ERNAKULAM

Ernakulam is the western part of the city of Kochi, located in the southern state of Kerala. It is a business hub and a center for trade and commerce in Kerala. All important government offices and firms have their offices in Ernakulam. The Cochin stock exchange is also located here.

PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST:

There are a number of places of tourist interest in Ernakulam.

Mattancherry Palace: This palace was built by the Portuguese in 1555 A.D. and gifted to the Raja of Kochi. This palace has splendid architecture and there are depictions from the Ramayana.

Jewish Synagogue: This synagogue is situated inside Mattancherry Palace and was built in 1568 A.D.

St. Francis Church: This church is the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. The mortal remains of Vasco Da Gama were initially buried here and this fact makes this place worth visiting for the tourists.

Santa Cruz Basilica Church: Some beautiful paintings can be seen in this church.

St. Francis Assisi Church: This is the most popular and beautiful church in Ernakulam city.

Dutch Cemetery: This cemetery has the mortal remains of soldiers and trade adventurers who died between 17^th and 18^th century.

Bolgatty Island: The famous Bolgatty palace built by the Portuguese is here. The Portuguese built it in 1744 A.D. nowadays it houses a 5-star hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

HOTELS:

There are a number of hotels in Ernakulam ranging from expensive ones to low budget ones. Some of the most popular are listed below:

Gokulam Park

Hotel Taj Residency

Hotel Presidency

Sealord Hotel

Grand Hotel

BHARAT HOTEL

Hotel Highway Garden

SHOPPING:

IN Kochi one can find traditional items such as textiles, readymade garments, jewelry, handicrafts, antiques and spices unique to the flavor of Kerala. There are govt. run emporiums and shops selling such items. There are a lot of shops opening up in the place with factory outlets selling ready to wear brands. M.G. road, Broadway and Marine Drive are the major shopping centers in Ernakulam.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Air:

There is direct flight from Ernakulam to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, Bangalore and Trivandrum.

Railways:

Ernakulam junction and ernakulam town are the major stations where there are a number of trains running to most of the major places.

Road:

It is well connected by road to all the major places. There are bus services running from and to ernakulam and the major towns and cities.