Places to Visit in Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Places to Visit in Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Ernakulam is located in the central mainland of the Indian state of Kerala. Ernakulam and Kochi are known as the twin cities of Kerala state. Ernakulam in English means ‘Pond for a Long Time’. The place is located 222 km from the capital of Kerala state. In summer season, the temperature ranges from 24⁰C to 37⁰C and in winter season, the temperature ranges from 17⁰C to 33⁰C. The geographical coordinates puts the place at 9.98⁰N and 76. 28⁰E. Ernakulam spans over an area of 3,034 km². Ernakulam is 13 feet above the sea level.

The month from October to March is the most favorable time to tour Ernakulam.

History of Ernakulam

The place was named Ernakulam after the famous Ernakulathappan temple. In the past, Ernakulam once formed the center of operation of the Ernakulam district. During Pre-colonial times Ernakulam was the capital of the Cochin Kingdom.

Ever since ancient times the place Ernakulam has been inhabited by people. During the Pre-Colonial times, Ernakulam happened to play an important part in the economy of Kerala. The early rulers of Ernakulam belonged to the Chera Dynasty of the Sangam age, who were established and ruled major portions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. After the defeat of the Chera Dynasty the place came under the rule of the Cochin Kingdom. Under the rule of the Cochin Kingdom, Ernakulam formed the center of administration in Kerala.

In the colonial period, Ernakulam witnessed many developments taking place under the Portuguese and later the British administration.

People & Culture at Ernakulam

Majority of the population in Ernakulam belong to Hindu religion while the rest worship either Christianity or muslim religion. Malayalam, Hindi and English are the languages spoken by the people in Ernakulam, with Malayalam being the local language.

Food and Shopping in Ernakulam

Many types of exotic cuisines are served in restaurants according to the customer needs. There are plenty of shopping centers in and around the city of Ernakulam. Some of the names of these shopping malls are listed below

Oberon Mall
Abad Bay Pride Mall
Lulu International Shopping Mall

Tourist Places in Ernakulam

There are abundance of religious and monumental places with magnificent architects of interest in the city. There are also beautiful landscapes with picturesque surroundings in and around the city of Ernakulam and the list is as follows:

Santa Cruz Basilica

This church was built in the year 1500 by the Portuguese in the Fort Kochi.

Francis Church

Constructed entirely by timber and later rebuild using stones and other mortar, the church was finally open to the public in the year 1779.

Princess Street

This street has houses created with a touch of European architecture.

Fort Kochi

Built in the year 1503, the fort has withstood every natural calamities till the present day.

Marine Drive

Streching a length of 1.75km the place provides a picturesque view of the lake surroundings.

Other than the above mentioned places of interest there are other places of interest. The names of such places are mentioned below

Mattanchery Palace (Dutch Palace)
Dutch Cemetery
Thanthoni Aqua Farm
Subash Chandrabose Park
Jew Street
Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Bolgatty Island
Willingdon Island
Kumbalangi
The Bishop’s House
Cochin Carnival
Vypin Island
George’s Forane Church at Edapally
Kerala History Museum at Edapally
Hill Palace
Veegaland Amusement Park
Kalady
Thomas Mount, Malayatttoor
Elephant Kraal at Kodanadu
Boothathankettu Dam
Edamalayar Lower Dam

Means of Commutation to Ernakulam

Ernakulam is well connected to the rest of the places in India via roadways, railways and airways.

The distance of Ernakulam, via road, from cities in the state of Kerala and neighboring states are given below

Coimbatore is located at a distance of 190 km
Trivandrum is located at a distance of 207 km
Mangalore is located at a distance of 414 km
Bangalore is located at a distance of 514 km
Chennai is located at a distance of 682 km

Inter city transportation is facilitated by bus, auto rickshaw and taxis.

There are three major stations in Ernakulam where trains from various parts of India do halt. The names of these stations are mentioned below

Harbour Terminus on Willington Island
Ernakulam Town
Ernakulam Junction

Ernakulam Junction is the busiest of all the railway stations with trains from various places in India are seen arriving and departing.

Ernakulam is well connected to the rest of the world via airways. Nebumbassery International Airport is the closest airport to Ernakulam and is located at a distance of 20 km from the city.

Accommodation Options at Ernakulam

There are hotels providing world class facilities to tourists at prices commencing from Rs. 3000/- onwards per day. There are also budget hotels where one can get a room under rent for a initial price of Rs. 450/- . The names of such hotels are listed below: