Welcome to Ernakulam

Ernakulam, the commercial capital of Kerala was formed on 1st April 1958 carving areas of erstwhile Travancore-Kochi-Malabar kingdoms. Major portion of the district is from the Kochi kingdom. The district consists of the mainland Ernakulam, the man made Willington Island, Mattanchery, Fort Kochi, world's most populous area of Vypeen Island, Bolghatty Palace etc. Kochi is the most modern city of Kerala where the best shopping, markets and bazars are located. It is also known by the name Kochi - The Queen of Arabian Sea. Kochi, the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala, has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city. One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi, earlier known as Cochin has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala's commercial hub. Kerala's prime tourist destination, it spreads across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and Backwaters. Its main sections: modern Ernakulam in the east and the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin on a peninsula in the west are linked by a complex system of ferries. The Chinese fishing nets, believed to be erected in 1350 AD, swaying in the breeze over backwaters, the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Portuguese Architecture, Bolghatty Palace etc. enrich the heritage of Kerala. The word Ernakulam was drawn from a Tamil word Erayanarkulam means abode of Lord Shiva's. The present Ernakulam District include Paravur, Aluva, Kochi, Kanayannoor, Muvattupuzha, Kunnathunadu, Kothamangalam Taluks which come under Fortkochi and Muvattupuzha Revenue Sub Division. Prior to the formation of Idukki District, Thodupuzha Taluk was also a part of Ernakulam District. Ernakulam District was formed on April 1st 1958. The District which has an area of 895.3Sq.K.M. can be divided geographically as Highland, Midland and Coastal area. The altitude of Highland is about 1000 feet. The borders of the district are the Arabian Sea in the West, Thrissur District in the North, Idukki District in the East and Alappuzha and Kottayam District in the South. Periyar, Kerala's second largest river flows through all the Taluks except Muvattupuzha. Muvattupuzha river and a branch of Chalakkudy river all gifts of this District. Average rainfall yearly is 3431.8 mm and 139 rain days. As there are rivers, lakes and seas the region has a moderate climate. Temperature is between 31.3oCand 25.8oC . Many types of sands and soil and also rocks which are geological importance is abundant here. Majority of islands in Kerala are in Ernakulam district which was from different parts of old Cochin-Travancore-Malabar area. The main islands of this district all man-made Willington Island,World's most populated Vypeen Island, Cheriya Kadamakkudi, Valiya Kadamakkudi, Ramanthuruthu, Ponjikkara, Vallarpadam, Kumbalam, Panangad, Cheppanam, Nettoor, Pizhala, Kankattuthuruthu, Korampadam, Cheranelloor, Chathanadu, Chendamangalam. All these islands are populated areas. All these islands are believed to have formed from the soil accumulated due to soil erosion of highlands.

