Ernakulam
Ernakulam
district is a district in Kerala, Kerala. Located on the west coast of the
state, it is one of the most densely populated districts in Kerala. Ernakulam
is the commercial and industrial hub of Kerala and is also known as the
commercial capital of the state. Here are some important features and information
about Ernakulam district:
1.
Geographical Location:- Ernakulam district is situated on the shores of the
Arabian Sea and is bounded by Thrissur and Palakkad districts in the north,
Idukki in the east, Alappuzha in the south and Lakshadweep sea in the west.
2.
Administrative Divisions:- Ernakulam district is divided into two revenue
divisions: Kochi and Moovatupuzha. The district headquarters is at Kakkanad, a
suburb of Kochi.
3. Kochi (Cochin):-
Kochi is the largest city and the main urban center of Ernakulam district. It
is a bustling port city known for its cosmopolitan culture, historical
significance and modern infrastructure. Kochi is famous for its attractions
like Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Willingdon Island, Marine Drive and
Chinese Fishing Nets.
4. Economy:-
Ernakulam district is a major economic powerhouse of Kerala. The district is a
hub for many industries such as manufacturing, information technology, tourism
and trade. Cochin Refinery, Cochin Shipyard and various industrial estates
contribute to the industrial development of the district.
5.
Connectivity/Backwaters:- Ernakulam district is well connected by air, rail and road
network. Cochin International Airport located in Nedumbassery is one of the
busiest airports in India. The district has a well-developed road network and
is well connected to major cities and towns in Kerala and neighboring states.
The major railway stations in the district are Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam
Town Railway Station.
6. Tourist
attractions:- Apart from the tourist attractions of Kochi, Ernakulam district
offers many other attractions. Hill Palace Museum, Bolgatti Palace, Chotanikara
Temple, Malayathur Church, the magnificent Athirapilli and Vazhachal Falls are
some of the famous places in Tripunithura.
7. Culture
and Festivals:- The district has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its
vibrant festivals. An international contemporary art festival, the
Kochi-Muziris Biennale attracts artists and art lovers from around the world.
The district also celebrates traditional festivals like Onam, Vishu and Cochin
Carnival with great enthusiasm.
8.
Educational Institutions:- Ernakulam district has reputed educational
institutions including Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT),
Maharaja's College, St. Albert's College, Sacred Heart College and many other
engineering and management institutes.
Ernakulam
district combines the vibrancy of a modern commercial center with the charm of
a historic city. It offers a blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty and
economic opportunities, making it an important district in Kerala.
Here are 15 popular tourist places to visit in Ernakulam
district, Kerala:
Ernakulam district in Kerala, India offers a number of tourist attractions that cater to diverse interests. Here are some popular tourist attractions in Ernakulam district:
1. Fort Kochi:- Fort Kochi is a historic neighborhood with a unique blend of Indian, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. It is known for its colonial architecture, charming streets, Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church (the oldest European church in India), Santa Cruz Basilica and the Indo-Portuguese Museum.
2. Mattanchery:- Mattanchery, located near Fort Kochi, is another historic area known for its spice markets, antique shops and the legendary Mattanchery Palace (Dutch Palace). The palace has beautiful murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
3. Marine Drive:- Marine Drive is a beautiful promenade along the backwaters of Kochi. It offers stunning views of the sea, sunset and Kochi skyline. The area is popular for tourism, boating and indulging in local street food.
4. Hill PalaceMuseum:- Located in Tripunithura, Hill Palace Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. It showcases an extensive collection of artefacts, artifacts, royal heirlooms and exhibits that provide an insight into the region's rich history and culture.
5. Bolgatti Palaceand Island:- Located on Bolgatti Island, Bolgatti Palace is a heritage hotel from a beautiful mansion. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and overlooks the backwaters. The island also has a golf course and is a quiet place to relax.
6. Kodanad ElephantTraining Centre:- Located on the banks of the Periyar River, Kodanad is an elephant training center and rescue centre. Visitors can see the elephants being fed, bathed and mounted. The center offers a unique opportunity to interact with these gentle giants.
7. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary:- Located about 50 km northeast of Kochi, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a bird lover's paradise. It is home to a variety of bird species including rare and endemic birds. Nature trails and boat rides allow visitors to explore the sanctuary and spot a variety of birds.
8. Cherai Beach:- Cherai Beach is a popular beach destination on the outskirts of Kochi. It offers stretches of golden sand, calm waters and spectacular views. Tourists can relax, indulge in water sports or enjoy delicious seafood at one of the beach shacks.
These are some of the many tourist attractions in Ernakulam district. The district also has other attractions like Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Wonderla Amusement Park, Jewish Synagogue and several temples and mosques. Exploring the district offers a mix of cultural, historical, scenic and natural experiences.