Ernakulam: Mangroves, Temples and Waterfront Views

Mangrove forests and birdlife, a Shiva temple among arts venues, and a waterfront promenade: Ernakulam and the experiences described in Kochi offer different ways to shape your trip. Whether you prefer watching nature, discovering culture or gazing out across the lake, these interests can also guide your search for a holiday apartment.

Mangroves and birdlife at Mangalavanam

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary in the city of Ernakulam, set amid mangrove forests. It is a protected area managed by the state forest department. Numerous migratory birds visit the area; the sightings you can expect vary by season. Spiders and bats are also among its main attractions. To date, 72 bird species have been recorded there—a figure that may change as new records are made.

Mangalavanam offers a distinctive nature-focused experience among the city’s attractions. For travellers especially interested in mangroves and birdwatching, it is a destination in its own right. If you are planning a trip with children, you can weigh nature watching alongside temple, art and waterfront experiences as different interests, rather than planning your stay around just one type of outing.

Temples, grounds and art in Ernakulam

Ernakulam Shiva Temple, also known as Ernakulathappan, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Durbar Hall Ground. The two-acre Durbar Hall Grounds lie in the heart of Ernakulam, near the temple. They offer a place to take a breather in the bustling city. Here, a religious site and an urban open space come together, without conflating the two experiences.

The city’s art history adds another dimension to this cultural focus: in 1991, the Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi opened the Gallery of Contemporary Art on the upper floor of Durbar Hall. The temple, grounds and gallery history offer different perspectives on culture and urban space. When looking for a holiday apartment, consider whether cultural discoveries or nature watching will play a bigger role in your stay.

Marine Drive: Promenade, bridges and boat rides

Marine Drive in Kochi is a three-kilometre-long promenade along the backwaters, also known as APJ Abdul Kalam Marg. Vehicles are not allowed there. Three bridges define the area: Rainbow Bridge, Chinese Fishing Net Bridge and House Boat Bridge. The arched Rainbow Bridge is illuminated in rainbow colours at night; if this detail matters to you, check the current lighting status before your visit.

The Chinese Fishing Net Bridge is shaped like a traditional fishing net from Kerala, suspended over the water. It is a good spot for watching the sunset over the lake. Boat rides on Vembanad Lake are also available from Marine Drive. Check current operators and availability before your trip. This lets you choose between enjoying the views from the promenade and taking a ride on the water.

Marine Drive is also the venue for the Marine Drive Boat Race, which is part of the Champions Boat League. The race is associated with the Onam period, which is given as August to September. Check the specific event dates for your chosen travel year.

Parks and city life

Subhash Chandra Bose Park is in the heart of Ernakulam and covers 11.5 acres. It is next to Ernakulam boat Jetty and offers views of Vembanand Lake and Cochin Harbour. Together with the smaller Durbar Hall Grounds, the park offers another facet of the city’s open spaces. The two places differ in their stated size and views: the grounds cover two acres, while Subhash Chandra Bose Park spans 11.5 acres.

For a different city experience, there is Broadway, one of Kochi’s shopping centres. Its buildings with sloping roofs preserve the historic character of the neighbourhood. The experiences described here range from mangroves and wildlife to temples and art, as well as shopping, park views and waterfront activities. When searching for a holiday apartment, the experiences that matter most to you can help you decide: Mangalavanam offers mangroves and birdlife, Durbar Hall offers a temple and art history, and Marine Drive in Kochi offers a promenade, bridges and boat rides.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kodur, Perinthalmanna, Kannur, Kallar, Pudunagaram, Kuttampuzha, Varagampadi, Methala.

Return to the regional travel overview: Kerala.