Ernakulam
Ernakulam is the green commercial capital of Kerala with one of the finest natural
harbours in the world. From here, ships set sail for foreign ports with pepper,
sea food, rubber and coir. From times immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British
and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Cochin and left their impression
in the town. The harbour is the nucleus around which Cochin has grown to become
the Queen of the Arabian Sea
Ernakulam district formed on 1st April 1958 carving areas of erstwhile Travancore-Kochi-Malabar
kingdoms. Major portion of the district is from the Kochi kingdom. The district
consists of the mainland Ernakulam, the man made Willington Island, Mattanchery,
Fort Kochi, world's most populous area of Vypeen Island, Bolghatty Palace etc.
Kochi is the most modern city of Kerala where the best shopping, markets and
bazars are located.
From time immemorial Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese seafarers
followed the sea route to Kochi and left their impressions in the town. The
Chinese fishing nets, believed to be erected in 1350 AD, swaying in the breeze
over backwaters, the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Portuguese Architecture,
Bolghatty Palace etc. enrich the heritage of Kerala.
The word Ernakulam was drawn from a Tamil word Erayanarkulam means abode of
Lord Shiva's.
The present Ernakulam District include Paravur, Aluva, Kochi, Kanayannoor, Muvattupuzha,
Kunnathunadu, Kothamangalam Taluks which come under Fortkochi and Muvattupuzha
Revenue Sub Division. Prior to the formation of Idukki District, Thodupuzha
Taluk was also a part of Ernakulam District. Ernakulam District was formed on
April 1st 1958. The District which has an area of 895.3Sq.K.M. can be divided
geographically as Highland, Midland and Coastal area. The altitude of Highland
is about 1000 feet.
The borders of the district are the Arabian Sea in the West, Thrissur District
in the North, Idukki District in the East and Alappuzha and Kottayam District
in the South. Periyar, Kerala's second largest river flows through all the Taluks
except Muvattupuzha. Muvattupuzha river and a branch of Chalakkudy river all
gifts of this District. Average rainfall yearly is 3431.8 mm and 139 rain days.
As there are rivers, lakes and seas the region has a moderate climate. Temperature
is between 31.3oCand 25.8oC . Many types of sands and soil and also rocks which
are geological importance is abundant here.
Majority of islands in Kerala are in Ernakulam district which was from different
parts of old Cochin-Travancore-Malabar area. The main islands of this district
all man-made Willington Island,World's most populated Vypeen Island, Cheriya
Kadamakkudi, Valiya Kadamakkudi, Ramanthuruthu, Ponjikkara, Vallarpadam, Kumbalam,
Panangad, Cheppanam, Nettoor, Pizhala, Kankattuthuruthu, Korampadam, Cheranelloor,
Chathanadu, Chendamangalam. All these islands are populated areas. All these
islands are believed to have formed from the soil accumulated due to soil erosion
of highlands.
Places of Interest
in & Around Ernakulam
Kerala Must See › Alappuzha
› Ernakulam › Idukki
› Kannur › Kasaragod
› Kollam › Kottayam
› Kovalam › Kozhikode
› Malappuram › Palakkad
› Pathanamthitta › Periyar
› Thiruvananthapuram ›
Thrissur › Wayanad
