cheenavala in Malayalam - is believed to have


been introduced in Kochi by Chinese explorer Zheng He, from the court
of the Kubla Khan. The fishing net established itself on the Kochi shores
between 1350 and 1450 AD. The sight of the Chinese nets, suspended
in mid air and standing in line on the beaches, when silhouetted against
the sunset is breathtakingly beautiful. It is, undoubtedly, one of the
most photographed sights in Kochi. For the best view of the nets, head
to the Vasco da Gama Square, the narrow walkway that runs along the
Fort Kochi beach. The Chinese nets, made of teak wood and bamboo
poles, work on the principle of balance. Each structure, about 10m high, is fixed on the beach and has a cantilever
with an attached net that is spread over an area of about 20 meters. Counterweights, usually stones about 30 cm in
diameter, tied to ropes of different lengths, facilitate the working of the nets. Often, lights, attached to the teak posts
are suspended above the net to attract fish. Each fishing net is operated by more than four fishermen and is made in
such a way that the weight of a man walking on the main plank is enough to cause the equipment to be pulled down
into the sea. Fishing is usually done in the morning and early evening. The net is descended into the water for a short
time and then raised delicately by pulling on the ropes. The slow rhythm and balancing of the net is spellbinding to a
first-time viewer.

Entry fee: Free


Visiting Hours: - Chinese fishing nets open every day, morning to night, best time to visit is sunset/ sunrise time (6.30
am – 7.30am & 17:30 hrs to 18: 30 hrs)

Jew Town, Kochi

The most popular spot for shopping in Kochi, especially for antiques, Jew
Town is also called the ‘last Jew Town’ for the last remaining Jews of Cochin.
It’s believed that the first of the Jews who settled near Cochin can trace their
lineage back to King Solomon. It now houses numerous shops selling antique
clocks, carved furniture, prayer shawls, art, and a lot more. The Jewish
Synagogue or the Paradesi Synagogue is the most famous attraction of this
place.

Entry fee: Free


Visiting Hours: 6 am to 21:00 hrs

Hill Palace, Kochi

Located about 10 kms from Kochi, the Hill Palace Museum was the
official residence of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi. Built in 1865, it is
now famous for being a full-fledged Ethno-Archaeological Museum
and Kerala's first-ever Heritage Museum. The palace complex itself
comprises 49 buildings and is built in the traditional Kerala style of
architecture. It has over 52 acres of terraced land around it. One can
see oil paintings, murals, sculptures, manuscripts and belongings of
the Kochi royal family.
Antique ceramics from the Far East, Kudakkallu (tombstone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), laterite memorials and
wooden memorials from ancient civilisations like the Indus Valley and Harappa can also be found here.It even
has a gallery housing contemporary art. It is our pride to have relics of such value and significance placed here.

Distance: 15 Km
Visiting Hours: 9:00 to 12:30 hrs &14:00 to 16:30 hrs on all days except Mondays.
Entrance Fee: Adult - Rs. 30/- Children (5-12) - Rs. 10/-
Children's Park: Open till 6.00 pm

Ernakulathappan Temple, Kochi

Ernakulam Shiva Temple, also known as Ernakulathappan Temple is one


of the major temples of Kerala, located in heart of Ernakulam, the
downtown area of the city of Kochi. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva,
is considered as the city temple, with the presiding deity as the protector
of the city, as per local Hindu faiths and traditions. As per the common
practice in Kerala, the deity is reverently called Ernakulathappan, which
means Lord of Ernakulam. The temple is located within the Durbar Hall
Ground. The temple history itself has deep association with history of
the city and was one of the 7 royal temples of Kochi Maharajas. The
temple is now under administration of Cochin Devasom Board. The temple in its current form was built under active
patronage of Diwan Sri Edakkunni Sankara Warrier in year 1846 and raised it level of a Royal temple in the Kochi
Kingdom. The temple is built on 1-acre (4,000 m2) land. The temple is one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala counted
along with the Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple, Kaduthruthy Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom Temple, Chengannur
Mahadeva Temple and Vadakkunathan temple.

