Ernakulam district

2021-06-20T10:15:25Z

116.68.75.216:

{{About|the district in Kerala|other uses|Ernakulam (disambiguation)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2016}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2016}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Ernakulam district
| other_name =
| settlement_type = [[List of districts of Kerala|District]]
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Kochi Skyline.jpg
| photo2a = Kochi Metro train at Palarivattom, Aug 2017.jpg
| photo2b = Jewaharlal Nehru Stadium Kochi ISL.jpg
| photo3a = Cochin International Airport Limited.jpg
| photo3b = Container terminal.JPG
| photo4a = Kochi International Marina, Bolgatty Island, Kerala, India.jpg
| photo4b = Lulumall atrium.JPG
| photo5a = Cochin Ship Yard Cranes.JPG
| spacing = 1
| color_border = black
| color = white
| size = 210
| foot_montage = '''Clockwise from top:'''<br/>[[Kochi]] skyline, [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]], [[International Container Transshipment Terminal, Kochi|International Container Transshipment Terminal]], [[Lulu International Shopping Mall]], [[Cochin Shipyard]], [[Kochi Marina]], [[Cochin International Airport]], and [[Kochi Metro]]
}}
| map_alt =
| image_map = {{maplink |frame=yes
|frame-width=250 |frame-height=250 |frame-align=center
|text= '''Ernakulam District'''
|type=shape |id=Q1356097
|stroke-colour=#C60C30
|stroke-width=2
|title=Ernakulam District ( Kerala
|type2=line|id2=Q1186|stroke-width2=1|stroke-colour2=#0000ff|title2=Kerala State
}}
| map_caption = Location in Kerala, India
| coordinates = {{coord|10.00|N|76.33|E|region:IN-KL_type:adm3rd|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kerala]]
| established_title = 
| established_date = April 01 1958
| founder =
| named_for = Rishinagakulam{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}
| seat_type = Headquarters
| seat = [[Kakkanad]], Kochi
| government_type =
| leader_title1 = Collector
| leader_name1 = S Suhas, IAS
| leader_title2 = Commissioner (Kochi)
| leader_name2 = Vijay Sakhare, IPS
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes = <ref name="censusindia">{{cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/3208_PART_B_ERNAKULAM.pdf|title=Demography -Ernakulam
|publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala|access-date=4 July 2020}}</ref>
| area_rank = 4
| area_total_km2 = 3063
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_total = 3,427,659<ref name="ekmdemo_2018">{{Cite book|title=Annual Vital Statistics Report - 2018|publisher=Department of Economics and Statistics, Government of Kerala|year=2020|location=Thiruvananthapuram|pages=55|url=http://www.ecostat.kerala.gov.in/images/pdf/publications/Vital_Statistics/data/vital_statistics_2018.pdf}}</ref>
| population_as_of = 2018
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = 1119
| population_demonym =
| population_note =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = 
| postal_code =
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-KL-KO]], IN-KL
| registration_plate = KL-07, KL-17, KL-39, KL-40, KL-41, KL-42, KL-43, KL-44, KL-63
| website = {{URL|https://ernakulam.nic.in}}
| footnotes =
| leader_title3 = S.P (Ernakulam Rural)
| leader_title4 = DFO
| leader_name3 = K.Karthik, IPS
| leader_name4 = A. Renjan, IFS
| leader_name5 = Inbashekhar, IAS
| leader_title5 = Sub-Collector (Kochi)
| official_name =
| blank_info_sec1 = {{nowrap|{{increase}} 0.801<ref name="unhdi-gdl">{{Cite web|url=https://www.in.undp.org/content/india/en/home/library/hdr/human-development-reports/State_Human_Development_Reports/Kerala.html|title=Kerala | UNDP in India|website=UNDP}}</ref> ({{color|DarkGreen| Very High}})}} ·
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2005)}}
}}
[[File:Inchathotty Hanging Bridge - ഇഞ്ചത്തൊട്ടി തൂക്കുപാലം-1.JPG|alt=|thumb|Inchathotty Bridge near [[Kothamangalam]]]]
'''Ernakulam''', {{IPA-ml|erɐɳɐːguɭɐm|IPA}}; [[IAST]]: ''Eṟaṇākuḷaṁ'', in [[Malayalam]]: എറണാകുളം) is a [[Districts of India|district]] of [[Kerala]], India, that takes its name from the [[Ernakulam|eponymous city division]] in [[Kochi]]. It is situated in the central part of the state, spans an area of about {{convert|3000|sqkm|sqmi}}, and is home to over 9% of Kerala's population. Its headquarters are located at [[Kakkanad]]. The district includes Kochi, also known as the commercial capital of Kerala, which is famous for its ancient [[Hindu temple]]s, [[Saint Thomas Christian churches|churches]], and [[mosque]]s. The district includes the largest metropolitan region of the state: [[Greater Cochin]]. Ernakulam is the district that yields the most revenue and the largest number of industries in the state.<ref name="pilgrimagebook">{{cite book | title = Pilgrimate to Temple Heritage 2019: Ernakulam district temples | access-date = 2 October 2020 | publisher = Info Kerala Communications Pvt Ltd, 2019 |year = 2019 | isbn = 9788193456781 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HL-tDwAAQBAJ&q=ernakulam+state+revenue+60%25}}</ref> Ernakulam is the third most populous district in Kerala, after [[Malappuram district|Malappuram]] and [[Thiruvananthapuram district|Thiruvananthapuram]] (out of [[List of districts in Kerala|14 districts]]).<ref name="districtcensus">{{cite web | url = http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/278-ernakulam.html | title = District Census 2011 | access-date = 30 September 2011 | year = 2011 | publisher = Census2011.co.in}}</ref> The district also hosts the highest number of international and domestic tourists in Kerala state.

