Gundu Island is the smallest of all the islands that constitute together the city of Kochi. The area of this island in the back waters of Kochi is only 5 acres and the land is mostly covered with coconut trees.With an area of under 5 acres, Gundu is easily the smallest island around Cochin. The only building in it is a coir factory run by a co-operative society.Since, the Gundu Island at Kochi has coconut trees all around it, there is a coir factory on the island.The factory produces ropes and carpets from handmade looms and is very beautiful. Most of these ropes and carpets are bought by the tourists who visit the small island.Gundu Island of Kochi is accessible through boat only from the Vypeen Island which is situated nearby. The serene nature and the cool breeze blowing across the waters, makes this island a favorite among tourists who visit it for picnics or small excursions.Apart from this, the Kochi Gundu Island can be visited for a picnic with family and friends. The calm and cool nature of the island is something that will leave an everlasting impression on one’s mind. And while you are traveling to Gundu Island through Vypeen Island, you are getting the advantage of visiting two beautiful islands. Take out time and visit the Portuguese fort at Pallipuram in the northern edge of Vypeen Island. The fort contains the reminisces of past and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Location info:
Address:218 kms, north of Trivandrum
District: Cochin
Nearest City: Cochin
Best time to visit: October to April
Climate/Weather:
As Kochi is on the seashore, it has a moderately warm tropical climate with heavy annual rainfall of about 310 cm. In summers the temperature rises to a maximum of 35 ºC, while in winters, it is around 25 ºC.
History:
Interesting things to do:
Interesting things to Visit:
The Hill Palace Museum 13 km from Ernakulam this museum displays the erstwhile wealth and prosperity of the royal family of Cochin, including the King`s throne and crown. Also on show are other trappings of royalty like majestic beds, paintings, carvings and samples of epigraphy. Tripunithura is also known for the nearby Chottanikara Temple and the Tripunithura Poornathraessa TempleBolgatty Island This is the site of the Bolgatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by the KTDC. The grounds have a small golf course and several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour and the sea.Alwaye Alwaye, 21 km away from Ernakulam is an ideal place for swimming in the River Periyar. The annual Shivarathri festival is held on die banks of the river and is a colourful celebration. The centre of attraction is the Shiva Lingam on the sand river bank. Devotees stay awake die whole night in prayer returning home the next morningChennamangalam Chennamangalam presents a rare geographical combination of rivers, seven inlets, a hillock and a vast expanse of green plains. It is located 5 Kms from north Paravur, north-west of Ernakulam. The place is surrounded by rivers on all 3 sides, Chennamangalam was the abode of the famous Achans of Paliam who were hereditary prime ministers to the Raja of Cochin Kottayil Kovilakam.Mulamkuzhi Mulamkuzhi is a tiny hamlet nearly 15 km from Malayattoor. It is a confluence of the rivers Periyar and the Perumthode. Transportation to the spot is not a problem with a lot of private buses plying on this route. One can also reach here from Perumbavoor via Panankuzhi on a country boat. One can also make a trip to the St. Thomas church a1 malayattoor. The crystal clear medicated water of the Mulamkuzhi river and the tiny waterfalls of Venanbaravady near malayattoor is an enchanting scenery believed to have prayed at this shrine.Munikkal Guhalayam Located atop a hill at Chengamanad (30 kms north of Kochi), this is a place shrouded in mythology. It is believed that sage Jangaman had lived here around 2000 years ago, and me place was initially known as Jangaman, which later changed to chengamanad. A famous Lord Murugan temple is located on the spot where the sage is said to have meditated which was later consecrated by Chattambi Swamikal in 1898. The word “Munikkal Guhalayam” literally means “sages rock cave”. Another story goes that Lord Murugan also called as “Guhalayam” had made this place as his abode and hence the word “Guhalavam”St. Francis` Church, Fort Cochin This Protestant Church was built originally by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and it is believed to be the first church built by the Europeans in India. Vasco-da -Gama was buried here. Fourteen years later, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal.Pazhur Situated 25 kms towards the southeast of Kochi, near Piravom, is the legendary Pazhur. It is believed that the Siva temple here is nearly 1800 Years old. The Muvattupuzha river flowing west ward from the east changes direction on reaching the temple, otherwise the temple would have been washed away. The place is famous for astrologers who are believed to have been blessed with divine powers.The Parikshith Thampuran Museum