Ernakulam / Cochin
Ernakulam is located on the coast of the Arabian sea with Kottayam and Alappuzha
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
harbours in the world, this was once a major centre of commerce and trade
with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch etc.
Places to See
St. Francis Church: This centuries old church at Fort Kochi was
originally built completely of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry.
It was restored in 1779 by the Protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican
church by the British in 1795 and is at present governed by the Church of
South India. Vasco Da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were
moved to Lisbon, Portugal. The tombstone still remains.
Ernakulam/Kochi - Aquatourism : Located on the coast of the Arabian
sea, Ernakulam district is a cluster of islands networked by lagoons and
backwaters. Kochi, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, was
once a major centre of commerce and trade with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese,
Dutch and the British. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan
city of Kerala, Kochi is also known as the queen of the Arabian Sea. Once
a major centre of commerce and trade with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese,
Dutch and the British, all these foreign traders have left their mark on
this beautiful island. Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on
the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will
take you to several quaint spots.
Pierce Leslie Bungalow: This charming mansion was the office of Pierce
Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862. A representative of
the Fort Kochi colonial bungalow, this building reflects Portuguese, Dutch
and local influences. Characteristic features are wood panels that form
the roof of the ground floor, arched doorways, carved doors and sprawling
rooms. Waterfront verandahs are an added attraction.
Loafer's Corner/Princess Street: One of the earliest streets to be
constructed in Fort Kochi, Princess Street with its European style residences
still retains its old world charm. The best view of this quaint street can
be had from Loafer's Corner, the traditional meeting place and hangout of
the jovial funloving people of the area.
Fort Immanuel: This bastion of the Portuguese in Kochi was a symbol
of the strategic alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and the Monarch
of Portugal, after whom it was named. Built in 1503, the fort was reinforced
in 1538. By 1806 the Dutch, and later the British, had destroyed most of
the fort walls and its bastions. Today, remains of this once imposing structure
can be seen along the beach.
The Dutch Cemetery: The Tomb stones here are the most authentic record
of the hundreds of Europeans who left their homeland on a mission to expand
their colonial empires and changed the course of history of this land. The
cemetery was consecrated in 1724 and is today managed by the Church of South
India.
Kaladi: The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher
of the 8th century, Kaladi is 10 km from Aluva. Temples dedicated to Sri
Sankara, Sarada Devi, Sri Krishna and Sri Ramakrishna add to the sanctity
of the destination. A place
called Crocodile Ghat is where Sri Sankara took
his vows of renunciation. According to legends, a crocodile caught hold
of him and refused to release him until Sankara's mother Aryamba permitted
him to accept Sanyas.
Malayatoor: Malayatoor is famous for the catholic church on the 609
m high Malayatoor hill (dedicated to St. Thomas).Thousands of devotees undertake
the pilgrimage to the shrine to participate in the annual festival - Malayatoor
Perunnal (March/April). St.Thomas is believed to have prayed at this shrine.
Willingdon Island: Named after Lord Willingdon, a former British
Viceroy of India, this man-made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters.
The island is the site of the city's best hotels and trading centres, the
Port Trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.
Ernakulam / Cochin Tourism Reservation Form
