:: Synagogue at Chennamangalam

It is the culture and heritage of Jews all over the world and they are a proud about it a lot. Resulting from their Diaspora in the sixth century BC, they made their presence felt in different parts of the world. They returned to Israel after 1948 till that time they made India too their home.

The presence of the Jewish community was strong only in Kerala in India . Their presence can be still felt in the port city of Kochi , where they are still involved in a variety of business activities. Among the prominent landmarks of the Jewish community in the region is their place of worship called synagogue. There were quite a good number of them in Kochi as well as in Kodungallur, an ancient port city.

The popular synagogue is at Mattanchery in Kochi , but the one at the village of Chennamangalam in North Paravur is one of the biggest, and was built some 175 years back. The synagogue was recently restored to its original glory thanks to the hard work and effort of the Kerala State Archaeology Department with financial support from Kerala Tourism. This monument is under the protection of the state archaeological department.

It has utilized western construction technology and reflects traditional Kerala architecture. Some of the visual attractions of this synagogue are undoubtedly the majestic altar, which stands out for its intricate artwork. The synagogue has a high roof, which at first sight would itself convince one about the difficulties that the craftsmen might have encountered while fixing it. The ceiling of the roof has a brightly coloured chequered pattern, with huge wooden planks giving additional support for the roof. A wooden balcony with beautifully carved balusters and railings is another attraction of the synagogue. There is another balcony, meant exclusively for women. A marvelous craftsmanship in wood, a spiral staircase leads to this balcony. It is so beautiful one.

Tourist Places in Ernakulam District

1. Cherai Beach

MONUMENTS

1. Bolghatty Island and palace
2. Chendamangalam
3. Dutch Palace, Mattancherry
4. Fort Kochi
5. Pierce Leslie Bungalow
6. Old Harbour House
7. Koder House
8. Delta Study
9. Jewish Synagogue
10. Synagogue at Chennamangalam
11. Paliam Palace
12. Vypeenkotta Seminary
13. The Dutch Cemetery
14. Thakur House
15. David Hall
16. The Cochin Club
17. Bastion Bungalow
18. Vasco da Gama Square
19. Fort Immanuel


MUSEUMS

1. Indo-Portuguese Museum
2. Madhavan Nayar Foundation
3. Maritime Museum
4. The Hill Palace Museum
5. The Museum of Kerala History
6. Parikshith Thampuran Museum


PICNIC SPOTS

1. Bhoothathankettu
2. Kumbalangi - Model Tourist Village
3. Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary
4. Athirapally waterfalls

PILGRIM CENTRES

1. Kaladi
2. Vamanamoorthy Temple
3. Santhanagopala-Krishnaswamy Temple
4. Malayatoor
5. St. Francis Church

OTHER PLACES

1. The Antique Sellers of Jew Street
2. Kodanad
3. Thani Illam
4. Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple
5. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Lakshadweep Islands
7. Willingdon Island