The most commonly spoken language in Ernakulam is [[Malayalam]]. English is widely used, mostly in business circles. Ernakulam became India's first district to have 100 percent banking or full "meaningful financial inclusion" in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ernakulam to be declared first district with 100% banking |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/banking/ernakulam-to-be-declared-first-district-with-100-banking/article4098347.ece |access-date=27 February 2013 |newspaper=The Hindu Businessline |date=15 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201202306/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/banking/ernakulam-to-be-declared-first-district-with-100-banking/article4098347.ece |archive-date=1 February 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Soundarapandian|first=Mookkiah|title=Literacy Campaign in India|year=2000|publisher=Discovery Publishing House|location=New Delhi|page=21|isbn=9788171415533|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KVhHEC449yoC&q=ernakulam+district+first+fully+literate+district&pg=PA21}}</ref>

Ernakulam has a very high [[Human Development Index]] of 0.801 (UNHDP report 2005), which is among the highest in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.in.undp.org/content/india/en/home/library/hdr/human-development-reports/State_Human_Development_Reports/Kerala.html|title=Kerala|website=UNDP in India|language=en|access-date=2019-10-10}}</ref>

==Etymology==
[[File:Ernakulam Shiva Temple during one of its festival days.jpg|thumb|[[Ernakulam Shiva Temple|Ernakulathappan Temple]]]]
The name ''[[Ernakulam]]'' is derived from ''Erayanarkulam'' (Tamil/Malayalam) which means 'the abode of [[Shiva|Lord Shiva]]'''.''<ref>{{cite web|title=A STUDY ON COMMUNITY TOURISM AND ITS IMPACT IN KERALA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ERNAKULAM DISTRICT |url=http://www.exclusivemba.com/jems/Images/ast.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830023227/http://www.exclusivemba.com/jems/Images/ast.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 August 2019 |access-date=27 February 2013 }}</ref>{{bsn|date=November 2020}} Ernakulam was also known as Rishinagakulam in ancient times.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

==History==
[[File:H H Raja of Cochin.jpg|thumb|right|Rama Varma XV at the [[Delhi Durbar#Durbar of 1903|Delhi Durbar of 1903]].]]
[[File:Marine Drive View.JPG|thumbnail|[[Chinese fishing nets]], [[Fort Kochi]]]]
Ernakulam has played a part in the political history of [[south India]] since ancient times. The [[Cochin Jews|Jews]], [[Saint Thomas Christians|Syrians]], [[Arab people|Arabs]], Chinese, Dutch, British, and [[Portugal|Portuguese]] seafarers followed the sea route to the [[Kingdom of Cochin]] and left their impressions on the town. The port at [[Kozhikode]] held superior economic and political position in medieval Kerala coast, while [[Kannur]], [[Kollam]], and [[Kochi]], were commercially important secondary ports, where the traders from various parts of the world would gather.<ref name="Malekandathil">''The Portuguese, Indian Ocean and European Bridgeheads 1500–1800''. Festschrift in Honour of Prof. K. S. Mathew (2001). Edited by: Pius Malekandathil and T. Jamal Mohammed. Fundacoa Oriente. Institute for Research in Social Sciences and Humanities of MESHAR (Kerala)</ref> In 1664, the municipality of [[Fort Kochi]] was established by [[Dutch Malabar]], making it the first municipality in [[Indian subcontinent]], which got dissolved when the Dutch authority got weaker in 18th century.<ref>{{Cite news|title=50 years on, Kochi still has a long way to go|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/50-years-on-kochi-still-has-a-long-way-to-go/articleshow/60835311.cms|last=M K Sunil Kumar|date=26 September 2017|access-date=1 June 2021|work=The Times of India}}</ref> In 1896, the Maharaja of Cochin initiated local administration by forming a town council in Ernakulam. Initially, The district's headquarters were located in the portion of the city known as [[Ernakulam]], which gave the district its name; the headquarters was relocated afterwards to [[Kakkanad]].

In the year 1998, [[Kuttampuzha]] village was added to the district from [[Idukki district]] following which the district got a political boundary with neighbouring state of [[Tamil Nadu]]. There is no interstate road that connects the district with the neighbouring state through this border.

