Parassini Muthappan Madappura is a Hindu temple at a scenic location on the bank of Valapattanam River. It is 19.4 km (40 min) from Kannur and 10 km from Taliparamba. Kannur International Airport is a drive of 31.4 km (52 min) via Mattannur-Iritty road. The main deity is Sree Muthappan who is a manifestation of Lord Shiva. …
Fort Kochi is a melting pot of cultures. Portuguese, Dutch Jewish and English influences have helped mould the city. It is also a major port and home to Vembanad Lake, the largest in Kerala. Visitors can shop for spices, jewellery, handicrafts, textiles and antiques. The place has incredible art cafes too.
Jewish Synagogue
The Jewish Synagogue in Fort Kochi is the oldest existing synagogue of all the 53 member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is known by various other names such asCochin Jewish Synagogue and the Mattancherry Synagogue. When the Jews settled in Mattancherry after their expulsion from Iberia, they built this imposing structure in 1568. The structure on Jew street is remarkable and the highly decorative interiors have huge Belgian Chandeliers and hand painted floor tiles. They added the synagogue’s three-story clock tower two centuries later. Ezekial Rahabi, a leading businessman, directed the construction in 1761. …
Jagannath Temple in Thalassery is one of the best loved temples in Malabar. Sree Narayana Guru consecrated the temple in 1908. He was in the forefront of the fight againstuntouchability in Kerala. Jagannath Temple opened its doors to Harijans in the 1920s. …
St Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world. Italy’s greatest architects built it in the Vatican over a period of a hundred years. The church was built during the period 1506–1626. Saint Peter, the chief apostle of Jesus Christ,died here in 64 AD and is buried under the central altar in the church. Saint Peter is looked upon as the first Pope. …
Santa Maria sopra Minerva is one of the major churches of the Order of Preachers (also known as the Dominicans) in the historic city centre of Rome. It is built at the site of an ancient temple of the Roman goddess Minerva (Athena in Greek mythology). Admission to the church is free. …