Ernakulam

Ernakulam and Kochi – Temples, Heritage and Places to Visit

Ernakulam and Kochi are so closely linked that the two names are often used interchangeably. Ernakulam forms the busy mainland part of Kochi, while places such as Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and Bolgatty reveal a very different side of the city.

For me, that contrast is what makes Kochi interesting. Within a relatively small region, one can move from old temples and modern waterfronts to palaces, a historic synagogue, Jewish heritage and the famous Chinese fishing nets.

This page brings together the places I have explored and written about in Ernakulam and Kochi.

Places of Worship

Ernakulathappan Temple - Ernakulam

One of the important Shiva temples in the heart of Ernakulam. The temple is closely associated with the identity of the old town itself. 

Murugan Temple - Ernakulam

Heritage and Historic Sites

Bolgatty Palace - Kochi

Built by the Dutch in 1744, Bolgatty Palace stands on Bolgatty Island and is one of the surviving reminders of Kochi's colonial period. 

Chinese Fishing Net - Kochi

The enormous cantilevered fishing nets along the Fort Kochi waterfront have become one of the most recognisable sights of Kochi. Watching them being lowered and raised is as interesting as the structures themselves. 

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) – Kochi

Despite its familiar name of Dutch Palace, the building was originally constructed by the Portuguese and was later renovated by the Dutch. Its murals and associations with the Rajas of Kochi make it particularly important. 

Jewish Cemetery – Mattancherry

The cemetery is another surviving reminder of the long history of the Jewish community in Kochi. 

Paradesi Synogogue – Mattancherry

Built in 1568, the Paradesi Synagogue stands in Jew Town close to Mattancherry Palace. Its hand-painted Chinese tiles and old furnishings make the interior especially memorable. 

Waterfront

Marine Drive

Marine Drive presents a completely different face of Kochi. The promenade runs beside the backwaters and offers views of the harbour, boats and islands, with the modern city rising behind it. 

Fort Kochi and Mattancherry preserve layers left by traders and communities from different parts of the world, while Ernakulam represents the modern commercial face of the city. That combination is perhaps what makes exploring Kochi so enjoyable.

As I visit more places in Ernakulam and Kochi, I will continue adding them to this page.

Happy travelling.