Willingdon Island is the home of the modern port that serves Kochi in Kerala, India. It is a man-made island created from the materials dredged while deepening Kochi Port, it’s in Ernakulam district of Kerala in south India. It’s named after Lord Willingdon, the erstwhile governor of Madras who had a hand in the project. Robert Bristow, the chief protagonist and engineer for the project owned the first building on the island.A port hostel was built to accommodate passengers who wished to halt for a short while and it was named as the Malabar Hotel.It is a major port in India, and a landmark in the city of Kochi, Kerala. It serves as a link between the other sea ports of the world. Willingdon Island is connected to the mainland by the road and railway Venduruthy Bridge. Southern Naval headquarters is located at this charming island. Cochin shipyard is also located near this island. It is also a major tourist center. Willingdon Island today plays an important role in the city of Kochi and houses some of the district’s best hotels, commercial and industrial offices.It is here that the airport used to be positioned (until it was moved to present location in Nedumbassery near Kochi) along with the shipbuilding yard, wharf, the Southern Naval Command Headquarters and the customs house. Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industries has been strategically placed here, as is the Government of India Tourist Information Office in the vicinity of the airport. This island is a hub of activity with a number of offices, branches of national and international banks, travel agencies and souvenir shop warehouses and one cannot possibly miss visiting the place while being in the city of Kochi.
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District: Ernakulam
Nearest City: Kochi
Best time to visit: Any Time
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The first liner, which belonged to the Bibby Line, arrived at the island on the 9 March 1935. A port hostel had been purposely built to accommodate any passengers who wished to rest for a few nights. The hostel was soon afterwards named the Malabar Hotel.All the pre-planned basic port structure was completed in 1939, just in time for the Second World War. A deep wharf, a rail bridge and a road bridge to the mainland provided valuable infrastructure for the local war effort. A naval works was also constructed on the adjacent Venduruthy Island to the south, where by the end of the war they were busily constructing landing craft for the presumed invasion of Japan. In 1940 a passenger jetty and customs house were built adjoining the hotel, together with a passenger platform and rail siding.The Royal Air Force quickly found use for this flat expanse of conveniently located virgin territory, and constructed a large aerodrome. The man-made isle thus became a thriving military base. The Malabar Hotel provided quarters for all the wartime staff and the building gained a new administrative block next door to it. A new post office, an open-air swimming-bath between the hotel and offices, and a branch bank adjoining both, completed the amenities.When the British withdrew in 1947 they left behind an indispensable and significant transport hub. During its short colonial tenure the island had handled at most one million tons of freight, by 1960 this had almost doubled. The island aerodrome was extensively developed and became the city’s modern airport. Nowadays Cochin has an international Airport at Nedumbassery, 30km north-east of the twin-city Cochin/Ernakulam. The remaining space on the island was quickly utilized in the 1950s, and far from being an unnatural appendage of the picturesque and ancient city, the isle, left behind by the British so soon after its completion, became the commercial heart of the ancient metropolis of Cochin.
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Nearest Railway Station:There are two main stations, Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town also known as North station along with additional train stations in Cochin terminal, Aluva and Tripunithura. Ernakulam Town junction is prominent and most of the trains pass through this station.
Nearest Airport:The airport is situated 5 km. away from Ernakulam. Cochin airport has domestic and international terminals.
Road Transport:It is connected to Kochi’s mainland by road and the railway Venduruthy Bridge.
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Bolghatty Island: A beautiful island lying close to Ernakulam and Willingdon Island. The Bolghatty Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744 which later became the seat of British Resident. The palace is now converted into a hotel. There is also a well laid golf link.Dutch Palace: Situated at Mattancherry, it is 8 kms, away from Ernakulam. Although called Dutch, it was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin in 1555. It acquired the present name after1663 when the Dutch added some extension to the building and carried out some repairs. In the centre of the building is the coronation hall. 17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian Epic, Ramayana can be seen here.Cochin Harbour and Willingdon Island: Cochin, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, and the only all weather harbour on the west coast, south of Bombay, affords a safe anchorage to ships, Willingdon Island is a man made one which was formed with materials dredged while deepening the Cochin Port and channel, It is the seat of the harbour and cochin Port Trust. The Southern Naval Command has its headquarters here. The seaport, naval airport and the railway terminus are all on this island.Kali Kota Tripunithura – As the name suggests, this beautiful, imposing building a legacy of the Dutch rule served as an entertainment auditorium to the erstwhile royal family featuring dance, drama, and plays. Today it functions largely as a marriage hall, Situated near the Poornathreyesa templeJewish synagogue: The Jewish Synagogue at Mattanchery was built in 1568. The great Scrolls of the Old Testament, The copper plates containing the privileges granted by the cochin Ruler to the Jewish community and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles at the Synagogue are of great interest.Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi Gallery of Contemporary Art, Ernakulam It is situated at the Durbar Hall ground on D.H. Road. The hall had been the durbar of the raja of CochinMangrove Forest, Ernakulam This small protected area a haven for birds, is located on Dr. Salim Ali Road, adjacent to the High Court of Kerala, Winter migrants include species coming from Kashmir and even distant siberia. Best time to visit mid-January to early March.Chennamangalam: Chennamangalam was one of the chief centres of the Jews in Kerala. Very old Black Jews Synagogue, remains of Vaipicotta Seminary etc, are still present, It was the seat of Palieth Achan, the Prime Minister of erstwhile State of Cochin.Chowara: Former summer resort of cochin Royal family .Lies on the northern bank of Aluva river (Periyar), Site of water works supplying drinking water to Ernakulam city.Ambalamukal: A fast developing area lying about 16 kms. east of Ernakulam. Site of Oil Refineries and FACT Kochi Division.Fort Cochin : Lies 10 kms away ,from Ernakulam . The architectural style of the buildings and lay-out of the town mark out Fort Cochin from other cities and towns of Kerala. The buildings show the influence of European architecture. The Chief attraction of Fort Cochin is the St. Francis Church built by the Portuguese It is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India. The body of Vasco Da Gama was buried here. Close to St. Francis Church is Santa Cruz Church. some beautiful paintings can be seen in the Roman Catholic Church.Cherai Beach It is located in Vypin Island accessible by ferry or by road from mainland, Kochi. This calm beach is ideal for swimming. It has sea on the western side and backwater on east, which gives this tourist destination, a unique surrounding. Thick coconut grooves and Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront give it an added attraction. Dolphins can also be seen here occasionally.Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary This sanctuary is 12 km from Kothamangalam, which is on the Kochi-Munnar route.Kodanadu This is a forest elephant care centre. Here you can see baby elephants rescued from the forests being cared for. Elephants are also trained here. Kodanadu is 15 km from Perumbavoor which is on the Kochi-Munnar route (via Aluva).Fort Kochi Beach: The Fort Kochi beach is a place ideal for an evening stroll, Bathing and swimming are not recommended here, The colourful carnival at New Years Eve is a feature of this beach.Museum of Kerala History, Edappally Located along with the Art Complex at Edappally, it is a Sound and light show presenting thirty five scenes from the political, social, and cultural history of Kerala. Commentaries in English and Malayalam.Bolgatty Island: This long narrow palm-fringed island,easily accessible from the mainland, is where the Bolgatty Palace is situated amidst15acres of lush green lawns. Built by the Dutch in 1744, and later became the seat of the British Resident. In 1976 the palace was converted into a hotel under the Kerala Tourism development corporation. The palace has a golf course on its grounds.Vamanamoorthy Temple, Thrikkakara Set in a land of great mythological significance, this ancient temple, dedicated to Vamana- the fifth avatara of Lord Vishnu is venerated by the Vaishnavates. The temple holds a large number of lithic records, some of great historical significance. The annual festival is held in the month of chingam (Aug- sept.)Veega Land Pallikara Located 12 kms from the city is this unique amusement park offering a world of non-stop fun and adventure. Sprawling over 18.5.acres, the main attractions include caterpillar trains, a 500- seater theatre with a Musical fountain, the exciting family Fun Pool, the Nest housing a variety of exotic birds, and an array of water rides.St. Francis Church St. Francis Church is the oldest European Church in India Built i in 1503 A.D. by the Portuguese at Fort Cochin. the Dutch later restored the church in 1779. Which was converted into an anglican Church by British in 1795. Vasco-da-gama, who discovered the sea route to India from Europe, was buried here in 1524 A.D. before his mortal remains were removed to Portugal, his tomb stone still remains.ST.George Forane Church This is an important pilgrim centre located approximately 6 km from Kochi city. This Roman CAtholic church was built way back in 594 AD in the land donated by Raja of Edapally, This church is considered to be one of the oldest churches in Kerala. A new church building was built in 1080. CHurch is well known for the nine-day feast in the month of May.Hill Palace Museum Tripunithura- Set on top of a hillock, this prestigious palace-turned-museum displays 13 categories of exhibits, including paintings, carvings and other royal antiquities donated by the Cochin and Travancore royal families and the Paliam Devaswom. The Heritage Museum, located on the rear side of the palace buildings familiarizes you with the traditional lifestyles of ancient Kerala. As part of the establishment of a mini zoo, a deer park with spotted deer, sambar and peacocks is run by the Society for the Preservation of Hill Palace Premises. The museum premises has also been converted into a botanical garden with exotic tropical trees from central America to Australia. Located 11 Kms east of Ernakulam, en route to Chottanikkara.Pallipuram Fort, Vypeen It is situated at the far end of Vypin island. SMall and hexagonal, it was built in 1503, claiming to be the oldest European fort in India.Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Cochin There are some beautiful paintings in this Roman Catholic church situated close to the St. francis Church.Aluva Situated about 21 kms north of Ernakulam. It is known for the famous Sivarathri festival.Chottanikkara Temple Famous for the Devi temple, an important pilgrim centre of Hindus. Navarathri is celebrated on a grand scale. The temple is located 15kms from Cochin City. The presiding deity here is Durga Bhagavathy. It is also that this deity was brought from Mookambika Temple in Karnataka and therefore there is a presence of Mookambika Devi till 7 a.m. in the morning at this temple. There is also one more temple as a part of the complex where deity is Bhadra Kali Devi. THe major festival is Makam Thozhal. It falls during February-march every year for a period of 9 days Temple is open from 4 am to 12 Noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.Ernakulam Siva Temple The Temple is situated in the heart of Kochi City with Siva as deity also known as Ernakulathappan. It was built during Maharaja rule and is presently under devaswom Board control . This is one of the rarest Siva Temples where deity is facing Sea towards west. The temple has Deity of siva & Parvathy in Kirathamurthy form which is claimed to be self originated (Swayambhoo)Ankamali A place of historic importance to Syrian Christians. Lies 40 kms. North of Ernakulam.It is the seat of the first Portuguese Bishop.Kaladi Kaladi is the birth place of Sreesankaracharya , the great Indian Philosopher. It is 13 kms. away from Aluva. Kaladi has got Sringeri Madham, Ramakrishna Asramam and the Sreesankara stupa.Kanjiramattom It is 18kms. south east of Ernakulam. The most important and beautiful mosque of the District is situated in this placeSree Poornathrayeesa Temple Located at TrIpunithura, 10 km from Cochin city. The deity here is Maha Vishnu and is one among three Vishnu Temples in Kerala . Arjuna (one of the Pancha Pandavas ) is believed to have established this temple., The Major festival of this temple is held during November-December. The Other cultural festival, Athachamayam during harvest festival of Onam is also celebrated with procession of float, Tableau and dances like Pulikkali, This deity is Kula Daivam of Cochin Royal family.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol Bunk Shastri Road,Kerala, IndiaPetrol Bunk NH 220, Kottayam, Kottayam, Kerala, IndiaSupplyco Petrol Bunk Near Iac, D H Road, Ernakulam, Kerala 680016, India – 0484 2362852Petrol Bunk MG Road, Ravipuram, Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaPetrol Bunk SH 1,Kerala, India
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Abad PlazaAbad FortGokulam Park InnAbad MetroHotel MermaidWhite HouseBest Western AvenueMaple Regency Hotel & RestaurantSaphire Tourist HomeHotel Ceylon BakehouseLe Meridien PresidencyVedic village resortsThe Gateway HotelThomas InnCherai Beach ResortHotel PresidencyADI Service Apartments and Home StayThe Grand Hotel, Don’t miss the Ammachi Kozhi curry.
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Police Station:Fort Cochin Police Station Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaAlwaye Police Station Sub Jail Road, Aluva, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaMalayidom Thuruth Police Station Thadiyittaparambu, Malayidom Thuruth Makkinikkara Mathangakurishu Road, Kerala State, IndiaMala Police Station Kerala, IndiaNas Naval & Police Stores M G Road, Perumanoor, Ernakulam, Kerala 680015, India 0484 2359316ET North Police Station Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaPolice Station Edappally Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaHill palace police station Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaTripunithura Police Station Tripunithura, Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, IndiaPanangad Police Station Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, India
Nearest Hospital:Ernakulam Medical Centre Nh Palarivattom, Palarivattom, Ernakulam, Kerala 680025, India 0484 2807102Lakeshore Hospital Nettoor P O, N H No 47, Bye Pass Maradu, Ernakulam, Kerala 680304, India 0484 2701032Kandamkulathy Ayurveda Hospital Near Ymca, Chittoor Road, Ernakulam, Kerala 680035, India 0484 2384399Nairs Hospital Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass, Ernakulam, Kerala 682304, India 0484 2302666Al Shifa Super Speciality Hospital For Piles Near Ksrtc, Rajaji Road, Ernakulam, Kerala 680035, India 0484 2363777Ranjini Eye Hospital Near Powerhouse, Vyttila, Kochi, Cochin, Kerala 682019, India 0484 2301922Specialist Hospital K C M Mather Road, Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, India 0484 2395952Vijaya Insitute Of Medical Sciences Kamadhenu Apartments, Kadavanthra Kaloor Road, Kadavanthara, Kochi, Kerala 682020, India 0484 2205261Chaithanya Eye Hospital Near Sree Krishna Temple, Ravipuram Road, Ernakulam, Kerala 680016, India 0484 2357135Electronics Diagnostics Changampuzha Nagar, Opposite Federal Bank Atm, Kalamassery, Ernakulam, Kerala 680104, India 0484 2541951
