Aluva

Mahathma Gandhi statue

Aluva (formerly Alwaye) is the second largest town in Greater Kochi City and an important commercial town in Kerala. The town is well known its festivals, large river banks and temples. Many of Kochinites (people of Kochi, as popularly known), do prefer to live in Aluva, while working in Ernakulam City, considering quiet cityscape, waterfront facility and presence of large commercial areas.

Aluva Manappuram Siva Temple Main - Manappuram Shiva Temple Sree Kurumbakkavu Bhagavathi Temple Poykkattussery Front view - Kurumba Kavu Bhagavathy Temple

Introduction

Aluva, is well known for its large river banks of Periyar River. The town is divided into two halves by the river, making the commercial town towards southern side of river and residential areas towards northern side. The Shiva Temple, located in river banks is the main attraction of the town, due to the traditions and legends associated with it. The temple gets submerged under river, during moonsoon season (May–September).

Aluva has a major historical significance. The town ceded to Travancore Kingdom by Kochi Kingdom as part of Travancore-Kochi Treaty of 1790. Due to which and the town became a first major defence line for Travancore-Kochi Kingdoms from any external aggressions. The Northern side of Aluva (Travancore Aluva), thus became famous for its extensive Nedumkotta lines (Frontlines Fortifications) of Travancore Army, whereas Southern Aluva (Cochin Aluva) turned into commercial port which received boats and ferry from Travancore's High ranges loaded with spices and other commodities of high value.

The formation of Modern Aluva started, when H.H Maharaja Chitra Thirunal and then-the Maharaja of Travancore started his industrialization program in 1930s, making Travancore Aluva, one of the major centers for various industries. More than a dozen heavy industries were opened, creating the largest industrial belt in Kerala. A large bridge across Periyar made easy connectivity between Cochin and Travancore sides of Aluva, which helped the town to grow and diversify its economy into non-agrarian areas.

After independence, both sides of town merged into a single municipality and merged into Ernakulam neighborhood. Again, Aluva got a shot in the arm, when Kerala's largest private bank - The Federal Bank made the town as its Headquarters. Several small and medium sector financial institutions soon started its operations from this town, boosting its local economy. In 1990, Aluva was included into Greater Kochi Area, making it part of Kochi City and satellite town of Ernakulam.

Travel to Aluva

Aluva is well connected by air, road and rail from all parts of the nation

Fly to Aluva

Cochin International Airport, is just 15 kilometers from the town center and thus Aluva is the most nearest town from Airport. Regular domestic and international connections are available from the Airport.

Travel by train to Aluva

Aluva train station (IR Code: AWY) in the town, is the second largest train station in Kochi UA after Ernakulam South. All passenger, express trains bound to southern Kerala do have a stop in this station. Some leaflets/websites still refer the town's old name (Alwaye).

Rajiv Gandhi Central Bus Station is one of the largest Bus terminal in Kochi UA. Regular private and KSRTC Bus connect from all parts Kerala to this station. Apart from this, daily passenger bus of Karnataka RTC and Tamil Nadu's SETC do connect from places like Mysore, Mangalore, Bangalore, Trichy, Coimbatore, Salem, Palani, Kodaikanal etc.

Privately operated Inter-state bus to Bangalore, Chennai, Mysore, Mumbai etc. do have stops in various points of Aluva town.

By ferry

Aluva is one major stop for National Waterway 3, scheduled to open by August 2010 which connects to Thiruvananthapuram in south and Kottapuram (Thrissur) in north.

Get Around in Aluva

Autorikshaws charge ₹15 per km. Bus are cheaper at ₹7.00 for three km.

What to See

Aluva Palace - Kadavu Kottaram | Palace Road 10.11364,76.35565 - Once the summer palace of Travancore Royal family, today its one of the largest archeological palaces in Kerala. Built in English-Travancore style and the palace offers one of the best views of river. The tranquility, offered by large palace gardens and verenadas offers an unique romantic mood. A part of the palace is Government Guesthouse.

