ErnakulamPart of the twin cities of Ernakulam-Kochi, Ernakulam is known as the'commercial capital' of Kerala.Ernakulam has graduallydeveloped into an urban city and israted as the third most populousdistrict in the state.

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Origin of the name of the city of Ernakulamhas various variations, with some believingthat 'Ernakulam' owes its name to a famoustemple of Lord Shiva called theErnakulathappan Temple. It is also believedthat the word Ernakulam was taken fromMalayalam words 'Ere naal Kulam', whichmeans 'Pond for a long time'. The city todayhas developed into a modern, growing hubin comparison to its western twin, Kochi.The township is a popular host to touristsand is thronged by the highest number ofinternational and domestic tourists visitingKerala.Kochi is a beautiful land that is hometo people from various religions living heresince centuries. The city shelters historicreligious places that are highly revered bynot just by the people from respectivereligious community but everyone. Some ofthe famous attractions here arePoornathrayeesa Temple, Santa CruzBasilica, St. Francis Church, JewishSynagogue and St. Mary Church. Culturally vibrant Kochi hostsnumerous festivals including Onam, BoatRace and the famous Cochin Carnival, soplan your visit accordingly if you want to be

Ernakulam Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/ernakulam page 1

a part of these grand festivals. When itcomes to dining, Kochi is nothing short of afoodie’s paradise with umpteen choices infood. The options with regard to food is sowide that you will run out of time to tryeverything out. If you are a seafood lover,the place will leave you fully satisfied. Satiateyour hunger pangs at the restaurants or thelocal eateries and you will be surely earningfor more.

When To

VISIThttp://www.ixigo.com/weather-in-ernakulam-lp-1137295

JanPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max: 31.5°C Min:

23.100000381469727°C

Rain:32.29999923706055mm

FebPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:31.799999237060547°C

Min:24.100000381469727°C

Rain:24.299999237060547mm

MarPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:32.400001525878906°C

Min:25.399999618530273°C

Rain:39.099998474121094mm

AprPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.

Max:32.79999923706055°C

Min:25.700000762939453°C

Rain:103.69999694824219mm

MayPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:32.20000076293945°C

Min:25.600000381469727°C

Rain:270.79998779296875mm

JunPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:30.100000381469727°C

Min:24.299999237060547°C

Rain:615.9000244140625mm

JulPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:29.299999237060547°C

Min:23.700000762939453°C

Rain:516.0999755859375mm

AugPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max: 29.5°C Min:

24.100000381469727°C

Rain: 330.5mm

SepPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max: 30.0°C Min:

24.200000762939453°C

Rain:283.79998779296875mm

OctPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:30.399999618530273°C

Min: 24.0°C Rain:422.1000061035156mm

NovPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.

Ernakulam Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/ernakulam page 2

Max:31.100000381469727°C

Min:24.100000381469727°C

Rain: 135.0mm

DecPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max: 31.5°C Min:

23.100000381469727°C

Rain:40.400001525878906mm

What To

SEE5 Sights

http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-ernakulam-lp-1137295

1 Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Kothamangalam, Kerala 686691,India

Located near the Periyar River, ThattekadBird Sanctuary expands over 25 squarekilometres north of the river. The sanctuaryhas a vast variety of birds both forest birdsas well as the water birds. One of the bestknown ornithologist, Salim Ali described thisplace as the richest bird habitat ofpeninsular India. The sanctuary is thronged

by a lot of visitors during the peak seasongiven the variety of birds that come here forwinters. 

2 St. Francis Xavier's Church

St Francis Church Rd, Fort Kochi,Kochi, KL 682001

TheSt. Francis Xavier's Church is the oldestchurch in India to have been built by theEuropeans. The famous Portuguese traderVasco da Gamais well known for reachingIndia from Europe by sea instead of by theusual overland route. The church is famousfor being the initial burial place for Vasco DaGama. The Church is actually a quite

modest, unpretentious structure.Architecturally, this church is not very jazzy,but it stands as a landmark of history andchurch architecture of India. Later, manychurches were built in India keeping theSaint Francis Xavier Church of Cochin inmind. 

3 Paliam Palace,Chendamangalam

Chendamangalam, Kochi (Cochin),Kerala, India

Paliam Palace, Chendamangalam serve as aresidence for the royal ministers of theKochi Kings. Today it is thronged by touristswho come to check out its splendidarchitecture and ancient relics hidden withinthe palace walls. A must visit place forhistory lovers.

4 Ernakulam Shiva Temple

Durbar Hall Road, Ernakulam, Kerala,India

Ernakulam Temple orShiva Temple is situated in the heart ofErnakulam City. The deity in this temple isfamous as Ernakulathappan. This is one ofthe rare Shiva temples where deity is facingsea towards west. The pooja methodswere regularised as directed by the famousVilwamangalathu Swamiyar. The LingaPrathishta was made facing west. Devoteeswho dedicate themselves to the lord withutmost devotion are said to be relieved oftheir suffering leading to ultimate'Moksha'.This temple has a golden flag staff.The 8 day long annual festival usually fallsduring January/February ( corresponding toMakaram month). This temple is managedby Cochin Devaswom Board.

