Ernakulam

Kerala > Ernakulam

Ernakulam (Cochin) is 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. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi, in ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

With one of the finest natural barbours in the world, this was once a manor centre of commerce and trace with the british, arabs, chinese, portuguese, dutch etc.

One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi, earlier known as Cochin has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala's commercial hub.

Kochi, the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala, has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city.

Kerala's prime tourist destination, it spreads across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and Backwaters. Its main sections: modern Ernakulam in the east and the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin on a peninsula in the west are linked by a complex system of ferries.

Ernakulam refers to the eastern part of the mainland of Kochi city in Kerala, India. Ernakulam is the most urban part of Kochi and has lent its name to Ernakulam District. The Office of the Corporation of Cochin, and the Kerala High Court are situated here.The name 'Ernakulam' is derived from the name of a very famous temple of Lord Shiva called the Ernakulathappan Temple. It is also said that the word Ernakulam was drawn from Malayalam word 'Ere naal Kulam', which means 'Pond for a long time'. Ernakulam is the commercial capital of the state of Kerala.

General Information - Ernakulam

• Area: 2997 sq.km.
• Population: 2,251,727.
• Clothing: Tropical cottons.
• Location: North Malabar Area (Kerala)
• Main Attraction: Fort St. Angelos, Arakkal Palace
• Best Time: August to March
• Altitude: Sea Level.
• Temperature: Max: 32.6 ^oC and Min: 21.4^oC.
• Rainfall: Rainfall (annual): 344 cm.

Distance from Ernakulam

• Athirapally waterfalls - 80 kms
• Guruvayoor - 108 kms
• Periyar wildlife sanctuary - 192 km
• Munnar - 130 kms
• Kumarakom - 58 kms

Places To Stay - Ernakulam

• Choice Sea Side Hotel, Cantonment.
• Centaur Tourist Home, M A Road.
• Kamala International, S M Road.
• Kavitha Tourish Home, S N Park.
• Motel Aram, Kalliassery.
• Omars Inn, Station Road.
• Yatri Nivas (KTDC), Near Police Club.
• Bharat Hotel, Ernakulam.
• Casino Hotel, Willingdon Island.
• Dwaraka Hotel, Ernakulam.
• Ganam Hotel, Ernakulam.
• Grand Hotel, Ernakulam.

How to reach Ernakulam

• By Air: The nearest airport is at Karipur, Kozhikode, about 93kms south.
• By Rail: Kannur railway station is an important rail head of the Southern Railway and is well linked to major towns up country as well as within the State.
• By Road: Kannur is accessible by road.
• Ferries: Ferry service is available for travel between the island towns.
• Local Transport: Taxis, city buses and autorickshaws.