==Geography==
{{More citations needed section|date=September 2020}}
The Ernakulam district covers an area of {{cvt|3,068|km2}} on the Western Coastal Plains of India. It is surrounded by the [[Thrissur District]] to the north, the [[Idukki District]] to the east, [[Alappuzha District|Alappuzha]] and [[Kottayam District|Kottayam]] districts to the south, the Coimbatore District of [[Tamil Nadu]] to the north-east and the [[Laccadive Sea]] to the west. The [[Anamalai]]s occupy a large part of the district, consisting of the forest areas around [[Pooyamkutty]] and the [[Idamalayar Dam]]. The range also extends into Thrissur, Palakkad, and Idukki districts, as well as Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts of Tamil Nadu. The state border between Ernakulam district and [[Coimbatore district]] of [[Tamil Nadu]] is not accesible by road, and is located in the entirely in forest. The district is divided geographically into highland, midland, and coastal area. The altitude of the highlands is about {{cvt|300|m}}. The [[Periyar River]], Kerala's longest, flows through all the [[taluks]] except [[Muvattupuzha]]. The [[Muvattupuzha River]] and a branch of the [[Chalakkudy River]] also flow through the district. The average yearly rainfall in the district is {{cvt|3,432|mm|inch}}. The district has a moderate climate and mostly falls within the [[Malabar Coast moist forests]] ecoregion, while the highlands are part of the [[South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests]] ecoregion. The [[Anamudi]] is the tallest peak in South India, on the border of Ernakulam and Idukki districts. Some parts of the Idamalayar Reserve Forest and Mankulam Forest Division have [[Shola]]s but these parts are inaccessible by road. Parts of Ernakulam district bordering [[Tamil Nadu]] are often incorrectly considered part of the neighbouring [[Idukki district]], including parts of the Idamalayar Reserve Forest, and [[Edamalakkudy, Idukki|Edamalakkudy]]. Many types of sands, soil, and rocks are abundant here. Cochin International Airport is located in the northern part of the district at [[Nedumbassery]], Kochi.

The district houses two Urban Agglomerations, [[Kochi]] and [[Kothamangalam]]. Kochi is the largest city in the state, and 17th most populous in the country according to the [[Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]] rankings based on the 2011 Census, with an area of over 843km2 and 2.12 million population.

===Topography===
{{Unreferenced section|date=September 2020}}
The district is divided into three parts: lowland, midland, and the highland that consist of seaboard, plains, and hills and forests respectively. 20 percent of the total area are lowlands. The forests in the eastern part of the district are mostly remote, forming a part of the [[Anamalai]]s. The highest peak is the [[Anamudi]]. The midland consists mainly of plain land and a group of islands that naturally drain water via backwaters and canals. The hilly or eastern portion is formed by a section of the [[Western Ghats]]. [[Muvattupuzha]] and [[Kothamangalam]] taluks, which were initially parts of the [[Kottayam]] district and constitute the highlands. [[Muvattupuzhayar]] and [[Periyar (river)|Periyar]] are the main rivers, of which the latter flows through [[Muvattupuzha]], [[Aluva]], [[Kunnathunad]] and [[Paravur Taluk|Parur]] taluks. During the rainy season these rivers are full and heavy floods affect the low-lying areas on the banks, but in the summer season, they generally go dry and narrow. The Periyar is stretched over a length of {{cvt|229|km}}.

===Forest and wildlife===
[[File:Ocyceros griseus -India-8a.jpg|thumb|right|The Grey hornbill]]
The flora of this district is tropical. The heavy rainfall combined with moderate temperatures and fertile soil support abundant vegetation. Many of the common plants are found in the coastal area, which forms the lowland region. The midland region is occupied by coconut palms, paddy, tapioca, pepper, pineapple and pulses. The lower slopes of the highland region have teak and rubber.

==== Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary ====
[[File:Mangalavanam.JPG|thumb|Mangalavanam]]
[[Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary]] is located at the centre of [[Kochi]]. It covers {{Convert|2.74|ha|acres|abbr=on}},<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[Kerala Tourism Development Corporation]]|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/kerala-article/mangalavanam-bird-sanctuary/181/|title=Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary|access-date=21 January 2018}}</ref> supports many species of [[mangroves]] and is a nesting ground for a variety of [[migratory bird]]s. The Managalavanam is called the "green lung of Kochi",<ref>{{cite web |title=Green Lung of Kochi|url=http://www.cochin.org.uk/excursions/mangalavanam.html| publisher= cochin.org| access-date=3 April 2016}}</ref> considering its role in controlling the city's air pollution.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary|url=http://kochiservnet.com/hangouts/hangouts_action.php/45/Mangalavanam-Bird-sanctuary/| publisher= Kochi Servnet| access-date=12 November 2015}}</ref>

====Thattekad Bird Sanctuary====
[[Thattekad Bird Sanctuary]] lies on the northern bank of the [[Periyar (river)|Periyar River]] and covers about {{convert|25|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}. It was founded by ornithologist [[Salim Ali]]. The sanctuary is {{Convert|80|km|miles|abbr=on}} from Kochi. Birds found here include falcons, jungle fowl, water hens, and [[hornbill]]s. The flora of this area consists mainly of plantations of [[teak]], [[rosewood]], and mahogany. Further on the road, [[Pooyamkutty]] forest of the [[Anamalai]]s is reached.

