Ernakulam

Ernakulam is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kottayam and Alappuzha districts in the south. Idukki in the east and Thrissur in the north. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi, in Ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. With one of the finest natural harbours in the world, this was once a major center for commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chines, Portuguese, Duch etc

+ Air: International airport at Nedumnassery (32km from the town)

+ Rail: Ernakulam is a major railhead of the Southern Railway. Main station: Ernakulam Junction, Other station: Ernakulam Town, Kochi Harbour Terminus

+ Road: The KSRTC Central Bus Station is near Junction Railway. Private buses operate from High Court Junction, Railway Station and Kaloor Junction.


Backwater ferry services:

There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam. The main Boat Jetty is 1km from the Junction Railway Station and the other is near High Court.

Places to Visit:

	Fort Kochi: A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India, Kochi has an eventful and colorful history.
	Chinese Fishing Nets/Vasco da Gama Square: These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles.

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch.     Synagogue: Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch, Known for mid 18th century hand painted, willow patterned floor tiles from Canton in China, a clock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, great scrolls of the Old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates etc     Willingdon Island: Named after Lord Willingdon, a former British Viceroy of India, this man made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island is the site of the city’s best hotels and trading centers, the Port Trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command           The Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura: 10km form Kochi, Hill Palace, the official residence of the erstwhile Kochi royal family, was built in 1865. The palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala.     Kaladi: The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher of the 8th century, Kaladi is 10km from Aluva.     Malayatoor: Malayatoor is famous for the Catholic Church on the 609m high Malayatoor hill dedicated to St. Thomas.       Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary, nestled in evergreen forests, was discovered by the renowned ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali and is named after his.

Thrissur

Thrissur, with its rich history, cultural heritage and archaeological wealth is called the cultural capital of Kerala. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the political history of South India. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the Zamorians of Kozhikode, Tipu Sultan of Mysore and Europeans including the Dutch and the British have had a hand on moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Thrissur town. Today Thrissur is world famous for its Pooram Festival. A cultural center, the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are located here.

+ Air: Nearest international airport Nedumbassery 58km.

+ Rail: Thrissur is an important railhead of the Southern Railways.

+ Road: The KSRTC bus station near the railway station operates long distance and inter-State services.


Places to Visit

	Vadakkumnathan Temple: One of the oldest temples in the State, the Vadakkumnathan Temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture and has many decorative murals and pieces of art.
	Guruvayoor: Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna Temple. The historic temple is Gods, and Vayu, the God of winds.

	Peechi Dam: This picnic spot offers boating facilities. There are frequent private buses from Thrissur to Peechi Dam.
	Cheruthuruthy: Cheruthuruthy is the seat of Kerala Kalamandalam, renowned the worls over for its Kathakali training center. The music and dance academy was fonded by the famous poet, Vallathol Narayana Menon.
	Athirapally: At the entrance to the Sholayar ranges, this 80 foot high waterfall is a popular picnic spot.
	Vazhachal: Just a short drive from Athirapally, this picturesque waterfall is close to dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy River.