Ernakulam was popularly known as the Queen of ‘Arabian sea’. It was known outside the world as the commercial capital and the most famous cosmopolitan city of Kerala.

From the time immemorial, foreign nationals like British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch came here to carry out trade. Later several industries were established.The chinese fishing nets,which were believed to be set up on the back waters in 1350AD,can be seen even today swaying in gentle breeze.The Jewish synagogue,Dutch palace etc,situated here have become instrumental to enrich the heritage of Kerala.

Present Eranakulam District was formed on April 1st 1958. The district was named after the erstwhile Eranakulam Town, name of which in turn is said to have been derived from the word Rishingakulam,a tank in the famous siva temple in the town.

Ernakulam District has occupied an area of 2,408sq.km and lies almost 38km from North to South and 48km from East to West.It is located at an altitude above sea leavel.It lies between latitude 90 degree  42’ and 10’ 18’00” North and longitude 76 degree12’00” and 76 46’00”.

The district is formed by 462km long consisting of the Arabian sea on the West,Kottayam and Alapuza district on the South,Edikki district on the East and Thrissur district on the North. 

The district has been divided into three parts,highland,midland and lowland,consisting of hills and forests,plains and the seaboard respectively.The hilly region or eastern part is formed by a section of the western ghats.The midland consists mainly of plain land having natural  facilities of drinage via backwaters and canals.

Kochin taluk in Eranakulam Dristrict has been divided into two blocks viz.Vaipinkara island on the northern side and the southern portion from Fort cochin to chellanam bounded by water on three sides. The western portion and a part of the southern side of the Kanayannur taluk are divided by backwaters.

 Lakshadweep, a union-territory of India is a cluster of 36 islands located in the Arabian sea, about 300km off Cochi. Important among these are the islands Androt, Amini, Agathi, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadamat, Kalpeni and Kava. Most of the islands are very small in size extending from less than 1 sq. km to 4 sq. km. All these islands have also transport facilities.

This bungalow was built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667 AD.The name ‘Bastion’ to this Bungalow came after the name of the person of its site, Mr.Storm Berg Bastion of the old Dutch fort.

It lies 50km north east of Eranakulam town.This dam site having beautiful natural scenery and boating facilities is in the forest area.This place is also close to Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

This is a Dutch palace built in 1744 AD and situated 3km from Eranakulam.Later,it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochi. Presently, it is a hotel run by K.T.D.C. The premises have golf course and several vantage points to enjoy the scenic beauty of the harbor and sea. The place is reachable by boat.

This place, situated about 42km from Eranakulam, was once abode of the Paliath Achans, the Prime Ministers of the Maharajas of Cochi. Their residence, the Paliam Palace, stands out as a fine specimen of the splendor and beauty of Kerala’s Architecture. The palace has show-cased a collection of historic documents and relics.

Cherai beach 25km away from Cochi, offers a classic combination of both sea and backwaters and bordered by very lush and green coconut palms swaying and rustling in the wind.

It is a high-tech children’s park with non-conventional Energy Museum and Musical Fountain.

A legacy bequeathed by history,the Chinese fishing nets still standing in the backwaters remind us of India’s trading connections once established with chinese many centuries ago. The Chinese fishing nets, row after row,in the backwaters and silhouted against the sky lines in the beautiful sun-set present a spectacular sight of cochen’s waterfront.

This temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess.Mother Goddess is worshipped in three different forms. As Saraswathy drapped in white in the morning, as Badhrakali drapped in crimson at noon and as Durga decked in blue in the evening. This Temple is situated 13 kms. from Cochi

Dutch Palace is also known as Mattanchery Palace. It was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma in 1555. Later it was taken over by the Dutch for improvement through extensions and repairs in 1663.

This Hill Palace, 13 kms. away from Cochin on the Ernakulam – Chottanikkara route , is the largest Archeological Museum of Kerala. This Museum has on display paintings, Carvings, etchings, trappings of royalty like majestic beds, weapons and samples of epigraphy

This is a historical museum  portraying important scenes of Kerala through sculptures. The  visitors entering the museum are greeted outside by the statue of Parasurama , the mythological sage , by whom Kerala is said to have been created.

This museum at Edappally is 6 kms. Away from Eranakulam.

This Temple is situated in the tropical rain forest in the middle of town, 8 kms. away from Kalady town.

This Jewish Synagogue built at Mattanchery in Fort Cochi in 1568 is the oldest Synagogue in the Common Wealth Countries. It was partially damaged in the war of 1662 but it was rebuilt by Dutch. A clock tower was added to this synagogue in the mid of 18th century.

Kalady, 45 kms. from Cochi is the birth place of Adi Shankaracharya, the great Indian philosopher. Shankaracharya lived in the 8th century.

Kallil temple is dating back to 9th century. It is a Jain Temple built out of a huge rock on a small hill against the backdrop of a picturesque landscape.The visitor coming to pay visit to this hill top station has to climb 120 steps to reach here.

It is situated 22 kms. away from Kalady.

Kanjiramattom Mosque is 30 kms away from Cochi. It is believed that this Mosque was built over the place where the mortal remains of the Muslim saint Sheikh Parid were laid. It is also believed that another great Muslim saint named Baver had prayed at this place and attained salvation.

Kodanad was known as one of the largest elephant capturing centers of South India. Though the elephant capturing had come to an end in 1977, still the elephant kraal and training centre are remaining here intact

Kodavad is located 45 kms. to the north east of Cochin city and 12 kms.  to the east of Perumbavoor town.