Travel to the Only Man-Made Island in India


 

BENGALURU: Many of you would be acquainted with several artificial island projects such as the Palm Islands, The World, the Dubai Waterfront, and The Universe, constructed in the city of Dubai, which is very much appreciated and frequented by tourists and real estate tycoons across the world. Similarly there are many other projects in countries such as China, Qatar, and Netherlands. Many of these projects are recently done and few of them are still under construction.

Astoundingly, as late as 1936, India got its first artificial island which was made during the making of modern Kochi Port with the soil flushed out to deepen the Vembanad Lake to house the new Kochi Port. The Willingdon Islands were named after the first Viceroy of India at that time, The 1st Earl of Willingdon, who commissioned the project. The entire land currently belongs to Cochin Port Trust and Indian Navy.

Although the islands’ major role is accommodating the Cochin Port Trust that supervises the Port of Kochi and the Customs Office, the tiny island is an escape for avid travelers and wanderlust folks into a natural undiscovered habitat.

The island is completely encircled by the backwaters which makes it an isolated but graciously calm and nice. You can enjoy the serenity of Kochi Kayal. The real loveliness of the backwaters can be experienced when you drive through the coastal road during monsoon. The view from the island is splendid. It is one of the best sites of the best hotels of Kochi and many shipping related ventures. It is also the headquarters of the southern naval command. With so many important activities going around, the island features very good and authentic restaurants and hotels such as Trident, Taj Malabar, and Casino Hotel.

The mainland town of Ernakulam is connected to Willingdon Island by a bridge and presently it is seamlessly integrated with it. There are ferry services connecting Island with Mattancherry, Fortkochi, and Vypeen. There are two main Jetty Embarkation and Island Jetty. The Island has a park which is a great tourist attraction and gives a marvelous view to Ernakulam Marine Drive, Valapadom Terminals and Fortkochi fishing nets.

 If you wish to visit Willingdon Island, the nearest Airport is the Cochin International Airport at a distance of 39.3kms from the island and the nearest railway station is the Ernakulam Junction South which is 8.2kms from the island. 

 The island will offer you many panoramic scenes along with a primeval gist of a coastal town with neatly lined houses and serene streets aligned with Gulmohar trees.

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