ERNAKULAM

Ernakulam refers to the eastern, mainland portion of the twin cities of Ernakulam-Kochi in central Kerala, India. Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Ernakulam is a booming business metropolis. It is often referred to as the commercial capital of Kerala. Ernakulam has been a part of human settlements since the Stone Age. Rock-cut caves and dolmens are still a part of this city. Ernakulam was ruled by the Chera Dynasty and later, by the Kingdom of Cochin (Perumpadapu Swaroopam).

The Kerala High Court, the Office of the Corporation of Cochin and the Cochin Stock Exchange are situated here. Initially, Ernakulam was the headquarters of the Ernakulam District but was later shifted to Kakkanad. Ernakulam was once the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin. It is located 220 kilometres towards north-west of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. The city has served as an incubator for many Malayali entrepreneurs and is a major financial and commercial hub of Kerala. Sprawling, residential Ernakulam is known for Marine Drive, a busy waterfront promenade where boats offer backwater cruises. The Kerala Folklore and Hill Palace museums explore local heritage through art and antiquities. Shops along Broadway and on MG Road sell fabrics, crafts, and spices, while modern Lulu Mall also has a cinema and an ice rink. Simple eateries serve Keralan specialties and South Indian seafood.

POPULAR TOURIST SPOTS

Fort Kochi

A small fishing hamlet later converted to the first European township in India, today features amongst Kochi tourist places due to the vibrancy of this place.The Fort Kochi beach looks divine during sunset offering various hues of vermilion and scarlet let.

Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace, located in Palace Road was built by the Portuguese as early as 1557. Popularly known as Dutch Palace, it has the style and architecture that resembles a typical traditional Kerala house with four individual wings and a patio in between.

Wonder La

Popularly known as Wonder La Amusement Park, Veegaland is the country’s first theme park and one of the most happening places to visit in Cochin. Located on a hilltop, Veegaland is famous for thrilling and fun-filled rides, thus making it perfect for a family outing.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

This biosphere reserve located at Central Cochin is a natural habitat to many endangered and regular species of local and migratory birds, as well as mangrove vegetation. The sanctuary encircles a tidal lake which is connected to the backwaters . It is also home to several species of fishes.

Chinese Fishing Nets

Locally known as Cheena Wala, the Chinese fishing nets is quite popular sight to witness around the beaches of Kochi. This unique fishing style was introduced in the 14th century by the chinese traders. They are fishing nets that are fixed land installations for fishing. The Chinese Fishing Nets is a must visit attraction.

Willingdon Island

Willingdon island in Kochi is the largest artificial island in India, named after Lord Willingdon, the British Viceroy of India. The beautiful island is home to some of the great hotels. Much of the present Willingdon Island was claimed from the Lake of Kochi, filling in dredged soil around a previously existing, but tiny, natural island.