Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(admission ?5; 10am-1pm & 3-5pm Sun-Thu, closed Jewish hols)
Originally built in 1568, this syn-
agogue was partially destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662, and rebuilt two years later
when the Dutch took Kochi. It features an ornate gold pulpit and elaborate hand-painted,
willow-pattern floor tiles from Canton, China, which were added in 1762. It's magnifi-
cently illuminated by chandeliers (from Belgium) and coloured-glass lamps. The graceful
clock tower was built in 1760. There is an upstairs balcony for women who worshipped
separately according to Orthodox rites. Note that shorts, sleeveless tops, bags and cameras
are not allowed inside.
1
Ernakulam
Kerala Folklore Museum
( 04842665452;
www.folkloremuseum.org
; Folklore Junction, Thevara; Indian/foreigner ?100/200, performances
Indian/foreigner ?100/400; 9.30am-7pm, performances 6-7.30pm Oct-Mar)
It's a shame that this interest-
ing place is a bit off the tourist trail on the southeast outskirts of Ernakulam, but it's
worthy of the journey. The private museum is created in Keralan style from ancient
temples and beautiful old houses collected by its owner, an antique dealer. It includes over
4000 artefacts and covers three architectural styles: Malabar on the ground floor, Kochi on
the 1st, Travancore on the 2nd. Upstairs is a beautiful wood-lined theatre, with a 17th-cen-
tury wooden ceiling, where nightly performances take place. A rickshaw from Ernakulam
should cost ?80, or you can take any bus to Thevara from where it's a ?20 rickshaw ride.
An autorickshaw from Fort Cochin should cost ?180.
MUSEUM
