Willingdon Island is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Kochi, Kerala. It is a man-made island that was created in 1936 by dredging the soil from the Vembanad Lake. It is named after Lord Willingdon, the British Viceroy of India, who commissioned the project. The island is a major hub of trade and commerce, as it links the city with other seaports of the world. It also houses some of the best hotels, commercial and industrial buildings, and naval and port facilities in the region.
But Willingdon Island is not just a place for business and logistics. It is also a place for leisure and entertainment, as it offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural exploration, or an adventurous experience, you will find something to suit your taste and preference on this island. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Willingdon Island, such as its history, best time to visit, how to reach, and what to do and see on the island.
History of Willingdon Island
Willingdon Island has a rich and interesting history that dates back to the colonial era. The island was created in 1936 by dredging the soil from the Vembanad Lake, which is the largest lake in Kerala. The aim was to create a deep-water port that could accommodate large ships and vessels, and to improve the trade and commerce of Kochi. The project was initiated by Lord Willingdon, the British Viceroy of India, who also gave his name to the island.
The island was also used as a military base during the Second World War, as it served as the headquarters of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy in South India. It was also the site of several strategic operations and missions, such as the Operation Zipper, which was a plan to invade Malaya and Singapore. The island also witnessed some of the notable events and developments in the history of Kochi and Kerala, such as the inauguration of the Cochin Port Trust, the establishment of the Cochin Shipyard, the opening of the Taj Malabar Resort, and the formation of the Cochin International Airport.
Today, Willingdon Island is a testament to the past and present glory of Kochi, as it showcases the heritage and modernity of the city. You can see the traces of the colonial architecture and the maritime culture on the island, as well as the contemporary infrastructure and amenities. You can also visit the maritime heritage museum, which displays the artifacts and memorabilia related to the history of the island and the port.
Attractions and Activities on Willingdon Island
Willingdon Island is a place where you can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities, depending on your mood and interest. Here are some of the things you can do and see on the island:
Cruise liners:
If you want to experience the luxury and glamour of cruising, you can book a ticket on one of the cruise liners that dock at the island. You can choose from different options, such as the Costa Victoria, the SuperStar Gemini, or the Celebrity Constellation, and enjoy the facilities and services on board. You can also explore the destinations that the cruise liners visit, such as Goa, Mumbai, Maldives, Sri Lanka, etc.
Boat tours:
If you want to explore the scenic beauty and the wildlife of the backwaters, you can take a boat tour from the island. You can choose from different types of boats, such as houseboats, speedboats, or motorboats, and enjoy the views of the coconut groves, the mangroves, the birds, and the fish. You can also visit the nearby islands, such as the Bolgatty Island, the Vypin Island, or the Vallarpadam Island, and see the attractions there.
Luxury hotels:
If you want to relax and pamper yourself, you can stay at one of the luxury hotels on the island. You can choose from some of the best hotels in Kochi, such as the Taj Malabar Resort, the Casino Hotel, or the Trident Hotel, and enjoy the amenities and services they offer. You can also indulge in the spa treatments, the swimming pools, the fitness centers, or the restaurants and bars at these hotels.
Restaurants:
If you want to taste the delicious and diverse cuisine of Kochi, you can visit one of the restaurants on the island. You can choose from different types of restaurants, such as the Rice Boat, which serves the traditional Kerala dishes, the Dolphin’s Point, which serves the fresh seafood, or the Mattancherry Bar, which serves the exotic cocktails and mocktails. You can also try the street food stalls, which serve the local snacks and delicacies, such as the appam, the puttu, or the pazham pori.
Museums:
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Kochi, you can visit one of the museums on the island. You can visit the maritime heritage museum, which displays the artifacts and memorabilia related to the history of the island and the port. You can also visit the Cochin Port Maritime Heritage Museum, which exhibits the models and photographs of the ships and vessels that have visited the port. You can also visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum, which showcases the influence and legacy of the Portuguese in Kochi.
Best Time to Visit Willingdon Island
The best time to visit Willingdon Island is from October to March, which is the winter season in Kochi. This is the time when the weather is pleasant and comfortable, with the temperature ranging from 17°C to 33°C. This is also the time when the city celebrates some of the major festivals and events, such as the Cochin Carnival, the Indira Gandhi Boat Race, or the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. You can enjoy the festive atmosphere and the cultural activities during this time.
If you want to avoid the crowd and the peak season rates, you can also visit the island from June to September, which is the monsoon season in Kochi. This is the time when the city receives heavy rainfall, which makes the backwaters and the greenery more lush and beautiful. This is also the time when you can get some discounts and deals on the hotels and the cruise liners. You can enjoy the romantic and serene ambiance during this time.
However, you should avoid visiting the island from April to May, which is the summer season in Kochi. This is the time when the weather is hot and humid, with the temperature reaching up to 37°C. This is also the time when the city faces water scarcity and power cuts, which can affect your comfort and convenience. You can also face some health issues, such as dehydration, heatstroke, or sunburn, during this time.
How to Reach Willingdon Island
Willingdon Island is well-connected and easily accessible from different modes of transport, such as railway, airport, and road. Here are some of the ways you can reach the island:
Railway:
The nearest railway station to the island is the Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, which is about 6 km away. You can take a taxi, an auto-rickshaw, or a bus from the station to the island, which will take about 15 to 20 minutes. The fare will range from Rs. 50 to Rs. 200, depending on the mode of transport. You can also take a ferry from the Ernakulam Boat Jetty, which is about 4 km away from the station, to the island, which will take about 10 minutes. The fare will be Rs. 4 per person.
Airport:
The nearest airport to the island is the Cochin International Airport, which is about 37 km away. You can take a taxi, a cab, or a bus from the airport to the island, which will take about an hour. The fare will range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500, depending on the mode of transport. You can also take a metro from the airport to the Maharaja’s College Metro Station, which is about 5 km away from the island, and then take a taxi, an auto-rickshaw, or a bus from there, which will take about 15 minutes. The fare will be Rs. 50 to Rs. 200, depending on the mode of transport.
Road:
You can also reach the island by road, as it is connected by the NH 66 and the NH 544. You can take your own vehicle, or hire a car, a bike, or a scooter from the city, and drive to the island, which will take about 30 to 45 minutes. The toll and parking charges will vary depending on the vehicle and the location. You can also take a bus from the city to the island, which will take about an hour. The fare will be Rs. 10 to Rs. 20, depending on the type of bus.
Willingdon Island is a man-made marvel in Kochi, Kerala, that offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors. It is a place where you can experience the history, culture, and nature of the city, as well as the luxury and glamour of cruising. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural exploration, or an adventurous experience, you will find something to suit your taste and preference on this island.
