Home to a thriving cinema and arts scene and dotted with stately temples and churches, Ernakulam is more than just the glitzy commercial centre of Kochi. Kerala’s economic heart spoils tourists for choice.
About Ernakulam

Sight Seeing

Bolgatty Island
Palm-fringed Bolgatty Island is home to India’s only international marina and to the stately Bolgatty Palace. One of the few Dutch-built palaces outside the Netherlands, Bolgatty Palace was once the Colonial governors’ residence.

Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom
The likeness of Our Lady of Ransom housed here was first installed by Vasco da Gama and is said to possess miraculous powers of healing. This pristine white basilica is a haven of silence, and is regarded by many faiths as a pilgrimage site.
Time : 6:30 AM

St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Cathedral Basilica
This soaring, richly decorated cathedral is where Pope John Paul II celebrated mass during his visit in 1986. The basilica is known for housing a lovely depiction of Jesus’s Apparition to St. Thomas as well as illustrations of the birth, death and resurrection of Christ on the altar.
Time : 7:00 Am
Activities To Do

Explore the city from the sea
There is no better way to experience Ernakulam than from the beautiful backwaters. Cruises run twice daily, and take people past Kochi’s most popular sights, including Bolgatty Palace, Pardesi Synagogue, the St. Francis Church, the fishing nets and Kochi Port.

Get in touch with nature
The gorgeous Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is an ecologically sensitive mangrove forest that attracts over thirty species of rare birds and some huge flying foxes. Early mornings are the best time to visit this green heart cocooned in an urban jungle.
Time : 9:00 AM
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6:00 PM

Bow to gentle giants
Make a day-trip to the Kodanad Elephant Training Camp for unique interactions with elephants. You can help bathe the playful resident pachyderms, or choose to ride atop one, at this camp, located about 50km outside Ernakulam.
Time : 9:00 AM
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6:00 PM
Shopping

Take home some Kochi favourites
The popular Broadway, contrary to what the name suggests, is a jumble of quaint streets stuffed with shops selling all the Kochi favourites – from ethnic saris to fragrant spices, exquisite jewellery, intriguing curios and beyond.
Time : 10:00 AM
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8:00 PM

Find a souq by the sea
Go down to Jewel Junction on MG Road. It is Kerala’s version of a gold souq and has both the best-known brands and some exquisite local stores. The range of designs available includes both ethnic and modern styles, statement pieces to lighter, daily-wear ones.

Explore India’s largest mall
Gain some respite from Ernakulam’s tropical weather as you wander through LuLu Mall, touted to be India’s largest shopping mall. It houses over two hundred outlets and a stellar collection of Indian and international brands.
Time : 10:00 AM
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11:00 PM
Suggested Itinerary
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Full Day Itinerary
Gear up for a busy day out: Start with the birds, go on a cruise, then drive out to see the elephants. Finish at two beautiful churches.
Our
Itinerary
Visit the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Cruise by Kochi’s Highlights
Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom
See St. Thomas at the Basilica
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