While you might be tempted to only wander about the streets of Fort Kochi, we recommend you explore a bit further too. No, not the usual stuff. Go island hopping! Sure it's not the Greek islands, but hey, these little islands also are pretty and worth a visit or two. So, hop on a jangar or Ro-Ro (local form of transport which joins two boats) and visit these islands that make up Kochi.
In Kochi Or Ernakulam? You've Got To Go Island Hopping When There
Willingdon Island
One of the prettiest islands in the Kochi vicinity, Willingdon Island is actually the largest of artificial man-made islands there. Smack in the middle of the gorgeous backwaters, it’s connected to the mainland by a mini bridge. Don’t go here expecting to do much. Just go for a lovely, long drive. Check out the abandoned Mattancherry Halt Station for pictures that will get lots of IG love. Head over to the post office side which is near the glam Vivanta by Taj Willingdon (pop in for coffee there!) for a good view of the harbour. In season, watch as cruise liners dock and bring in travellers who are also exploring the port area. On your return, don’t miss the Cochin shipyard which is nearby.
Vypin (Or Vypeen)
Vypin (or Isla Santa in Cochin Portuguese dialect) is almost a barrier between the Arabian Sea and the backwaters of the Periyar river and its tributaries. Trek up to the northern tip to the Munambam Fishing Harbour. It’s the largest fishing harbour in Kochi, it's definitely worth a visit. Head to the Munambam beach too for vantage points of the sea. Take a picnic along as there aren't too many places to eat or drink.
A ride on the Vypin to Fort Kochi Jangar is a very touristy thing to do, and we highly recommend it. Of course it’s used by locals for actual transport too, but the 15-minute ferry ride is perfect to get a glimpse of the famed Aspen Wall that almost every biennale poster features, Chinese fishing nets, Puthuvyp LNG Terminal (and the pipelines too). The highlight is the massive trawlers crossing your path, if you’re lucky. Talk about cool boat traffic!
Vallarpadam
One of the tiniest islands, head here only to see the imposing and stark Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom. Quite the religious spot, you can also head to the Adikkandam Bhagavathy Temple on the Southern part of the island. While it’s not an architectural marvel, the International Container Transshipment Terminal also on this island, and if you capture it at the right time, then photos during dusk and dawn are great. Especially if the waters are still and you can get a clear reflection of the cranes, buildings, towers and lights.
Bolgatty Palace & Island Resort
An entire island for yourself! Oh, yes please! A dreamy little island, The Bolgatty Palace & Island Resort is designed to make you feel like the entire place is just for you. The mail property, Bolgatty Palace, has four suites, six lakefront cottages, 10 marina view suites, two lake-view suites, and plenty of deluxe suites to check into. Once you are done lounging in the fancy palace, play golf, go bird watching, sign up for an ayurvedic massage or go swimming in their pool. They also have guided morning and evening walks, boating in the Kochi backwaters, and you can also watch ships entering the Kochi port!
Gundu Island
The littlest of Kochi’s island, Gundi is only a five-acre place that is dotted with coconut trees and literally nothing else. Despite that, it’s a place tourists throng. So, head over with a book to just unwind for an hour or two there. It’s only accessible from Vypin, so make sure you stop over there first.
