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Photo: Augustus Binu/ www.dreamsparrow.net/ facebook, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A thick 80-acre mangrove forest in the heart of Kochi and declared a flora sanctuary. More than 30 unique flora are found here and it is also a major bird sanctuary, where migratory birds feed and rest when they escape the cold northern winters.
Mangalavanam is an ecologically sensitive area situated at the centre of the Indian city of Kochi, covering about 2.74 hectares. It also houses a shallow tidal lake connected with Kochi backwaters by a canal. It is situated behind the Kerala High Court building and Ernakulam Terminus railway station. It is a nesting ground for a large variety of migratory birds and supports many types of mangroves. The Mangalavanam is often regarded as the "green lung of Kochi", considering its role in keeping the city's air pollution under check. The area is a roosting place for many kinds of resident and migratory birds.
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The cathedral is dedicated to "Our Lady of Ports". The cathedral was built in the early twentieth century under the direction of Mar Louis Pazheparambil. It is also a prominent Marian pilgrim centre in India.
A two-km-long promenade and no car is allowed to ply there. The backwaters are on one side and a busy shopping district is on the other side of the walk. The walkway starts from High Court, goes through two scenic bridges and ends at Rajendra Maidan. The total distance is less than a kilometre. Stroll along this calm stretch without motorised traffic and enjoy an ice cream or fruit juice. A few malls stand along the way. Chill off the heat while you walk with a Sharjah shake or ice-cream, or one of the local delicacies. There is a children's park in the middle and two hanging bridges.
One of the largest parks in Kochi.
Has three temples within its complex.
Contains oil paintings, old coins, sculptures, Mughal paintings plus models of temples and traditional Kerala buildings. It was the official Durbar Hall of Kochi Maharajas, now converted into a large fine arts gallery. It is named after last Maharaja of Kochi, who was an oil painter. A small studio nearby promotes young artists.