Prime Attractions of Ernakulam (Kochi)
Fort Kochi A municipal town from 1866 to 1967, Fort Kochi now is one of the three main urban components that constitute the present day City of Kochi in the Indian State of Kerala, the other two being Mattancherry and Ernakulam> In 1967, these three municipalities, along with a few adjoining areas, were amalgamated to form the new Corporation of Kochi. Fort Cochin in mainly occupied by the Anglo Indians and Dutch settlers left behind by the Europeans visitors to this part, and something to be noted is that still the European culture is being followed by in Fort Cochin. Fort Cochin is the home to some of the oldest European architecture in India and has been a significant settlement ever since Cochin Harbour was discovered. Unlike the bustling Ernakulum, Fort Cochin is sleepy and retains a great deal of colonial charm. A day spent wandering the streets of Fort Cochin will be well spent. Some of the important charming eye catching views in Fort Kochi are the Santa Cruz Basilica,Chinese net, waterfront, Dutch Cemetary, Princess Street, St Francis church, Cochin carnival, Jew street, synagogue, Mattancherry Palace etc.
Santa Cruz Basillica Chruch
The Portugese built Basilica’s 500th anniversary was very recently. With gracious and admiring interiors, Gothic façade with soaring and dazzling spires the Basilica is a charming prayer home. The Dutch catch of Kochi in 1663 resulted in booming of warehouses in places of worships. The irresistible beauty garnered by stained glass and the imposing Caryatids over the confessional boxes might have persuaded the Dutch to spare it. It is located on Rampart Road. Founded soon after the arrival of the first Portuguese visitors to India Located on Rampart Street. The Santa Cruz Cathedral not only happens to be one of the oldest churches in Cochin, but also in the whole of India. Counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala, this church is visited by tourists the whole year round. It was built by the first Portuguese viceroy, Francesco de Almeida, when he arrived in Kochi way back in 1505. On 3 May that year, during the feast of the "Invention of the Holy Cross", the foundation stone of this church was laid and upon completion, it was christened as Santa Cruz Cathedral. Later on, when the Dutch conquered Cochin in 1663, they ruined all Catholic establishments except this particular cathedral and the famous church of St. Francis. In those days, the Santa Cruz Cathedral was used as an armory. It was, however, later shattered in 1795, after the British took over the city. An elaborate granite pillar of this monumental cathedral was what remained after the destruction of the Santa Cruz Cathedral. The pillar is still kept on the southeastern corner of the present Basilica. When Bishop Dom Joao Gomes Ferreira was appointed as the prelate of Cochin in the year 1887, he took up the initiative to rebuild this Santa Cruz Cathedral. His efforts, however, could only be realized during the reign of his successor, Dom Mateus Oliveira Xavier. Dom Sebastiao Jose Pereira, the Bishop of Damao, sanctified the new cathedral on November 19, 1905. Recognizing its historic significance, Pope John Paul II raised the status of Santa Cruz Cathedral to a Basilica, on 19th December 1984. At present, Santa Cruz Cathedral is one of the eight Basilicas in India. Recently in 2004, this cathedral completed its five centuries of existence. The architecture of the basilica is a blend of the Indo-European and the gothic style. The making of the pulpit and the wooden paneling of this cathedral is very impressive. Moreover, the Italian paintings dating from the time of the original foundation of the church adorning the interiors of the Santa Cruz Basilica give it a completely magnificent look. . Open: 9-1 and 3-5 with Masses at 7 am and 6 pm. Mass on Saturday at 6pm is in English St. Francis Church, in Kochi , earlier called Cochin, originally built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India and has great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent. The dawn of Christianity in South Asia dates back to the arrival of Saint Thomas at Kodungallur in Kerala in 52 AD and establishment of the seven churches. European Christians came to Kerala many centuries after that. The Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon. The grave stones were tossed into the walls of the church in 1886. The ‘Doop Book’, that is, old baptism and the marriage register, from 1751 to 1804, kept in the vestry, are the delights of history seekers. A photo copy of the Doop Book is kept outside the vestry to enable interested visitors to glance through. Location: Church Road. Open: 6am - 7pm, Mass at 7.15 am
Waterfront in Fortkochi: A little walk-away is Vasco da Gama Square, a narrow promenade running along the beach. Huge cantilevered Chinese Fishing Nets, just before the beach are littered in the water as welcome symbols to the visitors. The Chinese Fishing Nets system works in a systemic way. A bamboo and teak (or any hardwood) contraption with net-spread hanging get pulled down to the water and hauled in with the catch. This is done manually. The catching process is usually in the morning and early evening. The Fort Kochi beach is clean and small. At one end there is a pretty Lighthouse. Recline and relax on the white sand when the eyes will sharp on Lakshadweep bound ships. Lakshadweep gets all the consumer and otherwise goods from the mainland Kochi. Ferry to the distanced sporadic Cherai beach. The receptive white sand there is a luring force to recline, sleep, dance or to football. And swim and sniff. If lucky, dolphins can be spotted. Coconut groves and paddy field across the shore add glamour to this beautiful beach.

Princess Street: Flower-pot laden windowsills, bronze stucco walls and peeling pastel are the peculiarities of colonial style buildings. See them in Princess Street. Princess Street, a segment of Fort Kochi, revels in moody pastimes. In the morning there is a lovely smell of fresh bread and dont forget to load on Loafer Corner where you can see and be seen.
Dutch Cemetary: Old cemetary for the Dutch settlers and colonists from the 17th to 18th century. Interesting and quiet site for exploring the Fort Cochin history. Location: short walk from the lighthouse.
Cochin Carnival: Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed during the last week of every year in Fort Kochi in Kerala. The carnival dates back to the Portuguese New Year revelry held here during the colonial days. It has evolved as an occasion for the youth to enjoy the party-like atmosphere. With unique games, competitions and illumination during these days, Fort Kochi puts on a festive look. The highlight of the Carnival is the massive procession on the New Year Day. The procession is led by a caparisoned elephant accompanied by drums and music, spectacular floats, different folk art forms, Panchavadyam etc. north indian dances also figure in the festivities.

Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry:
The prosperous Jewish trading community built the Jewish Synagogue in 1568 whose links with Kerala begin in Kodungallor (Cranganore) in the north of the state. The oldest synagogue in India, it was partially destroyed in the war of 1662 and was rebuilt by the Dutch. In the mid-18th century the clock tower was added and the floors paved with exquisite hand-painted blue willow tiles from China. Two hundred years old, no two tiles are alike. The interior offers more beautiful surprises: a Belgian chandelier, the great scrolls of the Old Testament, and the copper plates on which were recorded the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers to the Jewish community in the 4th century. There are also five finely wrought gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by various patrons. The rabbi will normally give visitors a full account of the synagogue and the history of the Jews in Kerala. Although this ancient community of Cochin has now dwindled to a few families, strong elements of their culture and tradition as well as the Hebrew language remain in Jew Town, which is what the area surrounding the Mattancherry Synagogue has come to be called. The by-lanes that wind around Jew Town offer charming sights of houses built in Dutch, Portuguese and British styles.
Jewish Festivals
There are many theories pertaining to the migration of Jews to the Cochin city of Kerala. As per one such belief, the people of the Jewish community migrated to this port city in the first century after the second temple of Jerusalem was destroyed in the 72 AD. The Jewish community gradually settled in and around Mattancherry and Kochi. There's still a decent Jewish population in Cochin, which religiously observe their various Jewish festivals and customs till date. Here's some information on the Jewish festivals celebrated in Kochi / Cochin. Passover Festival, Celebration Time: March / April Passover festival of the Jews is celebrated during March or April. Though sometimes referred to as the spring festival also, the Passover is originally associated with the escape of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Pentecost Celebration Time: Usually the 50th day of Passover. Pentecost is celebrated on the 50th day of the Passover. It is said to be an Old Testament festival, associated with agriculture and seeks to welcome the inception of the spring season. Later, during the early New Testament period, Pentecost started getting celebrated, in honor of God's creation of His people. Feast of Tabernacles
Celebration Time: September / October It happens to be one of the oldest festivals of the Jews and is celebrated in Cochin City with lots of gaiety. It is known as the Feast of Ingathering in the Bible. In Hebrew, it is called the Sukkoth. Jewish New Year Celebration time: September / October New Year is not a time of revelry for a Jew; rather it is a pious season for self-assessment and judgment. Bay of Atonement is the second day following the Jewish new-year and it is the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. Hanukkah Celebration time: November / December Another important festival of the Jews, celebrated with gusto in Kochi, is the Hanukkah or the Festival of Light.
Jew Street:It's almost a walk down the lanes of antiquity. The Jew Street is lined with shops that sell curios, antique pieces of crockery, carved wooden furniture, bronze and brass sculptures, remnants of traditional houses, and jewellery. The antique sellers of these streets are the descendants of a fast dwindling population of Jews who settled down here in AD 52. Every piece that they sell has its own tale to narrate - of a palace or a home of the nobility, of travels across many lands and ages. The Jewish Synagogue here, a mark of exceptional architecture and history, is a fascination for hundreds of visitors everyday. There are a few other Jewish settlements too in the State. But Kochi has made a name with its synagogue and the popular antique shops.

The Bolgatty Palace: The Bolgatty Island is a short but inspiring boat ride away from Kochi. The commercial capital of Kerala is also blessed with monuments of great historic relevance. One such monument is the Bolgatty Palace. Set amidst lush, tropical greenery, this prestigious heritage hotel answers your quest for a holiday of quiet enchantment. One of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland, this quaint mansion was built way back in 1744 by a Dutch trader. In 1909 the palace was leased to the British and it served as their residency till 1947 when the British Raj came to an end in India.

Mattancherry Palace or Dutch Palace:
Also known as Dutch Palace, the Mattancherry palace with its medieval charm is situated at Palace Road, Mattancherry,10km from Ernakulam city, Kochi, Kerala. Built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi Veera Kerala Varma (1537-65) in 1555 AD, it took on its present popular name 'Dutch Palace' after 1663, when the Dutch carried out some extensions and renovations in the palace. Today, it is a portrait gallery of the Cochin Rajas and notable for some of the best mythological murals in India, which are in the best traditions of Hindu Temple Art. The palace, with the interiors panelled with wood has exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi like ceremonial robes, headdresses, weapons, palanquins, furniture but the main feature is the series of astonishing murals, depicting the scenes of Ramayana, Mahabarata, and the Puranic Legends. The paintings cover a wide range of themes from the 'Puthra Kameshti Yagam' to Rama's return to Ayodya after vanquishing King Ravana of LankaThe king's bedchamber or 'Palliyara' left of the entrance occupying the southwest corner of the Palace is noteworthy with its low wooden ceiling and 300 sq feet of wall surface covered in about 48 paintings illustrating the Ramayana, from the beginning of the sacrifice of Dasaratha to Sita's return from captivity in Lanka. The first of the eastern chambers is marked by fabulous scenes of Vishnu and Siva iconography and just beyond it to the left is a small room with an unfinished but bold image of Vishnu as 'Vaikunthanatha'. These are among the latest works in the palace. The Dining Hall has carved wooden ornate ceiling decorated with a series of brass cups. The palace also contains rare examples of traditional Kerala flooring, which looks like polished black marble but is actually a mixture of burned coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg whites. Adjacent to the palace, almost within its grounds is the famous Cochin synagogue built in 1567 and between them stands a large circular temple with a cone roof which is not open to non- Hindus.

MUSEUMS & ART GALLERIES

Hill Palace Museum:

The Hill Palace Museum is situated 12 km away from Ernakulam. Historically one of the royal residences of the Cochin Royal Family, today, it exhibits sculptures, rare coins, old weapons and ancient manuscripts. There is also a icollection from Cochin Royal Family which is of historic and social interest. Horse riding facility is also available. Visiting Hours: 9.00 hrs to 12.30 hrs. and 14.00 hrs to 16.30 hrs. Closed on Monday and National holidays. Admission: Rs. 10/- per adult & Rs. 5/- per Child. Camera Rs. 20/- Video Camera Rs. 1000/-.

Museum of Kerala History:

Situated at Edappally, the museum is known for its oen hour light and sound shows. These focus on the makers of Kerala history. Timing.: 10.00, 10.30, 11.00, 11.30 12.00, 14.00, 14.30, 15.0015.30, 16.00 Closed on Mondays and Public holidays.Admission: Rs. 5/- per adult and Rs. 2/- per Child/ student upto 12 years Rs. 2.50

Athachamayam

An occasion to witness almost all the folk art forms of Kerala, Athachamayam marks the beginning of the ten-day Onam festival in Kerala. Conducted on the Atham asterism of the Malayalam month Chingam (Leo), the event today commemorates a royal custom of the Maharajas of erstwhile Kochi State. In olden days it was customary for the King to travel with his entire entourage to the Thripunithura fort. This was also the occasion for the subjects to greet the king and see him at close quarters. The procession still retains its majestic charm and is conducted in a spectacular manner.
Cheeyappara Waterfalls

The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi - Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara Falls cascades down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking. Valara waterfalls are 10 km from Adimali on the Kochi - Madurai highway. Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests.

Chottanikkara Temple
The Devi temple of Chottanikkara near Kochi in Kerala is well known throughout this part of the country for the healing powers, particularly relating to mental illness and disorders. Although popularly called as Raja Rajeshwari, she is known by various names such as Badrakali, Durga, Saraswathi and Amman. The devotees are mostly from the lower class who have faith in curing patients supposed to be possessed by some sort of spirits. It is very difficult to say whether the cure is the result of the psychological faith in the Goddess or due to the environment within the temple. Mostly, the patients are psychological cases and faith probably cures them. The Chief priest of the temple engages the patients in a sort of conversation and then orders the spirit to leave the patient and go elsewhere. This practice of driving an iron nail into a wooden pillar in the temple, indicated that the spirit is permanently made immobile. According to local practice, Raja Rajeshwari is worshiped as Saraswathi in the morning, as Bhadra Kali in the afternoon and as Durga in the evening. All the rituals relate to drive away the evil spirits and the methods adopted are varied. Neem leaves, lime fruits, chillies, etc., are offered to the deity and are taken home to be fixed or tied in a corner of the house. This is supposed to ward off all evil spirits. Many stories are told about the origin of the temple. All of them appear to be relating to tribal deities as being practiced thousands of years ago. However, the devotees have such firm belief in this deity and she is 'Parashakthi' capable of protecting her devotees from any type of difficulty. The local tradition mentions that the famous saint Vilvamangalam installed the idol of Bhadrakali in a place Kizhakavu having taken out the original idol from the bed of a tank. There is no authentic record or any inscription available about the various stories related about the place and the deity. Many stories are told by the devotees about the miracles performed by the goddess. The temple of this goddess is located on the out-skirts of Kochi and local buses are run to the place very frequently. There are many good hotels in Kochi according to the needs of the tourist and pilgrims.

