ERNAKULAM

Ernakulam refers to the eastern part of the mainland of Kochi city in Kerala, India. Ernakulam is the most urban part of Kochi and has lent its name to Ernakulam District. The name 'Ernakulam' is derived from the name of a very famous temple of Lord Shiva called the Ernakulathappan Temple. It is also said that the word Ernakulam was drawn from Malayalam words 'Ere naal Kulam', which mean 'Pond for a long time'. The District which has an area of 895 km2 can be divided geographically into highland, midland and coastal area. The altitude of the highland is about 300 m. The borders of the district are the Arabian Sea in the west, Thrissur District in the north, Idukki District in the east, and Alappuzha and Kottayam districts in the south. The Periyar River, Kerala's second longest, flows through all the taluks except Muvattupuzha. The Muvattupuzha River and a branch of Chalakkudy River also flow through the district. The district has a moderate climate, and mostly falls within the Malabar Coast moist forests eco region, while the highlands are part of the South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests eco region. Many types of sands, soil and also rocks which are geological importance is abundant here. Ernakulam is one of the fastest growing places in Kerala. It is an important commercial and residential area of the state of Kerala.The Kerala High Court is situated in Ernakulam. . Cohin international air port is located in northern part of the district at Nedumbasheri village in Angamaly. Air ways, water ways, railways, and road ways add the geographical comfortaness to reach this place from anywhere.

Ernakulam occupies an important place among the districts of Kerala in the field of literacy and educational standards. Ernakulam District is the first district in the whole country to have 100 percent literacy by 1990. 2 Prominent universities are situated in this district - Sanskrit University , Kalady and Cochin University Of Science And Technology (CUSAT), Kalamassery.Ernakulam district has the most number of educational institutions in the state.Pothanicad, first panchayath in India that achieved 100% literacy according to state literacy programme is in this district. 

The most important religious communities of the district are Hindus, Christians and Muslims. In addition to the major communities the Buddhists, the Jains, the Sikhs, and the Jews also form part of the cosmopolitan population. The ancestors of the Jews migrated from Jerusalem in 72 A.D. Now there are very few Jewish families in Cochin. The famous Sivarathri at the Aluva Manappuram in Aluva attracts people from different parts of the country. There are lots of old Siva Temples in Ernakulam. People have been worshiping lord Shiva for over 5000 years. In Sanskrit "Siva" means kalyan (good wishes, doing good and taking care of all). So as part of this universal brotherhood though People are used to celebrate MahaSivaratri, it comes in Month of Maha before two days of Black moon. For this day people are doing lots of preparation. On that day people are used to keep full days fasting and Doing puja for Universal Peace and Asking enery for destroys evils things. Kallil Kshethram(Jain Temple) near Perumabavoor is also very famous. Adi Shankaracharya was born in Kalady and considered as a major pilgrimage centre for Hindus around the world. Thrippakudam Temple- Ana Kallaya Kulam -PARVATHIMANGALAM is the famous pooja in this temple. Arayankavu Thookkam- Otta Thookkam and Garudan Thookkam is very famous.The festival at the church of Vallarpadam on September 24 attracts people belonging to all religions. The icon of Virgin Mary in this church is credited with many miracles. The world famous Christian pilgrim Center at Malayattoor is in this district. The festival here lasts for 10 days in April. St. George Church at Kadamattam is very old and was founded by Mar Abo Metropolitan in 5th Century A.D. He brought a cross from Persia, which is still preserved in the church.. St. George Forane Church at Edappally, which was founded in 593 A.D., is considered to be the oldest church in Kerala after the 7 churches founded by St. Thomas. St. Antony’s church at Kannamaly is famous for the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19 where a large number of people are fed.One of the ancient mosques in Kerala is at Kanjiramattam.Chandanakkudam Festival in Kanjiramattom Mousque is very famous. Cherai Pooram is famous festival in island. Celebrating this full moon day having two purpose. Fields are ready for cropping, Start cropping with prayers and some auspicious puja. Next reason is People are ready to go in to sea. So on this day women of India generally having fasting of full day and pray for her brothers, father, husband and Nation 's victory. 

Agriculture constitutes the most important segment of the district’s economy and it is the biggest source of employment. Of the geographical 235319 hectares, crops are grown in 210438 hectares. Coconut is the principal crop followed by rubber, paddy, and tapioca. A paddy cultivation system called pokkali is peculiar to the district. 

Ernakulam district is bestowed with all the geographical factors, which help the development of industry, and it is in the vanguard of all other districts in Kerala in the field of industry. The availability of all types of transport facilities viz., road, rail, canal, sea, air is a factor which is unique to this district. Ernakulam is perhaps the biggest commercial center in the state of Kerala. Its M.G. Road is the location of some of the biggest businesses in Kerala. 

The sea along the entire coast of the district and the backwaters abound in fish of various kinds offer enormous natural facilities for both marine and inland fisheries. Kochi is an ideal place that supports fisheries in its various aspects like education, research and development. 


ACCESSIBILITY 

By Air : The nearest airport for Ernakulam is at Kochi(Nedumbassery).

By Rail : Ernakulam is a major railhead of the Southern Railway.

By Road : The district has excellent road connections. 

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Malayattoor Church

The only international shrine in Asia believed to have been visited by St. Thomas. Malayattoor is one of the most prominent Christian pilgrim centers in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. The Malayatoor Church of Cochin attracts a large number of devotees from not just Kerala, but also all over India. Every year on the first Sunday after Easter, thousands of pilgrims throng to this shrine to seek holy blessings. The architecture of the church is very interesting and uses a combination of unique styles that are a delight to the eyes.

