Synagogue at Chennamangalam

About Synagogue at Chennamangalam

Chennamangalam Synagogue is located in Chennamangalam, Ernakulam district, Kerala, which was built some 175 years back. The synagogue was recently restored to its original glory thanks to the hard work and effort of the Kerala State Archaeology Department with financial support from Kerala Tourism. It is a protected monument under the state department of archaeology.The exhibit in the newly-restored Chennamangalam Synagogue in Kerala was opened on Friday, February 24th, 2006 by Dr Shalva Weil, Jay Waronker, and Marian Scheuer Sofaer.This synagogue was recently restored to its original shape. The Chennamangalam synagogue is a protected monument under the state department of archaeology.The synagogue at Chennamangalam reflects traditional Kerala architecture and has made use of western construction technology as well. Some of the visual attractions of this synagogue are definitely the majestic altar, which stands out for its intricate artwork. The Chennamangalam synagogue has a high roof and the ceiling of the roof has a brightly colored chequered pattern, with huge wooden planks giving additional support.The synagogue at Chennamangalam reflects traditionalKerala architecture and has utilized western construction technology. Some of the visual attractions of this synagogue are undoubtedly the majestic altar, which stands out for its intricate artwork.

A wooden balcony with beautifully carved balusters and railings is another attraction of the synagogue. There is another balcony, meant exclusively for women. A marvelous craftsmanship in wood, a spiral staircase leads to this balcony.The event was made possible by the Koret Foundation and the Taube Foundation for Jewish Life and Culture, in cooperation with India’s Department of Archaeology and Department of Tourism, Kerala, and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Visitors to the synagogue at Chennamangalam with a penchant for traditional architecture can also pay a visit to the Paliam Palace, which was once the abode of Paliath Achans, who were the Prime Ministers of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi. Historic documents and relics are on display at the palace. Another nearby place of interest is the Vypeenkotta Seminary built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Only the remains of the seminary are now visible.The Chennamangalam village is a perfect example of religious tolerance and harmonious co-existence, which is proved by the presence of temple, mosque and church located in the close vicinity of the synagogue.

Interesting things to Visit

Chendamangalam Ayyappa Temple:

Chendamangalam Ayyappa Temple’s main deity is Ayyappa, eight days festival in Meenam. one kilometer from Cherod railway gate on vadakara thalassery route.

Vypeenkotta Seminary:

Visit to the remains of the Vypeenkotta Seminary built in the 16th century by the Portuguese.

Jewish Synagogue:

The Synagogue at Mattancherry built in 1568 is the oldest Synagogue in the Common Wealth Countries. It was partially destroyed in the war of 1662, but was rebuilt by Dutch.

Chendamangalam Fort :

Chendamangalam Fort has been standing for an unbelievable 450 years which is an unbelievable feat in itself. The Ernakulum district is in fact a petite town that came into the limelight by virtue of housing the colossal Chendamangalam.Apart from being an epitome of raw strength and pure vim, the Chendamangalam Fort of Kochi also houses an array of extremely precious and valuable artifacts which are reminiscent of the ancient history associated with this place.

Nearest Visiting places

Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura

This is now the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and is the official residence of the Kochi royal family. The complex is a reflection of traditional architectural style of Kerala. Full-fledged ethno-archaeological articles and artifacts belonging to the Kochi royal family are all a luxury that the visitors to the place get to relish. In addition there are numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants around the area.

Kodanad:

It is one of the largest elephant training centres of South India. The beautiful river Periyar flows in the north of this place. The elephants are mainly trained for Safari. There is also a small zoo here.

Madhavan Nayar Foundation:

It is situated about 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edapally. It has life size figures revealing the historic episodes and events from the Neolithic to the neoteric era. The art gallery has 200 original paintings and sculptures, which are the works of the contemporary Indian artists. The light and sound shows with English and Malayalam commentaries attract a number of visitors.

Malayatoor:

Malayatoor is famous for the Catholic Church built on the 609 m high Malayatoor hill. This hill is dedicated to St. Thomas. Thousands of devotees visit this shrine to participate in the annual festival of Malayatoor Perunnal, in the month of March. St. Thomas is believed to have prayed at this shrine.

Mangalavanam-“ The green lung of Kochi city“

The ecologically sensitive Magalavanam is safely tucked away behind the Ernakulam High Court. This evergreen forest land in the heart of Kochi is a green oasis for many migratory birds as a nesting ground. Visitors to Mangalavanam are captivated by the sheer variety of migratory birds that have nested atop the huge trees.

