Exploring the Natural Beauty of Ernakulam in July 2023

1. 9:00AM: Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
   20 minutes (4.5 km) from Ernakulam Junction railway station

   Located in the heart of the city, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. This ecologically sensitive area is home to a wide variety of migratory birds, butterflies and several species of trees

2. 10:30AM: Hill Palace Museum
   25 minutes (7.5 km) from Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

   Located on a hillock, the Hill Palace Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. The museum showcases a vast collection of artefacts including royal ornaments and weapons, paintings, antique furniture and more.

3. 12:00PM: Lunch at Fort Kochi
   40 minutes (15.5 km) from Hill Palace Museum

   Fort Kochi is a historic neighbourhood with a blend of Indian and European culture. It is famous for its seafood and culinary delicacies. Some popular restaurants to try out are Kashi Art Cafe, Dal Roti, and Oceanos.

4. 2:00PM: Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
   10 minutes (3.5 km) from Fort Kochi

   Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch. It is renowned for its exquisite murals depicting the scenes from Hindu mythology, and portraits of Kings of Cochin.

5. 3:30PM: Cherai Beach
   40 minutes (22 km) from Mattancherry Palace

   Cherai Beach is a picturesque beach with serene backwaters on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. The beach offers a range of activities including parasailing, surfing, and jet skiing.

Recommendations

If you have additional time, you might want to check out the Bolgatty Palace, Marine Drive, and Cochin Backwaters. You can also take a day trip to Athirapally Waterfalls or Munnar hill station.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary (1 hour, free)
• Hill Palace Museum (2 hours, 30 INR for Indian visitors, 150 INR for foreign visitors)
• Lunch at Fort Kochi (1.5 hours, 300-500 INR)
• Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, 5 INR for Indian visitors, 100 INR for foreign visitors)
• Cherai Beach (2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: 480-700 INR

Check out https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo for the best hotel and flight deals.