Ernakulam

The Hill Palace Museum , Thripunithura

Open : 0900 - 1230 hrs; 1400 - 1630 hrs. closed on Mondays
10 km from Kochi, Hill Palace, the official residence of the erstwhile Kochi royal family, was built in 1865. The palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala and is surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a deer park and facilities for horse riding. A full-fledged ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala’s first ever heritage museum are the main attractions. Displayed inside the thirteen galleries are oil paintings, 19 th century paintings, murals, sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins belonging to the royal family.
Parikshith Thampuran Museum
This museum houses a collection of coins, bronzes, copies of murals and megalithic relics of Kerala.
Madhavan Nayar Foundation
Open : 1000 - 1700 hrs; Closed on Mondays
Just 8 km from Ernakulam, at Edappally, the Foundation houses the Museum of Kerala History and its Makers. The museum showcases historical episodes from the neolithic to the modern era through life size figures. Light ‘n’ sound shows are regularly organized with commentaries in English and Malayalam. There is also a gallery of paintings and sculptures, displaying over 200 original works by contemporary Indian artists. The Centre for Visual Arts has a collection of the authentic reproduction of selected world masters and larger-than-life mural reproductions of Indian art.
Kaladi : (35 km)

The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher of the 8 th century, Kaladi is 10 km from Aluva. Temples dedicated to Sri Sankara, Sarada Devi, Sri Krishna and Sri Ramakrishna add to the sanctity of the destination. A place called Crocodile Ghat is where Sri Sankara took his vows of renunciation. According to legends, a crocodile caught hold of him and refused to release him until Sankara’s mother Aryamba permitted him to accept Sanyas (renunciation).
Kodanad

Distance : 30 km from Kottayam town
Situated in the high ranges on the southern bank of the Periyar, Kodanad is one of the largest elephant training centres in south India. Elephants specially trained for safari are provided with saddles for riding. There is also a mini zoo for wild animals here.
Chendamangalam
Distance : 42 km from Ernakulam town
This is a rare geographical combination of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plains. The Paliam Palace, abode of the Paliath Achans, hereditary Prime Ministers to the erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi, represents the architectural splendour of Kerala. The Palace houses a collection of historic documents and relics. The hillocks at Kottayil Kovilakom presents the unusual sight of a temple, a church, a mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue, all situated next to each other. Also interesting is a visit to the remains of the Vypeenkotta Seeminary built in the 16 th century by the Portuguese.
Malayatoor
Distance: 47 km from Kochi
Malayatoor is famous for the Catholic church on the 609 m high Malayatoor hill (dedicated to St. Thomas). Thousands of devotees undertake the pilgrimage to the shrine to participate in the annual festival - Malayatoor Perunnal (March/April). St. Thomas is believed to have prayed at this shrine.
Bhoothathankettu
Distance: 50 km north east of Ernakulam town

A picturesque haven situated in a vast virgin forest, this mythologically popular picnic spot lies close to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkadu. Two of the main irrigation projects of Ernakulam district - the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Idamalayar Irrigation Project - are also located nearby. Trekking through the enchanting wilderness to the old Bhoothathankettu holds promises of excitement to adventure lovers.
Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary
Distance: 20 km from Kothamangalam on the Kochi - Munnar route

This sanctuary, nestled in evergreen forests, was discovered by the renowned ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali and is named after him. The sanctuary is noted for indigenous birds like the Malabar grey-hornbill, the woodpecker, rose-ringed and blue-winged parakeet etc. Rare birds like the Ceylon frog-moth and the Rose-billed roller are also seen here. Diverse migrant species home in here during season. Wildlife can also be sighted often.