Bhoothathankettu

Bhoothathankettu is a dam and tourist site in Kerala, India. It is situated in the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam and 50 km away from the main city of Ernakulam. Bhoothathankettu, a scenic damsite 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 (fort of the spirits). Later, this natural topography helped in building a dam here.

Chendamangalam

Chendamangalam (or Chennamangalam) is a small town in Paravur Taluk, Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala, India. It is about 42 km from Ernakulam town. It has three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and large expanses of green plain. Sree Venugopala Krishna Swami Dewasthan was established in 1900 AD at Chennamangalam (earlier known as Jayantha mangalam), 42 km from Ernakulam, 22 km from Alwaye and 5 km from North Paravur. The main deity is Venugopalakrishna Swamy. The temple celebrates six day long annual festival in the month of Vaisakh.This temple is an attraction in Chennamangalam.

Kerala Historical Museum

Located at Edappally, on the Aluva–Ernakulam road.

Kodanad

Elephant training centre is located here. Kodanad is a beautiful rural riverside village and a popular picnic spot and tourist destination in the Ernakulam district of the state of Kerala in southern India. Elephant rescue and care centre for central and southern forest region of Kerala is located in Kodanad. Kodanad is situated on the south bank of river Periyar, about 42 kilometers east of Kochi (Cochin) city. Kodanad is in the list of Ecotourism destination projects sponsored by the Government of India. As a part of this project, Kaprikkad, a village lying 3 km adjacent to Kodanad on the river bank has been set up in 2006 for entertaining visitors in the most natural and environmental friendly way.

Dutch Palace

Made in 1568 by the Portuguese. Later re-structured by the Dutch. The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry, Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala features Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. The palace is a quadrangular structure built in Nalukettu style, the traditional Kerala style of architecture, with a courtyard in the middle. In the courtyard there stands a small temple dedicated to 'Pazhayannur Bhagavati', the protective goddess of the Kochi royal family.

Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheena Vala)

can be seen at Fort Cochin. The Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) of Fort Kochi (Fort Cochin) in the City of Kochi (Cochin), in the Indian State of Kerala, are fixed land installations for an unusual form of fishing — shore operated lift nets. Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across. Each structure is at least 10 m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. Each installation is operated by a team of up to six fishermen.

Marine Drive, Kochi

Enjoy a scenic view of the sea and the Cochin Port Trust. Shopping can be done at the GCDA shopping center. Two spectacular bridges have also been built along the shore. Boat rides are available. Marine Drive is a picturesque promenade in Kochi, Kerala, India. It is built facing the backwaters, and is a popular hangout for the local populace. Ironic to its name, no vehicles are allowed on the walkway. Marine Drive is also an economically thriving part of the city of Kochi. With several shopping malls it is as an important centre of shopping activity in Kochi. Major fast food joints, including Marrybrown, DiMark, Barista, Coffee Bar are present along the walkway. The view of the setting and rising sun over the sea mouth, and the gentle breeze from the Vembanad Lake has made Marine Drive an important tourist destination in Kochi.Hundreds of people (both natives, and tourists) throng the walkway during the evenings. The walkway starts from the High Court Junction and continues until the Rajendra Maidan. There are also several boat jetties along the walkway.

Cochin Carnival

Cochin Carnival, December 2 to the New year day, attracts a number of domestic and international tourists each year.

Kallil Temple

A Jain temple carved out of a single stone. It also has statue of Mahaveera.

Hill Palace Museum

Kerala's first ever heritage museum and an ethno-archaeological museum are the main attractions. The museum showcases oil paintings, murals, scripture in, manuscripts, furniture, inscriptions and coins belonging to royal family.

Fort Kochi

St. Francis Chruch, the first church built by the Portuguese in India, in the year 1503, stands here. The body of the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama was first buried here. The famous Santa Cruz Cathedral is also at Fort Kochi. Chinese Fishing nets are another attraction of Fort Kochi.

Jewish Synagogue

Built in 1568, this Synagogue is the oldest in India. There is also a Jewish Town in Kochi. Many antiques are available on sale here and it is also a center for spice trade.

Willington Island

This beautiful manmade island is surrounded by backwaters. Willington Island houses many government offices. Willingdon Island is the home of the modern port that serves Kochi in Kerala, India. It is an artificial island created from the materials dredged while deepening Kochi Port, it's in Ernakulam district of Kerala in south India. It's named after Lord Willingdon, the erstwhile governor of Madras who had a hand in the project. Robert Bristow, the chief protagonist and engineer for the project owned the first building on the island. It is a major port in India, and a landmark in the city of Kochi, Kerala. It serves as a link between the other sea ports of the world. Willingdon Island is connected to the mainland by the road and railway Venduruthy Bridge. Southern Naval headquarters is located at this charming island. Cochin shipyard is also located near this island. It is also a major tourist center. Willingdon Island today plays an important role in the city of Kochi and houses some of the district's best hotels, commercial and industrial offices.

Bolghatty

A beautiful island situated away from the hustle of the city. The elegant Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 AD, is now a KTDC Hotel. The island also has park and golf course. Bolghatty Island (also known as: Mulavukad) is one of the islands that make up the city of Kochi, Kerala, India. The island is a popular tourist haunt, and houses the Bolghatty palace. "Ponjikkara" is the local name for southern part of the island, the centre has the name Ponnarimangalam, and when one says Mulavukad, it could be referring to the Northern segment of the island.The palace was built by the Dutch during their reign of the Kingdom of Kochi. The palace is today a heritage hotel, managed by the Kerala State Tourism Department. This island is on the western side of Ernakulam.

Kochi

Also called as Cochin is known as the 'Queen of the Arabian sea'. Kochi is the main commercial center if Kerala. The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry, various monuments of the British era, the Jewish Synagogue and the famous Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, all demonstrate the cultural heritage of Kerala.

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