===Climate===
{{Weather box
|location = Kochi
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan record high C = 35
|Feb record high C = 37
|Mar record high C = 37
|Apr record high C = 34
|May record high C = 35
|Jun record high C = 33
|Jul record high C = 35
|Aug record high C = 35
|Sep record high C = 38
|Oct record high C = 35
|Nov record high C = 34
|Dec record high C = 33
|year record high C = 38
|Jan high C = 30
|Feb high C = 31
|Mar high C = 31
|Apr high C = 31
|May high C = 31
|Jun high C = 28
|Jul high C = 28
|Aug high C = 28
|Sep high C = 28
|Oct high C = 29
|Nov high C = 30
|Dec high C = 30
|year high C = 30
|Jan low C = 23
|Feb low C = 25
|Mar low C = 26
|Apr low C = 26
|May low C = 26
|Jun low C = 25
|Jul low C = 24
|Aug low C = 24
|Sep low C = 25
|Oct low C = 25
|Nov low C = 25
|Dec low C = 23
|year low C = 25
|Jan record low C = 17
|Feb record low C = 18
|Mar record low C = 20
|Apr record low C = 21
|May record low C = 22
|Jun record low C = 21
|Jul record low C = 21
|Aug record low C = 20
|Sep record low C = 22
|Oct record low C = 20
|Nov record low C = 20
|Dec record low C = 19
|year record low C = 17
|Jan precipitation mm = 21.9
|Feb precipitation mm = 22.9
|Mar precipitation mm = 35.3
|Apr precipitation mm = 124.0
|May precipitation mm = 395.7
|Jun precipitation mm = 720.7
|Jul precipitation mm = 697.2
|Aug precipitation mm = 367.8
|Sep precipitation mm = 289.4
|Oct precipitation mm = 302.3
|Nov precipitation mm = 175.1
|Dec precipitation mm = 48.3
|year precipitation mm = 3228.3
|source 1 =<ref name=Wht>{{Cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=35334&refer=&units=metric|title=Kochi, India |publisher=Whetherbase |access-date=1 July 2010 |date=August 2011}}</ref>
|source 2 =<ref name=MSN>{{Cite web |url=http://weather.uk.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:INXX0032&q=Cochin,+IND+forecast:averagesm |title=Kochi, India |publisher=MSN India |access-date=3 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714123820/http://weather.uk.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:INXX0032&q=Cochin,+IND+forecast:averagesm |archive-date=14 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|date=September 2010
}}

==Economy==
{{Unreferenced section|date=September 2020}}
[[File:Kochi Marine Drive Day View BNC.jpg|center|thumb|Kochi Marine Drive Day View]]
[[File:Marine Drive Kochi Night View DSW.jpg|center|thumb|The beauty in the night, [[Marine Drive, Kochi]]]]
[[File:Carnival Info Park Phase - 4.jpg|thumbnail|[[Infopark, Kochi]]]]
Ernakulam district is the richest district in Kerala and is the biggest commercial centre in the state of [[Kerala]]. It contributes the most to the state exchequer in terms of GSVA and tax revenues. It has the highest literacy rate as well as the highest per capita income in the state, along with having the most number of commercialised banks, startups and large scale industries & MSMEs in the state.
Its M.G. Road is the location of some of the biggest businesses in [[Kerala]]. Kochi is also the headquarters of some large companies like [[Federal Bank]], [[Geojit Financial Services|Geojit]], [[Real Estate|BC to AD]], [[V-Guard Industries|V-Guard]], and [[Muthoot]].

The sea along the entire coast of the district and its backwaters are the habitat of various kinds of fish that supply both marine and inland fisheries.

===Agriculture===
{{Unreferenced section|date=September 2020}}
The eastern part of Ernakulam is primarily agrarian in nature. [[Rice]] is the principal crop cultivated in the wetlands. The district is the largest producer of [[nutmeg]] and [[pineapple]] in the state: more than 55% of pineapples produced in the state is cultivated in the district. [[Rubber]] is the most cultivated plantation crop in the district and the district is the second-largest producer of rubber in the state behind Kottayam. Other important crops cultivated in the district are [[tapioca]], [[black pepper]], [[areca nut]], [[coconut]], [[turmeric]], [[banana]], and [[Cooking plantain|plantain]].

