Kochi and Ernakulam existed as twin cities, almost inseparable. Kochi, formerly called Cochin is a prime tourist destinations in the state of Kerala. The place is situated on the Western Coast and abutted by Arabian Sea. The city lies to the north west of yet another important tourist destination called Kumarakom.Kochi is referred as the Gateway to Kerala and constitutes the headquarters of the Ernakulam district.Beautifully spread across string of picturesque and lovely islands, lagoons, small rivulets and swaying coconut palm trees, Cochin is one of the most sought after and tourist destinations in Kerala. Cochin is located at 220 km north of the capital city of Trivandrum in Ernakulam district of Kerala.Kochi is essentially a port city and many a times called the Queen of Arabian Sea.Kochi (Cochin) city tucked in the beauty of coconut palms and endless blue waters is one of the important towns in South India, with a natural harbour. It is the commercial hub of Kerala. Kochi is a dynamic city with soaring land prices and rapidly industrialising suburbs. A trading port since Roman times, it lies on the main trade route between Europe and China.This city is home to the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth as well as numerous old churches and temples. Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on local ferries.Kochi is replete with tourist attractions. The entire place is beautifully carved and feature incredible landscapes. The terrain in the west and the backwaters around are some of the features of Kochi. The cosmopolitan character is one of the best features of Kochi. Apart from cruises and backwaters one often gets fascinated by a blend of cultures encompassing European architecture, Dutch homes, Chinese fishing nets and the ubiquitous South Indian culture. Kochi can be regarded as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Kochi earned a significant position on the world trading routes after the world famous port at Kodugallur . Being situated very close to the sea, Kochi has a moderate climate. The commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan of Kerala’s cities, Cochin is a fascinating blend of cultures.
The town has three main parts- Fort Cochin, Willington Island and Ernakulam. Fort Cochin (Fort Kochi) occupies the South promontory on the sea ward side of the Bay. In 1920, Willington Island was created by dredging the bay to increase the depth of the entrance to the harbour. Across the causeway from Willington Island is Ernakulam. The Bolghatty Island, a long narrow peninsula, is situated at the opposite side of Ernakulam jetty. The Vypeen island is another peninsula situated beyond the Bolghatty island.Cochin has a lot of remnants from the past still clinging on. The famous landmark in Cochin is a row of Chinese fishing nets at the mouth of the harbor leading to the Arabian sea. It is a blend of modern India on one hand and while the old quarter the Fort Kochi area and Mattancherry area maintains a colonial air. The Chinese fishing nets, believed to be erected in 1350 AD, swaying in the breeze over the backwaters, the Jewish Synagogue on Jew Street, The Dutch Palace at Bolghatty, Maharaja’s Palace at Tripunithura, the narrow streets of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, old temples and colonial churches attract tourists from all over.
Location info:
218 kms, north of Trivandrum
Climate/Weather:
As Kochi is on the seashore, it has a moderately warm tropical climate with heavy annual rainfall of about 310 cm. In summers the temperature rises to a maximum of 35 ºC, while in winters, it is around 25 ºC.
History of Ernakulam City (Cochin):
Periyar engulfed the harbor of Kodugallur in 1341 and served as the launch pad for the birth of Kochi. The disintegration of the Kulashekhara dynasty saw the coronation of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam or the royalty of Kochi. The traders of Europe flocked to Kochi to cash in on the treasure trove of perfumed sandalwood and spices. They soon forged links with the Arab traders. The commercial aspirations fuelled their dream of ruling Kochi. The Portuguese, who kick started this gold rush, crowned Thampuran as the Maharaja of Kochi.The merchants from Holland also made a beeline for a share of the immensely profitable pie. The lions share was, however, reserved for the British East India Company. It is, however, due to the pioneering efforts of Lord Willingdon, the Governor of Madras during the 1920 and the port engineer Robert Bristow, that Kochi can boast of world class port facilities. Kochi acceded to an independent India but faced a bout of economic depression. The reforms envisaged in the economic sector served as a healing touch to Kochi.
Educational Institutions Ernakulam City (Cochin):
L.P. SchoolU.P. schoolHigh SchoolA.E. OfficeD.E. OfficeDIETT.T.I.Special SchoolsHigher Secondary SchoolVocational Higher secondary SchoolCochin UniversityMahatma Gandhi UniversityCentral Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering TrainingNational University of Advanced Legal StudiesCentral Marine Fisheries Research InstituteNational Institute of OceanographyAl Ameen CollegeAquinas CollageAyurveda CollegeBharath Matha CollegeCochin CollegeGovt. Arts CollegeGovt. Sanskrit CollegeMaharajas Government CollegeMar Athanatious College Of ArtsModel Engineering CollegeNirmala CollegeSacred Hearts CollegeSchool of Communication and Management StudiesSree Sankara CollegeSt Peters CollegeSt. Pauls CollegeSt.Albert’s CollegeSt.Theresas CollegeSt.Xavier’s CollegeU C College
Langauge
The local language spoken here is Malayalam the mother tongue of the people of Kerala known as keralites or Malayalees
Culture:
Kochiites generally partake of Keralite cuisine, which is generally characterised by an abundance of coconut and spices. Other South Indian cuisines and Chinese cuisine are popular. Fast food culture is very prominent; a large number of fast food outlets include those operated by the multinational conglomerates like Pizza Hut, Marrybrown, Chic King, and Dominos.North Indian and Continental cuisines are becoming increasingly popular.Keeping up with its multi-ethnic diaspora, Kochi celebrates traditional Kerala festivals like Onam and Vishu along with North Indian festivals like Holi and Diwali with great fervour. Christian and Islamic festivals like Christmas, Easter, Eid ul-Fitr, Milad-e-sherif, etc are also celebrated. A merry making feast called the Cochin Carnival is celebrated at Fort Kochi every year during the last ten days of December
How to reach Ernakulam City (Cochin)?
