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QUEEN
OF THE ARABIAN SEA
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Ernakulam
district is bounded by Thrissur district in the north,
Idukki district in the east, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts
in the south and Arabian Sea in the west. The headquarters
of the district is located at Kochi.
Ernakulam
is the most industrially developed district of the state,
with its headquarter Kochi being recognised as the commercial
capital of Kerala. There are many prestigious large and
medium scale industries in the industrial belt covering
Ernakulam , Kalamassery, Eloor and Alwaye.
Besides this there are large number of small scale industrial
units. Perumbavoor, is known for its saw mills, while
Mudickal is the traditional centre of timber and allied
industries. Copra is manufactured and export from Chendamangalam
and Tripunithura towns. Other important products are coir,
rice and rubber. The
Handloom, Coir and Village industries of the district
have also grown in prominence. The Chendamangalam weavers
are known for their dexterity and intricate skills. Other
important handicrafts of the district are carving of ivory,
wood, horn and coconut shell, cane and rattan works, paper
mache, paddy straw picture making etc. The district is
also rich in various mineral deposits which include magnetic
iron ores, glass sand, limeshell, clays, graphite and
iron ores.
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PLACES OF INTEREST
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Chowara
The
summer resort of erstwhile Cochin royal family is located
on the right bank of river Alwaye. There is an old palace
here. The town is known for the mat weaving and rattan
work.
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Ernakulam
The
gateway to Kochi, is the commercial and residential
part of the twin city. Although devoid of major
historical monuments it has some sites of interest.
Parikshath Thamburan Museum: The museum is housed
in a magnificent building, the Durbar Hall (Court)
of the erstwhile Kochi Rajas. It displays 19th century
old paintings, old coins and sculptures.
Vasco
da Gama was originally buried here.
Chinese
Fishing Nets: The
land mark of Kochi. The nets were introduced
in medieval times by the traders from the
court of Kublai Khan in China. The best place to
watch them is from Vasco da Gama square,
that parallels the beach.
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Kochi
Captivating
Kochi is a perfect reflection of the
cosmopolitan society of Kerala. Here
one can see the oldest Church in India,
old Portuguese houses and palace, Chinese
fishing nets, a 16th century
Synagogue in complete harmony.
Also known as the "Queen
of the Arabian Sea", it has one
of the finest natural harbours
in the world.
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St.
Francis Church, Fort Kochi
The
Fort Kochi area has perhaps the
best preserved history of the colonial times.
The Protestant Church was originally
built by the Portuguese in 1510
AD, and is believed to be the first church
built by Europeans in India.
Dutch
Palace, Mattancherry
It
was originally built by the Portuguese
and gifted to Cochin Raja in 1555. The magnificent
palace gets the present name as the
Dutch made several renovations
and repairs in 1663.
Coonan
Kurishu Chapel, Mattancherry
The
Syrian Christians assembled here
in 1653 and pledged not to obey
the Latin Archbishops or be under the Jesuits.
Kallil
It is of great interest
for historians and archaeologists. It is famous
for the rock cut caves housing Jain monuments.
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Malayattoor
The
Christian pilgrim centre is located
29 km. from Aluva. St. Thomas Church
is one of the greatest Catholic churches
in the State. The annual feast falls
in the month of Mar/Apr.
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Tripunithura
Located
9 km. from Kochi, it was the seat of
Cochin Rajas. Sri Poornathreyesa temple,
dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a masterpiece
of Chola architecture. The town is associated
with 'Athachamayam',
a spectacular procession which marks
the beginning of Onam festival.
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Jewish
Synagogue, Mattancherry
It was
built in 1568
AD., the great scrolls of
Old Testament and other evidences of
Jewish history preserved
here are of great interest.
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Kuttanad
Region
It
is perhaps the only region in
the world where
farming
is
done below sea level. The boat
trip to Changanasserry
passes through this beautiful
and fertile region.
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Mullakkal
Rajarajeswari Temple
The
temple is dedicated to the Goddess
Rajarajeswari. The nine day 'Navrathri'
festival celebrated is of
special significance. Another
important festival of the temple
is 'Thaipooyakavadi' .
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Kaladi
Hindu pilgrim centre,
45 km. from Kochi. The
great Advaitha philosopher
and Bhakti saint of
8th century Adi Sankaracharya
was born here. The international
temple Sri Ramkrishna
Adwaitha Ashram is located
here.
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Kothamangalam
The
town located 55 km. away
from Kochi on the Aluva -
Munnar road, is known for
various ancient churches.
The fourteen centuries old
St. Thomas Church of the
Orthodox Syrians and the
St. Mary's Church are of
special interest.
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Communication
Air
: The nearest airport is
at Nedumbassery, Kochi (20
km).
Rail
: Ernakulam
Kochi are well connected
by trains.
Road:
A
well developed network of
roads exists in the district
with 3.13 km. of roads per
sq. km. of area.
Ferry
(Boat Jetty):
Main Ferry Station is located
near Ernakulam Rly. Stn.
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