The Parikshith Thampuran Museum is an archeological museum adjacent to the Shiva Temple on Darbar Hall Road, Ernakulam. This museum features collections of 19th century oil paintings, pre-historic monuments, old coins in a numismatic gallery, sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris, copies of mural paintings etc and collections from die Cochin royal family.Willingdon Island Another of Cochin`s famous islands is Willingdon Island, named after Lord Willingdon, the British Viceroy of India. It is a man-made island created from the material dredged while deepening the Cochin Port. Situated between Ernakulam and Mattancherry and separated by the backwaters, Willingdon Island is an important part of Cochin. It sites some of the city`s best hotels (Casino Hotel, Taj Malabar) as well as the Government of India Tourist Office, the Southern Naval Command Head-Quarters, the Cochin Port Trust, the airport and the customs house. Also on the island are the offices of several major trading and industrial houses as well as the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and IndustryMalayattur (Pilgrim Centre) Malayattur, 47 km from Cochin is famous for the Catholic Church on the 609 m high Malayattur Hill dedicated to St. Thomas. Thousands of devotees undertake a trip to the Shrine to participate in the annual festival – Malayattur Perunnal (March/April).Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) Built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in 1555 AD, it acquired the present name after 1663, when the Dutch carried out some extensions and repairs in the Palace. In the centre of the building is the coronation Hall where the Cochin Rajas held their coronations. Today, it is a portrait gallery of the Cochin Rajas. Adjacent rooms contain 17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian epic, the Ramayana.Chinese Fishing Nets The entrance to the Cochin harbour is dotted by die Chinese Fishing Nets called Cheena Vala in Malayalam . There are large nets which hang from bamboo or teak posts and are still used by local fishermen in Fort Cochin to catch fish attracted by the lights suspended above the net. Silhouetted against the sunset, they present a spectacular sight of Cochin`s waterfront.Cochin Boat Rides The highlight of Cochin is a boat ride through the backwaters to all the islands. The most beautiful of all the islands is Bolgatty built by the Dutch. Today it has been converted into a hotel run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Built in 1568 AD, the great scrolls of the Old Testament, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles arc of interest. Two hundred years old, no two tiles are alike. There are also several finely wrought gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by various patrons.Kalady (Pilgrim Centre) Situated on the banks of River Periyar, 45 km from Kochi is Kalady a pilgrim centre and the birth place of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Indian Philosopher of the 8th century AD. There are two shrines in memory of Adi Sankaracharya, one dedicated to him as Dakshinamurthy and the other to the goddess Sharada maintained by Sringeri Mutt. On the same premises there is also a spot (Brindavan) where Adi Sankaracharya`s mother Aryamba was cremated. In addition to it there is an ancient Shri Krishna Temple close by which was me family temple of Adi Sankaracharya. Another temple known as the International Temple dedicated to Shri Ramakrishna Deva has been built with the hope that it would ultimately become a temple for all religions and an abode of peace.Kodungalloor Kodungalloor (Cranganore) 32 km away was formely called Muziris. This was in olden times the premier sea port on India`s West Coast. It was the capital of Cheraman Perumal, King of Kerala whose famous palace Allal Perumkovilakam was situated near the great pagoda at Tiruvanchikulam. St. Thomas is believed to have landed at Muziris in 52 AD. The Cheramanparambu where the King`s palace stood, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple, the Portuguese Fort and the old mosque – very similar in appearannce to a Hindu temple and believed to be the first mosque built in India -are all situated nearby and worth a visit.The Museum Of Kerala History and It`s Makers Just 8 km from the heart of Ernakulam is the best place for a quick trip down the ancient lanes of Kerala`s history. Greeting die visitor outside is a statue of Parasurama, the mythological sage who is said to have created Kerala. Important historical episodes form the neolithic age to the modern era arc depicted through life-size figures. A one hour recorded commentary ( in English and Malayalam) for each scene offers a sound-and -light show.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:There are two main stations, Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town also known as North station along with additional train stations in Cochin terminal, Aluva and Tripunithura. Ernakulam Town junction is prominent and most of the trains pass through this station.
