Ernakulam is a district of Kerala, India situated in the central part of that state. Ernakulam is known as the commercial capital of Kerala. The district is famous for its ancient temples, churches, and mosques. The district includes the largest metropolitan region of the state, Greater Cochin. The Jews, Syrians, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kingdom of Cochin and left their impressions in the town. In 1896, the Maharaja of Cochin initiated local administration by forming a town council in Ernakulam. Kochi Enjoy a scenic view of the sea and the Cochin Port. Shopping can be done at the GCDA shopping centre. Two spectacular bridges have also been built along the shore. Chinese Fishing Nets can be seen at Fort Cochin.Hill Palace Museum at Tripunithura. Paintings, epigraphy, furnitures of the royal family etc. are displayed.Bolgatty Island has a palace built by the Dutch in 1744 and a golf course. Formed from the sand deposited when Cochin Port was deepened, Willington Island has a naval base, a railway terminus a port and customs offices.Dutch Palace: Made in 1568 by the Portuguese. St. Francis Church, Kochi: Originally built in 1503, the oldest European church in India. Kerala Historical Museum Located at Edappally.