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| Wayanad |
Kochi is endowed with breathtaking beauty that rightfully makes it ‘God’s Own Country’ and an ideal getaway to many destinations. Fort Kochi, situated at a distance of 13 km from Ernakulam, is famous for its beaches, Chinese nets, sailing ships and Victorian architecture. Beautifully lined with old Victorian styled bungalows, this small village bears evidence of the first European settlement in Kochi. The Jewish Synagogue also known as Paradesi Synagogue, was built around 1568 and is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. This synagogue is famous for its Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers and giant scrolls of the Old Testament. Located in the old part of Jew Town, this synagogue is 3.5 km away from Kochi and is closer to the Dutch Palace.
The Dutch Palace, also called Mattenchery Palace, is 3.7 km away from Kochi and was built by the Portuguese in 1555 A.D and presented to the Raja of Kochi. The palace houses a large collection of murals, exhibits, portraits of the Rajas of Kochi and has the Bhagavath temple and the Nalukettu located in the central courtyard.
The Willingdon Island, a manmade island created in 1933 and harbouring the Kochi airport, seaport and the railway terminus is now home to the Cochin Port Trust and the Southern Naval Command headquarters. Lined with beautiful walkways with a jetty close by, this island is 6.4 km away from Kochi.
Located 25 km away from Kochi, the Cherai Beach is located on the Vypin island. The beach offers 15 km stretch of white sand lined with green coconut groves and paddy fields, making it an ideal spot for picnickers and beach lovers.
Thenmala, the first planned eco-tourism centre in India, is 171.5 km away from Kochi and is located at an elevation of 1,640 feet above sea level. Thenmala is abound with beehives and honey and is popular for its Musical Fountain, amphitheatre, Lotus Pond, eco-park and Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary.
Valparai, the rainiest place in Tamil Nadu, is 147.7 km away from Kochi. The forests of Valparai serve as a home to the rarest of flora and fauna and offer attractive tourist spots like the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Balaji Temple and innumerable dams.
Pollachi 172.8 km from Kochi, is abundant in rice fields. Pollachi also houses the biggest jaggery market in Asia.