Marthanada Varma Bridge - Aluva Palam | NH 47 - The Marthanada Varma Bridge is considered as icon of the town. Though nothing special about this bridge, this bridge was the first bridge laid across the mighty Periyar. The design soon became model for several similar bridges in Kerala.

Mangalassery Papal Seminary ,
Shiva Temple - Manalpuram | Manalpuram Road 10.10757,76.34566 The Shiva temple of Aluva is one of the most famous Shiva temples in south India. Legend says and the idol (Lingam) has risen out of the sand of the river bank, naturally. Thus the idol was located in the river channel, hence used to get submerged under the river most of the year, except during summer season. However for past few years the volume of the river got reduced drastically, thus one can see the idol throughout the year, except during monsoon season (May-Sept), when volume in the river increases multi-fold. There is no formal temple structure, rather a make-shift structure made out of weaved palm leaves and bamboo sticks. The most celebrated event is the annual Shivarathri festival, when thousands all over Kerala and other parts of India rush to the temple. This season is well known for post funeral rites of Hindu known as Shraddhham or Tarpanam, done in banks of the river.

Shivarathri Manalpuram ,
Uliyanoor Temple - Uliyanoor Temple is a historical Temple believed to have been built By Perunthachan

Top Must Do Travel Tips to Aluva

Shopping

The Aluva Sivarathri festival is the best time to shop in Aluva. It boasts of the largest cultural fair in the state. There will be One month long sale of various products along with the fair. For Clothing, Aluva has exclusive outlets of Reebok, Raymond, Reid & Taylor. Several other local dress boutiques are located inside the city. Seemas Textiles operate a 7-floor big textile showroom in Aluva.

Halal Restaurants

Please be informed that on some destination such as Aluva we had no local Muslim/a that has researched some of the area. If you are a Muslim/a and have been to Aluva or would like to maintain the eHalal Guide to Aluva, please contact us at guides@ehalal.io or email us your updates.

Koratty Muthy Thirunaal IMG 5523 - Street food in Aluva

Bambino Cafeteria Hospital Junction - 1 kilometers ☎ +91 98460 70608 Opening Hours: 1:00pm – 11:30 pm
Chicking Restaurant Thikavukochi - ☎ +91 484 322 8412 Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Indian Coffee House - Sub Jail Road - ☎ +91 484 322 3213 Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Kamath's Restaurant Harihara - ☎ +91 98957 70775 Opening Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
New Thalassery Roaster Market - ☎ +91 484 262 2674 Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Shenoys Restaurant Kunnathery Thikavu - 1 kilometers ☎ +91 98954 06573 Opening Hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Surya Hotel Pump Junction, Railway Road - 1 kilometers +91 484 262 6390 Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Swamy Vegetarian Near Railway Station
Mut Dosa Shop , On Aluva Paravur Road Rs.50 per plate 100 year old restaurant famous for Dosa, Kappa, Pappad, Tea and Onion Chammanthi. Breakfast and Dinner is available. The shop remains closed during lunch time.

softdrinks There are lot of shops offers different type of fruit juices and bottled soft drinks. Tea shops you can find it very easily.they offers Snacks like banana fry(pazampori),vada like.Two or three Vegetarian restaurants offers offers veg. meals with more than 5 or 6 currys and they serve you good south Indian masala dosa also.

Premier Cafe Periyar Nagar

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Aluva

Aluva July 29, 2023 - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Aluva, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Aluva. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Aluva and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Aluva. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Aluva. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Aluva: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Aluva.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Aluva: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Aluva, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Aluva.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Aluva, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Aluva, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Aluva and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Aluva, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Aluva, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Aluva without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Aluva is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Aluva.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Aluva is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Aluva, please contact:

Irwan Shah Bin Abdullah

Chief Technology Officer

eHalal Travel Group Aluva

info@ehalal.io