When one tries to plan a trip, he often thinks about the most famous places and iconic destinations. In this process, the person fails to glance at the little blocks representing the true soul and culture of the city or state you visit. Such is the case with Ravipuram in Kochi, Kerala. This block is often overlooked due to its smaller size. However, if you explore its location, the local culture and the vibe, you will get to know what magic it holds. This is what you are going to discover in this blog today. Join us on a cultural ride to Ravipuram.
Ravipuram Overview
Image Credit: JOHN ALEXANDER T.A for Wikimedia Commons
Ravipuram is a ward of Kochi, Kerala. It lies on the bank of the backwaters of Kochi and enjoys a strategic position for trade and travel. With a view of Kochi Harbour, the affluent neighbourhood of Ravipuram is located close to the Cochin Port. One of Kochi’s main attractions is the neighbourhood, which is a part of downtown Kochi. Multinational corporations, significant government buildings, retail malls, academic institutions, five-star hotels, dining options, and cultural hubs can all be found in Ravipuram.
Ravipuram lies in the Ernakulam district and is one of the most culture-rich wards in the area. On the banks of the Kollam Kottapuram highway, there are many options for tourists here, including the starting sites for enjoying Kerala’s iconic backwaters. Some of the major highlights in Ravipuram include Transcend Training Centre, Perumanoor, Cochin Shipyard, and Maruti Suzuki Arena.
The location was named Ravipuram by the renowned Krishna devotee Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. On his way to the place, Swamiyaar noticed the sun rising at that moment, its rays lighting the shrine behind the temple. Thus, he declared that the location ought to be called Ravipuram. In Sanskrit, puram signifies a town or area, while Ravi is the name of the sun.
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Places To See In Ravipuram
There is plenty to explore and unravel in Ravipuram. Here is a list of the few tourist places that you may consider going to:
1. 800-Year Old Sri Krishnaswami Temple
Image Credit: Ranjith Siji for Wikimedia Commons
The 800-year-old Sree Krishnaswami Temple is one of Ravipuram’s most well-known features. Originally constructed and held by Pazhoor Mana, the temple has been governed by the Cochin Devaswom Board since 1972. The late historian Alappat Sreedhara Menon’s research indicates that in the 18th century, the temple had the privilege of “hosting” the Guruvayur deity. Guruvayurappan’s idol was moved to the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna temple during Tipu Sultan’s conquests in Kerala. The temple is open on all days. The gates open up at 4:00 am and close at 8:00 pm. Like all other temples in Kochi, dress codes concerning the religion must be followed here. One should stick to only formal and traditional clothing. Photography inside the temple is allowed.
The temple offers daily prayer. Since this is a 13th-century temple, you can see age-old transcriptions on its walls. The temple, as a whole complex, is well-preserved by the Kochi government. There is also a shrine in the middle of the complex where devotees gather and pray. Holy offerings, called Prasad, are distributed every evening. There is no ticket to visit the temple.
Address: Ravipuram, Ernakulam, Kerala 682015, India
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
2. Willingdon Island
Image Credit: Ravi Dwivedi for Wikimedia Commons
If you cross the waterway lining the Ravipuram, you will get onto Willingdon Island. This is the largest artificial island in India and is a part of the Keralan metropolis of Kochi. Dredged soil from Vembanad Lake was used to fill in a large portion of the current Willingdon Island, which was once a little natural island. The Port of Kochi, the Kochi Naval Base, the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy, the Plant Quarantine Station, Custom House Cochin and the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology—a component of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research—are all located on Willingdon Island, which is significant. The Office of the Cochin Port Trust, which oversees the Port of Kochi, the Customs Office, the Mercantile Marine Department and over two dozen export-import offices, warehouses, a few hotels and business centres are among the other port-related establishments on this island. A major attraction is the Cochin Port Maritime Heritage Museum.
When the port was built in 1936, the island was formed by dredging out soil, while the Vembanad Lake was made deeper to make room for it. It bears the name of the Viceroy of India at the time, The 1st Earl of Willingdon, who ordered the project. The first structure on the island belonged to Robert Bristow, the project’s principal engineer and protagonist. March 9, 1935, saw the arrival of the Bibby Line’s first liner on the island. The Malabar Hotel was constructed as a port hostel for travellers who wanted to spend the night on the island. Just in time for World War II, the pre-planned essential port building was finished in 1939. For the benefit of the regional war effort, a deep wharf, a rail bridge, and a road bridge to the mainland provided crucial infrastructure.
Address: Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala, India
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
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3. The Cochin Port Maritime Heritage Museum
Image Credit: Thilsebatti for Wikimedia Commons
The Cochin Port Maritime Heritage Museum is situated on Willingdon Island, around 7 km away from Ravipuram. A unique collection of images from the museum documents the development of Cochin, or Kochi, into a port city. It also displays the evolution of Kochi’s naval history and Willingdon Island. The museum has unique photos and antique nautical gear that chronicles the history of Cochin Port. The Cochin Port Trust turned the structure, which served as the head engineer’s apartments while Willingdon Island was being built, into a museum in May 2014. The museum’s photos depict the struggles that Sir Robert Bristow and his employees endured while building the port on a shoestring budget and without the aid of modern technology. The history of the Kochi port is uncovered during 21 years, from 1920 to 1941.
The building of the Mattancherry bridge and wharves, the Venduruthy Rail-Road bridges, the first train to arrive in Kochi, Sir Robert Bristow’s home and automobile, the reclamation of the Ernakulam foreshore, the loading of the elephant that Jawaharlal Nehru gave to the Russian children and the Mattancherry shoreline lined with Alleppey boats are just a few of the photographs in the museum. Various marine instruments are also on display at the museum, including steering units, mechanical calculators, underwater search gear and maritime clocks. The museum is a quiet place and an excellent option to immerse in the history of Kochi and Kerala during British rule. You can take a boat or jetty from Ravipuram to reach the museum. The museum opens at around 11:00 am daily.