Distance: 10 Km

Visiting Hours: The temple opens at 5.00 am to 9 am & temple will be closed between 9am to 16.30 hrs hrs and reopens
at 16.30 hrs to 19: oo hrs

Chottanikkara Devi Temple, Kochi

The Chottanikkara Devi Temple is a famous temple of mother


goddess Bhagavati. She is a form of Mahalakshmi. She is believed to be
residing in Chottanikkara along with her husband Maha Vishnu.
The temple is located at Chottanikkara, a southern suburb of the city
of Kochi in the state of Kerala, India and is one of the most popular temples
in the state. In terms of temple architecture, Chottanikkara temple stands
out to be an ultimate testimonial for the ancient vishwakarma
sthapathis (wooden sculpture) along with Sabarimala temple. Sree
Mahamaya Bhagavati (Adi Parashakti), the goddess of saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati is one of the most popular
deities in Kerala and the supreme mother goddess in Hinduism. Chottanikkara Devi (Melekavu Bhagavathi) is
worshipped at the temple, in three different forms: as Mahasaraswati in the morning, draped in
white; Mahalakshmi at noon, draped in crimson; and as Mahakali in the evening, decked in blue. Goddess
'Keezhkkaavu bhagavathi' is believed to be Bhadrakali, in her fierce form or Ugra form. Bhadrakali, is a form of mother
Kali, supposed to be born from the third eye of lord Shiva, to kill the demon king Darika. People suffering from mental
illnesses and commonly visit the temple, as Chottanikkara devi is said to cure her devotees. Guruthi pooja is a ritual
done at late evening to invoke goddess Mahakali. Earlier 'Guruthi Pooja' was done only on Fridays. But nowadays, it
is performed every day.
This famous temple is dedicated to mother goddess Mahalakshmi Devi known as Sree Bhagavathi. People throng the
temple premises, which opens at 4 AM, every day. The resident deity is considered a healing goddess, and it is believed
that people with mental disorders and spiritual possessions get cured here. Men are required to remove shirts and
women to wear sarees or suits to gain entrance.

Distance: 22 Km

Visiting Hours: The temple opens at 4.00 am & temple will be closed between 12.30 pm to 16.00 hrs and reopens at
16.30 hrs to 20.30 hrs

Guruvayur Temple

Guruvayur Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord


Guruvayurappan (four-armed form of the Lord Vishnu), Under the
Administration of Guruvayur Devaswom, located in the town of
Guruvayur in Kerala, India. It is one of the most important places of
worship for Hindus in Kerala and Tamilnadu and is often referred to as
Bhuloka Vaikunta (Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth). The presiding deity of
the Guruvayur Temple is Guruvayurappan (Vishnu, worshipped in the
form of his avatar Krishna). The central icon is a four-armed standing
Vishnu carrying the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana Chakra, the mace Kaumodaki, and a lotus with a Holy
basil garland. This image represents the majestic form of Vishnu as revealed to Krishna's parents Vasudeva and Devaki
around the time of Krishna's birth. Worship proceeds according to routines laid down by Adi Shankara and later
written formally in the Tantric way, the inter-religious spiritual movement that arose in medieval India, by Chennas
Narayanan Nambudiri (born in 1427). The Chennas Nambudiris are the hereditary tantris (high priest) of the Guruvayur
Temple.

Distance: 96 Km

Visiting Hours: The temple opens at 3.00 am & temple will be closed between 13.30 hrs and 16.30 hrs and reopens
at 16.30 hrs (please take online booking in advance for darshan and offerings to avoid the rush)
Day Excursions (Need to inform/book one day prior before)

Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary, Kochi

Kodanad is a very peaceful and pleasant place situated near Perumbavoor on the banks of Periyar River in the
Ernakulam district (also Kochi), Kerala. It's one of the famous training centres of Elephants. Located at the distance of
45 km towards the north east of Kochi, it's a place where the newly captured elephants are kept for training. Earlier,
elephants were captured in the Malayattoor forests and trained at Kodanad. Though capturing Elephants are banned
now and Kodanad has just become the training centre for elephants. There are many walkways beside the river that
give pleasant experience to the visitors. There is a small wildlife park at the centre which is a home of deer and other
wildlife. The most engaging part of the visit will start at 08:00 am every day, when all the elephants are brought out
from the center and proceed for a royal bath in the river. The river is located 500 meters far from the center where
the elephants enjoy their daily bath. It takes almost 1 – 1.5 Hrs for bathing and later brings back to the center.

