Aluva

21 Kms from Ernakulam (Kochi), Aluva (Alwaye) is located on the banks of the Periyar river. The Shivarathri festival celebrated here during March/April every year, is a colourful and crowded affair with vendors selling their wares and devotees staying awake the whole night in prayer to pay homage to their ancestors. One of the main attractions in Alwaye is the Alwaye Palace which is situated on the banks of the Periyar river. The old palace building, with beautiful circular verandas overlooking the river is now used as a Guest House.