Ernakulam is located on the coast of the Arabian sea with Kottayam and Alappuzha districts on the south, Idukki on the east and Thrissur on the north. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi along with its mainland part, Ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. With one of the finest natural harbours in the world, this was once a major centre of commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch etc. Kochi is the most modern city of Kerala where the best shopping, markets and bazaars are located. Ernakulam (The name Ernakulam comes from a Tamil ‘Erayanarkulam’ meaning abode of Lord Shiva) is the green commercial capital of Kerala with one of the finest natural harbours in the world. From here, ships set sail for foreign ports with pepper, seafood, rubber and coir. From times immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Cochin and left their impressions on the town. The harbour is the nucleus around which Cochin has grown to become the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Places to See
Bolgatty Island:
Has a palace built by the Dutch in 1744, and a golf course. Marine Drive:
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. Willington Island:
Formed from the sand deposited when Cochin Port was deepened, Willington Island has a naval base, a railway terminus, a port, and customs offices.
Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheena Vala): can be seen at Fort Cochin. Parikshith Museum:
Museum with memories of 19th century. Dutch Palace:
Made in 1568 by the Portuguese. Later restructured by the Dutch. Hill Palace Museum:
At Tripunithura. Paintings, Epigraphy, furnitures of the royal family etc are displayed. Kodanad:
Elephant training centre is located here. Kerala Historical Museum:
Located at Edappally, on the AluvaErnakulam road. Chendamangalam:
A village that is the location of the Paliam palace, Vypeenakotta Seminary, and is also remarkable for having a Hindu Temple, Synagogue, Church, and Mosque, all within one kilometer of each other. Bhoothathankettu:
A scenic dam site with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest. When to Go
The best time to visit Kerala is during August to March.
Festivals/Events
1. Festival at Mahadeva Temple:
Festival at Mahadeva Temple is held during November. Highlights of the festival are ritual processions, kathakali, classical music, recitals etc.
2. Utsavam at Sreepoornathrayeesa Temple:
Utsavam at Sreepoornathrayeesa Temple is held in December. Highlights of the festival are Kanikka idal, Kathakali, Chakyarkoothu, Ottamthullal etc. 3. Mahotsavam at Mahadeva Temple:
Mahotsavam at Mahadeva Temple is held in December. Highlights of the festival are Deepakkazhcha, illumination of traditional lamps, Ottamthullal, Elephants pageants etc. 4. Tourism week:
Held in December, Tourism week Celebrations includes food festival, procession of theme floats, gajamela, music concerts etc. 5. Indira Gandhi Boat Race:
Indira Gandhi Boat Race at Kochi Backwaters is held in December, every year. 6. Utsavam at Siva Temple:
Utsavam at Siva Temple is held during January. Highlights of the festival are Seeveli, Panchavadyam, Pakalpooram, Kathakali, Arattu etc 7. International Contemporary Dance Festival:
Artistes from India, Europe and the far east assemble here to participate in International Contemporary Dance Festival, every January. Apart from the above the district also hosts/celebrates Gramam Arts and Crafts Fair in February, Utsavam in February, Kakkoor Kalavayal Exihibition of Agricultural Products in March, Bharani festival at Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple in April, Athachamayam in September and Aluva Sivarathri in March, every year. How to Reach
Kochi is well connected by air, rail, road and waterways to all major cities within and outside Kerala.
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