Marine Drive Kochi

Marine Drive Walkway

Until 1980, the Shanmugam Road was considered as Marine Drive in Kochi. The road is next to Kochi Lake. 

Marine Drive was a project of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and is an important aspect of Kochi tourism. The primary plan of the GCDA was to link the western border of the land by a road. Later it was cancelled because of the Coastal Protection Laws in India. The present Marine Drive area includes part of Kochi Lake, the west side of Shanmugam Road, and the walkway.

The walkway of Marine Drive begins from the High Court Junction and continues up to Rajendra Maidan.

You will also find boat jetties here that add a distinct charm to the whole place. You can enjoy a gorgeous sunset from Marine Drive every day!

There is no entry fee for Marine Drive in Cochin.

The lovely area of Marine Drive Ernakulum constructed with the backwaters in mind is where most people in and around Kochi congregate. Anyone who comes to Cochin for sightseeing must visit Marine Drive before leaving the city.

The superbly constructed Marine Drive, a 3-kilometer-long boardwalk along Vembannattu Kayal, will undoubtedly provide visitors with a pleasurable experience.

In addition to the sidewalks, Marine Drive Ernakulum is close to a lot of cafes and commercial centers where people can spend time chitchatting with friends and family, dining on Kerala cuisine, and immersing in the breezy vibe of Kochi Marine Drive to fully experience the magic of Kochi tourism.

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Bridges

The main attraction of the Marine Drive Walkway is the three spectacular bridges. The Rainbow Bridge, the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge and the House Boat Bridge.  When you are on or around the Rainbow Bridge, you will understand that the name of the bridge is well justified. The bridge during the nighttime is illuminated with bright lights that resemble the colours of the rainbow. The visuals of bright lights at the night are mind-blowing. There are several seating arrangements near the bridge. 

The Rainbow Bridge is situated near the GCDA shopping complex. The bridge is over Market Canal. On the other hand, the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge is over the Mullassery canal. Finally, the House Boat Bridge is close to Goshree Bridge.

Restaurants and Food Courts

There are restaurants and food courts nearby. Along the walkway, you will find Coffee Bar, Marrybrown, and DiMark. You can try local Mocktails at kulukki sarbath outlet.

Shopping 

Shopping at Marine Drive can stimulate the shopper inside you. You can go to the GCDA shopping complex and other malls to get your desired items. 

Park 

India Priyadarshini Children's Park and Subashchandra Bose Park are also nearby.

History of Marine Drive

Prior to the current Marine Drive, Shanmugham Road next to Kochi Lake was thought of as Marine Drive until 1980. The Greater Cochin Development Authority received a fresh proposal that was similar to the Mumbai Marine Drive project as part of its city development program. The project was given the interim name of Marine Drive, which was eventually changed as a result of popular demand.

The current Marine Drive neighborhood includes the promenade, the west side of Shanmugham Road, and a portion of Kochi Lake. The Coastal Protection Laws in India caused the GCDA's original proposal to connect the western border of the land with a road to be abandoned. The authority is still working tirelessly to make Marine Drive Ernakulum one of Kochi's most popular tourist destinations.

Boat services from Marine Drive can take you to Cochin Shipyard, Bolgatty Palace, Oil Tanker Berth,  Mattanchery Jewish synagogue, Vallarpadom Terminal, Jew Street, etc.

Marine Drive Kochi Timings

Marine Drive is open all day and night. It is well connected via road and water. People usually avail of boat services to save time. A boat jetty is located at the entrance of the Marine Drive Walkway.  Moreover, the boat jetty provides ferry services that can take you to nearby islands.

There are no entry fees for Marine Drive Ernakulam. It is open on all days from 12:00 AM to 11.:59 PM

Evenings are ideal for visiting Marine Drive Eranakulam and staying to watch the sunset. If you're lucky, you might be able to attend one of the many shows and circuses that occasionally take place on the marine drive grounds.

Kochi Marine Drive Boating Price

Locals choose to spend their leisurely evenings on Marine Drive admiring the beautiful grandeur of the Vembanattu Kayal and its gentle breeze. However, tourists can engage in a number of amusing and entertaining activities on Marine Drive, with Marine Drive boating being the most well-liked.

There are numerous privately and publicly owned boats as well as small cruise services. A few boats arrange for a casual meal as the city lights are reflected in the lovely lake. The late evenings and nights are without a doubt the ideal times for sailing on Marine Drive.

If you are planning a boat trip you can avail yourself fibreglass boats. You can book them for group and conference trips, which may include sunset scenes. The sunset cruise is named Mermaid. The fares of boats are of two categories, namely larger boats at Rs. 1200/hour for 8 persons and smaller boats at Rs 450/hour. 

These boats run between 9 am and 6 pm. You can board Luxury class tourist boats from 10 am to 1 pm and again from 2.30 pm to 6 pm. The fare is Rs 75/person.  Cruise vessel The Sun operate operates trips from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Its tickets are Rs 250 per adult and Rs 150 per child. Evening snacks and tea are also served. 

Marine Drive is a favourite spot for those who want a boat ride. Moreover, the cool breeze of Marine Drive is refreshing. Spending time in such a spot is always a pleasure to experience.