Edapalli Perunal
The feast at the ancient Roman Catholic Church of Edapalli Perunnal is situated on the National Highway (NH 47) between Ernakulam and Aluva. The annual feast of this church commences on the 23rd of April and the chief ceremony is held on the 4t of May. An ornate chariot carries the statue of St. George in a procession with musical accompaniment and a brilliant display of bright coloured parasols. Fowls are the main offering at this church.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a boat race festival celebrated in the last week of December in the backwaters of Kochi, a town in Kerala, south India. This boat race is one of the most popular vallam Kali (snake boat race) in Kerala. This festival is conducted to promote Kerala tourism. This race with its heart throbbing rhythm of drum music provides an unforgettable experience to the spectators. The trophy of the race was instituted in memory of Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India.
Kanjiramattom Festival
The Kanjiramattom Kodikuthu, Ernakulam is celebrated on January 13th to 14th every year in Ernakulam. It is one of the annual events held in Kerala. Celebrated in the month of January it is one of the colorful festivals in Kerala. Built as a memorial to Sheikh Fariduddin the Kanjiramattom mosque is the place where this festival is held. During the Chandanakkudam ritual at night the pilgrims carry pots covered with sandalwood paste and proceed in a procession to the mosque. You can get to see a glimpse of the six caparisoned and ornamented elephants and folk performances add color to the performance. You can see traditional Muslim art forms like Duffmuttu and Kolkali are also staged during the festival. The traditional art forms like the Oppana and Mappilappattu are also staged during the festival. These are song and dance performances which are a part of the Kanjiramattom Kodikuthu, Ernakulam. One of the famous Muslim festivals of Kerala, the Kanjiramattom Kodikuthu is held 25 kms from Ernakulam. Celebrated in Kanjiramattom the Kodikuthu Festival draws number of tourists from all over. The Kanjiramattom Kodikuthu, Ernakulam is one of the important religious festivals of Kerala. People dress in their best clothes and offer their prayers in the Kanjiramattom mosque during this festival.
Kodungaloor Bharani
The Kodungalloor Bharani Festival in Kerala is one of the most awaited and famous Fairs and Festivals of Kerala. The whole of Kerala along with the other states of South India waits for the month of Meenam (March-April) every year for the festival. This is the best time to have a visit to ‘God’s own country’ with the festival and a climate to cherish the stay. With the mark of respect to the snow-white past of Kodungalloor, the whole of Kerala gears up for the Kodungalloor Bharani in Kerala. The region of Kodungalloor is known as the past capital of Kerala and is the home to the Kodungalloor Bhagavathi Temple, the venue to the festival and is one of the wealthiest temples of the country. The festival is attended by thousands of devotees who thronged into the temple to be a part of the occasion. The Chettikulangara Bharani festival commemorates the birth of Bahdrakali who according to the Hindu mythology was born from the third eye of Samhara Rudra and was the one who went to finish off demon Darika. The month of Meenam (March-April) is the time when the temple is flocked in by the devotees for the celebration.
Malayatoor Perunal
The festival of Malayatoor Perunnal is celebrated in the months of March/April every year. It falls on the Sunday after Easter and is organized at the world-famous Catholic Church at Malayatoor, situated near the Cochin city of Kerala. Situated atop the Malayattoor hill, at a height of some 609 m, this church is dedicated to the famous apostle of Jesus Christ, St Thomas. It is often referred to by the name of the St Thomas Malayattoor Church also. It is believed that St Thomas prayed at this church when he landed in Kerala. Situated near the Malayatoor St Thomas Church is a hill that is supposed to have his footprints on a rock Malayatoor Perunnal is one of the major festivals of Kochi and draws devotees from around the globe. During the celebration of the festival, pilgrims of all faiths walk uphill chanting the name of the Apostle. The fervor with which the devotees pray during Malayatoor Perunal is simply infectious. Tourists and locals come here to seek spiritual happiness and satisfaction amidst the calm and serene locales of Malayatoor.
Muvattupuzha

