COCHIN HARBOUR

Climate Under the Kppen climate classification, Kochi features a tropical monsoon climate. Kochi's proximity to the equator along with its coastal location results in little seasonal temperature variation, with moderate to high levels of humidity. Annual temperatures range between 23 and 31 C (7388 F) with the record high being 38 C (100 F), and record low 17 C (63 F).[30] From June to September, the south-west monsoon brings in heavy rains as Kochi lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats. From October to December, Kochi receives lighter (yet significant) rain from the northeast monsoon, as it lies on the leeward side. Average annual rainfall is 3,228.3 mm (127.10 in), with an annual average of 132 rainy days.

Climate data for Kochi Month Record high C (F) Jan

35 (95) 30 (86) 23 (73) 17 (63) 21.9 (0.862)

Feb
37 (99) 31 (88) 25 (77) 18 (64) 22.9

Mar
37 (99) 31 (88) 26 (79) 20 (68) 35.3

Apr
34 (93) 31 (88) 26 (79) 21 (70) 124.0

May
35 (95) 31 (88) 26 (79) 22 (72) 395.7

Jun
33 (91) 28 (82) 25 (77) 21 (70) 720.7

Jul
35 (95) 28 (82) 24 (75) 21 (70) 697.2

Aug
35 (95) 28 (82) 24 (75) 20 (68) 367.8

Sep
38 (100) 28 (82) 25 (77) 22 (72) 289.4

Oct
35 (95) 29 (84) 25 (77) 20 (68) 302.3

Nov
34 (93) 30 (86) 25 (77) 20 (68) 175.1

Dec
33 (91) 30 (86) 23 (73) 19 (66) 48.3 (1.902)

Year
38 (100) 30

Average high C (F)

Average low C (F)

25 17 (63) 3,228.3 (127.098)

Record low C (F) Precipitation mm (inches)

Source no. 1:
[32]

(0.902) (1.39)

(4.882) (15.579) (28.374) (27.449) (14.48) (11.394) (11.902) (6.894)

Source no. 2: [33]

Economy Kochi is widely referred to as the commercial capital of Kerala. Kochi is home to Cochin Stock Exchange, the only stock exchange in Kerala. Availability of electricity, fresh water, long coastline, backwaters, good banking facilities, presence of a major port, container trans-shipment terminal, harbor terminal and an international air terminal are some of the factors which accelerated the industrial growth in the city and its adjoining district. In recent years the city has

witnessed heavy investment, thus making it one of the fastest-growing second-tier metro cities in India. Sales tax income generated in the Kochi metropolitan area contributes heavily to state revenue. The district contributes the highest portion, 14.47%, of the state's GDP. Construction and manufacturing combined contributes 37%, and trade, tourism and hospitality together provides another 20%. Major business sectors include construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, transportation/shipping, seafood and spices exports, chemical industries, information technology (IT), tourism, health services, and banking. Kochi is recognized as one of the seventeen major industrial cities of India by World Bank, Doing Business Group. However, in the 2009 rankings of ease to start and operate a business, among the 17 Indian cities selected, Kochi was rated as the second most difficult city to start business and was ranked 16th, above Kolkata. As in most of Kerala, remittances from non-resident Indians (NRI)s is a major source of income. Eloor, situated 17 kilometres (10.5 mi) north of the city-centre, is the largest industrial belt in Kerala, with more than 250 industries manufacturing a range of products including chemical and petrochemical products, pesticides, rare earth elements, rubber processing chemicals, fertilisers, zinc and chromium compounds, and leather products.Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT), one of the oldest fertilizers and chemical industry in Kerala is located in Kochi. Kochi Refineries of (BPCL) at Ambalamugal is one of the largest oil refining facilities in South India. Petronet India has now almost completed Kochi LNG Terminal, for importing and storing natural gas, for energy and fueling needs.Central Government establishments like the Coconut Development Board, the Coir Board and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) have head offices located in the city.