Cochin Carnival:

Cochin Carnival, December 2 to the New year day, attracts a number of domestic and international tourists each year.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow:

Founded in 1862, this graceful colonial abode, a blend of Portuguese, Dutch and native building style, was the office of the coffee merchants, the Pierce Leslie and Company.

Santa Cruz Basillica Church:

This is Built by the Portuguese, this church was elevated in its rank to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558, and later was declared as a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.

Old Harbour House:

Fishner Net, Cochin TravelThis elegant old bungalow built in 1808 is in the possession of Carrit Moran & Co., renowned tea brokers, who now use it as their residence. The house was once a boat club.

Vasco House:

Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi.

Chottanikkara Temple:

Numerous stories attest to the early history of this 10th century temple, where tormented devotees found solace in the diety, Bhagavathi. Today it remains one of the most popular pilgrim sites in Kerala, devotees still floak here seeking liberation from torment.

Parikshith Thampuran Museum:

This museum houses a collection of coins, bronzes, copies of murals and megalithic relics of Kerala.

Vamanamoorthy Temple:

Inscriptions from the 10th to the 13th century are found in this temple in Thrikakkara, near Ernakulam.

Santhanagopala-Krishnaswamy Temple:

The original foundation of this temple was laid in 947 AD according to the inscriptions found here.

Dutch Palace:

Originally built by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century, the Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace is located at Mattancherry. It was presented to the Kochi Maharaja in 1555 AD and later taken over by the Dutch who carried out repairs.

Children’s Park :

A high-tech children’s Park with Non-Conventional Energy Museum and Musical Fountain. The Children enjoy a lot with the facilities available here.

Madhavan Nayar Foundation:

It is situated about 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edapally. It has life size figures revealing the historic episodes and events from the Neolithic to the neoteric era. The art gallery has 200 original paintings and sculptures, which are the works of the contemporary Indian artists. The light and sound shows with English and Malayalam commentaries attract a number of visitors.

Maniyanthram hills:

Maniyanthram hills 22 km from Muvattupuzha near to Vazhakulam, We can really enjoy the beautiful series of gentle hills, valleys and green slopes from the top station of Maniyanthram hill!

Puzhakkara Kavu temple:

The Puzhakkara Kavu, one of the most important temples dedicated to Bhagawati, is situated on the banks of the Muvattupuzha.

Bhoothathankettu dam:

Bhoothathankettu dam is a scenic dam site and tourist spot situated in the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam, Thattekad and 50 kms away from the main city of Ernakulam. It is a popular picnic sport with Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary near by. A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts) overnight.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary:

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is about 13kms from Kothamangalam and about 71kms from Kochi Airport. Without guide or special permissions it’s a dead end.The sanctuary was notified in 1983 based on a recommendation made by Dr. Salim Ali many years previously. Ali described Thattekad in the 1930’s as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with the eastern Himalayas. Since then much of the forest has been diverted to cultivation and teak and mahogany plantation but what survives gives a glimpse of the phenomenal bird diversity of the once widespread lowland forests of Kerala.

Paittingattilkadavu:

Paittingattilkadavu a very nice place to have bath and sight seeing. River-side Park with rare Butterflies Near Latha Theatre.boating through river.

Check Dam at Rakkad:

Check Dam at Rakkad six Kilometres from Muvattupuzha town. It is a very beautiful place with a waterfall across Muvattupuzha river. You can see Sreekrishna swami Temple near the river.The check dam situated in rackad,rackad is a beautiful villege.Nice to watch.

Historical Museum :

Important scenes of Kerala history are portrayed through through Sculptures. Greeting the visitor outside is a statue of Parasurama ,the mythological safe who is said to have created Kerala.

Bastion Bunglow :

Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667 AD, Bastion Bungalow get its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old, Dutch fort.

Cherai Beach:

Cherai Beach offers a unique combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms.

Marine Drive :

Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful part of Kochy city. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbour from here is excellent.

Ernakulam Backwaters:

Ernakulam at kochi is More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake.Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest and the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Gritish have all left their mark here.natural harbours in the world.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Petrol Pump
NH47, North Kalamassery
Ernakulam, Kerala

Petrol Pump
Market Road
Aluva, Kerala

HP petrol pump
Paravur Athani road
Kerala

Petrol Pump
NH 47A, Palarivattom
Ernakulam, Kerala

Petrol Pump
Aluva Munnar Road, Edathala
Aluva, Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Wyte Fort
NH -47, Byepass
Maraduru, Kochi
Kerala 682304
Tel: 0484 2706952.

