At Mararikulam, off NH-47, take the Beach Road towards the Arabian Sea. Just after the Mahadeva (Shiva) Temple there, there’s a right turn onto the Mararikulam – Kanichukulangara Road. A few hundred metres into this, you will see the gate and signboard for “Palathra Heritage” on your left.
How To Get There (from Bangalore):
- Trains
Take an overnight train to Alleppey. From the station you’ll get plenty of cabs to cover the 16 odd km to Mararikulam. The cabs should charge your 450-500/-. If the train stops at Cherthala, about 10km from Palathra, you could disembark there as well.
You could also take a train to Ernakulam (Cochin) – many more trains go upto there. The distance from here to Palathra is about 50kms, and cabs should be available easily. If you find a connecting train to Cherthala, that’s a good option as well. - Buses
Overnight Volvos headed to Alleppey or beyond should drop you at Cherthala or even Mararikulam (check with them as you board) from where you should get autos or cabs to Palathra Heritage. - By Air (from Cochin)
Take a flight into Kochi (Cochin). You should get plenty of cabs there to get you to Mararikulam, about 90km away.
Around There
- The Beach: Marari’s famous beach is just about a kilometer away – you could walk/ride or take an auto.
- St. Andrew’s Forane Basilica, Arthunkal: a beautiful 16th century Church about 7km away on the picturesque beach highway.
- The Mahadeva Temple: A centuries old Shiva temple a short walk away is the only temple where Sree Mahadeva and Parvathi Devi sit facing each other.
- Vembanad Lakea and the backwaters: The Muhamma Boat Jetty on the Vembanad lake is a few kms on the other side of the NH. Backwater cruises, and boats and ferries to the other side to get to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and to get to the Pathiramanal Island – another pretty paradise for birdwatchers – are available here.
- Alleppey itself is a quick cab/auto/bus ride away. Old churches, ancient temples, trading hubs, the canals criss crossing town and the beach give the town a very timeless feel.
- Fort Kochi is a great one day trip – a lot of old buildings, Chinese fishing nets, world and trading history and shopping in a very walkable few square kilometers along the harbour.
Locally, autos, cabs and even public transport (buses, trains and ferries!) are plentiful and if you’d like, we’ll call one for you. Plan a trip to the Palathra Heritage, Mararikulam for a week long vacation, true Kerala style. The property has 5 old wooden huts transplanted in a green garden, authentic Kerala food and is perfectly situated for all of the above!