HARBOUR

Harbour Engineering Department continued to work as a Service Department for Fisheries and Ports Department of the Government of Kerala. The Department undertakes investigation, planning, design, preparation of project reports for the construction of cargo harbours, fishery harbours, fish landing centres, fish seed farms, hatcheries in addition to the routine maintenance of the port and fisheries structures. The present assignments include the construction work of Fishing Harbours at Moplay Bay, Chombal, Puthiappa, Munambam, Kayamkulam, Thangassery, Neendakara, and Vizhinjam. In addition to the above the implementation of fisheries roads and water supply schemes under the grant of 10th Finance Commission was also entrusted to the department. The works in 10 districts were progressing at various stages. The operation, management and maintenance of commissioned fishery harbours and fish landing centres were also vested with this department. An amount of Rs. 115,89,040/- has been collected by way of revenue from the finishing harbour and fish landing centres during 1999-2000. (The latest figures awaited) Organizational Structure This department was formed in the year 1982 to work as a service department to Fisheries and Ports Department of the Government of Kerala. The department has achieved expertise and experience in the execution of various civil engineering works connected with ports and harbours. The activity of the department was extended to the fields relating to the development of Prawn/Fish Farms, Hatcheries, Nurseries etc. A good number of Engineers of the department are having Post Graduates and Ph.D qualifications in specialised subjects such as Ocean Engineering, Marine Structure, Ports and Harbours, Hydraulics, Aqua-culture Engineering, Port Operation and Management etc. and the expertise gained by them reflected in

the performance of the department. The organisation was set up to function under a Chief Engineer with a Design Wing at Thiruvananthapuram and two regional level circle office (upto 7.2.95) having headquarters at Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. The third circle namely Thangassery Project Circle was formed on 7.2.95. Superintending Engineers are the Regional Officers, Executive Engineers are Divisional Officers, Assistant Executive Engineers are Sub Divisional Officers and Assistant Engineers are Section Officers. The Assistant Engineers are assisted by subordinate field staff, viz., Overseers and Chainmen. Office of the Chief Engineer at Kamaleswaram is the headquarters.

Design Wing Design wing is headed by an Executive Engineer assisted by Assistant Executive Engineers and this wing is responsible for the preparation of Project Reports for development schemes, planning, monitoring including compilation, preparation/review of progress reports etc. Works Section The works section headed by the Assistant Executive Engineer (Works) is responsible for scrutinising estimates, issue of administrative sanction and technical sanction checking and finalisation of tenders, etc. connected with various works under the department.

Electrical Branch Electrical Branch is responsible for all electrical works undertaken by the department for which an Assistant Executive Engineer (Electrical) is functioning in the Chief Engineer's Office. Financial branch All financial matters were dealt with the Financial Branch headed by the Finance Officer. Audit Branch The audit branch is functioning in the Chief Engineer's office headed by Finance Officer in order to look after all inspection reports, audit paras, draft paras and also to conduct internal audits in subordinate offices. Regional Centres (Circles) There are three circles, viz. South circle, Project Circle and North Circle- each headed by a Superintending Engineer. The regional circles are at Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Kozhikode.

The Superintending Engineer, South Circle at Thiruvananthapuram is assisted by technical Assistant in the cadre of Assistant Executive Engineer on the technical side and a Senior Superintendent on the ministerial side. The jurisdiction of this circle extended to the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad. Under this circle, there were three divisions viz. Vizhinjam Kayamkulam and Munambam each headed by an Executive Engineer. The Executive Engineers are assisted by a Technical Assistant, Divisional Account and Senior Superintendent etc. There is one sub division under the Kayamkulam Division. The Sub Division was attending the various works of Kayamkulam Fishery Harbour Project and the works of Fisheries roads in parts of Kollam and Alappuzha districts. Under the Munambam Division there were two sub division controlled by the Assistant Executive Engineer for attending the various works of Munambam Fishery Harbour and the works of fisheries roads of Ernakulam and Thrissur districts. The other fisheries works and Fish Landing Centres were also attended by the Division. The Superintending Engineer, project Circle with headquarters at Asramam, Kollam-2 was assisted in the office by Technical Assistant in the cadre of Assistant Executive Engineer on the technical side and a Senior Superintendent on the ministerial side. There were two divisions under this circle, namely Thangassery Fishing Harbour Division, Kollam and Neendakara Fishing Harbour Division, Sakthikulangara each headed by an Executive Engineer. The Superintending Engineer with headquarters at Kozhikode was assisted by Technical Assistant in the cadre of Assistant Executive Engineer on the technical side and a Senior Superintendent on the ministerial side. Under this Circle two divisions were functioning viz at Kozhikode, and Kannur each headed by an Executive Engineer. Under Kozhikode Division, there were 4 sub divisions two at Beypore and one at Chombal and one at Puthiappa. Under Kannur Division, there are three sub divisions Mopla Bay, Azhikkal Mattul. Important officers
Officer Chief Engineer Deputy Chief Engineer Superintending Engineer Superintending Engineer Superintending Engineer Address Harbour Engineering Dept. Kamaleswaram. TVPM Harbour Engineering Dept.Kamaleswaram. TVPM Harbour Engineering Dept. South Circle, TVPM

Harbour Engineering Dept.Project Circle, Kollam

Harbour Engineering Dept.North Circle, Kozhikode

Executive (Design)

Engineer

Harbour Engineering Dept. Fishery Harbour Project Division, Vizhinjam Fishery Harbour Division,Kollam

Executive Engineer Executive Engineer

Programmes Investigations Work The department continued the investigation works for the preparation of project Reports for the development of minor and intermediate Ports, Fishing Harbours and Fish Landing Centres. Achievements Sanction for the following developmental schemes were obtained during the year under report ABOUT KOCHI Ernakulam is the commercial centre and forms the main land of Kochi. The two main railway stations of Kochi are located here. The Airport is based on Wellington Island which is an elongated island west of Erankulam. The Airport is about 6 km from the center of Ernakulam. Talking about centers, Jos Junction in Ernakulam is known as the heart of the city. This Junction mostly caters to the needs of the shoppers and Jewellery lover. It is located on M.G. Road which houses most of the retail shops and shopping centers. You will be amazed to find all that you need on M.G. Road. The city is pretty clean with the local authorities doing a good job in maintaining it in that way. Ernakulam is one of the most advanced cities in Kerala, it depicts the modern life of the Metropolitan Cities of India. The city is filled with glamourous shopping centers and Jewellery shops. The Hotels and Restaurants are very enchanting and serve appetizing food. Among the busy roads and business centers the city also caters to the nature lover with some very beautiful parks, children's playgrounds and beach side pavements. The Naval base and the Cochin shipyard are also based in Ernakulam. Marine drive is also another business area in Ernakulam which has a beautiful view of the sea and the islands of Cochin. You can also see the merchant ships and the cruise liner halting for fueling.

Cochin City Information Area Population Time Zone Altitude Rainfall Temperature 95 sq.km. 1.35 million (2001) Indian Standard Time (IST) - UTC +5:30 Sea level 350cm annually 20C-35C (68F-95F)

Monsoon season: June - September (heavy rains) Seasons Mild winter: October - February (cool, dry with occassional Summer: March - May (hot and humid) State Languages language: Malayalam rain)

English is widely understood. Hindi and Tamil are used occasionally. Being a city in a secular country, almost all

Religions

major

religions

are

represented

including

Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Jewism, Jainism and Buddhism.

Main Occupation Airport code Telephone Code Emergency numbers Power supply

Trading, fishing, heavy industry and information technology IATA: COK, ICAO: VOCC +91 484 Police: 100, Fire: 101, Ambulance: 102. 230V, 50Hz Indian Rupee (INR), 1 Rupee = 100 paise.

Currency

Approximate rates: $1 = Rs 45, 1 = Rs 85, 1 = Rs 58 The Interactive Currency Table

Marine Drive Also called as Shanmugham Road, Marine Drive is a long gracefully curving road along the buttressed seacoast of Kochi City. The view of the backwaters and the harbor from here is really breathtaking.

The Walkway here, along the edge of the backwaters starting from behind the Children's Park to the end of the Shanmugham Road, has become popular with both locals and tourists. The 140metre walkway is paved with black-dotted, red-carpet ultra tiles. Cast-ironed, wooden benches, weather-proof seating on ash grey tiles and the breeze blowing in, provide recreational relaxation. Film music filters through the speakers fixed at the Renewable Energy Park, in the walkway area behind the Park. Now there are two beautiful bridges along the walkway. At the other end of the walkway, a number of country boats and motor boats are parked which are available for rides in the backwaters. At night, twinkling lights of ships anchored at the harbor is beautiful. There are a number of buildings along the Marine Drive which are good examples of modern architecture like Asoka Apartments, Taj Residency, etc. The famous shopping centers GCDA complex and the Pioneer Towers at the Marine Drive houses many showrooms and restaurants. The surrounding area of the marine drive has become a favorite location for shooting sequences for movies. Jewish Synagogue at Mattancherry This imposing structure was built in 1568 when the Jews settled in Mattancherry, aftertheir expulsion from the Rahabi. They built a clock tower and paved the floor of the synagogue with 18th century hand painted willow pattern tiles brought from China. Its most important relics are the impressive copper plates recording King Bhaskara Ravi Varma's 4th century decree that guaranteed the Jewish settlers domain over Cranganore (Kodungalore) as well as the Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, great scrolls of the Old Testament etc. The Synagogue itself is elaborately decorated with crystal chandeliers and carved wood with blue and white ceramic tiles. Located in Jew town, Mattancherry, the synagogue is open from 10 am to 12 noon; 3 pm to 5pm and closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Dutch Palace, Mattancherry Built by the Portuguese in the middle of the 16th century, this palace was taken over in 1663 by the Dutch, who added some improvements before presenting it to the Rajas of Cochin. The rajas also made more improvements. The palace is notable for some of the best mythological murals in India, particularly in the bed chambers. In that room one can see the entire story of Ramayana on the walls. The palace also houses Dutch maps of Old Kochi, royal palanquins, coronation robes of former maharajas of Kochi and displays an example of traditional Kerala flooring, which looks like polished black marble but is actually a mixture of burned coconut shells, charcoal, lime,