Hotel Abad Metro
Rajaji Rd, Ernakulam
Kerala
0484 2364032.

Hotel Arches
Rose St, Fort Kochi
Kerala
Tel: 0484 2215050.

The Renaissance Hotel
P.B.No-2310, Palarivattam
Kochi, Kerala, India.

Bharat Hotel(BTH)
D.H.Road, Ernakulam
Cochin, Kerala 682016
Tel:0484 2353501 – 0484 3295090 – 0484 2370502.

Old Court Yard
Princess St, Fort Kochi, Cochin, Kerala 682001
Tel:0484 2215035.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station Edappally
Ernakulam, Kerala.

ET North Police Station
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Alwaye Police Station
Sub Jail Road, Aluva
Kerala.

Hill palace police station
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Tripunithura Police Station
Tripunithura, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Specialists hospital
K C M Mather Road
Ernakulam, Kerala
0484 2395952

Janatha Hospital
Market Road, Alwaye Aluva
Ernakulam, Kerala 680101
0484 2624931

Ernakulam Medical Centre
Nh Palarivattom, Palarivattom
Ernakulam, Kerala 680025
0484 2807102

Samaritan Hospital
Pazhanganad, Kizhakkambalam
Ernakulam, Kerala 680562
0484 2680511

Kandamkulathy Ayurveda Hospital
Near Ymca, Chittoor Road,
Ernakulam, Kerala 680035
0484 2384399

Dr Arwari`s Nam Hospital
8/352, Thirumalai Devesom East Sannidhi Road
Mattancherry, Ernakulam
Kerala 680002
Tel: 0484 2228892.

Link:

http://aphotoaweek.blogspot.com/2009/09/week-36-chennamangalam-model-of.html
http://getkerala.blogspot.com/2008/06/chennamangalam.html
http://pazhayathu.blogspot.com/2009/02/200-year-old-synagogue-at.html

Location info

• Address: Chendamangalam, Ernakulam(kochi), Kerala, India.

• District: Ernakulam district.

• Nearest City: Kalady, Kothamangalam,Thodupuzha and Ernakulam(kochi) .

• Best time to visit: December to March.

Climate & weather

The climate is tropical and Temperature is between 31.3oC and 25.8oC

Things to do at Synagogue at Chennamangalam

Majestic altar is the Main attraction here,A wooden balcony with beautifully carved balusters and railings is another attraction of the synagogue,visit to the Paliam Palace mand also to temple, mosque and church located in the close vicinity of the synagogue.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Synagogue at Chennamangalam

The best time to visit Synagogue At Chennamangalam is from November to February when the weather is pleasant for exploring the site. Early mornings offer the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds. Heritage sites in Kerala can be visited year-round.

Timings & opening hours

Historical sites and palaces are typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Most are closed on Mondays and national holidays. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

Entry fee & tickets

Historical palaces and sites: INR 20–50 for Indian nationals, INR 100–300 for foreign nationals. Camera fees: INR 50–100 for still cameras, INR 200–500 for video cameras. Some heritage properties have combined tickets covering multiple sites.

Duration needed

1–2 hours to explore the site. Heritage palaces with museum collections may require 2–3 hours. Photography enthusiasts may need additional time.

Safety tips

Do not climb on or touch protected structures — they may be fragile. Follow ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) rules where applicable. Watch your step on uneven heritage floors and staircases. Photography rules vary — check at the entrance. Do not remove any artefacts or stones from the site.

Things to carry

Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, drinking water, a hat or umbrella for sun protection, a notepad for heritage notes, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Some heritage sites have limited shade — plan your visit for cooler hours.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Synagogue at Chennamangalam

Synagogue At Chennamangalam represents an important chapter in Kerala’s rich historical heritage. Kerala’s history spans thousands of years — from the ancient Chera dynasty and the spice trade with civilisations across the Arabian Sea, through the colonial era of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence, to the post-independence period. The state’s strategic location on the global spice route made it a crossroads of cultures, resulting in a unique blend of indigenous and foreign influences visible in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the historical significance of this site? — The site’s history is usually explained through information boards, guidebooks, and local guides. Hire a guide for the most detailed historical context. Is the site well-preserved? — Major heritage sites in Kerala are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Kerala State Archaeology Department. Preservation standards are generally good at popular sites. Can I take photographs? — Photography is generally permitted at historical sites. Interior photography may be restricted at some sites. Tripods may require special permission.