Cochin Heritage Carnival 2023: Ernakulam - Tracing the Journey of Modern Kochi

Tracing the history of Ernakulam Town in Modern Times

For most part of Cochin’s colourful history, the centre of its administration, trade and commerce was Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. With the arrival of the British, Cochin saw a major overhaul in the administration of the state and its capital was moved to Ernakulam. The arrival of the railways, the modernisation of the harbour and the construction of the bridges between the Islands and mainland saw the shift of trade and commerce to Ernakulam.

This walk chronicles the history of Ernakulam in the century leading up to India’s Independence.

About the Storyteller

Born in Cochin and raised in Bangalore, Balagopal Varma is a heritage and travel enthusiast and has been organizing heritage walks in Tripunithura and Ernakulam for the past few years. His work on heritage conservation and travel is focused on the erstwhile Cochin State, which is slowly disappearing from collective memory along with its built heritage. Balagopal resides in Tripunithura and is closely connected with the Cochin Royal Family and his grandfather was the titular Elaya Raja of Cochin.

Duration, Distance & Terrain:

2.5 Hrs, 2 Kms, mostly flat surfaces and little to no inclines, moderate pace, stopping at various sites along the tour.

Meeting Point:

Meet your storyteller in front of the

Durbar Hall Art Gallery

https://maps.app.goo.gl/fLuVe7APSvvU4R7E8

What's included

• Storyteller
• Snack & refreshment

What's not

• Any personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.

What to bring:

A cap/hat, rain jacket/ poncho, comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, water bottle.

Guidelines:

• Per head registration cost of the heritage walk is ₹999.
• Wear a mask, & bring your personal sanitiser.
• Since it is a walking tour, guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, a cap/hat, rain jacket/ poncho in case of rain, comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, water bottle.
• Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the reporting time.
• Kindly avoid littering during the walk.
• Please note that tours are subject to weather conditions. If the tour is cancelled due to weather, it will be rescheduled.
• The tour route is in public areas over which we have no control. We are not responsible and shall not be held liable for the behaviour of the public, other tour patrons, or any accidents during the tour.
• Photography is permitted. Videography is not permitted. If you are a researcher, guide, a travel writer, or a blogger, kindly request consent from the Organizer before the tour.
• Please note that we would not be entering inside any heritage monuments for this tour.
• Kindly follow all instructions laid out by the host on the day of the walk.
• Ticket once booked cannot be cancelled or refunded.
• Please refer to our complete tour terms and conditions here.
• Please refer to our cancellation and refund policy here.

About The Kochi Heritage Project

The Kochi Heritage Project is a storytelling initiative to inculcate awareness about heritage, and to create dialogue around the preservation and conservation of heritage in Kochi amongst locals and visitors through heritage and cultural tourism experiences, heritage education and research, and by curating events that promote the city's heritage.