==Education==
{{See also|Educational Institutions in Ernakulam District}}
[[File:Administrative Block , Cusat.jpg|thumb|Administrative Block of [[Cochin University of Science and Technology]]]]
Ernakulam is the first district in India to have 100 percent literacy by 1990. In fact Kochi has the highest literacy rate for any city in the country with over 20 lakhs population. [[Pothanikkad]] is the first village in India that achieved 100 percent literacy according to state literacy programme is in this district.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

There are three prominent universities in Ernakulam: [[Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit]] in [[Kalady]], [[Cochin University of Science and Technology]] in [[Kalamassery]], and [[Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies]] in [[Kochi]]. The district has the most number of educational institutions in the state; as of 2019, there are 476 fully high-tech schools in Ernakulam.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/now-ernakulam-has-476-fully-high-tech-schools/article30226214.ece|title=Now, Ernakulam has 476 fully high-tech schools|date=7 December 2019|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>

In 2017, Ernakulam district administration launched the Roshni project, which aims to provide Malayalam education to migrant children. It supported 1,265 migrant workers’ children from lower primary to high school.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/934120/in-keralas-ernakulam-district-a-programme-is-helping-migrant-children-stay-in-school|title=In Kerala’s Ernakulam district, a programme is helping migrant children stay in school|first=IndiaSpend com|last=Shreehari Paliath|website=Scroll.in}}</ref>

==Divisions==
{{See also|Administration of Ernakulam district}}
There are two revenue divisions: Fort Kochi and Muvattupuzha. The municipal corporation is in Kochi.

===Taluks===

The district has the most taluks in the state. The district is divided by two revenue divisions with seven taluks.
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
* [[Paravur Taluk|Paravur]]
* [[Aluva]]
* [[Kunnathunad]]
* [[Muvattupuzha]]
* [[Kochi]]
* [[Kanayannur]]
* [[Kothamangalam, Ernakulam|Kothamangalam]]
{{Div col end}}

===Municipalities===

Interestingly, Ernakulam district has the most number of municipalities in the state.
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
* [[North Paravur]]
* [[Piravom]]
* [[Muvattupuzha]]
* [[Koothattukulam]]
* [[Perumbavoor]]
* [[Aluva]]
* [[Angamaly]]
* [[Thripunithura]]
* [[Kalamassery]]
* [[Kothamangalam, Ernakulam|Kothamangalam]]
* [[Eloor]]
* [[Maradu]]
* [[Thrikkakara]]
{{Div col end}}

A criticism that has been centered around this fact is that despite municipalities like Aluva, Kalamassery, Thrikkakara, Maradu, Tripunithura and Eloor becoming assimilated into Kochi city, they still exist as individual municipalities instead of being under [[Kochi Corporation]]. Surprisingly the corporation has not amended its limits for over half a century, since 1967 to be precise. The corporation was the largest in area and population when it was formed, and all these regions were panchayaths back then. Instead of adding them to the corporation when these regions started developing due to the urban expansion of Kochi city, they were made into separate municipalities thus largely handicapping the corporation. Now the call to expand these outdated limits for a better unified administration for the entire city of Kochi is a strong public demand.<ref>https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2021/jan/12/chamber-calls-for-expansion-of-kochi-corp-2248723.amp</ref>

===Parliamentary Constituencies===
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
* [[Ernakulam (Lok Sabha constituency)|Ernakulam Parliamentary Constituency]]
* [[Chalakudy (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chalakudy Parliamentary Constituency]] (partially)
* [[Idukki (Lok Sabha constituency)|Idukki Parliamentary Constituency]] (parts of Muvattupuzha taluk and Kothamangalam taluk)
* [[Kottayam (Lok Sabha constituency)|Kottayam Parliamentary Constituency]] (parts of Muvattupuzha taluk and Kanayannur taluk)
{{Div col end}}

===Assembly Constituencies===
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
*[[Piravom]]
*[[Angamaly]]
*[[Aluva]]
*[[Kalamassery]]
*[[North Paravur]]
*[[Vypeen]]
*[[Kochi]]
*[[Ernakulam]]
*[[Thrikkakara]]
*[[Thripunithura]]
*[[Perumbavoor]]
*[[Kunnathunad]]
*[[Moovattupuzha]]
*[[Kothamangalam, Ernakulam|Kothamangalam]]
{{Div col end}}

==Demographics==
{{historical populations|11=1901|12=6,46,235|13=1911|14=7,35,267|15=1921|16=7,89,311|17=1931|18=9,82,731|19=1941|20=11,72,292|21=1951|22=13,93,679|23=1961|24=17,02,740|25=1971|26=21,70,820|27=1981|28=25,49,255|29=1991|30=28,40,279|31=2001|32=31,05,798|33=2011|34=32,82,388|35=2018|36=34,27,659|percentages=pagr|footnote=source:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html|title=Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|website=www.censusindia.gov.in}}</ref>|align=right}}
According to the [[Vital statistics (government records)|2018 Statistics Report]], Ernakulam has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 3,427,659.<ref name="ekmdemo_2018"/> The [[2011 Census of India]] reports that the district is ranked 104th most populous in India out of 640.<ref name="districtcensus" /> The district has a population density of {{convert| 1,072 |PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}}.<ref name="districtcensus" /> Its [[Family planning in India|population growth rate]] in 2001–2011 was 5.69%.<ref name="districtcensus" /> Ernakulam has a [[human sex ratio|sex ratio]] of 1027 [[Women in India|females]] for every 1000 males,<ref name="districtcensus" /> and a [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] of 95.89%.<ref name="districtcensus" />