The legend behind the temple goes likethis. Arjuna, the pandava performed asevere penance to propitiate Lord Shiva.Pleased with Arjuna's devotion Shivaaccompanied with his consort Sri Parvathiset out from their abode at Kailash to meetArjuna. Shiva disguises himself as"Kiratha" before appearing infront of Arjuna. Just as Shiva appears beforeArjuna he sees a wild boar charging towards

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Arjuna and shoots an arrow at the boar.Arjuna, who is an accomplished archer, alsoshoots an arrow at the boar. The boar whowas in fact a demon named Mookasura indisguise is killed and its original form isrevealed.

However, dispute arises between Arjunaand Kiratha as to who is the real killer of theanimal. A battle ensues between the two,lasting a long time, ultimately resulting inKiratha's victory over Arjuna.The vanquishedArjuna, unable to even stand up makes aShiva Linga out the earth and performs apooja offering flowers. To his surprise, hesees that the flower he offers over the ShivaLinga is falling over the head of Kiratha.Arjuna then realises that Kiratha is nonother than his Lord Shiva. Shiva, in his trueform, along with Parvathy appears beforeArjuna and blesses him. He also gifts himthe divine arrow, the Pasupathastram.

5 Jewish Synagogue

Near Kottayil Kovilakom,Chendamangalam,Kochi (Cochin),Kerala

The Jewish synagogue, built in Jew Town in1568 by the Malabar Yehudans or CochinJewish community, is a place of worshipwhich attracts numerous visitors every yearbecause of its impressive furnishings. It isbuilt close to the Mattancherry PalaceTemple on the land gifted by King RamaVarma, a former ruler of Kochi. It is abeautiful structure decorated with splendidChinese tiles and impressive Belgianchandeliers.

Where To

Eat5 Places

http://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-ernakulam-lp-1137295

1 Oceanos Restaurant

Elphinstone Residency, Beach Road,Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001,India

+91-484-2218222

Oceanos Restaurant is a multi-specialtyseafood restaurant at Fort Kochi, specializedin Mediterranean Seafood delicacies. It is apart of the Elphinstone Residencyhotel.  Here, you make your  own menu by picking up from avariety of fresh fish, tiger prawns, lobster,and other rich seafood from the day's catch,at their seafood counter.

2 Ming's wok

Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, Ernakulam

+91-90378-99398

Ming’s Wok at Panampilly Nagar, has beendedicatedly serving Chinese food. Therestaurant, though small, has whipped upan exhaustive menu spanning soups, salads,starters and main course. Among the soups,

tom yum and manchow are the mostpopular. Great variety awaits in the startersection — Bangkok crispy chicken, chilli redpepper chicken, shredded lamb with celeryand bell pepper to start with. Main coursepacks in a choice variety of rice and noodles.The inevitable chowmeins and thechopsueys are there too.

3 Lokah Restaurant & Café

NH47 Bypass Road, Vyttila, Kochi,Ernakulam

+91-484-4033221

Lokah Restaurant & Caféfeatures cuisines from around the world. Anideal spot for the serious foodies whodream for a refreshing cleansing of theirpalate as this cafe-cum-restaurant has tooffer a wide variety of exotic cuisines, fromBarbeque to Greek and Mediterranean toVietnamese.. the menu never ends. One must try their signature dish -creme caramel dessert, laced with the flavorof freshly brewed coffee which rises like anisland from a sweet caramel sauce lake.

4 Pai Dosa

Ernakulam Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/ernakulam page 4

M.G. Road, Ernakulam, Kerala, TDEast Sannidhi Rd, Shenoys,Ernakulam

+91- 484-2374879

What started as a small roadside eateryhas become a crowded fast food joint, PaiDosa was started nearly two decades backby the brothers migrated from Udupi. Thejoint offers a wide variety of dosas - roasts,masala, kada motta, duck egg, egg,kanjipuram dosa, kuttis, garlic and manymore.. there’s a dosa to suit every palate.Each of these dosas is exclusive offeringunique tastes. If you're expecting good, hotfood on a late night, then this is the place tobe.                                                               

5 Jharokha

The Wyte Fort, NH 47, By Pass,Maradu

+91-484-2706952

Serving both vegetarian as well as nonvegetarian fare, Jharokha is one of the mostluxurious places to dine at Ernakulam.Breakfast, lunch or dinner - the food willsure make you return to this restaurant.Choose your pick from Chinese, Thai &Indian among other International disheswith equally lip-smacking options. The staffis very friendly and the service is quick.

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Quick

LOCATEhttp://www.ixigo.com/hotels-in-ernakulam-lp-1137295

SeeA: Thattekad Bird SanctuaryB: St. Francis Xavier's ChurchC: Paliam Palace, ChendamangalamD: Ernakulam Shiva TempleE: Jewish Synagogue

AccommodationF: Pavana HomestayG: Same Like HomeH: Hilux InnI: Pavana HomestayJ: Same Like HomeK: Hilux InnL: Pavana HomestayM: Same Like HomeN: Hilux Inn

FoodO: Oceanos RestaurantP: Ming's wokQ: Lokah Restaurant & CaféR: Pai DosaS: Jharokha