Vypin Island

About Vypin Island

Vypin, also spelled Vypeen is an island in Ernakulam district of Kerala. The island which is about 27 km long was formed in the year 1341 after a heavy flood. It is known to be the island having highest density of population in the world. It is connected to Kochi by a bridge from Kalamuku. There are regular boat services from Fort Kochi to Vypin Island.Vypeen is like a hand stretched out to the water. 27 km long and 2.5 km wide, with sea and backwater on either side, Vypeen is mostly densely populated but suffers from a shortage of fresh potable water during the dry season.Pallipuram Panchayat, in which Cherai is included, is at the northern end of Vypin Island. Cherai and Munambam are the two parts of Pallipuram Village, which were parts of Kochi and Travancore States prior to the merger of the states.

In 2004 a bridge was built by Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) and thus Vypin was connected to the main land. The Goshree Bridges also connects the islands Mulavukadu and Vallarpadam. Now Vypin is a fast-developing suburb of the Kochi City. Today all basic infrastructures for modern living are available in Vypin.Narakkal is the business capital of vypin. Travellers from north kerala is using Vypin-Munambam state highway to reach Ernakulam

The light-house at Ochanthuruth is a vantage point to enjoy a panoramic view of Kochi. The entry time to light-house is 3-5 pm. Extreme north lies Pallipuram Fort built by Portuguese in 1503.

History

For a land which has a history of less than 700 years since formation, Cherai boasts of a rich cultural heritage with monuments which stand out prominent in India’s history. This land has the story of invasion by many foreign regimes. The Portuguese, Dutch and British dynasties had ruled Munambam area, marks of which remain even now. The hexagonal fort built by the Portuguese in 1503 still stands as one of the oldest European Monuments of India.

A little South of this fort, by the lakeside, the Portuguese had built a theological school called “Vyikotta Seminary”. The printing press built at this School in 1577 is claimed to be the first printing press in Kerala by some historians. In 1661, the Dutch defeated the Portuguese, as a result of which the Seminary, which was under Jesuit priests, was transferred along with the press to Chendamangalam. The Dutch converted the Seminary to a Leprosy centre.

In 1728, the Dutch sold Pallipuram to the King of Travancore. However, the Leprosy Centre and some adjoining buildings were excluded from this sale and continued to be with the Dutch. These properties came under British authority, eventually, when the British defeated the Dutch in 1795. Till recently, this area was known as “British”. As per the agreement between the Dutch and British, the Leprosy Centre continued to be run till 1921. Afterwards, they were handed over to missionaries to establish a Nunnery and School, which are still functioning.

Nearest Visiting places

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.

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 temple

Jewish 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 Cochin

Mangrove 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.

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 place

Sree 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

Supplyco Petrol Bunk
Near Iac, D H Road, Ernakulam, Kerala 680016, India - 0484 2362852

Petrol Bunk
MG Road, Ravipuram, Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Petrol Bunk
SH 1,Kerala, India

Petrol Bunk
Shastri Road,Kerala, India

Petrol Bunk
NH 220, Kottayam, Kottayam, Kerala, India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

• Maple Regency Hotel & Restaurant
• Saphire Tourist Home
• Hotel Ceylon Bakehouse
• Le Meridien Presidency
• Vedic village resorts
• The Gateway Hotel
• Thomas Inn
• Cherai Beach Resort
• Hotel Presidency
• ADI Service Apartments and Home Stay
• The Grand Hotel, Don’t miss the Ammachi Kozhi curry.
• Abad Plaza
• Abad Fort
• Gokulam Park Inn
• Abad Metro
• Hotel Mermaid
• White House
• Best Western Avenue

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Nas Naval & Police Stores
M G Road, Perumanoor, Ernakulam, Kerala 680015, India 0484 2359316

ET North Police Station
Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Police Station Edappally
Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Hill palace police station
Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Tripunithura Police Station
Tripunithura, Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Panangad Police Station
Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Fort Cochin Police Station
Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Alwaye Police Station
Sub Jail Road, Aluva, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Malayidom Thuruth Police Station
Thadiyittaparambu, Malayidom Thuruth Makkinikkara Mathangakurishu Road, Kerala State, India