This district is listed as the "most advanced" district in Kerala. It had a resident population of 3,105,798 as of 2001, excluding the commuters from neighbouring districts. The urban population is 68%.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/kerala/press%20note_kerala.pdf|title=censusindia.gov.in}}</ref>

According to the 2011 Census of India, Ernakulam District also houses the largest city (UA) in the state (17th largest in the country) - [[Kochi Urban Agglomeration]]. Kochi UA spans across 843km2 with a population of 2,119,724 (2.12 million),<ref>http://mohua.gov.in/cms/number-of-cities--towns-by-city-size-class.php</ref> thereby housing approximately two thirds of the population of Ernakulam District. Government of Kerala have also marked Kochi UA as the only "first order UA" in the state, which has its influence spread across the entire state unlike the other smaller cities.

The district also houses another smaller urban agglomeration - [[Kothamangalam]], which has an area of 81.42 km2 housing over 1,14, 639 people. The towns of [[Kothamangalam]] and [[Muvattupuzha]] form a major chunk of the Kothamangalam UA.

===Religion===
{{bar box
|title=Religions in Ernakulam District
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hindus]]|orange|46}}
{{bar percent|[[Christians]]|blue|38}}
{{bar percent|[[Muslims]]|green|15.7}}
{{bar percent|Others|black|0.31}}
|caption=Distribution of religions<br />
<small>Source: 2011 Census<ref name="census2011-religionreport">{{cite web |title=Religion – Kerala, Districts and Sub-districts |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW32C-01%20MDDS.XLS |work=Census of India 2011 |publisher=Office of the Registrar General}}</ref></small>
}}

[[Hindu]]s (46%) accounts for the largest community, followed by [[Christians]] (38%) and [[Muslim]]s (15.7%). A small population of [[Jainism in Kerala|Jains]], [[Jew]]s, and [[Sikh]]s reside in Kochi.<ref>[http://www.ernakulam.nic.in/district_profile.htm Official Ernakulam District Profile] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721165413/http://www.ernakulam.nic.in/district_profile.htm |date=21 July 2011 }}</ref>

Ernakulam also has a significant [[Konkani people|Konkani Hindu]] population who escaped from Goa during the [[Goa Inquisition]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2017/oct/18/exploring-kochi-through-a-goan-lens-1677623.html|title=Exploring Kochi through a Goan lens|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> There is a small [[Jain]] community in Ernakulam district, concentrated mainly in the Kochi city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/jain-festival-celebrated-in-city/articleshow/54386779.cms|title=Jain festival celebrated in city | Kochi News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> The [[Cochin Sikhs|Sikh community]] in Ernakulam is also concentrated mainly in Kochi. There are more than 25 Sikh families in [[Kochi]] and there is one [[gurdwara]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/the-sikhs-here-love-kochi/articleshow/16961391.cms|title=Sikh families: The Sikhs here love Kochi | Kochi News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
[[File:Thrikkakara Temple DSC09337.JPG|thumb|[[Thrikkakara Temple]]-one of the few temples in India and only temple in Kerala dedicated to [[Vamana|Lord Vamana]]]]
[[File:Chottanikkara Temple.jpg|thumb|[[Chottanikkara Temple]]]]

==Culture==

===Festivals and traditions===
{{Unreferenced section|date=September 2020}}
{{See also|Pilgrimage centres in Ernakulam district}}
The [[Aluva Sivarathri festival]] at the [[Aluva Mahadeva Temple]] (situated on the banks of river Periyar) in Aluva attracts people from around the country.

[[St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Piravom]] is believed to be founded in 405 A.D. and was the headquarters of [[Archdeacon]] and St Thomas until the 18th century.

[[Adi Shankaracharya]] was born in [[Kalady]], which is considered to be a major pilgrimage centre for [[Hindus]] around the world.

[[Kallil Temple|Kallil Kshethram]] is a famous [[Jainism in Kerala|Jain]] temple near [[Perumbavoor]].

[[Puthencruz]] is the [[Jacobite Syrian Christian Church|regional seat]] of [[Syriac Orthodox Church]] in India, and is where [[Saint Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Malayattoor]] is located.

The eight-day lent (Ettunombu) festival at [[Thamarachal Valiyapally|St Mary's Jacobite Syrian Valiyapally, Thamarachal]] attracts many people from all over the state. St. George Orthodox Syrian Church at Kadamattam near [[Muvattupuzha]] is very old and was founded by Mar Abo Syrian Metropolitan in the 5th century A.D. He brought a cross from Persia, which is preserved in the church. The festival at the Latin church of Vallarpadam on 24 September attracts people belonging to all religions. The icon of [[Virgin Mary]] in this church is credited with many miracles. [[St. George's Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Edappally]] was founded in 593 A.D.