plant juices and egg whites. It is situated at Palace Road, Mattancherry. Open to Tourists Saturday to Thursday from 10 am - 5 pm, Closed on Fridays and National holidays. More details... Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi Beach Chinese traders from the court of Kublai Khan are believed to have introduced thesehuge cantilevered fishing nets in the late14th century. The nets are built of teak wood and bamboo poles. They can best be seen at sunset, on the north end of the promontory, a few metres from Fort Kochi, or from a boat tour of the harbour. Vasco da Gama square just behind the nets is an idle place to sit and savour the delicious seafood freshly caught in the nets, catered by the stalls here. The Bishops House Built by the Portuguese in A.D.1506 as residence of the Portuguese governor, Bishop house is the oldest Catholic Dioceses in India located near the Parade ground, Fort Kochi. A prominent heritage of Fort Kochi, it is characterised by large arches in Gothic Style and has circular garden path winding up to the main entrance. The building was acquired by Dome Jos Gomes Ferreira, the 27th Bishop of the Diocese of Cochin whose jurisdiction extended over Burma, Malaya and Ceylon in addition to India. Inside the Bishop's house there is a parlour room with large walls. These walls are painted in bright colours-telling the arrival of Portuguese, the origin of Christianity in Kerala and the establishment of the Diocese. The Indo Portuguese Museum within the palace compound has some historically significant invaluable collections. There is also the dinning area, known as Dr. Mario Sorais Hall, senate hall, teak staircase, large attics, collection of Portuguese maps, small collection of antiques and the other historic materials preserved here. The Cochin Club Formerly known as the English Club, this club stretches majestically between the Fort Cochin Commandant's house and the ancient Governor's residence. The club with its high roofs and arch styled windows is housed in a beautifully landscaped park and has an impressive library and a collection of sporting trophies. In the early19th century when the club was established by the British, admission was restricted to them and men only. Today its rules are more liberal and the membership of 250 includes women as well.

Tourist spots in Cochin

Fort Kochi beach A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a memorable experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. The coastal stretch has loads of small stalls, which make on demand mouth-watering traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish.

St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that, his burial spot inside the church has been clearly marked out.

Vasco House, Fort Kochi Vasco house, located on Rose Street, is believed to be one of the oldest Portuguese houses in India. Vasco da Gama is believed to have lived here. This house features European glass paned windows and verandahs. Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi The original church, situated in Fort Kochi, was built by the Portuguese in 1505 and named as a cathedral in 1558. The British colonists destroyed the cathedral in 1795. The current structure was built in 1905 and raised to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.

Bolghatty Palace, Bolghatty Island This Dutch palace is situated on Bolghatty island which is just a short boat ride away from the mainland. The palace has been converted to a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). The island has a tiny golf course and the panoramic views of the port and the harbour, makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland.

Hill Palace, Tripunithura Built in the 19th century by the Raja of Kochi, this palace served as the seat of the Raja of the Kochi province. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles showing the wealth and splendour of the Rajas of Kochi, including the thone and the crown. The musuem also houses a large collection of archaeological findings. Hill Palace is located 16km east of Cochin in Tripunithura, a satellite town of Cochin.

Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort It is the oldest surviving European fort in India, built by the Portuguese in 1503. Its situated in Pallipuram on Vypeen island. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary Mangalavanam is a protected bird sanctuary situated right in the heart of Kochi city. It is the home of many exotic and rare varieties of migratory and resident birds. Mangalavanam is located right next to the High Court of Kerala.

Museum of Kerala History, Kalamassery The museum has on display spectacular audio-visual exhibits depicting the history and culture of Kerala along with many life size statues of many famous personalities and several paintings depicting Kerala history.

Parikshith Thampuran Museum This Rajas of Cochin used to conduct their durbars in this impressive building located within the Durbar Hall grounds. It was later converted to a museum which has a treasure trove of archaeological findings and relics including old coins, sculptures, oil paintings and murals. The building has been taken over by the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy and now houses the Gallery of Contemporary Art. All the exhibits of the museum have been moved to the Hill Palace museum.