Muvattupuzha is one of the important places in the state of kerala. It is a municipal town situated almost in the middle of the state. People of all communities and castes hindus, muslims and christians live here in perfect harmony and amity. Muvattupuzha has a rich cultural heritage and memorable tradition. A host of cultural and educational institutions, temples, mosques and churches dignify this traditional town and draw people from even other parts of the state. It is a business centre too from times immemorial. One noteworthy thing about muvattupuzha is that there is a market, commercial centre, sponsored by the european economic community (EEC) which functions well at present. In spite of all these, muvattupuzha is still a hamlet with the traditional kerala dwellings, paddy fields, coconut gardens and extensive greenlands. The most fascinating magnetic element of muvattupuzha is the river there cutting the city into three segments resembling the most lovely thames river in london. This river is a union of three streams, thodupuzha river, kaliyar river and kothamangalam river. These three small rivers conglomerate at muvattupuzha to transform to the big muvattupuzha river and there from flows smoothly to rest at the vaikom backwaters embracing the various interior areas of ernakulam and kottayam districts. Since the merger of three rivers realizes at this place, this area was named Muvattupuzha, meaning the place where three rivers unite.

Kadamattam

Kadamattam Church, an ancient church famous for its legendary priest, Kadamattath Kathanar, is located at Kunnattunadu of Ernakulam District.Believed to be built by a Christian priest from the west, who had earned the name 'Mar Aaba', the church was consecrated in AD 865. It has strong resemblances with the old temples of Kerala. The walls of this old church are about 1.5 m thick. Inside the church there is an old Persian memorabilia, where one can see ancient descriptions in old Pahlavi {Persian) language. A grand feast is celebrated here during January-February to mark the death anniversary of Kadamattath Kathanar. Hundreds of people throng the church for this event.Kadamattam is about 35 km south-east of Ernakulam on Ernakulam-Muvattupuzha road. Ernakulam Town Railway Station and Aluva Railway Station are the nearest railway stations. Frequent buses are available from different parts of Kerala to this holy place.

Kodanad

Kodanad is known for its 'Elephant Kraal', elephant rescue centre, mini zoo and its access via river boats to the seasonal pilgrimage centre of Malayattoor church, both placed opposite on the beautiful banks of the Periyar river with stunning unspoilt and rustic views. Kodanad's various riverside locality attracts visitors, film crews, foreign tourists all around the year. There are many walkways alongside the river and they offer a unique experience to most of the visitors.

Kodanad is the only elephant rescue and training centre in Kerala specialised for rescuing and training stranded baby elephants from the forest regions across Kerala. Kodanad also offers elephant safari to visitors. Elephants are made ready with a specially constructed wooden saddle on top, designed to make the riding comfortable and safe. At Kodanad, the old 'Kraal' is still preserved and used to house elephants. The Kraal is a tall structure made of wood compartments which can accommodate up to 4 elephants. The 'mini zoo' shelters wild animals which have become unfit for survival in the local forest and some inmates of the zoo are very rare species.

History

In 1950-60s, Kodanad used to be the largest of several elephant training centres for captured Elephants from the Malayattoor forests and the adjoining forests. They were trained using Mahouts, specially skilled people also known as Paappan in Malayalam language. In 1970s, there was a ban to elephant capture by Government of India and from then on, Kodanad is primarily used as a rescue training centre.

Baby elephants & Care centre
Baby Elephant inside the Kodanad Kraal
Baby Elephant inside the Kodanad Kraal

Watching baby elephants at their infancy and various stages of their growth has become a unique feature that attracts visitors to Kodanad. At least 4-6 baby elephants are brought in and trained every year. Tourists arrive at Kodanad fascinated by baby elephant's various stages of development at the Care centre. Training plays an important role for elephants while their brains develop and they learn vital survival and cultural knowledge. The baby elephants at Kodanad are owned and taken care by the Department of Forest. Once they become adults, someone buy them out in auctions. In Kerala, elephants are used for a variety of traditional jobs such as timber loading & wood moving, or as temple elephants for religious Hindu festivals & events.

Ecotourism

Kodanad is in the list of Ecotourism destination projects supported by the Government of India. As a part of this project, Kaprikkad, a village lying 3km adjacent to Kodanad on the river bank has been set up in 2006 for entertaining visitors in the most natural and environmental friendly way.

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