Mala Police Station
Kerala, India

Nearest Hospital:

Nairs Hospital
Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass, Ernakulam, Kerala 682304, India 0484 2302666

Al Shifa Super Speciality Hospital For Piles
Near Ksrtc, Rajaji Road, Ernakulam, Kerala 680035, India 0484 2363777

Ranjini Eye Hospital
Near Powerhouse, Vyttila, Kochi, Cochin, Kerala 682019, India 0484 2301922

Specialist Hospital
K C M Mather Road, Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, India 0484 2395952

Ernakulam Medical Centre
Nh Palarivattom, Palarivattom, Ernakulam, Kerala 680025, India 0484 2807102

Lakeshore Hospital
Nettoor P O, N H No 47, Bye Pass Maradu, Ernakulam, Kerala 680304, India 0484 2701032

Kandamkulathy Ayurveda Hospital
Near Ymca, Chittoor Road, Ernakulam, Kerala 680035, India 0484 2384399

Vijaya Insitute Of Medical Sciences
Kamadhenu Apartments, Kadavanthra Kaloor Road, Kadavanthara, Kochi, Kerala 682020, India 0484 2205261

Chaithanya Eye Hospital
Near Sree Krishna Temple, Ravipuram Road, Ernakulam, Kerala 680016, India 0484 2357135

Electronics Diagnostics
Changampuzha Nagar, Opposite Federal Bank Atm, Kalamassery, Ernakulam, Kerala 680104, India 0484 2541951

Location info

• Address:Vypeen is an island in Ernakulam district of Kerala

• District: Ernakulam

• Nearest City:

• Best time to visit: Any Time.

Climate & weather

Moderate temprature…During summer the humidity will be high and the temperature too.

How to reach Vypin Island

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:Cochin is very well interlinked via road with all major cities of Kerala by national highways. Ernakulam city owns a bus station and is located near Ernakulam Junction. Kaloor Junction, Railway station and High court Junction are the three places from where private buses operate.

Things to carry

Carry drinking waters during summers since there is a scarcity of srinking water during summers.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Vypin Island

The best time to visit Vypin Island is from November to February when the weather is pleasant for ferry rides and island exploration. Monsoon (June–September) brings rough waters and ferry services may be disrupted. Post-monsoon (October–December) offers lush greenery.

Timings & opening hours

Islands are accessible during daylight hours. Ferry services typically operate from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM. It is advisable to check ferry timings in advance and plan return trips before sunset.

Entry fee & tickets

Island access is usually free. Ferry charges to reach islands: INR 10–50 per person for public ferries, INR 500–1500 for private boats. Some islands have resorts that restrict access to guests only.

Duration needed

Half day to full day including ferry travel time. Overnight stays are possible at island resorts.

Safety tips

Plan your return ferry or boat schedule in advance — services may be limited, especially after sunset. Wear life jackets during boat transfers. Carry sufficient water and snacks as facilities on small islands may be limited. Mosquito repellent is recommended. Check tide timings if visiting coastal islands.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Things to do at Vypin Island

Explore the island on foot or bicycle, interact with local island communities, enjoy fresh seafood at island eateries, take a ferry ride around the island, photograph the scenic beauty and local life, relax on the island’s beaches (if present), visit island temples or churches, go bird watching in the surrounding waters, and experience the unique island lifestyle away from the mainland.

Things to visit & highlights

The island’s natural beauty surrounded by water, traditional island villages with their unique lifestyle, the island’s beaches (if present), ferry rides to and from the island, and the peaceful atmosphere away from mainland crowds.

Frequently asked questions

How do I reach the island? — Public ferries and private boats serve the islands. Ferry timings are limited and vary by season — check the schedule in advance. What facilities are available on the island? — Larger islands have basic facilities (shops, eateries). Small, remote islands have very limited facilities — carry everything you need. Can I stay overnight? — Some islands have resorts and homestays. Book in advance, especially during peak season.