Ernakulam, the commercial capital of Kerala, served by an international airport, fine communication facilities, excellent accommodation, modern amenities and a lot of attractive tourist places gives a breathtaking experience for its visitors and settlers. The district took its form on 1st April 1958, by carving out the areas of erstwhile Travancore, Kochi & Malabar kingdoms. The word Ernakulam was derived from a Tamil word 'Erayanarkulam' which means 'Lord Shiva's abode'

beautiful island lying close to Ernakulam and Willingdon Island.  The Bolghatty Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744 which later became the seat of British Resident.  The palace is now converted into a hotel. There is also a well laid golf link

This long narrow palm-fringed  island,easily accessible from the mainland, is where the Bolgatty Palace is situated amidst15acres of lush green lawns.  Built by the Dutch in 1744, and  later became the seat of the British Resident.  In 1976 the palace was converted into a hotel under the Kerala Tourism development corporation.  The palace has a golf course on its grounds

This long narrow palm-fringed  island,easily accessible from the mainland, is where the Bolgatty Palace is situated amidst15acres of lush green lawns.  Built by the Dutch in 1744, and  later became the seat of the British Resident.  In 1976 the palace was converted into a hotel under the Kerala Tourism development corporation.  The palace has a golf course on its grounds

Former summer resort of cochin Royal family .  Lies on the northern bank of Aluva river (Periyar),  Site of water works supplying drinking water to Ernakulam city

Cochin, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, and the only all weather harbour on the west coast, south of Bombay, affords a safe anchorage to ships. Willingdon Island is a man made one which was formed with materials dredged while deepening the Cochin Port and channel,  It is the seat of the harbour and cochin Port Trust.  The Southern Naval Command has its headquarters here.  The seaport,  naval airport and the railway terminus are all on this island.

Set on top of a hillock, this  prestigious palace-turned-museum displays 13 categories of exhibits, including paintings, carvings and other royal antiquities donated by the Cochin and Travancore royal families and the Paliam Devaswom.  The Heritage Museum, located on the rear side of the palace buildings familiarizes you with the traditional lifestyles of ancient Kerala.  As part of the establishment of a mini zoo, a deer park with spotted deer, sambar and peacocks is run by the Society for the Preservation of Hill Palace Premises.  The museum premises has also been converted into a botanical garden with exotic tropical trees from central America to Australia.  Located  11 Kms east of Ernakulam, en route to Chottanikkara

Situated at Mattancherry, it is 8 kms, away from Ernakulam.  Although called Dutch, it was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin in 1555.  It  acquired the present name after1663 when the Dutch added some extension to the building and carried out some repairs.  In the centre of the building is the coronation hall.  17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian Epic, Ramayana can be seen here

The Jewish Synagogue at Mattanchery was built in 1568.  The great Scrolls of the Old Testament, The copper plates containing the privileges granted by the cochin Ruler to the Jewish  community and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles at the Synagogue are of great interest

It is located in  Vypin Island  accessible by ferry or by road from mainland, Kochi.  This calm beach is ideal for swimming.  It has sea on the western side and backwater on east, which gives this tourist destination, a unique surrounding.  Thick coconut grooves and Chinese  fishing nets on the waterfront give it an added attraction.  Dolphins can also be seen here occasionally

There are some beautiful paintings in this Roman  Catholic church situated close to the St. francis Church