Nearest Railway Station:There are two main stations, Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town also known as North station along with additional train stations in Cochin terminal, Aluva and Tripunithura. Ernakulam Town junction is prominent and most of the trains pass through this station.
Nearest Airport:The airport is situated 5 km. away from Ernakulam. Cochin airport has domestic and international terminals.
Road Transport:Cochin is very well interlinked via road with all major cities of Kerala by national highways. Ernakulam city owns a bus station and is located near Ernakulam Junction. Kaloor Junction, Railway station and High court Junction are the three places from where private buses operate.
Tourist Attraction of <City Name>
Chennamangalam: Chennamangalam was one of the chief centres of the Jews in Kerala. Very old Black Jews Synagogue, remains of Vaipicotta Seminary etc, are still present, It was the seat of Palieth Achan, the Prime Minister of erstwhile State of Cochin.Chowara: Former summer resort of cochin Royal family .Lies on the northern bank of Aluva river (Periyar), Site of water works supplying drinking water to Ernakulam city.Ambalamukal: A fast developing area lying about 16 kms. east of Ernakulam. Site of Oil Refineries and FACT Kochi Division.Fort Cochin : Lies 10 kms away ,from Ernakulam . The architectural style of the buildings and lay-out of the town mark out Fort Cochin from other cities and towns of Kerala. The buildings show the influence of European architecture. The Chief attraction of Fort Cochin is the St. Francis Church built by the Portuguese It is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India. The body of Vasco Da Gama was buried here. Close to St. Francis Church is Santa Cruz Church. some beautiful paintings can be seen in the Roman Catholic Church.Cherai Beach It is located in Vypin Island accessible by ferry or by road from mainland, Kochi. This calm beach is ideal for swimming. It has sea on the western side and backwater on east, which gives this tourist destination, a unique surrounding. Thick coconut grooves and Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront give it an added attraction. Dolphins can also be seen here occasionally.Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary This sanctuary is 12 km from Kothamangalam, which is on the Kochi-Munnar route.Kodanadu This is a forest elephant care centre. Here you can see baby elephants rescued from the forests being cared for. Elephants are also trained here. Kodanadu is 15 km from Perumbavoor which is on the Kochi-Munnar route (via Aluva).Fort Kochi Beach: The Fort Kochi beach is a place ideal for an evening stroll, Bathing and swimming are not recommended here, The colourful carnival at New Years Eve is a feature of this beach.Bolghatty Island: A beautiful island lying close to Ernakulam and Willingdon Island. The Bolghatty Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744 which later became the seat of British Resident. The palace is now converted into a hotel. There is also a well laid golf link.Dutch Palace: Situated at Mattancherry, it is 8 kms, away from Ernakulam. Although called Dutch, it was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin in 1555. It acquired the present name after1663 when the Dutch added some extension to the building and carried out some repairs. In the centre of the building is the coronation hall. 17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian Epic, Ramayana can be seen here.Cochin Harbour and Willingdon Island: Cochin, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, and the only all weather harbour on the west coast, south of Bombay, affords a safe anchorage to ships, Willingdon Island is a man made one which was formed with materials dredged while deepening the Cochin Port and channel, It is the seat of the harbour and cochin Port Trust. The Southern Naval Command has its headquarters here. The seaport, naval airport and the railway terminus are all on this island.Kali Kota Tripunithura – As the name suggests, this beautiful, imposing building a legacy of the Dutch rule served as an entertainment auditorium to the erstwhile royal family featuring dance, drama, and plays. Today it functions largely as a marriage hall, Situated near the Poornathreyesa templeJewish synagogue: The Jewish Synagogue at Mattanchery was built in 1568. The great Scrolls of the Old Testament, The copper plates containing the privileges granted by the cochin Ruler to the Jewish community and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles at the Synagogue are of great interest.Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi Gallery of Contemporary Art, Ernakulam It is situated at the Durbar Hall ground on D.H. Road. The hall had been the durbar of the raja of CochinMangrove Forest, Ernakulam This small protected area a haven for birds, is located on Dr. Salim Ali Road, adjacent to the High Court of Kerala, Winter migrants include species coming from Kashmir and even distant siberia. Best time to visit mid-January to early March.Museum of Kerala History, Edappally Located along with the Art Complex at Edappally, it is a Sound and light show presenting thirty five scenes from the political, social, and cultural history of Kerala. Commentaries in English and Malayalam.Bolgatty Island: This long narrow palm-fringed island,easily accessible from the mainland, is where the Bolgatty Palace is situated amidst15acres of lush green lawns. Built by the Dutch in 1744, and later became the seat of the British Resident. In 1976 the palace was converted into a hotel under the Kerala Tourism development corporation. The palace has a golf course on its grounds.Vamanamoorthy Temple, Thrikkakara Set in a land of great mythological significance, this ancient temple, dedicated to Vamana- the fifth avatara of Lord Vishnu is venerated by the Vaishnavates. The temple holds a large number of lithic records, some of great historical significance. The annual festival is held in the month of chingam (Aug- sept.)Veega Land Pallikara Located 12 kms from the city is this unique amusement park offering a world of non-stop fun and adventure. Sprawling over 18.5.acres, the main attractions include caterpillar trains, a 500- seater theatre with a Musical fountain, the exciting family Fun Pool, the Nest housing a variety of exotic birds, and an array of water rides.St. Francis Church St. Francis Church is the oldest European Church in India Built i in 1503 A.D. by the Portuguese at Fort Cochin. the Dutch later restored the church in 1779. Which was converted into an anglican Church by British in 1795. Vasco-da-gama, who discovered the sea route to India from Europe, was buried here in 1524 A.D. before his mortal remains were removed to Portugal, his tomb stone still remains.ST.George Forane Church This is an important pilgrim centre located approximately 6 km from Kochi city. This Roman CAtholic church was built way back in 594 AD in the land donated by Raja of Edapally, This church is considered to be one of the oldest churches in Kerala. A new church building was built in 1080. CHurch is well known for the nine-day feast in the month of May.Hill Palace Museum Tripunithura- Set on top of a hillock, this prestigious palace-turned-museum displays 13 categories of exhibits, including paintings, carvings and other royal antiquities donated by the Cochin and Travancore royal families and the Paliam Devaswom. The Heritage Museum, located on the rear side of the palace buildings familiarizes you with the traditional lifestyles of ancient Kerala. As part of the establishment of a mini zoo, a deer park with spotted deer, sambar and peacocks is run by the Society for the Preservation of Hill Palace Premises. The museum premises has also been converted into a botanical garden with exotic tropical trees from central America to Australia. Located 11 Kms east of Ernakulam, en route to Chottanikkara.Pallipuram Fort, Vypeen It is situated at the far end of Vypin island. SMall and hexagonal, it was built in 1503, claiming to be the oldest European fort in India.Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Cochin There are some beautiful paintings in this Roman Catholic church situated close to the St. francis Church.Aluva Situated about 21 kms north of Ernakulam. It is known for the famous Sivarathri festival.Chottanikkara Temple Famous for the Devi temple, an important pilgrim centre of Hindus. Navarathri is celebrated on a grand scale. The temple is located 15kms from Cochin City. The presiding deity here is Durga Bhagavathy. It is also that this deity was brought from Mookambika Temple in Karnataka and therefore there is a presence of Mookambika Devi till 7 a.m. in the morning at this temple. There is also one more temple as a part of the complex where deity is Bhadra Kali Devi. THe major festival is Makam Thozhal. It falls during February-march every year for a period of 9 days Temple is open from 4 am to 12 Noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.Ernakulam Siva Temple The Temple is situated in the heart of Kochi City with Siva as deity also known as Ernakulathappan. It was built during Maharaja rule and is presently under devaswom Board control . This is one of the rarest Siva Temples where deity is facing Sea towards west. The temple has Deity of siva & Parvathy in Kirathamurthy form which is claimed to be self originated (Swayambhoo)Ankamali A place of historic importance to Syrian Christians. Lies 40 kms. North of Ernakulam.It is the seat of the first Portuguese Bishop.Kaladi Kaladi is the birth place of Sreesankaracharya , the great Indian Philosopher. It is 13 kms. away from Aluva. Kaladi has got Sringeri Madham, Ramakrishna Asramam and the Sreesankara stupa.Kanjiramattom It is 18kms. south east of Ernakulam. The most important and beautiful mosque of the District is situated in this placeSree Poornathrayeesa Temple Located at TrIpunithura, 10 km from Cochin city. The deity here is Maha Vishnu and is one among three Vishnu Temples in Kerala . Arjuna (one of the Pancha Pandavas ) is believed to have established this temple., The Major festival of this temple is held during November-December. The Other cultural festival, Athachamayam during harvest festival of Onam is also celebrated with procession of float, Tableau and dances like Pulikkali, This deity is Kula Daivam of Cochin Royal family.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Ernakulam City (Cochin):
Maple Regency Hotel & RestaurantSaphire Tourist HomeCherai Beach ResortHotel PresidencyADI Service Apartments and Home StayAbad PlazaAbad FortGokulam Park InnAbad MetroHotel MermaidWhite HouseBest Western AvenueThe Grand Hotel, Don’t miss the Ammachi Kozhi curry.Hotel Ceylon BakehouseLe Meridien PresidencyVedic village resortsThe Gateway HotelThomas Inn
