Kochin - Queen of the Arabian Sea

Ernakulam is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea. Ernakulam district was formed on 1st April 1958. Ernakulam town the name of which in turn is said to have been derived from the word Rishinagakulam a tank in the famous Siva Temple in the town. . In 1990 February Ernakulam district become the first fully literate district in India. The urban district Ernakulam accounts for 8123-hector forest.

             Kochin, 'Queen of the Arabian sea' is the capital of Eranakulam district.

             Kochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Recording a history of visitors, who came, saw and stayed for hundreds of years. Layered impressions - Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese, are contained within its environment.  This palm-green commercial town Kochi is one of the finest natural harbours in the world; this was once a major center of commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, and Dutch etc. Kochin today is one of the largest and most important city in Kerala. It is also known to be the second most important city (after Mumbai) on the western coast of India. The first Stock Exchange of Kerala was started at Kochin in 1978. The enormous Chinese fishing nets on the sea front of Kochin provide a charming view. Thripunithura Hill Palace is the largest Archaeological Museum in Kerala. Kochi is blended with historical places, palaces, museums, forts, old churches, Chinese fishing nets, beaches, backwaters, snake boats races etc. Kochi is lies between latitude 90° 42' to 10' 18' 00" north and longitude 76° 12' 00" to 76° 46' 00". The climate varies throughout the year and the temperature ranges from a minimum of 22.5^oc to a maximum of 35^oc in the summer and from a minimum of 20^oc to a maximum of 32^oc in the winter. The ideal season which is comfortable to visit in between September and May.

 Tourist information offices
Airport Information Counter, Dept. of Tourism - Tel: 667874
Govt. Of India Tourist Office, Willington Island - Tel: 668352
Tourist information Officer, Dept. of Tourism - Tel: 360502
Tourist Reception Counter KTDC, Shanmugham Road - Tel: 353234
Tourist Desk, Main Boat Jetty - Tel: 371761

How to Reach

Nearest airport: Kochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport about 30km away from Ernakulam

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam

Official web: www.ernakulam.nic.in

BOLGATTY ISLAND
 A picturesque island with a palace is about a quarter mile north of Ernakulam. The Palace built by the Dutch in 1744. The building was once a Governor's Palace for the Dutch and later a home for British Governors. At present the palace converted into a hotel by the K T D C.The lush green landscape with panoramic view of the backwaters makes another tourist attraction on the island.

Willingdon Island

Named after Lord Willingdon, a former British Viceroy of India. This is a man made island created from earth dredged, while deepening the Kochin Port. There are frequent ferry and bus services from Ernakulam. The head quarters of southern naval command, airport, harbour are functioning here.

Chinese Fishing Nets

Chinese Fishing Nets is an enticing scene, became trademark of Kochi. At the entrance to the harbour these nets are a fascinating sight. The Chinese traders first bought them to Kerala from Kublai Khan's court. These nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles.

Hill Palace

The palace built in the 19th century by the King of Kochi, situated 12 Kms. away from Eranakulam on the Eranakulam-Chottanikkara route. Many years ago the Palace was the official residence of the Kochi royal family. Today it is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala, displaying different types of sculptures, paintings, collection of rare coins, old weapons and collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi.

Jewish synagogue, Mattancherry

The synagogue was built in 1568 A.D. scrolls of the Old Testament (Bible) and copper plates in which the grants of privilege to Jews from Kochi rulers were carved are preserved in this Synagogue. The exquisite hands painted blue Chinese tiles are another attraction in the Synagogue. The Jewish Synagogue in Kochi stands out as a testimony for the communal harmony in the state for centuries.

Visiting time: - 10 am to 12 am and 3 pm to 5 pm. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

Location: 8km from Kochi. Bus, boat services are available.

St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi

The Portuguese built this church in 1503 A.D. This is the first European Church in India. Vasco-De-Gamma was buried here in 1524; later remains were exhumed out and taken to Lisbon, Portugal.

Location: 12 km from Ernakulam. Buse, ferry services are available here.

The Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace

The Dutch Palace built by Portuguese in 1555 A.D and handed over to Raja Kerala Varma of Kochin. The palace was renamed as Mattancheri Palace in 1663.

Visiting time: -10 am to 5 pm Closed on Fridays, national holidays.

Pallippuram Fort

The Portuguese built Pallipuram Fort in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Pallipuram Catholic Church is an important pilgrim center.

Kaladi

45 km away from Kochi, Kalady is the birthplace of Adi Sankara the great Indian philosopher who lived in the 8th century. Kalady is situated on the banks of river Periyar. There are two shrines of Sri Adi Sankaracharya. One dedicated to him as Dakshinamurthy and the other to Goddess Sarada, maintained by the Sringeri Mutt. These shrines in Kalady are open to all pilgrims irrespective of religion or caste.

Parishath Thampuran Museum

The museum is situated near the famous Siva Temple, Ernakulam. Collection of 19th Century oil paintings, old coins, sculptures in stone and plaster of paris and copies of mural paintings are exhibited here. The museum is housed in enormous traditional style Kerala building.

Malayatoor

Malayattoor St. Thomas church is the famous Catholic pilgrim center, situated on 53 Kms away from Kochi and 8 Kms. from Kalady.This pilgrim center is blessed by the Apostle of Christ St. Thomas, who had landed the Kerala coast in 52 AD.  The church at the top of the hill, about 2 Kms. can be reached only by foot. The annual festival Malayattur Perunnal is during the month of March/April.

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

Located 54 kms from Kochi and 12km from Kothamangalam, This bird sanctuary is a peninsular land of 25 sq. km. formed between the branches of river Periyar. There are more than 200 verities of birds in the region. The most notable of the indigenous birds are Malabar grey hornbill, Crimson-Throated Barbet, heron, egret, grey jungle fowl, jungle myna, Sunbird, wood pecker, rose winged and blue-winged parakeet. Rare birds like Ceylion frogmouth, Rose billed roller etc. are also seen. Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist, designs the sanctuary. The sanctuary is a pleasant heaven on earth for any ornithologist.

Cherai Beach

This is a beautiful and clam beach bordering Vypeen Island is an ideal spot for swimming. It is the new generation tourist hot spot. The thick coconut groves, Chinese fishing nets, backwaters, historical monuments are added attractions. Dolphins are occasionally seen here.

Location: 18 Kms. away from Vypeen.

Gundu Islands

Gundu is the smallest island about 5 acres only in size, which is close to Vypeen. Here one can observe one of Kerala's traditional manufactures: Coir [coconut fibre]. This island can be reached from Vypeen only by boat.

Museum of Kerala History

This museum is a treasure house of important scenes of Kerala History from the Neolithic ages to the modern era through life-size figures. The history of Kerala is exhibited and narrated with the help of light and sounds.

Location: 8 Kms. from Eranakulam.

Visiting Time: 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. Closed on Monday.

Entry Fee- Rs. 5/-. 

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

This is a small bird sanctuary, located in the heart of Kochin city. This sanctuary is the home of many exotic and rare varieties of migratory birds.

Bhoothathankettu

Situated on 63 Kms. away from Kochi is one of the most visit place of Kerala.The forest department would also arrange Elephant rides through the forest to old Bhoothankettu, which is very interesting.