Ernakulam is the commercial capital of Kerala with one of the finest natural harbours in the world. The city lies about 30 kms north off the airport. The downtown city-area is known as Ernakulam and the areas surrounding it, comprising mainly of islands, is collectively known as Kochi (Cochin). From here, ships set sail for foreign ports with pepper, seafood, rubber and coir, from time immemorial. Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Cochin and left their impressions on the town.

In and Around

The Chinese fishing nets, believed to be erected in 1350 AD, swaying in the breeze over the backwaters, the Jewish Synagogue on Jew Street, The Dutch Palace at Bolghatty, Maharaja’s Palace at Tripunithura, the narrow streets of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry,  old temples and colonial churches attract tourists from all over.

CHINESE FISHING NETS– The Chinese fishing nets are a fascinating sight unto itself. These nets, at the entrance of the harbour and along the backwaters with pivots of wood, were introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in 1350AD.They can be seen all along the backwaters of Kerala.A gang of fishermen are required to lower and then hoist this net and it's a wonderful sight watching them net their catch in this old-fashioned way. Chinese nets have become  the international insignia of Kochi and is rarely used anywhere else.