Distance: 40 Km
Entry fee: Adults – Rs. 10 | Children up to 12 years – Rs. 5 | Foreigners – Rs 25
Visiting hours: 8 am to 17:00 hrs, closed on Sundays

Kumbalangi Village Tour

Kumbalangi is a quiet, leafy island village known for rural tourism activities. People visit the
island to see Chinese fishing nets, explore its mangrove forests, and experience traditional Keralan village life. On
Arrival provides Welcome Drink, Enter into a Coconut farm for village activities (fish farm visits, crab farm visits,
coconut leaves weaving, coir making) also you can experience Kerala traditional lunch.

Distance: 25 Km
Time: Excursion starting time from hotel: 9 am
House boat day cruise – Alleppey

On arrival, you will be received by our houseboat crew. Board the houseboat at 11:30 am and get settled. Enjoy a
welcome drink as the houseboat cruise starts and your captain steers the houseboat towards the serpentine canals of
the Alleppey backwaters.

Relax and enjoy the scenes you pass through. You get exposed to beautiful sights of the countryside and day to day
activities of the people of Alleppey who live close to the backwaters. You come across lush green paddies, old
churches, temples, markets and more. 1:30 pm, you will be served a backwater special lunch which include rice,
sambhar, some vegetarian dishes, fresh water fish fry, Alleppey style fish curry, pappad, butter milk, pickle and more.
In case you are vegetarian, it must be informed prior to your arrival. After a sumptuous on board Kerala lunch, the
cruise continues. Evening at 4 pm, tea/snacks will be provided. Relish some Kerala’s exquisite tea time snacks while
you get entertained by the blissful backwaters of Alleppey. At 5 pm, your Alleppey Houseboat Day Cruise ends and
you will dropped off at your pick up point.

Distance: 70 Km
Time: Excursion starting time from hotel: 8 am

Cherai Beach
Around two dozen kilometres from the industrial district of
Ernakulam and to the side of the Vypeen Island lies every swimmer’s
paradise, Cherai Beach. It is a favorite haunt of those looking for a
relaxing swim with the backdrop of coconut groves being the added
incentive. It provides a wonderful view of the famous Chinese Fishing
Nets or Cheena Vala well. The nearby shacks provide you with fresh
cuisine that fills you up perfectly after a delightful swim. The
seashells found here are unique and one often runs into dolphins in
this area. It is the ideal blend of both the backwaters and the sea.
The area itself has seen many new resorts and hotels crop up, which have facilitated the increase in tourist activity.
Today it is amongst the most visited beaches in Kerala with a view that make it near impossible to tear yourself away
once you get there.

Distance: 30 km

Veeranpuzha Beach
Veeranpuzha Beach is one of the popular beaches in Kochi. With beautiful
blue waters and golden sandy shores, the beach is lined with green
vegetation. The proximity of fishing villages from the beach ensures the
activity of fisher folks at work all day long at the shores. You can visit
Veeranpuzha to watch the fishermen at work, or to have a glimpse of the laid
back rural vibe, or to witness the beautiful sunset and sunrise, or just to soak
in the natural environment.

Distance: 20 km
Kuzhipally Beach
Kuzhupilly Beach in its pristine splendour is a literal paradise for
swimmers. Its white and sandy shores form the perfect backdrop for a
relaxing dip. The backwaters nearby are an added charm, as are the paddy
fields and coconut groves on the way to the beach. The beach will also
host kite festivals are occasionally. Vypin Island forms the best base for
this beach with its equable climate and proximity to Ernakulam.

