Guruvayur – Cochin

Guruvayur, a small picturesque town in the Trichur district of Kerala is an important pilgrim center as well. The peaceful ambience of the temple gives you a very soothing and tranquilizing feel. You can experience true celestial bliss on your Tour to Guruvayur and therefore it comes as no surprise that the place is blessed with the epithet Bhoolokavaikunta – heaven on earth.

Cochin popularly known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” is situated in the South Western Coast of the Indian Subcontinent. It is a vibrant city and is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. The city is bordered by the Western Ghats in the East and the Arabian Sea in the West. It is a small town situated in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. The large number of tourist attractions in Cochin and its backwaters makes this place a unique experience to the tourist who visit the city. The tourist attractions in Cochin include forts, sanctuaries, Palaces and Churches.

Tourist Attractions in Tour to Guruvayur:

The prime attraction in Guruvayur is the Shri Krishna or Guruvayurappan Temple.
The ceremonial procession Arattu when the lord is taken to the temple pond or Rudrateertha accompanied with the chanting of slokas is a very pleasant sight. A one month festival Ekadasi is celebrated on the occasion of Lord Krishna’s advice to Krishna during the Kurushetra war which was later compiled into the Bhagwad Gita and became the sacred text of the Hindus. The lord is worshipped from sunrise to sunset and you would surely like to participate in the elaborate pooja ceremony on your Tour to Guruvayur.

If you are wild life lover you should visit the Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary located at a distance of about 3 km from Guruvayur. It is the largest elephant park in the world and you can see about 60 elephants at the same time.

The State Art Museum and Zoo is located within the same premise in Trichur. The Museum has an amazing and rare collection of traditional jewellery, lamps, metal carvings and sculptures.

Just 3 km from Guruvayur, there is a Beautiful Beach at Chavvakad. The mausoleum of Haider Ali’s lieutenant Haridas Kuttee is also to be seen.

The apostle St. Thomas is also said to have founded a Church in Palayur, merely 4 km from Guruvayur. Witness this old church reflective of admirable architectural skills in your Tour to Guruvayur.

Tourist attractions in Cochin:

Chinese fishing Nets:
These nets popularly known as Cheenavala is one of the unique features of the city. These are massive nets used by local fishermen to catch fish. Other than Cochin, these nets are found only in China.

Fort Kochi Beach:
The beach is a wonderful experience during sunsets with the silhouettes of Chinese fishing nets and ships forming its background which makes the experience a memorable one. Mouth watering fresh seafood is available at the stalls near the beach.

Santa Cruz Basilica:
This Basilica is located in Fort Kochi and was built by the Portuguese in 1505 AD and was later destroyed by the British. The present church was structured in 1905 and it was given the status of Basilica in 1984.

Dutch Palace:
Originally built by the Portuguese, this Palace was modified in the 17th Century by the Dutch and presented to the King of Kochi. The Palace is located at Mattancherry and incorporates fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary:
This is a protected bird sanctuary located at the heart of the city Eranakulam and adjoins the backwaters and the sea. The sanctuary has a wide collection of both resident and migratory birds.

Willingdon Island:
It is a man made island created in 1933 which once served as an airport, sea port and Railway Terminus. It is situated 30 km from Cochin and is now the home to the Cochin Port and the headquarters of Southern Naval Command.

One can also visit other places like Veega Land, Cherai Beach, Parikshith Thampuran Museum, Palliport Fort, Bolghatty Palace and the Hill Palace on their visit to the city.