Nearest Airport:The airport is situated 5 km. away from Ernakulam. Cochin airport has domestic and international terminals.
Road Transport:Cochin is very well interlinked via road with all major cities of Kerala by national highways. Ernakulam city owns a bus station and is located near Ernakulam Junction. Kaloor Junction, Railway station and High court Junction are the three places from where private buses operate.
Nearest Visiting places:
Chennamangalam: Chennamangalam was one of the chief centres of the Jews in Kerala. Very old Black Jews Synagogue, remains of Vaipicotta Seminary etc, are still present, It was the seat of Palieth Achan, the Prime Minister of erstwhile State of Cochin.Chowara: Former summer resort of cochin Royal family .Lies on the northern bank of Aluva river (Periyar), Site of water works supplying drinking water to Ernakulam city.Ambalamukal: A fast developing area lying about 16 kms. east of Ernakulam. Site of Oil Refineries and FACT Kochi Division.Fort Cochin : Lies 10 kms away ,from Ernakulam . The architectural style of the buildings and lay-out of the town mark out Fort Cochin from other cities and towns of Kerala. The buildings show the influence of European architecture. The Chief attraction of Fort Cochin is the St. Francis Church built by the Portuguese It is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India. The body of Vasco Da Gama was buried here. Close to St. Francis Church is Santa Cruz Church. some beautiful paintings can be seen in the Roman Catholic Church.Cherai Beach It is located in Vypin Island accessible by ferry or by road from mainland, Kochi. This calm beach is ideal for swimming. It has sea on the western side and backwater on east, which gives this tourist destination, a unique surrounding. Thick coconut grooves and Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront give it an added attraction. Dolphins can also be seen here occasionally.Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary This sanctuary is 12 km from Kothamangalam, which is on the Kochi-Munnar route.Kodanadu This is a forest elephant care centre. Here you can see baby elephants rescued from the forests being cared for. Elephants are also trained here. Kodanadu is 15 km from Perumbavoor which is on the Kochi-Munnar route (via Aluva).Fort Kochi Beach: The Fort Kochi beach is a place ideal for an evening stroll, Bathing and swimming are not recommended here, The colourful carnival at New Years Eve is a feature of this beach.Bolghatty Island: A beautiful island lying close to Ernakulam and Willingdon Island. The Bolghatty Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744 which later became the seat of British Resident. The palace is now converted into a hotel. There is also a well laid golf link.Dutch Palace: Situated at Mattancherry, it is 8 kms, away from Ernakulam. Although called Dutch, it was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin in 1555. It acquired the present name after1663 when the Dutch added some extension to the building and carried out some repairs. In the centre of the building is the coronation hall. 17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian Epic, Ramayana can be seen here.Cochin Harbour and Willingdon Island: Cochin, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, and the only all weather harbour on the west coast, south of Bombay, affords a safe anchorage to ships, Willingdon Island is a man made one which was formed with materials dredged while deepening the Cochin Port and channel, It is the seat of the harbour and cochin Port Trust. The Southern Naval Command has its headquarters here. The seaport, naval airport and the railway terminus are all on this island.Kali Kota Tripunithura – As the name suggests, this beautiful, imposing building a legacy of the Dutch rule served as an entertainment auditorium to the erstwhile royal family featuring dance, drama, and plays. Today it functions largely as a marriage hall, Situated near the Poornathreyesa templeJewish synagogue: The Jewish Synagogue at Mattanchery was built in 1568. The great Scrolls of the Old Testament, The copper plates containing the privileges granted by the cochin Ruler to the Jewish community and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles at the Synagogue are of great interest.Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi Gallery of Contemporary Art, Ernakulam It is situated at the Durbar Hall ground on D.H. Road. The hall had been the durbar of the raja of CochinMangrove Forest, Ernakulam This small protected area a haven for birds, is located on Dr. Salim Ali Road, adjacent to the High Court of Kerala, Winter migrants include species coming from Kashmir and even distant siberia. Best time to visit mid-January to early March.Museum of Kerala History, Edappally Located along with the Art Complex at Edappally, it is a Sound and light show presenting thirty five scenes from the political, social, and cultural history of Kerala. Commentaries in English and Malayalam.Bolgatty Island: This long narrow palm-fringed island,easily accessible from the mainland, is where the Bolgatty Palace is situated amidst15acres of lush green lawns. Built by the Dutch in 1744, and later became the seat of the British Resident. In 1976 the palace was converted into a hotel under the Kerala Tourism development corporation. The palace has a golf course on its grounds.Vamanamoorthy Temple, Thrikkakara Set in a land of great mythological significance, this ancient temple, dedicated to Vamana- the fifth avatara of Lord Vishnu is venerated by the Vaishnavates. The temple holds a large number of lithic records, some of great historical significance. The annual festival is held in the month of chingam (Aug- sept.)Veega Land Pallikara Located 12 kms from the city is this unique amusement park offering a world of non-stop fun and adventure. Sprawling over 18.5.acres, the main attractions include caterpillar trains, a 500- seater theatre with a Musical fountain, the exciting family Fun Pool, the Nest housing a variety of exotic birds, and an array of water rides.St. Francis Church St. Francis Church is the oldest European Church in India Built i in 1503 A.D. by the Portuguese at Fort Cochin. the Dutch later restored the church in 1779. Which was converted into an anglican Church by British in 1795. Vasco-da-gama, who discovered the sea route to India from Europe, was buried here in 1524 A.D. before his mortal remains were removed to Portugal, his tomb stone still remains.ST.George Forane Church This is an important pilgrim centre located approximately 6 km from Kochi city. This Roman CAtholic church was built way back in 594 AD in the land donated by Raja of Edapally, This church is considered to be one of the oldest churches in Kerala. A new church building was built in 1080. CHurch is well known for the nine-day feast in the month of May.Hill Palace Museum Tripunithura- Set on top of a hillock, this prestigious palace-turned-museum displays 13 categories of exhibits, including paintings, carvings and other royal antiquities donated by the Cochin and Travancore royal families and the Paliam Devaswom. The Heritage Museum, located on the rear side of the palace buildings familiarizes you with the traditional lifestyles of ancient Kerala. As part of the establishment of a mini zoo, a deer park with spotted deer, sambar and peacocks is run by the Society for the Preservation of Hill Palace Premises. The museum premises has also been converted into a botanical garden with exotic tropical trees from central America to Australia. Located 11 Kms east of Ernakulam, en route to Chottanikkara.Pallipuram Fort, Vypeen It is situated at the far end of Vypin island. SMall and hexagonal, it was built in 1503, claiming to be the oldest European fort in India.Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Cochin There are some beautiful paintings in this Roman Catholic church situated close to the St. francis Church.Aluva Situated about 21 kms north of Ernakulam. It is known for the famous Sivarathri festival.Chottanikkara Temple Famous for the Devi temple, an important pilgrim centre of Hindus. Navarathri is celebrated on a grand scale. The temple is located 15kms from Cochin City. The presiding deity here is Durga Bhagavathy. It is also that this deity was brought from Mookambika Temple in Karnataka and therefore there is a presence of Mookambika Devi till 7 a.m. in the morning at this temple. There is also one more temple as a part of the complex where deity is Bhadra Kali Devi. THe major festival is Makam Thozhal. It falls during February-march every year for a period of 9 days Temple is open from 4 am to 12 Noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.Ernakulam Siva Temple The Temple is situated in the heart of Kochi City with Siva as deity also known as Ernakulathappan. It