A quaint village that is a part of the world renowned Muziris Heritage Project, Chendamangalam is located in Ernakulam district. A land that stands apart from all other destinations as a geographical combination of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plains, this village is home to many unique ancient monuments. 

The first among the famous monuments found here is the Paliam Palace which was once the home of the Paliath Achans who were prime ministers to the erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi. The Paliath Achans bore the title of prime minister to the kings of the Kochi dynasty for over 150 years. The title was handed down through the generations of patriarchs of the Paliam family. The Paliam Palace is an extravagant structure and its grandeur can be matched with any palace of erstwhile times. 

Another valuable destination at Chendamangalam is the Chendamangalam Synagogue which is also known as the Chennamangalam Synagogue. It is a Jewish place of worship that is constructed following the traditional Kerala style of architecture but with a light western touch to it. The majestic altar with its exquisite art work, the exceptionally high roof of the structure and the brightly coloured roof with a chequered pattern are all aspects of the synagogue that make it unique. One can also see a beautifully carved wooden balcony here that has balusters and railings that have been artistically crafted. The synagogue is today well preserved as a museum that is a part of the Muziris Heritage Project. The museum shows visitors the lives and practices of the Kerala Jews who were rooted in their customs yet embraced the local community and life as well. 

The biggest highlight of Chendamangalam lies in its location itself and the religious and spiritual unity of the local communities. Here there is a temple, mosque, church and synagogue lying in close quarters coexisting in peace and joy.  

Chendamangalam is also world renowned for its legacy in Kerala’s handloom industry. The handloom village which is a proud owner of GI tagging is considered to be the best place in the state wherefrom to source the highest quality of handloom textiles and fabrics. The weavers here are master craftsmen is producing authentic Kerala garments like the ‘set-mundu’ which is a two piece outfit as well as the traditional ‘kasavu sarees’ of the state. These stunning sarees are usually worn at weddings. The Puliyilakkara borders on the sarees from Chendamangalam is much sought after. A visit to the Weavers’ Village here offers a firsthand experience of what this age old tradition is all about. It gives you a glimpse at the painstaking process that goes into weaving these ethereal masterpieces on traditional looms, thereby preserving a legacy that has been passed down through generations of weavers. 

This humble town with its rich tapestry of history, culture and natural beauty welcomes travellers on a journey of exploration and enchantment. At every turn, the winds whisper tales from long forgotten chapters of history. The people here carry with them, in their hearts, the passion of their ancestors and the unique tales of their picturesque land.