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 re-structured
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 Aluva-Ernakulam 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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