was built during Maharaja rule and is presently under devaswom Board control . This is one of the rarest Siva Temples where deity is facing Sea towards west. The temple has Deity of siva & Parvathy in Kirathamurthy form which is claimed to be self originated (Swayambhoo)Ankamali A place of historic importance to Syrian Christians. Lies 40 kms. North of Ernakulam.It is the seat of the first Portuguese Bishop.Kaladi Kaladi is the birth place of Sreesankaracharya , the great Indian Philosopher. It is 13 kms. away from Aluva. Kaladi has got Sringeri Madham, Ramakrishna Asramam and the Sreesankara stupa.Kanjiramattom It is 18kms. south east of Ernakulam. The most important and beautiful mosque of the District is situated in this placeSree Poornathrayeesa Temple Located at TrIpunithura, 10 km from Cochin city. The deity here is Maha Vishnu and is one among three Vishnu Temples in Kerala . Arjuna (one of the Pancha Pandavas ) is believed to have established this temple., The Major festival of this temple is held during November-December. The Other cultural festival, Athachamayam during harvest festival of Onam is also celebrated with procession of float, Tableau and dances like Pulikkali, This deity is Kula Daivam of Cochin Royal family.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol Bunk MG Road, Ravipuram, Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaSupplyco Petrol Bunk Near Iac, D H Road, Ernakulam, Kerala 680016, India0484 2362852Petrol Bunk SH 1, Kottayam,Kerala, IndiaPetrol Bunk Shastri Road,Kerala, IndiaPetrol Bunk NH 220, Kottayam, Kottayam, Kerala, India
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Taj Malabar Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala 682009, India 0484 2666811Hotel Taj Malabar Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala 682009, IndiaHotel Arches Rose St, Fort Kochi, Cochin, Kerala, India 0484 2215050The Old Courtyard Hotel Princess St, Fort Kochi, Cochin, Kerala 682001, India 0484 2216302Serena Spa Koder House Tower Rd, Kunnumupuram, Cochin, Kerala 682001, India 0484 2218485Poovath Heritage Hotel Fort Kochi Beach, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India 0484 2215241Holidays in Fort Cochin Fort Cochin, Cochin, Kerala 682001, India09847178455Abad Atrium Hotel M.G Road, Cochin, Cochin East, (Kochi), Kochi, Kerala 682035, IndiaBrunton Boat Yard Hotel 1/498, Fort Cochin, Cochin, Cochin West, (Kochi), Kochi, Kerala 682001, IndiaChiramel Home Stay Fort Cochin, 1/296, Lilly street, Cochin, Kerala 682001, India09447818930
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
The island does not have any accommodation facility; so you have to return back by the evening.
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Fort Cochin Police Station Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaET North Police Station Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaPolice Station Edappally Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaPanangad Police Station Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaTripunithura Police Station Tripunithura, Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaHill palace police station Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaAlwaye Police Station Sub Jail Road, Aluva, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaKuthiathode Police Station NH 47, Kuthiathodu, Alappuzha, Kerala, IndiaMalayidom Thuruth Police Station Thadiyittaparambu, Malayidom Thuruth Makkinikkara Mathangakurishu Road, Kerala State, IndiaVadakkekkara Police Station Kerala, India
Nearest Hospital:Medical Centre Cochin Shipyard, Perumanoor, Kochi, Kerala 682015, IndiaDr Arwari`s Nam Hospital 8/352, Thirumalai Devesom East Sannidhi Road, Mattancherry, Ernakulam, Kerala 680002, India 0484 2228892Al Shifa Super Speciality Hospital For Piles Near Ksrtc, Rajaji Road, Ernakulam, Kerala 680035, India 0484 2363777Specialists hospital K C M Mather Road, Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, India 0484 2395952Kandamkulathy Ayurveda Hospital Near Ymca, Chittoor Road, Ernakulam, Kerala 680035, India 0484 2384399Kerala Vaidyasala (I) Pvt Ltd Swami Chinmayananda Road, Opposite Pizza Hut, Jos Junction, Ernakulam, Kerala 680016, India 0484 2608410VG Saraf Memorial Hospital 35/609, M G Road, Ravipuram, Ernakulam, Kerala 680016, India 0484 2363949Himalaya Drugs No. 40/438, Chandrika Building, M.G. Road, Kochi, Kerala 682011, India 0484 2361184
