Ernakulam

Ernakulam

Area : 2408 sq. Km.
Population : 2,797,779
Location : 218 km from Trivandrum and 223 km from Kozhikode
Std Code : 0484
To see : Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, Chinese Fishing Nets, Jewish Synagogue
Excusions : Veegaland, North Paravur, Mookambika Saraswati, Veluthattu Vadakkan
How to reach : Nearest Railway Station is Ernakulam (Cochin) and the Nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery
Best Time to Visit : Post Monsoon, September to May

Take a tour to Ernakulam and you ‘ll be pleased to return here again and again…Because there’s so much to see, to discover and enjoy. Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kumarakom and Allapuzha districts on the South, Idukki on the East and Thrissur on the North, Ernakulam is Kerala’s prime tourists attraction. The word Ernakulam is derived from the Tamil word Erayanarkulam means abode of Lord Shiva’s. Until the beginning of the 16th century, Ernakulam was the small fishing hamlet, which later on turned into the major commercial center and traded with British, Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese etc. Washed away by the silverly waves of the Arabian Sea, Ernakulam is the district of immense natural beauty. For the eco tourists, there’s an Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary and exotic Marine Drive. If you are a history lover, immerse yourself in the forts and monuments that tell the story of the era gone by. Soak in the divine peace at the St Francis church and Bhagavathy temple.

Stacking Your Postcard :

Chinese Fishing Nets : The elegant Chinese fishing nets that line the northern shore of Fort Kochi add charm to exotic waterside view and are probably the single most familiar photographic image of Kerala. Known in Malayam as ‘Cheenavala’, the Chinese Fishing nets found in the region are the only one of its kind in the country. Traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets in India in the year 1350 – 1450. They are the important trademark of the Cochin city. Built of teak and bamboo, these nets are still used by the local fishermen to catch the fish. The specialty about these nets is that, apart from China these nets are only found in Kochi.

Mattanchery Palace :

Mattancherry Palace stands on the left side of the road near to the Mattanchery Jetty, on the opposite direction of Jew Town. It is situated on the Bolghatty island, 10 km from Ernalulam City, Kochi. Known locally known as the ‘Dutch Palace’ Mattanchery Palace it was built in 1555, and till than it has remained as the important trading center. The Palace is one of the oldest building of the Portuguese, which is now being used as a luxurious hotel. It houses the long spacious halls with the central courtyard enshrining Palayannur Bhagavati – the Royal Deity. Apart from that there are two temples on the either side of the Palace dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva respectively.

St. Francis Church :

Near to the Chinese Fishing Nets, on the Church Road lies the St. Francis Church, the first built by Europeans in India. Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, was laid to rest in the St. Francis Church in the year 1524. Later on his remains were taken back to Portugal. Even the place where he was buried has been clearly marked out in the church. The church remains open from 6 am to 7 pm. Mass Timings – 6 and 7:15 am, Main Feast – Ambarimatha on February.

Wellington Island :

Wellington Island is the man made island created from earth dredged, while deepening the Fort Kochi. The architect of this island was designed by Lord Bristow. There are ferry and regular bus services from Ernakulam to this island.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary :

Mangalavanam is a popular bird sanctuary located in Ernakulam district of Kerala. It is the nestling ground of large variety of migratory birds and support many varieties of Mangroves. There are 41 species of birds in the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary representing 25 families. Little Cormorant and Black-crowned Night Heron are the most common species found here. Highest species richness of birds was found in the months of May and July.

Jewish Synagogue :

Jewish Synagogue is one of the most important historical monument in Mattancheri, Kochi. Also known as ‘Paradesi Synagogue’, it was built in 1567 AD and was rebuilt in AD 1664 by the Dutch. The Synagogue houses the famous copper plate grant of Bhaskara Ravi Varma, dated AD 1000, a golden crown presented by the Maharaja of Travancore in AD 1805 and the great scrolls of the old testament.

Places to Visit :

Fort kochi : A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover historic for Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first european township In india, kochi has an eventful and colourful history. The town was shaped by the cultural influences, the dutch and later the british. The result of these cultural influences are seen in the many examples of indo european architecture that still exist here.

Chinese Fishing Nets :

These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the malabar coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 ad by Traders from the court of kublai khan, these nets are st up on teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is the vasco da gama square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach.

St. Francis Church :

Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, this is India’s oldest European Church. This was initially built of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant dutch, converted To an anglican church by the british in 1795 and is at present governed by the church of south india. Vasco da gama was buried here in 1524 before his Remains were moved to Lisbon, portugal.

Mattancherry palace (Dutch Palace) :

Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. On display here are beauriful murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, and some of the Puranic Hindu legends. The palace also houses dutch maps of old kochi, royal palanquins, coronation robes of former maharajas of kochi.

St. Francis Church

Synagogue :

Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the dutch.

Bolghatty island :

This island is famous for its palace of the same name.. The bolghatty palace Was built in 1744 the dutch and later taken over by the british. Today it is a hotel run by the kerala tourism , with a small golf course and special honeymoon cottages.

Willingdon island :

Named after Lord Willingdon, a former british viceroy of india, this man-made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island is the site of the city’s best hotels and trading centres, the port trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.

Find best deals to Kerela-hotel.com Offers budget hotels in Ernakulam, Ernakulam hotels, Hotels in Ernakulam, Hotel Reservations in Ernakulam.

Ernakulam Hotels, Ernakulam Hotel, Hotel in Ernakulam, Hotels to Ernakulam, Kerela Hotel,  Hotel to Kerala, Cheap Hotel Kerala, Tour to Kerala, Tours to Kerala, Kerala Tours