Ernakulam offers a pleasing blend of scenic splendour and industrial progress. Overlooking the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea, the district adjoins Alleppey and Kottayam on the south, Trichur on the north and Idukki on the east.Watering the region are rivers like the Periyar and Muvattupuzha.

¤ The Legendary Tale

Ernakulam has its own set of anecdotes explaining the origin of its name. Prevalent among the local populace is the tale of Devalan, the senior disciple of Kulu Muni.
As a result of a curse, Devalan is said to have grown a serpent’s hood on his head because of which he was called Nagarshi. Pleased with Nagarshi’s single-minded devotion, Lord Shiva (the Destroyer in the Hindu Holy Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer) granted him moksha (salvation).

Ernakulam is considered as a derivation of Rishinagakulum, the name given to the tank where Nagarshi attained salvation. One can’t rule out the possibility of the district having acquired its name from the words Irainar Kalam (place of Lord Shiva).

¤ History

The history of Ernakulam comprises mainly the rise and growth of the erstwhile princely state of Cochin. Since certain areas of the former states of Malabar and Travancore form part of the district as well, their histories are intimately linked to that of Ernakulam. But Cochin came into the limelight only around a.d 1341 when it emerged as a major port (see Kochi).

While Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala,Kaladi, Kanjiramittam, Chennamangalam and Alwaye beckon the spiritually inclined. Several granite slabs with Hebrew inscriptions found in the Jewish synagogues, are of great value to historians.

Being the most economically developed district in Kerala, Ernakulam boasts of many large and small-scale industrial units. Festivals that are an integral part of the shrines in Kerala keep the tourist entertained throughout the year while on threir Keral travel vacation. Ernakulam hosts one of the most famous regattas of Kerala during the festival of Onam(seeFestivals of India).