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Some of the sightseeing places in and around Ernakulam/Kochi are mentioned below:
Bolghatty Island
This long narrow palm-fringed island is easily accessible from the mainland and is where you’ll need to go to see the Bolghatty Palace .
Bolghatty Palace
Situated on Bolghatty Island ,the Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744 and later became the seat of the British Resident. Today this has been converted into a hotel and is a popular place to stay.
Cherai Beach
A lovely beach bordering Vypeen island off Cochin , Cherai beach is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction.It is a popular tourist destination especially among foreigners.
Chennamangalam
About 4km from Parur,this place houses the oldest synagogue in Kerala. There is also a Jesuit Church and ruins of a Jesuit College . One can also walk to the Hindu Temple overlooking river Periyar, a 16th-century mosque, as well as burial grounds.
Chinese Fishing Nets
The Chinese fishing nets that line the sea-front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi are said to have been brought from by traders of Kubalai Khans Court, many years ago and are still used today at high tide.
Chottanikkara Temple
Numerous stories attest to the early history of this 10th century temple, where tormented devotees found solace in the diety, Bhagavathi. Today it remains one of the most popular pilgrim sites in Kerala, devotees still flock here seeking liberation from torment. Sometimes they dance themselves into a frenzy in their battle between the demons and the deities. The Goddess at Chottanikkara is revered here in three forms; she is Saraswathi (goddess of learning) in the morning, Bhagavathi (divine mother)at noon and Durga (fierce and destructive ) in the evening.
Coonan Kurishu Shrine
Located in the heart of the busy Mattancherry is the Coonan Kurishu Shrine which was the venue for about 25,000 Syrian Christians who, in 1653, assembled at the ancient cross in Mattancherry and tied long ropes to it. Pulling the ropes they took a solemn oath that they would never obey the Latin Archbishops or be under the Jesuits.
Dutch Cemetery
Located a short distance from St. Francis Church, near the entrance to the beach, this cemetry is supposedly maintained by the CSI, but is very badly kept. It is of historical importance, having many famous persons buried here. Most of the grave stones have been removed, but the few that are here are in fairly good condition.However because of the overgrowth of plants and shrubs, it takes a bit of real exploring to discover whose grave stone is whose.
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