Ernakulam

Area: 24.8 Sq. Km. Population: 2,797,779  Altitude: Sea level

Cochin (Kochi)
The Queen Of Arabian Sea

This palm-green commercial town of Kerala is one of the finest natural harbour in the world. Though Kochi is one of the busiest port on the western cost, it has its own share sparkling blue lagoons scenic islands and backwaters which make the land beautiful and exciting.

Chinese Fishing Nets, which were introduced during the medieval ages by traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Located near the entrance to the harbour. These nets alone the backwaters are a fascinating sight

The St. Francis Church here is the oldest church built by an European power in India. This Protestant church was built by the British, and Vasco Da Gamma was initially buried here. The church is located at Kamalakada near Fortkochi beach. The Santacruz Basilica nearby, has some very beautiful paintings on the ceiling.

Mattancherry, the commercial center of Cochin, also has many historic monument. Notable among this is the Jewish Synagogue built in 1568 AD. The Synagogue contains many articles of interest including giant scrolls of the old testament, copper plates, painted Chinese tiles and Belgium chandeliers. Timing : 10 - 12 am  and 3-5 pm. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

Facing the backwaters studded with islands, Ernakulam, the district head quarters, is an important commercial and residential area. Ernakulam has its own share of interesting places.

The Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura: Hill palace, the eastwhile official residential of the Kochi royal family, was built in 1865. the palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala and is surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a deer park and facilities for horse riding. A full-fledged ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala's first ever heritage museum are the main attractions. Displayed inside the thirteen galleries are oil paintings, 19th century paintings, murals, scripture in stone and plaster of Paris, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins belonging to Kochi royal family.

Bolghatty Island: This Island is famous for its palace of the same name. the Bolghatty Palace was built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British. Today it is a hotel run by KTDC (Kerala Truism Development Corporation), with a small golf course and special honeymoon cottage.

Willington Island: Named after Lord Willington, a British Viceroy to India, this man-made Island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The Island is the site of the city's best hotels, customs and trading centres, the port trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.         

Gurukulam Kathakali Yogam: Here, visitors can see the famous Kathakali, Kerala's traditional dance-drama. Dancers in their colourful costumes, with painted faces and enormous skirts enact ancient legends.

Kochi Shipyard: The biggest ship building yard in India, the Kochi shipyard is situated in the southern part of Ernakulam on the way to Willington Island. Set up with Japanese collaboration, this shipyard has a building dock for ships up to 85,000 DWT and a repair dock that can accommodate ships up to 1,00,000 DWT. Motilal Nehru, the first oil tanker made in India, was built here.

Lalita Kala Academy Gallery of Contemporary Art: Located in the Durbar Hall of the Kochi Rajas at D.H. Road, the Gallery is open from 10.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs.

Pareekshit Thampuran Museum: This sprawling, traditional Kerala style building previously called the Durbar Hall, houses 19th century oil paintings, a collection of old coins, sculptures and Mughal paintings. Lighthouse at Ochanthuruthu is open from 3:00 to 5:00 pm daily.

Aluva: An important pilgrim centre and summer resort. The Periyar river widens here and is therefore ideal for bathing and picnicking. The annual Sivarathri Festival is celebrated on the banks of the Periyar during March/April. Aluva is also an important industrial centre.

The Backwaters: Kerala's centuries old backwaters stretch over 1,900 Km long, snaking their way across the land, into the sea. They passes through busy markets and quite paddy fields. The backwaters also act as vital waterways for the transport of goods, people and produce. Tourists can take time to float in these waters in a country craft, observing Kerala at a leisurely pace. KTDC offers boats for hire.

Thattakad Bird Sanctuary: Kerala's first bird sanctuary, Thattakad is made up of moist deciduous forest on 25 Sq. Km. of peninsular land formed between the branches of Periyar River in Malayattoor Forest Division. Many water and forest birds including rarities like the Ceylon frogmouth and the rose-billed roller can be seen here. Season : September to March.