7 Days in Ernākulam: A Journey of Cultural Delights

SUJA GEORGE ALUKKA

11 Jan 2024

Embark on a week-long adventure in Ernākulam, exploring ancient marvels, indulging in authentic cuisine, and immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture. From historic landmarks to picturesque beaches, this itinerary has it all.

Trip to Ernākulam

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Viator

Day 1Fort Kochi's Hidden Gems

$31

$ 1

Malabar junction is the crossroads of tradition & innovation Specialising in market fresh food and reputed to be one of the finest seafood in the South.

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$10

4 - 6 min

Directions

Museum at Fort Kochi with exhibits & artifacts that show Portuguese influence on area art & culture.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

•

5 - 8 min

Directions

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica Fort Kochi

Elegant reconstructed 1880s Catholic church originally built by the Portuguese in the 1500s.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

Small, lively beach known for picturesque sunset views & vendors selling casual street food.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

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Free

3 - 4 min

Directions

Beachfront promenade with food stalls, near where fishermen use huge nets on teak & bamboo poles.

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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Free

20 - 24 min

Directions

National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom - Vallarpadam

Twin towers distinguish this church that draws pilgrims for its picture of Mary & baby Jesus.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

12 - 15 min

Directions

Striking, arched bridge & pedestrian promenade, illuminated at dusk & offering scenic views.

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

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Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

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$18

Day 2Art, History, and Serenity in Kochi

$47

$ 1

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$18

3 - 4 min

Directions

Housed in a landmark venue, this sophisticated gallery showcases exhibitions from famous artists.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

•

9 - 14 min

Directions

Breezy, lakefront park featuring lush lawns, a children's playground & benches with water views.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

29 - 35 min

Directions

Museum examining the naval history of India, with warship models, artillery & uniforms on display.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

Seafront beach offering a paved walkway with benches & views of large Chinese fishing nets.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$26

Day 3Temples, Markets, and Bird Sanctuaries

$42

$ 1

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$16

5 - 8 min

Directions

Kerala-style palace originally built by the Portuguese in 1555 and later renovated by the Dutch.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

27 - 33 min

Directions

Historic Hindu temple known for its serene surroundings amid a bustling urban locale.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

6 - 8 min

Directions

Street-long dry market selling mostly home goods, known for spices, footwear & hanging lanterns.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

12 - 18 min

Directions

Quiet, forested nature refuge in the middle of the city attracting migratory birds & other animals.

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$18

Day 4Thrills and Heritage at Wonderla and Hill Palace

$49

$ 1

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$16

12 - 15 min

Directions

Large amusement park featuring land & water rides, including options for small kids, plus 3D films.

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

28 - 34 min

Directions

Large 19th-century palace complex with an archeological & heritage museum, plus unique parks.

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

14 - 21 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

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$18

Day 5Spiritual Bliss and Cultural Extravaganza

$35

$ 2

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$10

3 - 4 min

Directions

Hindu temple complex with shrines to multiple deities, sculptures & dramatic walls of lanterns.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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Free

19 - 23 min

Directions

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple Thrippunithura

Revered Hindu temple dedicated the deity Vishnu & known for its annual festivals.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

Museum of traditional local architecture as well as crafts, folk art & antiques, with a cafe & shop.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

6 - 8 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$20

Day 6Seafood Delights and Retail Therapy

$42

$ 2

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$18

4 - 6 min

Directions

St. Antony's Roman Catholic Latin Shrine, Kaloor

Catholic church established in 1915 featuring a large image of Christ on the ceiling.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

Concerts & community events hosted in a lush green space with statues & play equipment.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

Large mall with hundreds of shops, plus a food court, cinema, bowling alley & ice-skating rink.

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

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Free

18 - 22 min

Directions

Spanning the Periyar River, this expansive, two-lane arch bridge offers sweeping views of the city.

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

•

Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$24

Day 7Exploring History and Spirituality in Aluva

$47

$ 2

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$18

19 - 28 min

Directions

Riverside Hindu temple prone to monsoon flooding & known for its colorful festivals.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

22 - 27 min

Directions

Family-friendly park with play equipment, a musical fountain, a butterfly garden & a movie theater.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

Local history & culture are showcased with sound & light shows, doll collections & art exhibits.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

7 - 9 min

Directions

Storied pilgrimage hub with whitewashed, colonnaded facades, an ornate campanile & a gilded altar.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$26

Budget breakdown: $298 In total

Activities & Food:$291

Transport:$7