With one of the finest natural barbours in the world, this was once a manor centre of commerce and trace with the british, arabs, chinese, portuguese, dutch etc.

District Head Quarters : Kakkanadu
Area : 2,407 Sq.Km
Population : 30,98,378
Literacy : 93.42%

Location :

Latitude, 9 degree 15 E, The city lies between 'Itripunithura, the seat of the eastwhile royalty to its southeast and the Eloor-Kalamassery industrial belt to its north. To the west lies is the Arabian sea.


Access :

Air : International Airport at Nedumbassery (20 kms from town)

Rail : Ernakulam (Cochin) is a major railhead of the Southern Railway. Main Station : Ernakulam (Cochin) junction. Other station : Ernakulam (Cochin) town, Kochi Harbour Terminus.

Road : An excellent road network links to all major towns and cities in india.
Ferry : There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam (Cochin). The main boat jetty is one km from the junction railway station and the other is near the high court.


History :

The word Ernakulam was drawn from a Tamil word Erayanarkulam means abode of Lord Shiva's.
Ernakulam district formed on 1st April 1958 carving areas of erstwhile Travancore-Kochi-Malabar kingdoms. Major portion of the district is from the Kochi kingdom. The district consists of the mainland Ernakulam, the man made Willington Island, Mattanchery, Fort Kochi, world's most populous area of Vypeen Island, Bolghatty Palace etc.


Climate:

The warm tropical climate recommends light cotton clothes, waterproofing is essential during monsoons.


Wildlife Sancturies :

Eravikulam National Park: Eravikulam National park is situated at Devikulam Taluk of Idukki District having the area of 9700 sq. hector. Founded in 1975 and in 1978 it become a National Park. Rear species of wild life makes its on tranquility between bio-diversity and eco system the rare Ibere, and different ………. Of wild animals and birds are also found in this spectacular view of Natural beauty.


Yoga, Ayurveda and Naturopathy :
There are many Yoga, Ayurveda and Naturopathy centres in the city limits and in the mofussil areas.


Pilgrimage Centres :
Attukal Bhagavathy temple (Mudippura), knows as the Sabarimala of women, is in Thiruvananthapuram. Attukal Ponkala, the annual festival commences on Bharani day in Kumbhom (February - March) and continues for nine days. Ponkala is an offering usually made in Bhagavathy temples, prepared in the form of payasam ( a liquid food in Kerala), ingredients are rice, jaggery, coconut kernel and plantain fruits. The festival begins with thottampattu (a song about Bhagavathy) which is being chanted for nine days continuously.

Chettikulangara Devi Temple One of the renowned Devi temples in Kerala is Chettikulangara temple, Kayamkulamin Alappuzha. Highlights of Bharani festival, celebrated in February-March, are Kuthiyottam and Kettukazhcha. Of these , the former is performed as an offering to Bhagavathy.

Mannarsala Temple, Harippad Mannarasala temple at Harippad is the seat of God of Serpents. Built in a grove, the temple is reputed for having 30,000 images of snake-gods and this is the largest of its kind in the state.


Fairs and Festivals :
Onam : Is the National annual festival of Keralaites. Celebrated by the malayalees wherever they are.

Bharani : The annual temple festival at Kodungalloor in Ernakulam Distrct.

Tourism week celebrations at Cochin : Last week of December. Food festival Gajamela (Elephant Pageantry), Martial arts, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and other dances and Indiragandhi boat race.


Places to visit :
Bolgatty : A beautiful island with palace made by Dutch in 1744 and golf course.

Willington Island : Formed from the sand deposited while the depth of Cochin port is increased. Naval base, railway terminus, port and customs offices are located here.

Chinese Fishing Nets : can be seen at Fort Cochin.

Parikshith Museum : Museum with memories of 19th century.

Dutch Palace : Made in 1568 by the Portuguese. Later re-structured by the Dutch.

Hill Palace Museum : at Thrippunithara. Paintings, Epigraphy, furnitures of the royal family etc are displayed.

Kodanadu : Elephant training centre is located here.

Kerala Historical Museum : Located at Edappalli, on the Aluva-Ernakulam road.


Excursions :

Athirapally waterfalls (80 kms) , Guruvayoor (108 kms)
Sree krishna temple (non hindus are not allowed)
Periyar wildlife sanctuary (192 km)
Munnar (130 kms)
Kumarakom (58 kms)

Beaches :
The Cheria Beach (45 km form Ernakulam city): This lovely beach lordering Bypeen island is ideal for swimming.Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction.

The Fort Kochi Beach (12 km from Ernakulam city): A leisurely walk through the lanes of the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi.