Kodungallur– Kerala Travel Guide
Once a ‘Gateway to India’, Kodungallur is a breath-taking place to visit in Kerala where one can witness the mighty Arabian Sea confluences with the Periyar River. Located around 29km from Kochi and almost 38km from Thrissur, this stunning town can be accessed easily through the National Highway 66. Besides being an important maritime trade destination, this historic town is known to be a common ground through which religions like Islam, Christianity and Judaism made their mark in India through its ancient seaport called ‘Muziris’. These ancient ports were estimated to be constructed somewhere during 100-1341BC.
Kodungallur is a melting pot of different cultures, religious faiths and beliefs. This is the reason, this charming town is often revered as the ‘Rome of the East’! With a history that dates back to the primitive age, this town is believed to be an ancient city called Muzins, which is assumed to get destroyed by a probable catastrophic occurring! Following this, Kodungallur faced several enemy attacks and finally went into the hands of Portuguese.
How to Reach Kodungallur:
1By Road:
Kodungallur enjoys a very well-laid roadway network to most of the towns and cities in Kerala. The town also has a bust stand within its main limit; this ensure easy accessibility from outside. Visitors from outside can also reach Kodungallur by road from across a number of major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Madurai, and several others.
2By Train:
Visitors planning to reach Kodungallur by train should book trains till the Irinjalakuda Railway Station. Located 14km from the town’s limit, this is the nearest railway station that also has a number of up and down trains. From the railway station, visitors need to board the state-run or private buses to reach Kodungallur by road.
3By Air:
Kochi International Airport at a distance of 27km, serves as the nearest airport to reach Kodungallur by air. In case, one doesn’t wish to travel to Kochi Airport, s/he can fly till the Calicut International Airport which is around 122km from the town. Upon arrival at either of the airports, visitors can get easily board the regular buses plying to Kodungallur or hire local taxis to reach Kodungallur by road.
Best Time to Visit Kodungallur:
Winter (October – February) – Best Time: Kodungallur starts experiencing winter from the month of October. Though temperature remains almost same during the initial phase of the month, it starts dropping by month end. By November, temperature drops down significantly, and the climate gets much cooler than before. Come March, temperature again starts rising as summer begins from this month. Considering all these, winter is rated as the best time to visit Kodungallur.
Summer (March – May) – Good Time: Summer in Kodungallur begins with a slight increase in the mercury level. However, post 2-3 weeks, a significant rise in the temperature makes the atmosphere hot and equally humid. And by April, temperature reaches a maximum of 38 degrees. Though temperature soars up, visitors can expect a bucolic ambience within the town. Furthermore, being located adjacent to the Periyar River and Arabian Sea, there would always be pleasant and cool breezes engulfing the town.
Monsoon (June – September) – Not So Good Time: As monsoon begins in Kodungallur, temperature starts falling once again due to regular showers. Even though the heat level decreases, visitors might find it difficult to cope up with the regular showers. Enough of moistures around and the dampness in the terrains make it quite difficult for outsiders to manoeuvre around the town.
Places to Visit around Kodungallur:
Cherai Beach: Believe it or not, but Cherai Beach could be the most beautiful place you can visit while in Kodungallur! With the Arabian Sea on one side, and the silent Kerala backwaters on the other, this beachfront is fringed with coconut palm groves and the historic Chinese fishing nets. With shallow water and favourable waves, Cherai Beach makes it for a wonderful destination for swimming, sun bathing, water sports, and several other tourist activities.
Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, an incarnation of Goddess Maha Kali (also called Parashakti), this pious temple in Kodungallur is a major worshipping ground of the Goddess. The temple also has installation of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Every year, Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple hosts two major festivals: Bharani Festival and Thalappoli Festival.
ThiruvanchikulamMahadeva Temple: This temple has Lord Shiva as the principal deity. Estimated to be more than 2,000 years old, the temple complex showcases the Lord in many different avatars. GopuramThevar, Dakshinamoorthy, Pasupathy, NatakkalShivan, SandhyavelaShivan, PalliyaraShivan, UnniThevar and KonnakkalShivan are the primary avatars of Lord Shiva in this temple.
St. Thomas Church: Established by St. Thomas; Apostle of Jesus Christ, this is the first church in India. Estimated to be built around 52AD, the church has preserved some of the bones of the Apostle, which are open for public views within the church premises.
Cranganore Fort: Originally built by Portuguese rulers in 1523AD, Cranganore Fort witnessed the rise and fall of multiple empires. From the Portuguese, it was taken over by Dutch army, and was later on conquered by Tipu Sultan of Mysore kingdom. Though on ruins, visitors can still feel the glories of this fortress from its walls that are no less than 18ft thick!
KottayilKovilakam: This is a unique place to visit in Kodungallur. Symbolising universal peace and harmony, this spot has a temple with Lord Krishna as the main deity, an Islamic mosque, and a Syrian Catholic Church. All these religions thrive here with utmost peace and brotherhood. The locality also has an Arab cemetery and caves from the reign of Tipu Sultan.
Chendamangalam: This spot is also spread with a temple, mosque and a Jewish Synagogue. Cossetted by three gurgling rivers and dotted with captivating hillocks, Chendamangalam is also popular as a scenic tourist attraction in Kodungallur.
Aluva: Developed by the royal families of Travancore as a popular summer destination, Aluva boasts of its rich and irresistible beauty. Dotted with the English-Travancore styled Aluva Palace, this portion of Ernakulam also has a sacred Lord Shiva temple, where the Lings is believed to have risen from the bosom of Periyar River.
Aarattupuzha: The home ground of the holy Ayyappan Temple, Aarattupuzha is a must visit place while in Kodungallur. Legends have it that this spot was the meeting ground of 101 Gods and Goddesses.
Things to Do in Kodungallur:
Historical & Heritage Tours: Kodungallur’s diverse history and cultures makes it a befitting destination to opt for historical and heritage tours. At every step, visitors would discover something more fascinating here!
Beach Visits: With an easy access to Cherai Beach, this historic town attracts a large number of beach lovers. Adding more, visitors can also indulge in an array of exciting beach activities.
Sightseeing: Dotted with a range of important landmarks, one can enjoy Kodungallur sightseeing immensely. Be it historic forts, elegant palaces, religious spots, or natural marvels, there is no dearth of remarkable sites in this quaint town!
Hotels around Kodungallur:
Whether on a short or long vacation, visitors can find ideal stay options within or around Kodungallur. The vicinity offers a range of hotels and resorts that can fit into visitors’ budget depending on their needs and requirements.
