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Ernakulam district was formed on 1 April, 1958 with the Aluva, Kunnathunadu,
Kochi, Kanayannur, Paravoor Taluks which was with Thrissur district. When
Idukki district was formed on 26 January 1977, Thodupuzha taluk was joined
with Idukki and Muvattupuzha taluk separated with to form Kothamangalam taluk.
Head Quarters : Kochi (Kakkanad) Taluks of Ernakulam District : Aluva,
Kothamangalam, Kunnathunadu, Kochi, Kanayannur, Muvattupuzha, Paravoor.
The district is divided into three well-defined parts -
lowland, midland and the highland consisting of seaboard, plains and the hills
and forests respectively. 20 percent of the total area is low land region. The
midland consists mainly of plain land having natural facilities of drainage
via backwaters and canals. The hilly or eastern portion is formed by a section
of Western Ghats. Muvattupuzha, Kothamangalm and Aluva can be called the
highlands.
Muvattupuzha and Periyar are the main rivers of which the latter flows through
Thodupuzha, Muvattupuzha, Aluva, Kunnathunadu and Parur taluks. During 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 229 km.
People
The most important religious communities of the district are Hindus,
Christians and Muslims. In addition to the major communities the Buddhists,
the Jains, the Sikhs, and the Jews also form part of the cosmopolitan
population. The ancestors of the Jews migrated from Jerusalem in 72 A.D. Now
there are very few Jewish families in Cochin.
Flora and Fauna
The flora of this district is tropical. The heavy rainfall combined with
moderate temperature and fertile soil support abundant vegetation. Many of the
common plants are found in the coastal area, which forms the low land region.
Coconut is extensively cultivated here. The midland region is mainly occupied
by coconut palms. Paddy, tapioca, pepper and pulses are also cultivated here.
The lower slopes of the highland region are under teak, and rubber
cultivation. The eastern part of the district has dense forests with their
characterized fauna.
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