Ernakulam

Head Quarters	Kochi (Kakkanad)
Area	2407 sq km
Major Religions	Hindu, Christian, Muslim
Population Density	1012 persons/sq km
Literacy	93.20%
Came into existence	April 1, 1958
Main Tourist Centers	Bolaghatti, Willington Island, Fort Kochi, Kalady
Altitude	2m above sea level
Telephone Code	+91-484

About Ernakulam

Ernakulam is one of the fastest growing places in Kerala. It is an important commercial and residential area. Cochin Carnival and Sivarathri festival celebrated on the bank of Periyar river, attract tourists from all around the world.

Tourist Destinations in Ernakulam

Kochi: Known as the 'Queen of the Arabian sea', Kochi is the main commercial center if Kerala. The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry, various monuments of the British era, the Jewish Synagogue and the famous Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, all demonstrate the cultural heritage of Kerala.

Bolghatty: A beautiful island situated away from the hustle of the city. The elegant Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 AD, is now a KTDC Hotel. The island also has park and golf course.

Willington Island: This beautiful manmade island is surrounded by backwaters. Willington Island houses many government offices.

Jewish Synagogue: Built in 1568, this Synagogue is the oldest in India. There is also a Jewish Town in Kochi. Many antiques are available on sale here and it is also a center for spice trade.

Fort Kochi: St. Francis Chruch, the first church built by the Portuguese in India, in the year 1503, stands here. The body of the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama was first buried here. The famous Santa Cruz Cathedral is also at Fort Kochi. Chinese Fishing nets are another attraction of Fort Kochi.

Hill Palace Museum: Kerala's first ever heritage museum and an ethno-archaeological museum are the main attractions. The museum showcases oil paintings, murals, scripture in, manuscripts, furniture, inscriptions and coins belonging to royal family.

Kallil Temple: A Jain temple carved out of a single stone. It also has statue of Mahaveera.

Cochin Carnival: Cochin Carnival, December 2 to the New year day, attracts a number of domestic and international tourists each year.

Other Places of Tourist interest are Kaladi - the birth place of Sri Shankaracharya, Cochin Shipyard, Cherai beach, Bhuthathaankettu reservoir, Kerala Historical Museum, Thatteckad bird sanctuary etc...

Transportation

Air	Cochin International Airport, operating domestic and international flights.
Rail	Ernakulam is a major railhead of the Southern Railway.
Road	A well connected road link with all the other cities in Kerala
Boat	Boat/Ferry service to Fort Kochi, Bolghatty, Vypine