The beaches and boat tours, tourism and heritage locales… these are just among the many choices for children in Ernakulam district who want to unwind in the lap of nature during the summer vacation.
Sunset paradise
The two-km-long stretch from Marine Drive to the Durbar Hall Ground is ideal for those on an evening outing in the city. A stroll along the Marine Drive walkway, a backwater cruise on tourist boats (some of them charge as low as Rs. 50 per person or less for an hour), a visit to the nearby children's park and the Subhash Bose Park and even the less-crowded Rajendra Maidan on the northern end soothe the mind and soul.
The Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation's double-decked tourist boat — Sagara Rani , is the only vessel that takes people a little into the sea off the coast. The sunset cruise from Marine Drive is especially charming. For details, call 2368646 or 98462 11143. The State Water Transport Department has regular ferry service from the Ernakulam Boat Jetty (2360215) to Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Wellingdon Island and Vypeen. The ticket fare is less than Rs. 3 per person.
Arty delight
In Fort Kochi , one could check out the walkway along the beach, chat with and help fishermen manning the Chinese fishing nets, walk along the streets that are lined with buildings built in European style, visit the St. Francis Church where Vasco da Gama was first buried, the jail complex behind the police station.
The KSRTC's A/C buses link the city with Fort Kochi. Its timings can be known from the RTC's enquiry - 2372033 or from the private website www.aanavandi.com, that has more info than the official website www.keralartc.com
Nearby Mattancherry too has streets that can be covered by foot, the ancient Jewish synagogue , shops selling handicraft items and the Dutch Palace maintained by the Archeological Survey of India. West Kochi also has the Kumbalanghi model tourism village. Cherai, Munambam and Kuzhipilly are the prominent beaches on the city's north-western side that visitors prefer.
The Matsyafed's ‘Milkyway' (2493055) is an aqua-tourism property near Valappu bus stop at Malippuram, Vypeen, that would be worth a visit.
A restaurant run by the Kudumbasree women's self-help group (94004 98017) serves meals with fish delicacies.
A visit to the Museum of Kerala History (2541768), Edapally, would enlighten children about the State's past. The Bolghatty Palace lawns draw crowds during weekends and evenings.
Perumbavoor in the suburbs has the Kallil Temple , Kodanad wildlife sanctuary , Iringolkavu and Panieli Poru , all tourist hubs. Also in the suburbs is the Bhootathankettu reservoir .
Care
Remember to carry drinking water, umbrella and some fruits so that one is least affected by the scotching heat. Be careful while swimming in the water bodies since many incidents of drowning are reported during summer months. Above all, respect local culture. Be wary of criminals and do not litter the premises with plastic and paper.
