Ernakulam: The Vibrant Heart of Kochi

• Helloനമസ്കാരം
  [namaskaram]
• Goodbyeപോയി പോ
  [poi po]
• Yesഅതെ
  [athe]
• Noഇല്ല
  [illa]
• Please/You're welcomeദയവായി
  [dayavayi]
• Thank youനന്ദി
  [nandi]
• Excuse me/Sorryക്ഷമിക്കണം
  [kshamikkanam]
• How are you?സുഖമാണോ?
  [sukhamaano?]
• Fine. And you?നന്ദി. നീ?
  [nandi. nee?]
• Do you speak English?നിന്റെ ചെലവ് ആങ്കലം സംസാരിക്കുക?
  [ninte chelavu aangalam samsaarikkuka?]
• I don't understandഞാൻ പിടിച്ചില്ല
  [naan pidichilla]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseമെനു കാണാനും വിനയമാകും
  [menu kaanannum vinayamaakum]
• I don't eat meatഞാൻ പാന കഴിക്കില്ല
  [naan paana kazhikkilla]
• Cheers!ചീർസ്!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseധനം ചെലവാക്കാനും വിനയമാകും
  [dhanam chelavaakkaanum vinayamaakum]

• Help!സഹായം!
  [sahaayam!]
• Go away!പോയി പോ!
  [poi po!]
• Call the Police!പോലീസിനെ വിളിക്കുക!
  [police ne vilikkuka!]
• Call a doctor!ഡോക്ടർറെ വിളിക്കുക!
  [doctorre vilikkuka!]
• I'm lostഞാൻ താഴ്ന്നു
  [naan thaazhnnu]
• I'm illഞാൻ രോഗിയാണ്
  [naan rogiyaanu]

• I'd like to buy...ഞാൻ വാങ്ങാനും ആകും...
  [naan vaanganaum aakum...]
• I'm just lookingഞാൻ കാണാനും ആകും
  [naan kaanannum aakum]
• How much is it?അത് എത്ര?
  [athe ethra?]
• That's too expensiveഅത് വളരെ വെറുതെയാണ്
  [athe valare veruthenyaanu]
• Can you lower the price?വില കുറയ്ക്കാനാണോ?
  [vil kuraykaanano?]

• What time is it?ഏത് സമയം ആണ്?
  [ethu samayam aano?]
• It's one o'clockഒരു മണിക്ക്
  [oru manikku]
• Half past (10)പത്തിന്റെ അര്ധം
  [pattinte ardham]
• Morningരാവിലെ
  [raavile]
• Afternoonഉച്ചയ്ക്ക്
  [ucchaykku]
• Eveningസന്ധ്യ
  [sandhya]
• Yesterdayഇന്നലെ
  [innale]
• Todayഇന്ന്
  [innu]
• Tomorrowനാളെ
  [naale]
• 1ഒന്ന്
  [onnu]
• 2രണ്ട്
  [randu]
• 3മൂന്ന്
  [moonn]
• 4നാല്
  [naal]
• 5അഞ്ച്
  [anch]
• 6ആറ്
  [aaru]
• 7ഏഴ്
  [eel]
• 8എട്ട്
  [ett]
• 9ഒമ്പത്
  [ombath]
• 10പത്ത്
  [path]

• Where's a/the...?എവിടെ...?
  [evide...?]
• What's the address?പത്ത് എന്താണ്?
  [path enthaanu?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?എനിക്ക് കാർട്ടൂണം കാണിക്കാനാണോ?
  [enikku cartoonam kaanikkano?]
• When's the next (bus)?അടുത്തത് (ബസ്സ്) എപ്പോ?
  [adutthath (bass) eppo?]
• A ticket (to ....)ടിക്കറ്റ് (.... എന്നപട്ടികക്കായ്)
  [ticket (.... ennapattikkay)]

Ernakulam's history is deeply intertwined with Kochi's status as a major trading port since ancient times. The region served as a vital hub for spice trade, attracting traders from across the globe, including the Arabs, Chinese, and Europeans. This early maritime trade laid the foundation for Kochi's prosperity and Ernakulam's growth.

In the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company established a significant presence in Kochi, including Ernakulam. The Dutch transformed the local economy, focusing on the spice trade while introducing advanced agricultural practices. Their influence is still visible today in the architecture and urban planning of the area.

The British colonial period brought further changes to Ernakulam. The establishment of the railway in the late 19th century linked Ernakulam with other parts of India, facilitating trade and movement. This period also saw the development of modern infrastructure, including roads and institutions, which contributed to the urbanization of the area.

Ernakulam has long been a melting pot of cultures, with influences from various communities, including the Jewish, Arab, and Christian populations. This diversity is reflected in the area's festivals, cuisine, and architectural styles, showcasing a blend of traditions that have evolved over centuries.

After India's independence in 1947, Ernakulam underwent rapid urbanization and development. The establishment of various educational institutions, IT parks, and commercial establishments has transformed Ernakulam into a bustling urban center, while still preserving its rich historical and cultural heritage.

Ernakulam is well-connected by various modes of transport. From Kochi International Airport, you can take a taxi or an airport shuttle bus to reach Ernakulam, which is approximately 30 kilometers away. If you're coming from Fort Kochi or Mattancherry, local ferries provide a scenic route across the backwaters. Alternatively, buses and auto-rickshaws are convenient options for getting around Kochi and reaching Ernakulam.

Ernakulam has a robust public transport system. The Kochi Water Metro offers ferry services connecting different parts of the city. The Ernakulam Junction railway station is a major hub for trains traveling to and from various Indian cities. Buses and auto-rickshaws are widely available for short distances, and bicycles can be rented in some areas for a more eco-friendly way to explore.

Ernakulam is generally safe for tourists; however, standard precautions should be taken. Petty theft can occur, particularly in crowded areas like markets. It is advisable to avoid isolated areas, especially at night. Areas like the Marine Drive promenade are generally safe, but stay vigilant in less crowded locales. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance, 102 for ambulance services, and 108 for fire emergencies. Local hospitals are equipped to handle medical issues, and pharmacies are available throughout Ernakulam for minor health concerns. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear light, modest clothing, especially in religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing outfits. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; remove shoes before entering temples or mosques. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and women. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with 'Namaste' and a slight bow; a friendly smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like dosa and fish curry, and accept food offerings. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Ernakulam like a local, visit the vibrant LuLu Mall for shopping and dining. Explore the local markets for fresh produce and spices. Engage with locals at tea stalls, where you can savor authentic Kerala chai. Don't miss the chance to attend a Kathakali performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre for an insight into traditional art forms. Utilize the ferry services for a unique perspective of the city from the water.

When visiting temples or churches, it is customary to be quiet and respectful. Photography may not be allowed in certain places, so always ask for permission. During festivals like Onam, locals appreciate it if visitors participate in celebrations or observe traditional customs.

Kerala is famous for its cuisine, especially seafood and vegetarian dishes. Don't miss trying the traditional Sadya, a feast served on a banana leaf, and local snacks like banana chips and murukku. Street food is also popular, but ensure it's from a clean vendor to avoid stomach issues.