North Paravur

Understand

Paravur shortly known as Parur in the past, is one of the oldest towns in South India, established in 52 B.C. when an ancient Tamil tribe Cheras, decided to make the city as its capital, owing to presence of a natural port here as well. You can still see very old houses and community living of Tamil Brahmin people around Kannankulangara and Mookkambi areas. The mighty Periyar river flow through this region, making many small islands and making the region one of the most fertile lands for agriculture. The Cheras named this capital known as Murichipattanam (spelled as Muziris in Greek), soon rose to international fame, due to its extensive trading relations with Egypt, Mesopotamian, Greek, Roman and Chinese civilizations. The sea route from Egypt to Muziris was known as ancient spice route, where extensive spices, cotton, rice were traded. The Cheras also built several palaces and temples, typical its traditional Dravidan culture. St Thomas landed up at Muziris and constructed Kottakavu Palli Church in 52AD From 11th century AD onwards, the fortunes of Muziris declined due to its constant wars with neighbouring Tamil state, the Cholas. In 1344, the great Periyar floods made a major blow to Muziris, when river Periyar changed its course of flow and choking the port of Muziris. Soon the Cheras shifted their capital to nearby Thiruvanchikulam and renamed as Mahodayapuram. After prolonged 100-year Chera-Chola war, by 14th century, the Cholas successfully raided Muziris and set the city under fire, making the city completely lost in memories. After partition of Chera Empire, the city came under control of Kochi Kingdom. The Kochi Rajas encouraged extensive farming here, due to its fertility. In 14th century, the Raja granted a township to large number of Jews, who sought asylum from Jerusalem. The town was soon occupied by colonial Portuguese, after they constructed extensive fortifications. The town also witnessed a major battle between Portuguese and Dutch, leading to de

Getting there

By plane Cochin International Airport is 15 km from Paravur, with several international and domestic connections.

By train There is no railway line or station in Paravur. The nearest railway station is Alwaye 16 km away.

By car NH-17 (Mumbai-Kochi Highway) passes through N. Paravur and is well connected by other state highways.

See

1 Paliam Palace Museum. (updated Jul 2026) 2 Chendamangalam Synagogue, Chendamanalam (near North Paravur), ☏ +91 480 280 7717. Originally built in 1420 and rebuilt in 1614 by the Malabar Jewish community. It is no longer an active Syngagogue by serves a Keral Jewish lifestyle Museum 3 Dakshina Mookambika Temple. A famous Saraswati temple. The presiding deity in this temple is Saraswati and sub-deities are Ganapati, Kartikeya (Murugan), Mahavishnu, Yakshi, Hanuman and Veerabhadran. A shrine devoted to Yakshi is at the southwest corner. The sanctum sanctorum is in the midst of a lotus pool. (updated Nov 2023) 4 Kottakkavu Mar Thoma Syro-Malabar Pilgrim Church. According to the Saint Thomas Christian tradition, the church was established in 52 CE by Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. (updated Nov 2023) 5 St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Church. (updated Nov 2023) 6 Paravur Synagogue. Constructed in 1616 by the Malabari Jewish community (Black Jews), it stands on Jew Street over the ruins of a much older structure believed to date back to 1164 or earlier. Today, the building no longer serves as an active house of worship; instead, it has been beautifully restored and functions as the Kerala Jews History Museum (updated Nov 2023)

Itineraries Cherai Beach is 5 km from here. Cherai beach is a wonderful place to be. You can have boat ride in the lakes near beach. Can have bath as well as sun bathe. Your itinerary would depend on your interest. In case you are interested in exploring history visit the temples (Venketachalapathi Temple of GSB community, Peruvaram Shiva temple. Mookambika temple (Goddess of learning), Mannam Subramanya temple, Kannankulangara Krishna temple) Jewish Synagogue, Churches (Jacobite Syrian church; St Thomas church etc.). Take an auto and you can complete the entire trip in half a day. Remember all these places especially temples open early morning (5AM), close by 11AM and then are open from 5PM to 8PM. If you are a foreigner

Do

Events Chendamangalam Matta Chanda (2 days prior to Vishu Festival) near Chendamangalam Fort, is the only official barter market in the world, as reminiscent of olden market style. The recorded history of this market is nearly 300 years old, where traditional & heritage items are sold in exchange of modern items of equal value. Matta Chanda is today a tourism attraction and a traditional ritual rather than serious shopping, hence only traditional Kerala specialities can be brought in exchange of modern and regular items like branded soaps, perfumes, clothes, hair accessories, electronic components, batteries, medicines, as agreed mutually buyer and seller.

Eat

K.R. Bakes Al-fala Uduppi vegetarian CECEE Tower (3 star) Ruchi thattukada near Chitranjali theatre (street food). Two more 3-star hotels and few resort style living is available at Cherai in 3-km radius. In the evening kappa and meat is the favorite food of people in the North Paravur. For vegetarians await new quality restaurants which are coming up near White City at the current Indus Motors Shop. There are many small vegetarian restaurants available in Parur and Cherai.

1 Palaaram, St. Germains road (Between Chitranjaly & Shafas theatres), ☏ +91 484 244 1253, [email protected]. 11AM - 11PM. A team of foodies serves traditional home cooking to dine in or take away. ₹300 for 2. (updated Sep 2017) Theeram Restaurant, Kuttichirapadam, Paravur. Rice and Veg. ₹30/-Beef Curry, ₹20/-.Chicken Curry, ₹20/-Chicken fry,₹20/-Prawn Fry, ₹20/-Fish fry ₹20/-. (updated Jan 2021)

Drink & nightlife

CEE CEE Towers Golden Palace Parur Tourist home Aiswarya Local toddy shops Local"Kallu" the toddy. Karimeen curry, kappa, muringa, kakka, njandu are main foods. the quality charayam is getting from North Paravur.