Cherai Beach This lovely beach ideal for swimming is located on the north end of Vypeen island, one of the many small islands just off the mainland. The beach is lined by gorgeous coconut groves and paddy fields. Vypeen can be reached by land or by boat. Veega Land Veega Land is South India's largest amusement park situated 14kms from Cochin. The park includes a range of attractions including mini castles, water theme park, ferris wheel, rides, slides, shows and fountains. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the fun and activities.

Marine Drive A stroll along the long tree-lined coastal pathway that lines the backwater is well worth the time spent, especially late afternoon or dusk. The bustling backwaters, dotted with fishing boats, speedboats, ships, tankers and passenger boats, can be observed from this walkway that lines the coast.

Willingdon Island This man-made island was created in 1933 by sand dredged while deepening the backwaters for the Cochin Port, under the direction of Sir Robert Bristow. A while back the Airport, Sea port and the railway terminus (Cochin Harbour Terminus) were situated on this island. Today, it is the home of the Cochin Port and the headquarters of the Sourthern Naval Command. The airport continues to be the naval air station, while the main airport has been moved to Nedumbassery, 30kms north-east of Cochin. Most of the trains now terminate at Ernakulam Junction instead of Cochin Harbour Terminus.

Boat ride The backwaters separating Ernakulam from Fort Kochi and Mattanchery are dotted with many small and mid-sized islands. A boat ride through the backwaters is an unforgettable experience.

Tourist Spots (near Cochin)

Alleppey(Alapuzha) Situated 63 kms south of Cochin along the coast, Alleppey is connected to Kochi by rail and road. It is called the Venice of the East due to the extensive canal network here. Every year the famous snake boat race is held here. Cheruthuruthy Cheruthuruthy is about 110 kms away from Kochi. It is the base of the Kerala Kalamandalam-the world famous art and dance academy where training in various traditional forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam etc are imparted. Kalady Situated 48 kms north-east of Kochi, on the banks of river Periyar (Poorna). Kalady is the birthplace of Sri Adi Sankaracharya, the monotheist Hindu philosopher. He lived in the 8th century AD and died at the early age of 32 years. He traveled throughout India, on foot, debating with scholars and spreading his theory of Advaita or monotheism. The Adi Sankara shrine and the 8-storey painted Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthambam (see picture) are a must-see for any visitor here. Kodanad Kodanad is 30 kms north-east of Kochi situated on the lower ranges of the Western Ghats on the banks of river Periyar. The wildlife reserve is famous for the elephants and the largest elephant training centre is situated here. The reserve also features a mini zoo. Kodanad is close to St. Thomas church in Malayatoor.

Kodungalloor(Cranganore) Kodungalloor is 35 kms north of Kochi. The world famous port here was destroyed by a flood which led to the formation of Kochi harbour. St. Thomas, the apostle, is believed to have landed here in 52 AD. Cheraman mosque, the first mosque in India, built in the form of a Hindu temple, is situated here.

Munnar About 140 kms on NH49, Munnar is a hill resort ideal for a relaxing holiday away from the tropical lowlands. The tea gardens and cardamom plantations give Munnar a beautiful look. Anai Mudi, the highest peak in South India is in these hills. The Munnar - Kodaikanal (another hill resort) road is believed to be the steepest road in South-East Asia. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady Elephants, bisons, antelopes, samburs, monkeys and bears can be found in their natural habitat in this world famous wild life sanctuary, situated 190kms east of Cochin. A boat ride through the man-made lake in the heart of the sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to observe these animals in their natural surroundings.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary Thattekad bird sanctuary is located 60kms east of Cochin near Kothamangalam. Thattekad is located on the northern bank of river Periyar is a tropical evergreen forest in the foothills of the Wester Ghats. Spread over 25 sq kms, this bird sanctuary was once regarded as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India. In spite of recent developments and deforestation, this sanctuary is still home to a large number of rare and exotic bird species. Malampuzha Dam Malampuzha, a little township on the foothills of the Western Ghats takes its name from the River Malampuzha. Nurtured by this tributary of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathappuzha, Malampuzha is a lush green town is a major tourist attraction for its trekking trails and the large irrigation dam.

Mr.A.K.RAVEENDRANATHAN FATHIMA MATRICULATION SCHOOL VANIYAMBADI.

NAME: NAFEESA SAMREEN.M STD: 1Oth STANDARD B SECTION