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8 Best Places to Visit in Mattancherry |
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Webindia123 Editor
19.5.2017
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The best way to imbibe the beauty and charm of this place is to wander through its narrow lanes at a leisurely pace or taking a casual stroll through its by lanes that offer you many sights like the places of historic and cultural significance, the spice markets, the wayside shops selling myriad objects that form the true essence of this place.
Here is a guide to the 8 must-see places if you are in Mattancherry to get a glimpse of the town it once was and the place it now is... JEW STREET
Mattancheri
is famous for its jew street which, lies in the heart of the town. A
walk down this road is like a walk down the lanes of antiquity. This
area is of utmost historical significance and is the place where the
ancient Jews first started their trading. These days, it is known for
the Antique showrooms that fill this area.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE
The Jewish
Synagogue here is a mark of exceptional architecture and history that
proves fascinating for the hundreds of visitors who come here everyday
to pay re-visits to the past. The charm of the good old days still
remains intact in this part.
The Mattanchery Palace came to be known as the Dutch Palace after the
Dutch carried out some renovation and extension work to it in 1663. The
Dutch Palace was actually built by the Portuguese in 1555 A.D. It was
later on presented to the Maharaja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma. Two
arches built in Portuguese style form the entrance of this palace
compound. The palace follows a predominantly Portuguese architectural
style, though one can also see glimpses of the influence of the Kerala
temple architectural style especially in the sloping tiled roofs and
the wooden balconies. This palace has now been converted into an art
gallery showcasing some of the best paintings and murals of Hindu
mythology. The Mattanchery Palace is also a storehouse of ancient
paintings and art forms, definitely worth a visit.
PAZHAYANNUR BHAGAVATHI
TEMPLE
There are temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva on either
sides of the Dutch palace. Pazhayannur Bhagavathi Temple is the small
temple located inside the inner court that is dedicated to the Goddess
Pazhayannur Bhagavathi, who was supposed to be the protector of the
royal family of Kochi.
THE DHARMANATH JAIN TEMPLE
The concentration of the Gujrathi population in Mattanchery has led to
a spread of the Jain religion here. Many of the Gujarathi’s follow
Jainism. The famous Dharmanath Jain temple is located in the Jain temple road, which lies
in close proximity to the Gujarathi road. The temple was built as a
memorial and was later handed over to the Jain Sangh. The temple is a
beautiful structure with the interiors completely done in marble. Peace
and serenity fill the air in the temple atmosphere at all times. The
architecture is remarkable with its idols of Jain gods and the
sculptured pillars.
COONAN CROSS-SHRINE
The famous Coonan Cross shrine too lies in the heart of Mattanchery
town. In 1653, it was at this very venue that nearly 25,000 Syrian
Christians assembled in front of the ancient cross and tied long ropes
to it. Pulling these ropes they took a solemn oath that they would
never obey the Latin Archbishops or be under the Jesuits. Lot of
devotees including Christians and non-Christians come here to offer
their prayers. The ‘perunnal’ or the grand feast of this shrine is
celebrated on 14th of September every year. It is a 10 daylong feast,
conducted by the devotees who have received blessings from the cross.
Friday is considered as the auspicious day here at this shrine.
JEEVA MATHA CHURCH
The other church of significance here at Mattanchery is the Jeeva Matha Church. This church is dedicated to Mother Mary. It is an ideal place for worship. The calm and soothing ambience provides devotees a peaceful environment to offer prayers. Many of the tourists visiting the Holy Cross Church or the Coonan Cross church also pay a visit here. The Jeeva Matha Church is without doubt a 'living relic' of the Portuguese invasion of Mattanchery.
POLICE TOURIST STATION & MUSEUM
Mattanchery, home to the Jewish synagogue and various historic edifices
holds an important place in the tourist map of Kerala that draws many
tourists from far and wide. A special police station has been set up
here at Mattanchery, offering all the facilities that
tourists may require. From assisting foreign travelers to clarifying
their doubts on passport and visa and registering complaints
and grievances on lost passports and expired visa , this police station
has a wide gamut of services- all under one roof. In addition to the
Police Station for the tourists, there is also a Police museum within
the premises, having a rich display of police uniforms, combat weapons
and armoury, arranged in a chronological order right from the days of
the kings rule, the colonial period to the present day.
With the introduction of the tourist police station, the tourists can
now certainly look forward to having a hassle free and enjoyable sight
seeing experience in Mattancherry areas.
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