Ernakulam

- "Commercial Capital Of Kerala"

About Ernakulam

The district includes the largest metropolitan region of the state: Greater Cochin. Ernakulam is the district that yields the most revenue and the largest number of industries in the state. Ernakulam is the third most populous district in Kerala, after Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram (out of 14 districts).

The district also hosts the highest number of international and domestic tourists in Kerala state.

The flora of this district is tropical. The heavy rainfall combined with moderate temperatures and fertile soil support abundant vegetation. Many of the common plants are found in the coastal area, which forms the lowland region. The midland region is occupied by coconut palms, paddy, tapioca, pepper, pineapple and pulses. The lower slopes of the highland region have teak and rubber.

Vypin Island

Its sun-kissed shores, pristine beaches, old lighthouses and thrilling trekking trails make Vypeen a popular tourist stopover. Some of its beaches like Cherai, Kuzhuppilly and Puthuvype are among the longest beaches in Kochi.

A short and beautiful ferry ride from the city will take to this serene island which is dotted with beaches, backwaters and an array of restaurants and hotels. A desktop worthy scenery away from the bustling environment is what makes Vypeen island one of the best places to visit in Ernakulam for lovers.

Hill Palace

Hill Palace is a prominent Heritage museum, which exhibits countless archaeological relics and belongings of the Maharaja of Kochi.

One can see oil-paintings, murals, sculptures, manuscripts and belongings of the Kochi royal family. Antique ceramics from the Far East, Kudakkallu (tombstone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), laterite memorials and wooden memorials from ancient civilisations like the Indus Valley and Harappa can also be found here.

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, was the first bird sanctuary in Kerala. Salim Ali, one of the best known ornithologists, described this sanctuary as the richest bird habitat on peninsular India.

Thattekkad literally means flat forest, and the region is an evergreen low-land forest located between the branches of the Periyar River, the longest river in Kerala. This is also an evergreen forest located above the Edamalayar River. The mountain hawk eagles are found in this forest.