Ernakulam

Zone: Central Kerala

Headquarters: Kochi

Telephone Access Code: +91 484

Ernakulam is a sprawling metropolis that beautifully combines its natural wonders with providing a base for a majority of the State’s business enterprises. Flanked by the Arabian sea, it is easily among the most visited locations in Kerala. It is an extremely important commercial centre but also has a plethora of destinations for tourists to enjoy. The city of Kochi, with its fine natural harbour, is the undisputed crown jewel of the district. From historic locations that transport you to a time when it acted as the commercial hub of the legendary Spice Route to exotic trips on boats where one can simply relax and soak in the weather, Kochi never disappoints. Ernakulam has always epitomized the Malayali spirit of welcoming all who visit it and this tradition continues to this day.

Tourist Information Offices:

Office of the Joint Director, Department of Tourism, International Boat Jetty Complex, Ernakulam Ph: 2351015, Fax: 2355956
Govt. Guest House, Dept. of Tourism Ph: 2360502
Govt. of India Tourist Office, Willingdon Island Ph: 2668352/1913
Airport Information Counter, Dept. of Tourism, Kerala Ph: 2611308
Tourist Reception Centre - KTDC, Shanmughom Rd. Ph: 2353234 Fax: 2382199
DTPC Tourist Information Centre, Old Collectorate Bldg., Park Avenue Telefax: 2367334, 2383988 Mobile: + 91 9847332200, Email: info@dtpcernakulam.com, Website: www.dtpcernakulam.com

Getting there

By road: Ernakulam is well connected to all major cities in India. The KSRTC Central Bus Station is near the Junction Railway Station, Enquiry Ph: 2372033 Private buses operate from High Court Jn., Railway Station and Kaloor Jn. Tamil Nadu Road Transport Bus Station Ph: 2372616. Inter-state private bus services to Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mangalore, Chennai and Madurai:

Indira Travels, near Jos Jn. Ph: 2360693
Yesbee Travels, near Jos Jn. Ph: 2375080
Princy Tours, Opp. Sealord Hotel Ph: 2354712
Sharma Transports, Grand Hotel Ph: 2350712
Ashirwad Travels, Jos Junction Ph: 2367709

By rail: Ernakulam Junction Railway Station is the major station in Ernakulam, Ph: 131; Ernakulam Town, Enquiry Ph: 2395198; Aluva Enquiry Ph: 2624141

By air: Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery (32 km from the city)

By water: There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam. The main Boat Jetty is 1 km from the Junction Railway Station and the other is near the High Court. Ferry timings (From the main boat jetty): Vypeen: Frequent services (1/2 hr journey) Mattancherry: Daily 6 ferries (1/2 hr journey) Fort Kochi: Daily 30 services (20 min. journey). First trip at 0600 hrs and the last at 2110 hrs Willingdon Island: Frequent services (15 min. journey)