Important pilgrimage sites in Ernakulam are Koonan Kurish St George Orthodox Pilgrim church, [[Mattancherry]]; Vadakken Paravoor St Thomas Catholic Church, [[Malayattoor Pally]]; and Mor Thoman [[Jacobite Church]], [[Kothamangalam, Ernakulam|Kothamangalam]]; and [[Thrikkunnathu Seminary|Thrikkunnathu St Mary's Seminary Church, Aluva]]. The relics of [[Gregorios Abdul Jaleel]] are preserved at the St. Thomas Jacobite church [[North Paravur]]. Thousands of pilgrims from Kerala culminate on 27 April for the Dhukrono of the Saint. The Feast of [[Eldho Mor Baselios]] is celebrated in the tomb church Mor Thoman Church at Kothamangalam every year on 2 and 3 October. The Feast of [[Paulose Mar Athanasius]] on 26 January at [[Thrikkunnathu Seminary|Thrikkunnathu St Mary's Seminary Church, Aluva]], where he is entombed, also attracts thousands.

[[Gheevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala]], also known as [[Parumala Thirumeni]], the first saint of [[Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church]] from India was born and brought up in [[Mulanthuruthy]].

===Places of interest===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*[[Marine Drive, Kochi]]
*[[Paradesi Synagogue|Cochin Jewish Synagogue]]: Constructed in 1567, oldest active [[synagogue]] in the Commonwealth of Nations
*[[Chinese Fishing Nets]] (Cheena Vala)
*[[Hill Palace, Tripunithura]]
*[[Bolgatty Island]]
*[[Willingdon Island]]
*[[Dutch Palace]]: Made in 1568 by the Portuguese. Later re-structured by the Dutch.
*[[St. Francis Church, Kochi]]: Originally built in 1503, the oldest European church in India
*[[Kodanad]]: Elephant training centre is located here.
*[[Pareekshit Thampuran Museum]]
*[[Kerala Historical Museum]]: Located at [[Edappally]]
*[[Chendamangalam]], a village
* [[Paliam|Palium Palace]]
*[[Vypeenakotta Seminary]]
*[[Bhoothathankettu]], a scenic dam site
*[[Malayattoor Saint Thomas Church|St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Malayattoor]]: The only international shrine in Asia. Believed to have been visited by St. Thomas, the apostle.
*[[Wonderla|Wonder La]], Kakkanad: Amusement park
*[[Cherai Beach]].
*[[Kuzhippilly Beach]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kuzhupillybeach.com/|title=Kuzhupilly Beach|website=www.kuzhupillybeach.com}}</ref>
*[[Fort Kochi Beach]]
*[[voy:Paniyeli Poru|Paniyeli Poru]]
*[[Ezhattumugham, Kerala|Ezhattumugham]]
{{Div col end}}

==Transport==
{{Unreferenced section|date=September 2020}}
{{Main|Transportation in Ernakulam district}}

===Road connectivity===
The three major national highways passing through Ernakulam are the Cochin-Mumbai Highway ([[National Highway 66 (India)|NH 66]]), Salem-Kanyakumari ([[National Highway 47 (India)|NH 47]] part of [[North–South and East–West Corridor|NSEW corridor]]), and Cochin-Dhanushkodi highway ([[National Highway 49 (India)|NH 49]]).

===Railway station===
Ernakulam has 17 railway stations. The [[Ernakulam Junction]], [[Ernakulam Town]] and [[Aluva Railway Station|Aluva]] are the major stations. The other stations are [[Angamaly Railway Station|Angamaly]], [[Thripunithura]], [[Edappally (Railway Station)|Edapally]], [[Mulamthuruthy]], [[Cochin Harbour Terminus]], Karakutty, [[Chowara]], [[Kalamassery]], [[Nettoor]], [[Kumbalam, Ernakulam|Kumbalam]], [[Mattancherry|Mattancherry H.]], Chottanikkara road, and [[Piravom]] road. The rail routes travel via [[Thrissur]], Kottayam, Cochin H.T., [[Alappuzha]], and Vallarpadam. The Angamaly-Erumely Sabarimala route passes through the district. [[Kochi Metro]] runs in Kochi.

===Airport===
Ernakulam district has two airports: Naval airport in W.island (Old Cochin airport) and [[Cochin International Airport]] (CIAL). CIAL is the fourth largest airport in the country after [[Mumbai]], [[Delhi]], and [[Chennai]], and serves International passengers.

===Water transport===
Ernakulam lies in the flat delta region of the Periyar and Moovattupuzha rivers. Water transport is prominent in the district via rivers and lagoons.