Distance: 30 km

Allappuzha Beach
An oasis of fun and frolic right by the side of a vast green-blue expanse
that is how the famed Alappuzha beach welcomes you. The palm-
fringed beach, surrounded by lush greenery and historic structures, is a
magical combination that serenades you into a land of wonders. As the
swells of the ocean crash onto the shores and you listen to the gentle
whispers of the cool breeze and the rhythmic song of the ocean, get
ready to be transported to a tranquil space. One of the most popular
picnic spots in Alappuzha, this beach is famous for an ancient pier and
a lighthouse. The pier is over 140 years old and breathes history. Built by Captain Crawford, this structure gives you a
rare experience of walking right into the sea! The old lighthouse here is another fascinating feature that draws people
to the beach. Be it lazing away on the golden sands and finding your moment of quietude, enjoying a sunbath or
indulging in countless entertainment activities, Alappuzha Beach has all this and more to satiate the lotus-eater in
you. The Vijaya Beach Park on the beach is a picnic spot that is tailor-made for children. Facilities for boating, riding
on a toy train and bicycles are also available here. The most interesting time to be here is during the New Year bash
when the beach bursts with festive fervour. The Sand Art Fest and the Beach fest are events to watch out for. Once
here, also keep your ears cocked for sagas and songs that recount the glorious role the district played in the maritime
history of Kerala.

Distance: 62 Km

Marari Beach
Nestled in the Alappuzha District of Kerala, Marari Beach is a perfect location for
holidaying with family or friends. This beach in Kerala is eternal with coconut palm
trees and golden sands. The beach is quite beautiful and the name 'Marari' arises
from 'Mararikulum', which is a local village on the Arabian Sea Coast. Marari
originates from 'Mararikulum', a local fishing village on the Arabian Sea coast. The
serenity and tranquility of this beach take beach lovers backwards in time. The
indolent pace of local life makes vacationing near the Marari beach a reviving
experience.

Distance: 55 Km
Varkala Beach

Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of


Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several tourist attractions that include
a beautiful beach, a 2000-year-old Vishnu Temple and the Ashramam -
Sivagiri Mutt a little distance from the beach.The Papanasam Beach (also
called as Varkala Beach), which is ten kilometers away from Varkala, is
renowned for a natural spring. Which is considered to have medicinal and
curative properties. A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to
purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins; hence the name 'Papanasam Beach'. A two thousand-year-old
shrine the Janardhanaswamy Temple stands on the cliffs overlooking the beach, a short distance away. The Sivagiri
Mutt, founded by the great religious reformer and philosopher Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928) is also close by. The
Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri
Pilgrimage days - 30th December to 1st January. Sree Narayana Guru propagated the ideology: "one caste, one religion
and one God", in a society torn by the taboos of caste system. Varkala offers excellent accommodation facilities for
tourists and is fast becoming a popular health resort with many Ayurvedic massage centres. Attractions: Beach,
mineral water springs, the Sivagiri Mutt and a 2000-year- old Vishnu Temple.

Distance: 190 Km

Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent
crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the
1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a
beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.The leisure options at
this beach are plenty and diverse. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body
toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising
are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint
blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the
beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages,
Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres.
Accommodation facilities for tourists at Kovalam range from five star hotels to budget hotels and the choice of food
available at restaurants and cafeterias range from Continental varieties to South Indian delicacies.
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. But if
you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city. The city of Thiruvananthapuram has many
interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The
SMSM Institute, a State owned handicrafts emporium, is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curios and other articles.

Distance: 230 Km
MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL CENTERS
Kerala Folklore Museum
Kerala Folklore Museum is the only architectural museum in Kerala with the
essence of the life and culture of the common man over the past 1000 years.
This is a treasure trove of stone, wood and bronze sculptures, ancient
terracotta, Stone Age objects, jewellery, paintings, oil lamps, musical
instruments, tribal and folk art, wood works, utensils, masks and traditional
art forms etc. There are around 4000 arti facts from tiny to large size on
display. This unique cultural project aims to provide art education to the
students and to help provide visual and academic knowledge to the art lovers,
researchers and travellers from all over the world. A museum with a difference, the Kerala Folklore Museum is a place
where you can see everything from antiques and sculptures to tribal art and folklore installations. Home to various
musical instruments, costumes and masks, and Stone Age utensils, you can also buy and sell antique items here. This
is a must place to visit when you are in the city.

Entry fee: ₹ 50
Visiting Hours: 9 am to 18: 00 hrs

Hill Palace Archaeological Museum

The museum displays 14 categories of exhibits including Crown and


ornaments of erst while Cochin royal family, paintings, sculptures in stone
and marble, weapons, inscriptions, coins etc. The major share of attractions
in this museum are contributed by the Cochin Royal Family with some
exhibits from the Paliam Devaswom and the department of Archaeology. It
has a gold crown embedded with precious stones and many valuable coins,
ornaments, majestic beds and samples of epigraphy. The famous Malayalam
movie Manichitrathazhu was shot here.

