About Ernakulam
Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kottayam and Alappuzha districts in the south, Idukki in the east and Thrissur in the north, Ernakulam is a booming business metropolis. A fascinating mixture of the old and the new, the district comprises many interesting cities including Kochi (Cochin), the commercial capital of Kerala. One of the finest natural harbours in the world, Kochi, renowned as the �Queen of the Arabian Sea�, was once a major centre for commerce and trade. The British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch etc., have all come to its shores in search of exotic spices and sandalwood. Even today, Ernakulam continues the tradition of welcoming visitors with its customary warmth and hospitality.
Telephone Access Code: +91 484
Altitude: Sea level
Area: 2408 sq. km
Population: 3,105, 798 (2011 census)
major tourism attractions
FORT KOCHI
A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover the historic Fort Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India, Kochi has an eventful and colourful history. Its reputation as a seafaring commercial town was such that Nicolas Conti, an Italian traveller of the Middle Ages remarked
Vasco da Gama Square/Chinese Fishing Nets
The huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles.The best place to watch
Pierce Leslie Bungalow
Pierce Leslie Bungalow, a charming mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862. A representative of the Fort Kochi colonial bungalow, this building reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. Characteristic features are wood panels that form the roof
Loafer's Corner or Princess Street
Loafer's Corner, also known as Princess street is one of the earliest streets to be constructed in Fort Kochi, Ernakulam. Princess Street with its European style residences still retains its old world charm. The best view of this quaint street can be had from Loafer's Corner,
Vasco House
Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, Vasco House is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi. Built in the early sixteenth century, Vasco House sports the typical European glass paned windows and balcony cum verandahs
The Cochin Club
The Cochin Club, with its impressive library and collection of sporting trophies, is housed in a beautifully landscaped park. In the early 1900s, when the club had just become operational, admission was restricted to the British and to men only.
The Bishop's House
Built in 1506 as the residence of the Portuguese Governor, the Bishop's House stands on a little hillock near the Parade Ground in Fort Kochi. The facade of the House is characterised by large Gothic arches and has a circular garden path winding up to the main entrance.
Fort Immanuel
Fort Immanuel, situated at Fort Kochi is a bastion of the Portuguese in Kochi. It was a symbol of the strategic alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and the Monarch of Portugal, after whom it was named. Built in 1503, the fort was reinforced in 1538. By 1806 the Dutch,
The Dutch Cemetery
The tomb stones here are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans who left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires and changed the course of history of this land.
Koder House
Koder House, a magnificent building constructed by Samuel S. Koder of The Cochin Electric Company in 1808. The house is a supreme example of the transition from colonial to Indo-European architecture.
Thakur House
Thakur House, a graceful building holds within itself the reflection of the colonial era. The Bungalow was built on the site of the Gelderland Bastion, one of the seven bastions of the old Dutch fort.
David Hall
Though built around 1695 by the Dutch East India Company, David Hall, situated in Fort Kochi, gets its name from one of its later occupants, David Koder, a Jewish businessman. The Hall, which is now an art gallery,
Bastion Bungalow
Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667, the Bastion Bungalow gets its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old Dutch fort. The bungalow is situated on River Road in Fort Kochi, Ernakulam.
Kumbalangi Tourist Village
Essentially a fishing hamlet, this tiny village facing the Kochi backwaters in the western part of the city is India�s first designated ecotourism village and the first rural tourism village of the state.
Bolgatty Island
This lush, lovely island is famous for its palace of the same name. The Bolgatty Palace, built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British. Today, it is a premium hotel run by the KTDC Hotels & Resorts
Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary
Thattekkadu is made up of tropical evergreen and deciduous forest. This globally acclaimed bird sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the internationally renowned ornithologist.
Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach, a picturesque beach, located on the north-end of the Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. Lined with luscious green coconut groves and paddy fields, this sandy beach is a unique combination of the sea and the backwaters, studded with seashells of various hues and shapes.
Bhoothathankettu Dam
Bhoothathankettu, a scenic dam site with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest. A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts) overnight. Hence the name Bhoothathankettu
Marine Drive
Marine Drive in Kochi, is a popular hangout and this scenic stretch offers a spectacular view of the backwaters and the Kochi Harbour.
Shopping malls, cinema halls, restaurants, caf�s and supermarkets line the drive. The Rainbow Bridge and the International Tourism Boat Jetty
Wonderla Amusement Park
Wonderla, Kochi, the first ISO 14001 (for environmental protection) and OHSAS 18001 (for safety) certified amusement park in India, is a picture-perfect spot with exhilarating rides and games. Nestled in picturesque greenery at Pallikkara 14 kms from Cochin City,
Jew Town
Jew Town in Mattancherry is famous for the antique shops all along its sides. The colonial buildings lining the street add to its old-world charm. The Jew Town is a narrow street between Mattancherry Palace and the Synagogue.
Kaladi
The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher of the 8th century. Temples dedicated to Sri Sankara, Sarada Devi, Sri Krishna and Sri Ramakrishna add to the sanctity of the destination.
Hill Palace Museum
The Hill Palace, Kerala's first heritage museum noted for royal collections of the erstwhile Maharaja of Kochi, is today the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Built in 1865,consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala
Museum of Kerala History
Located a little distance from the centre of Ernakulam is a quiet ethnic building hidden in the shades of huge trees. A statue of Parasurama, the sage who is said to have created Kerala, greets the visitor.