Ernakulam (IPA: [erɐɳɐːguɭɐm] ⓘ; ISO: Eṟaṇākuḷaṁ) is one of the 14 districts in the Indian state of Kerala, and takes its name from the eponymous city division in Kochi.

It is situated in the central part of the state, spans an area of about 2,924 square kilometres (1,129 sq mi), and is home to over 9% of Kerala's population.

The district includes Kochi, also known as the commercial capital of Kerala, which is famous for its ancient churches, Hindu temples, synagogues and mosques.

The Jews, Syrians, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British, and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to the Kingdom of Cochin and left their impressions on the town.

The Ernakulam district covers an area of 3,068 km2 (1,185 sq mi) on the Western Coastal Plains of India.

The Anamalais occupy a large part of the district, consisting of the forest areas around Pooyamkutty and the Idamalayar Dam.

The district is divided into three parts: lowland, midland, and the highland that consist of seaboard, plains, and hills and forests respectively.

The midland consists mainly of plain land and a group of islands that naturally drain water via backwaters and canals.

Muvattupuzhayar and Periyar are the main rivers, of which the latter flows through Muvattupuzha, Aluva, Kunnathunad and Parur taluks.

The heavy rainfall combined with moderate temperatures and fertile soil support abundant vegetation.

The midland region is occupied by coconut palms, paddy, tapioca, pepper, pineapple and pulses.

It covers 2.74 ha (6.8 acres),[11] supports many species of mangroves and is a nesting ground for a variety of migratory birds.

The Managalavanam is called the "green lung of Kochi",[12] considering its role in controlling the city's air pollution.

[13] Thattekad Bird Sanctuary lies on the northern bank of the Periyar River and covers about 25 km2 (10 sq mi).

Kochi is also the headquarters of some large companies like Lulu Group International, Federal Bank, Geojit, 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.

Other important crops cultivated in the district are tapioca, black pepper, areca nut, coconut, turmeric, banana, and plantain.

[16] In 2017, Ernakulam district administration launched the Roshni project, which aims to provide Malayalam education to migrant children.

Now the call to expand these outdated limits for a better unified administration for the entire city of Kochi is a strong public demand.

Hindus (46%) accounts for the largest community, followed by Christians (38%) (Latin Catholic, Syro-Malabar, Jacobites, Pentecostals and Malankara Orthodox) and Muslims (15.7%).

[24] Ernakulam once had a vibrant Jewish population, with several synagogues, known as the Malabar Jews who used to dominate the trade and commercial activities in the district.

After a direct flight service was established between Kochi and Tel Aviv they have retained ties with the state with annual visits and gatherings.

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.

The eight-day lent (Ettunombu) festival at St Mary's Jacobite Syrian Valiyapally, Thamarachal attracts many people from all over the state.

The relics of Gregorios Abdul Jaleel are preserved at the St. Thomas Jacobite church North Paravur.

The Feast of Paulose Mar Athanasius on 26 January at Thrikkunnathu St Mary's Seminary Church, Aluva, where he is entombed, also attracts thousands.

CIAL is the fourth largest airport in the country after Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, and serves International passengers.