Entry fee: ₹ Adult - Rs. 30/- Children (5-12) - Rs. 10/-


Visiting Hours: 9:00 to 12:30 hrs & 14:00 to 16:30 hrs, closed on Mondays and national holidays

Greenix Village (Need to inform/book one day prior before)

Greenix village, is situated 600meters from the Fortcochin Jankar Ferry and private bus stand. It has a Museum
showcasing most of the Kerala art forms in live size statues, with a write up for each art form. A 120 seater AC theatre
for permorming arts, has daily shows, giving a glimpse of the art forms like Kathakali, Theyam, Kalaripayattu,
Mohiniyattam, etc. Explanation given before each performance makes everyone understand each art form better.
They also give photo opportunity at the end of the show to get clicked with artists which seemed very popular.

Entry fee: ₹ 650 per person, Min number of pax: 10


Kathakali show (Need to inform/book one day prior before)
Famous around the world, Kathakali's magnificence has won great
admiration for the state of Kerala. Proud that this renowned art from
originated, was originated from Kerala’s shores over 300 years ago. It
combines devotion, drama, dance, music, costumes and make up into a
divine experience for all who get to view it. It retells the great stories of the
past, mostly from Indian epics, and leaves one spellbound at the various
intricacies involved in the performance. Every single quiver of the lips,
flicker of the eyes or a movement involving the fingers twirling, has great significance. The entire performance sees
the audience unable to take their eyes away from the spectacle taking place on stage. The entire show lasts for an
hour and the show is divided in to three parts. Dancers perform a prayer, then there will be an introductory
demonstration with English narration and finally the play itself

Entry fee: ₹ 500 per person, min number of pax: 10


Visiting Hours: Makeup of the show starts at 16.30 hrs and the actual show starts at 18.30 hrs
Premier places for shopping in Kochi
Lulu Mall
Lulu Mall is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most popular shopping places in
Kochi. The mall is the biggest in the country and offers shopping facilities galore
along with a wealth of entertainment and dining choices under a single roof.
There are several leading retail brands present here including Wills Lifestyle,
Zodiac, William Penn and more. When you’re tired of carrying around your rapidly
expanding shopping bag, take a break with sumptuous food at the 3,000 seater
food court.

Entry fee: ₹ free


Visiting Hours: 11 am to 11 pm

M.G. Road, Kochi


This area has numerous centres for shopping in Kochi, selling everything one can
think of. Starting from branded items to local goods, M.G. Road is especially
famous for spices, clothes, sculptures and jewellery.

Cochin spice market: This spice market will help you snap up alluring spices like
anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves and pepper at great rates along
with the popular cashew nuts.

Marine Drive
Marine Drive is one of the most popular hangout places in Kochi. It’s also one of
the best places to visit in Kochi at night. Couples often drop in here for the famous
boat rides, which take them to various other tourist destinations, such as
Mattancherry Jewish Synagogue, etc. There are three bridges, namely The
Houseboat Bridge, the Rainbow Bridge (near GCDA shopping complex, is a must
visit place for shopping in Kochi), and the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge, which are
located on this promenade, exhibiting exceptional architecture. Many famous
eating joints are sprinkled along the walkway. An ideal place to spend time at with your loved ones or even on your
own.

Entry fee: ₹ free


Visiting Hours: Open all days, best time to visit is morning/evening (6.30 am to 9pm)
Broadway:
Broadway is the final word for whole sale shopping in Cochin. Ten thousands of
people from many parts of Kerala visits Broadway every day. You name it and you
get it here. A steady walk through the narrow streets will sight you the hundreds
of shops here.

Distance: 10 km, Visiting Hours: 10 am to 9pm

Distances: Nearest Airport (Cochin Airport) 22 Km |Nearest Railway station: (Aluva) 12 Km | Munnar: 115 km | Thekkady: 157 Km
Alleppey: 65 | Kumarakom 60 Km | Varkala: 190
Kovalam: 230 km | Thiruvananthapuram: 210 km

Kochi Marriott Hotel, Lulu International Shopping Mall 34/1111, NH544, Edappally, Kochi, Kerala 682024
Phone: 0484 717 7777

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