Formerly known as Cochin, this is one of the major port cities located on the West Indian coastal areas. This city of the Ernakulam district of the state of Kerala is situated by the side of the Arabian Sea. Thus, this city is often referred as Ernakulam as well. This 2nd biggest city of Kerala is considered to be the first ranked city in the state for attracting national as well as international tourists. This vibrant city is known for providing breathtakingly scenic view of the Kerala state. Apart from that, this city is the industrial and commercial capital of this state of south India.
Being a city of B - 1 grade, this is the populous most city of the state. Some of the basic demographic details of the city are as follows:
Being the best starting point to explore the beauty as well as the unfathomable diversity of the Kerala state, this city of south India is, informally, regarded as the "Gateway to Kerala". The number of places of visit, which are located there, just adds on to the fame of this tourist destination. Following are some of those tourist spots in Kochi:
Bolghatty Island: Located within a short distance of boat ride from the city's mainland, this island houses the Dutch Palace, which has now been turned to a hotel of K. T. D. C. (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation) and a small golf course. This famous picnic spot offers a panoramic view of the harbor and the port.
Cherai Beach: Positioned towards the northern end of the Vypeen Island, this lovely sea beach is bordered by paddy fields and coconut groves. Swimming is one of the common enjoyable activities in this beach of Kochin.
Fort Kochi Beach: This sea beach along the Kochi Fort is one of the best places to provide a mesmerizing view of sunset in the city. The small beach stalls serving mouth watering preparations of locally caught fresh fish are worth exploring.
Hill Palace: This 19th Century palace of Kochi's king has been transformed to a museum that exhibits the crown, the throne and the different articles used by the kings.
Jewish Synagogue: Built in the year 1568, this magnificent synagogue is decorated with Belgian chandeliers and Chinese tiles.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary: Situated beside the Kerala High Court, this bird sanctuary is home to many rare and exotic species of resident and migratory birds.
Mattancherry Palace: Even called Dutch Palace, this age old palace displays some mural paintings that depict scenes from the Ramayana as well as the Mahabharata, the two great Hindu epics.
Santa Cruz Basilica: Initially constructed in the year 1505, this Portuguese church was re-structured in 1905 and was recognized as a basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.
St. Francis Church: Built by the Europeans, this is the oldest church in India and is known for clearly marking out the burial spot of Vasco da Gama.
Vasco House: Featured with verandahs and windows with glass panes, this architectural construction on the Rose Street is believed to be among the ancient most Portuguese houses of the country where Vasco da Gama used to live.
Apart from these, names of some of the other tourist attractions in the city are given below:
The huge industrial sector is the biggest resource of economy in this south Indian city. The manufacturing industry has got around 37 % of contribution in the city's economy whereas, the sectors like hospitality, tourism and trade together account for another 20 %. Some of the other major contributors to the economy of this city are banking, chemical industries, construction, electronics, export of fish, spices and seafood, hardware, import and export of container cargo, I. T. (Information Technology) shipbuilding and shipping or transportation. Remittances from the N. R. I population (Non-Resident Indian's) are another main source of income.
Kerala is the most educated state in India. The literacy rate of Kerala is about 94.3%. Kochi, one of the most important city of Kerala, excels in literacy rate of the whole state. As far as preliminary education in Kochi is concerned, the schools here are affiliated to either Kerala State Education Board, Indian Certificate of Secondary Education or Central Board of Secondary Education. The leading schools of Kochi are:
Many colleges of Kochi also offers technical courses. Some such colleges are Model Engineering College, Center of Excellence in Laser and Optoelectronic Sciences, Toc-H Public School, School of Communication and Management Studies. More Details...
Apart from the usual modes of transport like flight, train and buses or cars, this major city of Kerala can even be reached by waterways. Let us have a quick look at some of the basic transportation details of Kochi, which are as follows:
By Air: The Cochin International Airport or C. I. A. L., situated in Nedumbassery towards the northern side of the city, is around 25 km from the city centre. This airport serves both national as well as international travelers. Direct flights to Malaysia, Middle East and Singapore are available from this airport.
By Rail: Ernakulam Town Railway Station (North Railway Station) and Ernakulam Junction (South Railway Station) are the two important railway stations in the city. Besides these, some of the other small railway stations, connecting the city to its outskirts, are mentioned below:
By Water: Ranked among the major seaports of the country, Kochi harbor is one of the safe harbors on the Indian Ocean. Administered by the Cochin Port Trust, which is an autonomous body, this port provides facilities for passenger ships to Lakshadweep and Colombo.
By Road: Several highways passing within the proximity of the city connect the place to its neighboring cities as well as the other parts of Kerala. To mention a few of them are N. H. (National Highway) - 17, N. H. - 47, N. H. - 47 A, N. H. - 47 C, N. H. - 49, S. H. (State Highway) - 15, S. H. - 41, S. H. - 63 and S. H. - 66. Some of the important bus terminals in Kochi are located in Ernakulam Jetty, Ernakulam Town and Kaloor. State-run and private bus services, mainly, serve the city. Besides that, auto rickshaws and rented taxis are even available to travel within and around the city.
