Vallarpadamport, vallarpadam terminal, Smart city, kochi tourism

National shrine and Basilica

A major pilgrim centre for Christians, Church of Our Lady of Ransom is one of the oldest European Churches in India built by the Portuguese Missionaries. The church dedicated to the Holy Mary of Vallarpadam popularly known as Vallarapadath Amma, is located in the middle of Vallarpadam, a small idyllic island on the Vembanad lake, 1 km north from the mainland Kochi (Ernakulam), Kerala. Today the church elevated to the status of a Basilica as well as a National shrine attracts more than five lakh people including pilgrims and tourists, annually. One of the three Basilicas in Kochi, the Church is under the diocese of Verapoly (Varappuzha). The church earlier accessible only by boat is now linked to the mainland Ernakulam, and the islands of Bolghatty, Mulavukad and Vypin by three adjacent bridges called the Goshree bridges. Vallarpadam island, about 3.9 km in length and 1.5 km in width is located between the islands of Mulavukad and Vypin, and to the east of Bolghatty island. Vallarpadam container Terminal, a proposed project here could make this small island one of the best hub ports in the world

Kochi, Saturday 04 December 2010: Former Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) chairman E. Sreedharan expressed hope of getting Union government sanction for Kochi metro rail project by January 2011. Speaking to an interview to a Private News channel, Sreedharan said the delay in Central government sanction is the present problem faced by the project.

“The project can be completed within three and a half years, once the union government provides sanction. Preliminary preparatory works for the project has already been initiated.

The cost has increased as the delay continues. The present estimate is 3500 crores. Widening of roads in Kochi including MG road is part of the process. The works are expected to be complete by 18 months.
metro rail

Payyambalam Beach :

Payyambalam beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala. Here rest the brave nationalist and political leaders like Swadeshabhimani K. Ramakrishna pilla, A.K.G. and Chadayan Govindan. This is two kms away from Kannur town and near the St. Angelos Fort. This beach, having laterite rock jutting out into the sea on one end, is a neat and long one which is a relief to the tourists who seek rest away from the modern city life.

As part of a targeted comprehensive tourism development, this natural beauty spot is fast changing into a tourist center of international standard. It is the famous sculptor and the State Tourism Advisory Committee member, Shri Kanai KunjiRaman who is imaginatively beautifying Payyambalam. In the park attached to the beach, he is preparing a beautiful piece of sculpture, ” a mother with a child lying facing the sea”. this structure has a 80 feet length and 15 feet height. The landscaping of the park is over. The construction of other pieces of art is also going on. The models of folk arts of Malabar including Theyyam are being prepared.

A park for the children also is being arranged here. The aim is to make arrangements to attract children for amusement and exercise. The Payyambalam canal will be widened and deepened without delay for the pleasure boating of the children. A footpath has been brick-laid between the guesthouse and the lighthouse from where sunset can be enjoyed and the beauty of Dharmadom Island towards the south and the headquarters of Ezhimala Navel Academy towards the north can be seen.