Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667, the Bungalow gets its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the Old Dutch Fort. The building blends beautifully into the circular structure of the bastion, has a tiled roof and a typical first floor verandah in wood along its front portion. Though it has been said that a network of secret tunnels runs beneath the bungalow, none have been found. Today, the Bungalow is the official residence of the Sub Collector.

Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch. Known for mid 18th century hand painted, willow patterned floor tiles from Canton in China, a clock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, great scrolls of the Old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates etc.
The synagogue, magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. The exquisite hand painted blue Chinese tiles offer an interesting sight. Not one of the nearly two hundred year old tiles resembles another. In mid-18th century, the clock tower was added. There are several finely wrought gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by the various patrons

The Maharaja of Travancore and Cochin gave shelter to the Jewish community here after the Moorish Arabs attacked them in 1524 due to their trade monopoly. They were given an area right opposite the Maharajah’s palace, which subsequently became known as Jew Town. It was here, at the end of a narrow cobbled road that they built the Pardesi synagogue in 1568.

Earlier Mattancherry was the trade link to Ernakulum. Main Trade was on spices, rice, pulses, with the hustle and bustle of a trading market. Slowly the trading and the traders moved to Ernakulum city to the convenience of trade transport.
Visiting Mattancherry takes you to the Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace Museum, GowdSaraswat Brahmin Samaj temples including the Venkatraman temple and a Jain’s Temple (known as MahajanWadi). Mattancherry Palace Museum hosts different weapons such as swords, spears and various other artilleries such as cannon used to protect the borders from invaders in the historic ages. The museum also hosts various paintings and murals. Near the museum, a private BUS Depot is also present. Close to the Bus Depot there is a Boat Jetty, where we get boats to Ernakulum, and Willington Island. There is also a Bazaar (Market) where we get to buy different spices and articles used for interior decorations.

Marine Drive is a picturesque promenade in Kochi, Kerala, India.It is built facing the backwaters, and is a popular hangout for the local populace. Ironic to its name, no vehicles are allowed on the walkway.

The Bolgatty Island is a short but inspiring boat ride away from Kochi. The commercial capital of Kerala is also blessed with monuments of great historic relevance. One such monument is the Bolgatty Palace. Set amidst lush, tropical greenery, this prestigious heritage hotel answers your quest for a holiday of quiet enchantment. One of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland, this quaint mansion was built way back in 1744 by a Dutch trader. In 1909 the palace was leased to the British and it served as their residency till 1947 when the British Raj came to an end in India.

Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, this is India’s oldest European church. This was initially built of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry. It was restored in 1779 by the Protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican church by the British in 1795 and is at present governed by the Church of South India. Vasco Da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal. The tombstone still remains.

Few beaches in Kerala can compare with the cleanliness and beauty of Cherai beach, situated at a distance of 35 kms from Cochin. Affectionately called the Princess of the Arabian Sea this 10 kilometer long beach is becoming the favorite destination of the tourists with each passing day. This beach also occupies the unique position of being the only beach where dolphins are sighted.
The tourism department has laid much emphasis on the development of this beach and has taken up the task of widening and beautifying it to suit the convenience of the tourists.