Address: Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala 682009, India
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults, ₹5 for children
Timings: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
4. Queen’s Walkway
Image Credit: Deepak for Wikimedia Commons
Queen’s Way or Queen’s Walkway is a charming 1.8-kilometre promenade near Ravipuram, Kochi, Kerala, India. The fully automated musical walkway, connecting the beginning of GIDA Road to Chathyath Church, is a well-liked gathering spot for travellers and the community. The boardwalk is 1.5 km from Marine Drive and 2 km from the High Court Junction. The Tourism Department approved an initial setup cost of ₹5 crore to prepare this iconic walkway. Kochi is referred to as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” by many. Queen’s Way, the walkway’s name reflecting the novelty of the city’s namesake, meandered among the peaceful backwaters of this city. The walkway’s lighting is automated and controlled by a smartphone. For the tourists’ relaxation, around 120 benches have been placed throughout the full length of the route.
Other highlights of the walkway include LED strips, lights to decorate trees, and an amphitheatre that can seat fifty people. Three sophisticated 360-degree cameras and twenty-one bullet CCTV cameras monitor the walkway 24/7. The promenade and its surrounding areas in Pachalam and Vaduthala are lined with protected mangrove forests, which are the subject of regular cleaning initiatives.
Address: Queen’s Way, Near Pachalam, Kochi, Kerala, India
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
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5. Fort Kochi Beach
Image Credit: Vis M for Wikimedia Commons
Fort Kochi Beach is a popular tourist attraction by the Arabian Sea in Ravipuram. The so-called “Chinese fishing nets” and the fishermen who work there offer travellers unique perspectives and points of interest. The Chinese fishing nets are shore-operated lift nets that measure roughly 10 metres (33 feet) in height and support a cantilever with an outstretched net of at least 20 metres (66 feet) suspended over the sea. These include large stones hanging from ropes as counterweights at the other end. Up to six fishermen work as a team to run each installation.
Additional sites of interest at Fort Kochi Beach are the jetty that leads to the backwaters of Kerala and the Vembanad Lake. Along the waterfront, you can explore colonial-style bungalows, the Vasco da Gama square, the ruins of Fort Emmanuel by the granite promenade and numerous stands serving locally prepared meals made with just-caught seafood. Visitors cannot reach a portion of the beach under the Indian Navy’s jurisdiction. As trash became a significant issue, the Kochi Corporation launched a massive cleaning drive encompassing heritage structures on June 5, 2015, World Environment Day, with the help of about 500 volunteers at this beach.
Address: Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
6. Ernakulam Shiva Temple
Image Credit: N. Vivekananthamoorthy for Wikimedia Commons
The Ernakulam Shiva Temple is a popular choice for visitors near Ravipuram. One of Kerala’s most important temples, it is situated in the centre of Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala, just 2 km from Ravipuram. According to local Hindu faiths and customs, the temple devoted to Lord Shiva is regarded as the city temple, with the presiding god serving as the city’s guardian. In Keralan custom, the god is referred to with reverence as Ernakulathappan or Lord of Ernakulam. The temple was one of the seven royal temples owned by the Kochi Maharajas, and its history is closely linked to the city’s history. These days, the Cochin Devaswam Board is in charge of running the temple. Under the active sponsorship of Diwan Sri Edakkunni Sankara Warrier, the temple was constructed in 1846 and elevated to the status of a royal shrine under the Kochi Kingdom. The complex is spread across one acre (4,000 m2) of land. This temple is one of the principal Shiva temples in Kerala.
The other famous ones include the Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple, Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom Temple, Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, Vadakkunnathan Temple and Sreekanteswaram Mahadeva Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. Shiva, in Gourisankar form, is the temple’s supreme deity. It is housed in the main sanctum sanctorum and faces westward toward the Arabian Sea. The Lingam in the main sanctum sanctorum is believed to be Swayambhu or divinely derived. The tiny shrine of Kirthamoorthy, which is thought to be the original Lingam that Arjuna worshipped, is located on the northern side of the main sanctum sanctorum. There is a modest shrine dedicated to Ganesha, the son of Shiva, on the southern side. The east gate is called the Devi Gate because there is a little area behind the main sanctum sanctorum that is thought to be the temple of Shiva’s wife, Parvati. A shrine devoted to Ayyappa and Nagaraja is outside the Inner Temple Circle.
Address: Ernakulam Shiva Temple, Durbar Hall Road, Ernakulam South, Kochi, Kerala 682011, India
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 3:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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So there you have it—an eye-opener about Ravipuram. While the blog has tried to list every important thing about this place, the real discovery begins when you see it with your own eyes. So, plan your trip to Kochi and experience the cultural wonder Ravipuram has to offer. You will not regret your decision.
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Cover Image Credit: JOHN ALEXANDER T.A for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Ravipuram
What is so special about Ravipuram?
Ravipuram is a coastal ward of Kochi, located near the major port, which is a hub for trade and tourism.
Is Ravipuram an urban area?
Yes, Ravipuram is primarily a developed and urban area. However, the culture of Kochi is evident in local people and temples here.
How far is Ravipuram from Panampilly Nagar?
Panampilly Nagar is an adjoining block, just 1km away. You can hire a personal taxi or use public transport to reach this place.
How far is Kadavanthra from Ravipuram?
Kadavanthra is approximately 2 km away from Ravipuram. Tourists can reach Ravi Puram by taxi or cab, which are available around the city.
How is the weather in Ravipuram?
Ravipuram enjoys coastal weather, with days being warmer and nights cooler. So, choose the best time to visit this place and enjoy the pleasant weather.
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