In addition to communities such as Hindus, Muslims and
Christians, minorities such as the Buddhists, the Jains, the Sikhs, and the
Jews also form part of the cosmopolitan population. The ancestors of the Jews
migrated from Jerusalem in 72 A.D. Now there are very few Jewish families in
Cochin. There are lots of old Siva Temples in Ernakulam. People have been
worshiping lord Shiva for over 5000 years. In Sanskrit "Siva" means
kalyan (good wishes, doing good and taking care of all). So as part of this
universal brotherhood though People are used to celebrate MahaSivaratri, it
comes in Month of Maha before two days of Black moon. For this day people are
doing lots of preparation. On that day people are used to keep full days
fasting and Doing puja for Universal Peace and Asking enery for destroys evils
things. Kallil Kshethram(Jain Temple) near Perumabavoor is also very famous.
Adi Shankaracharya was born in Kalady and considered as a major pilgrimage
centre for Hindus around the world. Thrippakudam Temple- Ana Kallaya Kulam
-PARVATHIMANGALAM is the famous pooja in this temple. Arayankavu Thookkam- Otta
Thookkam and Garudan Thookkam is very famous.The festival at the church of
Vallarpadam on September 24 attracts people belonging to all religions. The
icon of Virgin Mary in this church is credited with many miracles. The world
famous Christian pilgrim Center at Malayattoor is in this district. The
festival here lasts for 10 days in April. St. George Church at Kadamattam is
very old and was founded by Mar Abo Metropolitan in 5th Century A.D. He brought
a cross from Persia, which is still preserved in the church.. St. George Forane
Church at Edappally, which was founded in 593 A.D., is considered to be the
oldest church in Kerala after the 7 churches founded by St. Thomas. St.
Antony’s church at Kannamaly is famous for the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19
where a large number of people are fed.One of the ancient mosques in Kerala is
at Kanjiramattam.Chandanakkudam Festival in Kanjiramattom Mousque is very
famous. Cherai Pooram is famous festival in island. Celebrating this full moon
day having two purpose. Fields are ready for cropping, Start cropping with
prayers and some auspicious puja. Next reason is People are ready to go in to
sea. So on this day women of India generally having fasting of full day and
pray for her brothers, father, husband and Nation 's victory.
Agriculture constitutes the most important segment of the
district’s economy and it is the biggest source of employment. Of the
geographical 235319 hectares, crops are grown in 210438 hectares. Coconut is
the principal crop followed by rubber, paddy, and tapioca. A paddy cultivation
system called pokkali is peculiar to the district.
Ernakulam district is bestowed with all the geographical
factors, which help the development of industry, and it is in the vanguard of
all other districts in Kerala in the field of industry. The availability of all
types of transport facilities viz., road, rail, canal, sea, air is a factor
which is unique to this district. Ernakulam is perhaps the biggest commercial
center in the state of Kerala. Its M.G. Road is the location of some of the
biggest businesses in Kerala.
The sea along the entire coast of the district and the
backwaters abound in fish of various kinds offer enormous natural facilities
for both marine and inland fisheries. Kochi is an ideal place that supports
fisheries in its various aspects like education, research and development.
ACCESSIBILITY
By Air The nearest airport for Ernakulam is at
Kochi(Nedumbassery).
By Rail Ernakulam is a major railhead of the Southern Railway.
By Road The district has excellent road connections.
Places to visit
Bolghatty
A little island on which the Dutch built their palace during
their colonial reign, it also has a park and a golf course. The palace is today
a heritage hotel, managed by the Kerala State Tourism Department.
Willington Island
This beautiful man-made island is where you’d land if you were
visiting Cochin in a cruise ship. It is surrounded by backwaters, is a link
between West Cochin and Ernakulam and houses the Port and the country’s
southern naval command.
Jewish Synagogue
Built in 1568, this Synagogue is the oldest in India.
Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is the where you will find the last remnants of the
colonial era in Cochin. St. Francis Chruch, built by the Portuguese in 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, which actually predate the colonial era, are another attraction
of Fort Kochi.
Hill Palace Museum
The erstwhile palace of the Kochi royal family is now Kerala's
first ever heritage museum and an ethno-archaeological museum. The museum
showcases oil paintings, murals, 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.
Marine Drive, Kochi
You could take a boat ride in the backwaters here, or you
could just take a walk down this promenade in the evening to enjoy the sunset
or to sip on a coffee from one of the many cafes lining it.
Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheena Vala)
The Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) of Fort Kochi are supposed
to have originated from China, and hence the name. These shore-operated lift
nets line many parts of the coast here.
Dutch Palace
This palace was actually built by the Portuguese in 1568
before it was later renovated by the Dutch. It is now a museum that featuring
Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas
of Kochi.
Kodanad
Kodanad is a beautiful rural riverside village with an
Elephant training centre. It has become a popular tourist destination and is an
Ecotourism destination project sponsored by the Government of India.
Bhoothathankettu
Bhoothathankettu (literally ‘Fort of Spirits’) is situated
about 50 km away from Ernakulam. It is a dam site with a scenic view of the
forests. A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural
fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts)
overnight, which is why it is named so.
Malayattoor Church
This shrine is atop a hill that tens of thousands of pilgrims
ascend every year during lent. The shrine is believed to date back to the time
of the apostle Thomas, who is believed to have prayed upon this hillock.
ACCESSIBILITY
By Air The nearest airport for Ernakulam is at
Kochi(Nedumbassery).
By Rail Ernakulam is a major railhead of the Southern Railway.
By Road The district has excellent road connections.
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