12 Best Things To Do In Ernakulam, India

1. Mattan Cherry Palace

Mattan Cherry Palace is devoted to the Dutch. The Dutch occupied Kochi a long time ago. Mattan Cherry Palace has kept significant objects from the time of the Dutch invasion and also has property from the royal family of Kochi at that time. Cameras and digital appliances are not allowed here. Before entering the palace, visitors need to pay, which helps in taking care of the palace. The family will enjoy visiting this palace, but there are huge stairs in the entrance, so it’s difficult for senior citizens. This palace is very well maintained and visiting this beautiful site is recommended.

Mattan Cherry Palace

Address: Mattan Cherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002

2. Bhoothathan Kettu Dam

Bhoothathan Kettu Dam is a great place to visit with family and friends. The scenery of Bhoothathan Dam is very beautiful, making waking on the riverside quite a romantic activity. Many pictures can be taken beside the dam, to collect lovely memories. It’s very easy to reach from Kochi. The dam is surrounded with greenery and there is a rope bridge and garden there too. The garden is the perfect location to enjoy a picnic with the family.

Bhoothathan Kettu Dam

Address: Bhoothathankettu Dam, Kerala 686681

3. Paniely Poru

Paniely Poru is a land of flowing water. This place is on the bank of the River Periyar and is a beautiful spot in Ernakulam. Paniely Poru is managed by the Kerala Forest Department. The flow of the river is through rocks and goes between dense forests. This place is surrounded by green small hills and it’s a very calming experience. The flow of the river is very fast, so be cautious while visiting here, and the rocks are slippery in the rainy season. So enjoy this place and be careful during your time here.

Paniely Poru

Website: Paniely Poru

4. Little Flower Church

Little Flower Church is situated away from the city. Due to this, you can enjoy peace while visiting this church. Little Flower Church is very big and beautiful and the architecture is modern. Parking facilities are available if you wish to drive here. The church is very clean and I recommend staying here for some time to enjoy the tranquil environment.

Little Flower Church

Address: Sahodaran Ayyappan Rd, Elamkulam, Kochi, Kerala 682020

5. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is very beautiful and people who love to enjoy nature should visit here. You will find many birds are chirping in this sanctuary, with some 322 species of bird present. The names of the birds are very beautiful, like the Flowerpecker, the Malabar Trogon, the Malabar Whistling Thrush, the Laughing Thrush, the Ground Thrush, the Indian Pitta, the Cicada, the Orange Minivet, the Ceylon Frogmouth and many more. A local guide is available to assist you and show you all of the species of the birds.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Address: Kothamangalam-Pooyamkutty Road, Thattekad, Kerala 686681

6. Shiva Temple

Shiva Temple is located in Ernakulam and close to Marine Drive. The architecture of the temple is beautiful and it has been renovated. This temple is for Lord Shiva, who is the god of the Hindus. The idols of Lord Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha are kept here in the temple. The atmosphere of the temple is very calm, so I recommend visiting here to find a peaceful moment.

Shiva Temple

Address: Durbar Hall Rd, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kerala 682011

7. Sri Chottanikkara Bhagavaty Temple

Sri Chottanikkara Bhagavaty Temple is magnificent, and was beautifully built in the Kerala architectural style. The divinity of Raja Rajeshware, Mahalashmi, Bhadrakali, Saraswathy, Durga and Amman is kept here. A tradition of this temple is when an elephant is walked through the main part of the temple, which makes for a fantastic photograph to take home.

Sri Chottanikkara Bhagavaty Temple

Address: Chottanikkara, Ernakulam, Kerala 682312

8. LULU Mall

The LULU Mall is the biggest mall in Enakulam. Here you can go shopping, with many international brands available here. The food court is also here where we can enjoy the local food made with local spices. The hyper market is here in LULU Mall, where local people can buy their groceries. The mall is very big, so it takes approximately 1 hour to see.

LULU Mall

Address: 34/1000, N.H 47, Edapally, Kochi, Kerala 682024

9. Edappally Church

Edappally Church is one of the biggest church complexes in Kochi. This complex is built on a huge space and the exterior is simply awesome; beautifully designed and executed. The interior is out of this world and is a must-see, and huge parking space is available.

Edappally Church

Address: Edappally Road, Edappally, Ernakulam, Kerala 682024

10. Puthuvype Beach

Puthuvype Beach is a very neat and clean beach in Ernakulam. This beach has a beautiful lighthouse which is opposite to the beach. You’re not allowed to go inside the light house, but can take beautiful pictures outside. I recommend visiting this place in the evening to see the beautiful sunsets from beach. This beach is away from the crowd of local people, so it is more peaceful than others.

Puthuvype Beach

Address: Vypeen Island, Ernakulam, Kochi

11. St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam

Ernakulam has many temples and churches, but St. Mary’s should be on your list. It is old and the architecture is beautiful but simple and clean-cut. Inside, the colors and carvings are lovely to see. Visitors may join in and take mass, or sit quietly out of the hustle and bustle of town and meditate a bit. The historic church has convenient parking which helps to de-stress. There is beautiful artwork on the ceiling and on the altar to help you settle into some introspective thought. In October, you can visit the Catholic Church and take part in the festival of St. Mary.

St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica

Address: Church St, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kochi (Cochin) 682031

12. St. George Syro-Malabar Catholic Church of Forane

St. George Syro-Malabar Catholic Church of Forane is set in a large compound. Within the grounds are the old church and the newer one. Next to the main church is an ancient well, and the waters are believed to have healing powers. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world pray and light candles here. The original church was dedicated to Mother Mary. Another church followed in 1080 AD. The newest one is a mix of European and Kerala style architecture. You don’t need to be Christian to join the lines of people with candles and prayers. As a visual and a spiritual experience, the church is well worth a visit.

St. George Jacobite Syrian Catholic Church

Address: Ernakulam, Kochi (Cochin) 682024, India

Start planning your trip

Ernakulam is situated in Kerala which is in south India. The climate of this place is hot and humid all around the year, but most pleasant in the months of October to March. It is popular for the sea food, so I recommend eating as much as you can while in Ernakulam. Buying full tour packages of Ernakulam is convenient, because the tourism companies provide all transportation and guides. This way you can easily visit Ernakulam, saving more energy to enjoy yourself!