Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 244

Museum of Kerala History: Situated at Edappally, hardly 8 kms from Ernakulam
this museum reveals historical episodes from the Neolithic to the modern
era through life size figures. Light-n-sound shows are regularly arranged
with commentaries in English and Malayalam. There are two art galleries. One displays paintings by contemporary Indian artists while the other
is the centre for visual arts, the authentic reproduction of selected world
masters.
Poornathrayeesha Temple: The deity of this temple, located Thripunithura,
is Poornathrayeeshan and was the patron deity of the rulers of erstwhile
Cochin kingdom. Poornathrayeeshan means, Lord who is having authority
over Wrik, Yajus, and Sama Vedas. The idol, which is molded in Panchaloha,
has a specialty and faces east.
Kodanad: (40 km from Ernakulam & 30 km from Kottayam Town) Situated in
the high ranges on the South bank of Periyar, Kodanad is one of the
largest elephant training centers in South India. Elephants specially
trained for Safari are provided with saddles for riding. There is also a
mini zoo for wild animals here. Ph: 2649052
Chendamangalam: (42 km from Ernakulam) This is a rare geographical combination of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green
plane. The Paliam palace abode of Paliath Achans, the hereditary prime
ministers of erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi represents the architenctural
splendour of Kerala. The palace contains a collection of historic documents
and relics. The hillocks at kottayil Kovilakam represents the unusual sight
of a temple, a church, a mosque and the remains of a jewish synagogue
all situated next to each other.
Chottanikkara Bhagvati Temple: (20 km from Ernakulam) This is a famous temple
of the goddess, one of the 108 popular and important Devi temples of India.
Malayattoor: Malayattoor is the International Christian pilgrim centre and
famous for the Catholic Church dedicated to St. Thomas. The apostle who
landed in Kerala to propagate his gospel in 7th century is the main attraction. 47 kms from Kochi the shrine is on the 609 metre high hill. Thousands
of devotees undertake the pilgrimage to the shrine to participate in the
annual festival. Ph: 0484 2468208.
Kanjiramattom Mosque: (18 km from Ernakulam) The mosque retains the
antique beauty of Mazhars and Dargahs. Honouring the Saint Sheikh
Fariduddin, at the Chandanakudam festival, pilgrims carry pots covered
with sandalwood paste in a procession to the mosque.
Koder House: This wonderful building constructed by S.S. Koder of the Cochin
Electric Company is the best example of the transition from colonical to
Indo-European Architecture. Features like verandah seats at the entrance
floor tiles set in a chess board pattern red coloured bricks like facade,
carved wood furniture and a wooden bridge connecting to a separate
structure across the street are all unique to this Bungalow. Ph: 0484 2218485.
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ERNAKULAM|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS