Vallarpadam

Vallarpadam is one among the group of islands. That form part of the city of Kochi in the state of Kerala. It is situated in the Vembanad Lake known here as Lake of Kochi . Vallarpadam is one of the two islands (the other being Willington Island) around which the Port of Kochi is situated, of which the International Container Transshipment Terminal of the port is situated entirely on Vallarpadam. Vallarpadam is connected by the Goshree bridges with the city of Ernakulam(high court junction) and Vypin island.

The important landmarks are :
DP World
LNG Petronet

Vallarpadam Church (2.5km)

The Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam-Ernakulam is a famous centre of pilgrimage. People from all parts of Kerala and outside, irrespective of caste or creed go to the church to seek the blessings of Mary, the mother of Jesus, popularly known as "Vallarpadathamma". This is an ancient Christian Church built in 1524. Portuguese merchants headed by Vasco da Gama enthroned this miraculous picture of this shrine. The church was dedicated to the Holy Spirit, which was the first of its kind in Asia. The beautiful church was however destroyed by a heavy flood in 1676. The church was re-established in 1676 and the famous picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary was erected by Portuguese who brought it from their native land. The picture is believed to have miraculous powers

The important landmarks are :
DP World
LNG Petronet

Mattancherry (15min Drive)

Mattancherry, the western part of the corporation of Cochin, was once a bustling centre of trade, particularly in spices. Invaders left indelible marks on the landscape, culture, art and social history of the place. Mattancherry welcomed every migrant community that came to her with warmth and provided them with ample opportunities to flourish. Many communities like Jews, Konkanis, Gujaratis, Jains and Marathis made the place their home. Even today, Mattancherry has people of different tongues and ethnic identities. Churches, agraharams, mosques and a synagogue co-exist in the area, along with the buildings of the colonial era, pointing to a vibrant past and a harmonious present.

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi located in the port city of Kochi is enough to make you feel transported to another world and time. This is part of a handful of water-bound regions toward the south-west of the mainland Kochi and collectively known as Old Kochi or West Kochi. The architectural style of the buildings and the town layout easily make Fort Cochin distinct from other cities and towns of Kerala. Since Fort Cochin was under the possession of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British at different points of time, the region still bear the influence of European architecture.

Bolgatty Palace

The splendid Bolghatty Palace is located on the Bolghatty Islands, in the Cochin city of Kerala. The appeal of the palace lies in the fact that it is among the oldest existing palaces built by the Dutch in India outside Holland, this quaint mansion, built in 1744, by Dutch traders, was later extended and gardens were landscaped around it. The building was then the Governor's palace for the commander of Dutch Malabar, and later in 1909 was leased to the British. It served as the home of the British Governors, being the seat of the British Resident of Cochin during the British regime. In 1947, when India obtained independence, the palace became the property of the state and was later converted into a heritage hotel resort.

The Lulu Shopping Mall (10km)

The largest shopping mall in India, located in Edapally area of Kochi, Kerala. It is built on an area of 3,900,000 sq ft, with total area for mall alone at 230,000 square meters (3,900,000 sq ft) and the remaining portion for a premium five-star hotel managed by JW Marriott Hotels. Opened on 10 March 2013, the mall consist of more than 360 outlets including food courts, restaurants, family entertainment zones and a nine-screen multiplex, ice skating ring and bowling alley. The mall is run, managed and set up by the EMKE group, a business group with interests in Middle East, Africa and Asia. The EMKE group Managing Director is M. A. Yousuf Ali, who is yet another NRI hailing from Kerala, based in the UAE.

Athirappilly (70 Km away)

Athirappilly Waterfalls Situated in Athirappilly panchayath in Thrissur district of Kerala. Athirappilly Waterfalls, nature cannot be described by words this waterfall is one of the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea of the 'Picturesque' - not just calm and sweet, but something wild and natural. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, this 24-metre (80 ft) waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations. The river initially runs smoothly but becomes more turbulent as it nears Athirappilly. Below the falls, the river remains turbulent for about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) until it reaches Kannamkuzhi. Then it calms and flows smoothly until reaching the dam at Thumburmuzhi.

Cherai (15km) & Puthuvype (2km)

Cherai Beach is located in Vypin Island. Cherai beach is the best golden beach of Kerala. This long golden Beach is very clean, shallow and pacific and evokes irresistible temptation for swimming and sunbathing. The sea on the Western side and the backwaters on the East give this upcoming tourist destination a uniqueness which can be found only in Kerala. Thick coconut groves and Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront are added attractions. Cherai beach is well known for the mouth lingering fresh sea food.