Willingdon Island

Willingdon Island

Willingdon Island is a must-visit spot while you are in Kochi. It is formed out of Lake Kochi. This beautiful island is a wonderful place that offers numerous pleasant experiences. On Willingdon Island, you can roam around the serene walkways and admire the scenic views of the Arabian Sea among other things.

Willingdon Island is one of the busiest trading centers of Kochi. Spread over an area of 775 acres, it has several commercial centers including offices, hotels, and trading centers. It has earned its spotlight because of its Port of Kochi and Kochi Naval Base which it takes pride in. It links Kochi with the other seaports of the world.

History of Willingdon Island

Willingdon Island was formed in 1936. It was named after the 1st Earl of Willingdon, the then British Viceroy of India. The island was created out of necessity. In early 1920, small vessels were used to load and unload cargo. The open sea made the task difficult as well as risky.  

Sir Robert Bristow came up with the visionary idea to create an island to solve the problem. Undoubtedly, he was successful. Now, there is a wharf in Willingdon Island for the loading and unloading of both cargo and passengers at ease. 

Besides, the leading engineer and the owner of the first property on the island was Robert Bristow.  At present, the island belongs to the Indian Navy and Cochin Port Trust. 

The Willingdon Island was shaped with soil trenches. These trenches are produced during the deepening of the famous Vembanad Lake. The purpose was to construct the modern Kochi Port.

Activities

• In Willingdon Island, you will see cruise liners and commercial shipping. The sight is exceptional.  
• Moreover, usually, boat tours leave from Willingdon Island.  Ferry trips from the mainland visit the island regularly. 
• There is a ship-building yard on the island. 
• You can also explore luxury hotels. There are plenty of restaurants to hang out. 
• Another attraction will be the Venduruthy Bridge that connects the island with the mainland of Ernakulum.  
• Cochin Chamber of Commerce is situated in Willingdon Island. 
• There are a good number of branches of national and international banks and port offices.
• You will find souvenir shops, travel agencies and warehouses.
• Visit the port’s quaint Maritime Heritage Museum. In the museum, you will see a huge collection of rare photographs and nautical relics on display. It showcases the local seafaring history as well.

Those who are associated with the Custom House and Cochin Port live on this island. There are schools and kindergartens for their children.

Best time to visit Willingdon Island

The best time to visit Willingdon Island is from October to April.

How to Reach the Place

The Willingdon is situated at a distance of 3 kilometres from Ernakulam Railway Station. Both public and private transports are available.  A bridge links the island to the mainland. It is used while entering and exiting the island.

Nearby places of Interest

• Mattancherry Palace
• Hill Palace, Tripunithura
• Cherai Beach
• Indo-Portuguese Museum

Willingdon Island is a major landmark of Kochi. The idea behind creating an artificial island is visionary. Necessity has created something as beautiful as the Willingdon Island. It has been successfully fulfilling all the trading of Kochi. A visit to Willingdon Island is indeed worthwhile.