Asia

Kerala Folklore Museum is the only architectural museum in Kerala with the essence of the life and culture of the common man over the past 1000 years. It is also a cultural hub which contains:‘Face Art Gallery’- for Art & Antiques; ‘Folklore Theatre’- Live performances of traditional art forms & cultural activities. ‘Spice Art Café’ -, to experience the real culinary taste of traditional Kerala. ‘Souvenir Shop’ - to buy real ethnic antiques and tribal artefacts. This is a treasure trove of stone, wood and bronze sculptures, ancient terracotta, Stone Age objects, jewellery, paintings, oil lamps, musical instruments, tribal and folk art, woodworks, utensils, masks and traditional art forms etc. There are around 4000 artefacts from tiny to large size on display. This unique cultural project aims to provide art education to the students and to help provide visual and academic knowledge to the art lovers, researchers and travellers from all over the world. http://www.keralafolkloremuseum.org/

A very beautiful Fort Kochi beach is located on the western coast of India and is often known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. It's a serene beach that offers a scenic view and natural beauty to its visitors. With its pristine water and tranquil ambience, it is extremely admired by tourists and local people as well. Whether you are alone or with your loved ones, this beach offers a soothing atmosphere to relax and chill out. The main attraction of this beach is the historic fort, which is the perfect example of the European architecture and the annual Kochi Festival that takes place every year on the white sands of the Fort Kochi Beach. Holiday trip to this beach is like an ideal blend of the historical and cultural moments. https://www.tourmyindia.com/beaches/fort-kochi-beach.html

Mattancherry in Kochi is most known for the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568,this synagogue attracts numerous visitors to this day. It adds to the area's quaint charm and is a great symbol of the love and harmony that exists in the community. 'Paradesi' literally translates to foreigner in most Indian languages. Many of the original members of the community hailed from Kodungalloor, the Middle East and Europe. https://www.keralatourism.org/kochi/paradeso-synagogue-mattancherry.php

The Sahodaran Ayyappan Museum is a fresh combination of interactive and traditional exhibitions representing a truly authentic experience. The museum complex includes traditional thatched roof (coconut leaves) houses, one of them is where Sahodaran Ayyappan was born. This museum has a waterfront view of the River Periyar with MHP Project boat jetty. The museum illustrates the life and work of Sahodaran Ayyappan and his movements against the Caste- Madness of the Kerala Society. https://www.muzirisheritage.org/sahodaran-ayyappan-museum.php

The Hill Palace is Kerala's first heritage museum located at Thripunithura in Ernakulam district. It has a huge collection of the former Maharaja of Kochi. At present, this official residence of the royal family has become one of the state's largest archaeological museums. Built in the year 1865, there are 49 buildings in the complex which are designed in the Kerala's architectural style. Spread over 52 acres of land, the complex is beautifully landscaped and houses a deer park and horse riding facilities. The complex of museum is a home to various rare species of medical plants. At present, this museum is protected by the Kerala State Archaeology Department. https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/kerala/hill-palace-tripunithura-ernakulam.html

Have you ever explored an extensive variety of life amidst a humming metro! If not, then visit Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary which is situated in the heart of Kochi, Kerala. Popular as the 'green lung of Kochi', it's very famous for the mangrove vegetation and a home to various species of migratory birds. It's a true mangrove area that has shallow lake surrounded by thick mangrove vegetation. Placed behind the Kerala high court building, it is a perching place for several kinds of resident and migratory birds. Sprawled over 2.74 hectares of area, the sanctuary is a perfect paradise for birders. Thickly planted with a variety of trees and plants, this sanctuary enjoys a pleasant temperature. https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/kerala/mangalavanam-bird-sanctuary.html

Made by the Portuguese Santa Cruz Basilica in Kochi, this church is one of the eight Basilicas in India. Situated nearby the famous St. Francis Church, this heritage building of Kerala is also one of the finest cathedrals in India and it serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin. It's a Roman Catholic Cathedral situated at K.B. Jacob road in Fort Kochi. It's a holy place and the centre of historical significance, endued with artistic splendor and the colors of the medieval style. https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/kerala/santa-cruz-basilica-kochi.html

Around two dozen kilometers from the industrial district of Ernakulam and to the side of the Vypeen Island lies every swimmer’s paradise, Cherai Beach. It is a favourite haunt of those looking for a relaxing swim with the backdrop of coconut groves being the added incentive. https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/cherai-beach-kochi/179

The Indo-Portuguese Museum situated in Fort Kochi throws light on the strong Portuguese influence in both the art and the architecture of the region. https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/indo-portuguese-museum/336

It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. http://www.cochin.org/tourism.htm