==Notable people==
{{div col}}
*[[Adi Sankaracharya]] (Saint Advaita)
*[[Ajay Kudua]] (cricketer)
*[[Swami Chinmayananda]] (Indian spiritual leader and geetacharya )
*[[Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala]] (Syrian Orthodox Saint)
*[[Paulose Mar Athanasius]] (Syrian Orthodox Saint)
*[[Shadkala Govinda Marar]] (Carnatic musician)
*[[Sahodaran Ayyappan]] (social reformer and former minister of Kochi State)
*[[Antony Perumbavoor]] (Indian Film Producer)
*[[K J Yesudas]] (singer)
*[[Changampuzha]] (poet)
*[[Malayattoor Ramakrishnan|Malayattoor ramakrishnan]] (novelist)
* [[NS Madhavan]] (writer)
*[[Sebastian Paul]] (politician)
*[[Simon Britto]] (politician)
*[[Feroze V Rasheed]] (cricketer)
*[[K Jayaraman]] (cricketer)
*[[G. Sankara Kurup]] (poet)
*[[P K Vasudevan Nair]] (former chief minister)
*[[Balachandran Chullikad]] (poet and actor)
*[[Sreesanth]] (cricketer)
*[[K. V. Thomas]] (politician)
*[[Asin Thottumkal]] (actress)
*[[Jayasurya]] (actor)
*[[Cochin Haneefa]] (actor)
*[[P. R. Shreejesh|Sreejesh Ravindran]] (hockey player)
*[[Sankaradi]] (actor)
*[[Salim Kumar]] (actor)
*[[T. K. Narayana Pillai]] (former chief minister of Kerala)
*[[Jayaram]] (actor)
*[[Lalu Alex]] (actor)
*[[Hibi Eden]] (politician)
*[[K. M. George (politician)|K. M. George]] (politician)
*[[Francis George (politician)|Francis George]] (politician)
*[[Johnny Nellore]] (politician)
*[[T. M. Jacob]] (politician)
*[[Anoop Jacob]] (politician)
*[[Jose Thettayil]] (politician)
*[[Nivin Pauly]] (actor)
*[[Lal (actor)|Lal]] (actor)
*[[Rajeev Ravi]] (director and cinematographer)
{{div col end}}
{{clear}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Kochi_Jewish_Synagogue_C.jpg|[[Paradesi Synagogue|Cochin Jewish Synagogue]]
File:St._Francis_CSI_Church,_in_Fort_Kochi_DSW.jpg|[[St. Francis Church, Kochi|St. Francis Church]]
File:Marine_Drive_Kochi.jpg|Chinese Net Bridge at Marine Drive walkway
File:Dutch cemetery.jpg|The old Dutch cemetery in Kochi
File:Hill_palace_horse_cart_room_back_of_palace.jpg|[[Hill Palace, Tripunithura]]
File:High Court of Kerala Building.jpg|[[High Court of Kerala]] at [[Ernakulam]]
File:Heritage Building of Ernakulam District Court by Augustus Binu.jpg|Heritage Building of Ernakulam District Court
</gallery>
{{clear}}

==See also==

* [[Malayattoor]]
*[[Kizhakkumbhagom]]
*[[Thuthiyoor]]
*[[Edathala]]
*[[Kizhakkambalam]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
==Further reading==
* {{Citation
| author = U. Sivaraman Nair | year=1952
| title= 1951 Census Handbook- Trichur District | publisher=Travancore-Cochin Government Press
| location = Trivandrum
| url= http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/5611/1/23588_1951_TRI.pdf
}}
* {{Citation
| author = M. K. Devassy | year=1965
| title= 1961 Census Handbook- Ernakulam District | publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala and The Union Territory of Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands
| url= http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/5661/1/22067_1961_ERN.pdf
}}
* {{Citation
| author = Government of India | year=2014–15
| title= District Census Handbook - Ernakulam (Part-A) 2011 | publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala
| url= https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/3208_PART_A_ERNAKULAM.pdf
}}
* {{Citation
| author = Government of India | year=2014–15
| title= District Census Handbook - Ernakulam (Part-B) 2011 | publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala
| url= https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/3208_PART_B_ERNAKULAM.pdf
}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Ernakulam district}}
*{{Official website|http://ernakulam.nic.in}}
*{{curlie|Regional/Asia/India/Kerala/Districts/Ernakulam}}

{{Geographic Location
|Centre = Ernakulam district
|North = [[Thrissur district]]
|Northeast = [[Coimbatore district]], [[Tamil Nadu]]
|East = [[Idukki district]]
|South = [[Kottayam district]]
|Southwest = ''[[Lakshadweep Sea]]'', [[Alappuzha district]]
|Southeast = [[Idukki district]]
|West = ''[[Lakshadweep Sea]]''
|Northwest = ''[[Lakshadweep Sea]]''
}}

{{Navboxes
| title = Articles Related to Ernakulam district
| list =
{{Kerala}}
{{Ernakulam district}}
{{Kochi}}
{{Northern Travancore}}
{{Hindu temples in Kerala}}
}}
{{Districts of Kerala}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ernakulam District}}
[[Category:Ernakulam district| ]]
[[Category:1958 establishments in Kerala]]
[[Category:Districts of Kerala]]

IndianPedia - User contributions [en]

Ernakulam district