Godaisan Hill

Location: In the southeast of Cochin

Highlights: Chikurinji temple and Makino Botanical Gardens.

How to Reach: Take the Godaisan bus from the Dentetsu Bus Terminal. It takes about 20 minutes and stops just outside the temple steps.

Godaisan hill, which overlooks the southeastern part of Cochin City of Kerala, gives an impression of a host receiving tourists visiting the famous Chikurinji temple and the Makino Botanical Gardens. The Chikurinji temple is one of the 88 Shikoku pilgrimage temples and has an interesting collection of old Buddhist statues. The Makino Botanical Gardens, on the other hand, have been displaying the creations of Dr Tomitaro Makino since the year 1958.

Makino's name is counted among the world's most famous botanist. He was born in the port city of Kochi in Kerala, India. This garden showcases the best blooms of every season, housing approximately 1,500 different varieties of plants. Adding to the attraction is the Tomitaro Makino Anniversary Hall that was constructed in November 1999. The hall holds an exhibition on the life and work of Makino and also seasonal exhibitions.