Kochi is full of surprises. And we do not mean natural wonders. Even when it comes to
architectural spectacles, there are many things to admire here. From the man-made waterways to the old-age churches, there is plenty to see. But one spot stands out from the rest- Willingdon Island. At first look on the map of this island, it may seem like a simple place with nothing to roam around. However, Willingdon Island has much more than meets the eye. In this blog, we shall explore all of this and beyond. Join us on the detailed tour guide to Willingdon Island.
What Makes Willingdon Island Famous?
Image Credit: N. Vivekananthamoorthy for Wikimedia Commons
Willingdon Island is famous because it is the largest man-made island in India. Additionally, it is one of the most picturesque spots in the Kochi region. The island bears the name of a former Viceroy. It is home to some of the city’s greatest hotels and is a significant business hub. In addition, the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, the Port of Kochi and the Indian Navy’s Kochi Naval Base are located on the island. Willingdon Island is a famous landmark as Cochin is a major port in India.
Each year, millions of tonnes of freight are handled by this tiny island. The Venduruthy Bridge connects the island to the mainland. Everyone enjoys taking the ferry ride and boat tours around the island offer breathtaking views of the area. One can easily get there by availing the ferry from the Ernakulam South. The closest train station is just 3 kilometres away. The closest airport to Willingdon Island is Cochin International Airport, around 26 km away.
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Conception Of The Idea Behind Willingdon Island
Image Credit: vasu for Wikimedia Commons
Sir Robert Bristow, who was chosen by Lord Willingdon, the Madras Presidency’s governor at the time, had the original notion to build a new, contemporary island at Kochi on India’s west coast. This island was given the name Willingdon. Dredged soil from Vembanad Lake was used to fill in a large portion of the current Willingdon Island, which was once a little natural island.
The Port of Kochi, the Kochi Naval Base, the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy, the Plant Quarantine Station, Custom House Cochin and the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology—a component of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research—are all located on Willingdon Island, making it a great tourist attraction.
Places To See On Willingdon Island
Willingdon Island is in itself a spectacular tourist spot for a one-day trip. When you are here, you can experience certain other spots. These are listed below:
1. Venduruthy Bridge
Image Credit: Salwin for Wikimedia Commons
The Venduruthy-Vikrant Bridge, or simply Venduruthy Bridge connects the mainland of Kochi to Willingdon Island. Currently, two bridges connect Willingdon Island to the Ernakulam side of Kochi: a road bridge and a railway bridge that runs parallel to one another. In 1938, two parallel road bridges and the ancient Venduruthy railway bridge were built. The ancient Venduruthy railway bridge is one of the earliest bridges in India to be built entirely of steel. It is a historically significant monument in Kochi because, in the British era, it was instrumental in transforming the city into a major port city in India.
Robert Bristow, a British engineer, oversaw the construction of the Venduruthy Bridge. In 1935, plans were initiated to construct bridges that would link Wellington Island to Ernakulam and Mattancherry. Bristow claimed that building the Venduruthy Bridge was an engineering feat that had no assurances of success. The bridge was built using steel frames that were supplied from Britain. There was no rock or substantial surface to secure the poles to, even three hundred feet down the hill. Iron pipes were driven into the mud and filled with stone and gravel to stabilise the foundation.
Address: Venduruthy Bridge, Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala 682003, India
Timings: Open 24 hours
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2. National Shrine Basilica Of Our Lady Of Ransom
Image Credit: Valter Campanato for Wikimedia Commons
The National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, also known as Vallarpadam Basilica,is a minor basilica and a significant Christian pilgrimage site located near Willingdon Island. It is situated in Vallarpadam, an Ernakulam suburb of Kochi. Every year, almost 5 million people come to see the basilica. Regardless of caste or religion, people go from all over the world to the church to seek the blessings of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as “Vallarpadathamma,” the mother of Jesus.
It is believed that Portuguese traders led by Vasco da Gama brought the image of the Virgin Mary and Infant Jesus to this place. The images are now housed at the top of the main altar of the Vallarpadam Church, in 1524. A significant flood in 1676 devastated the old church, known as the Church of the Holy Spirit, which was established by Portuguese missionaries. The image was discovered floating in the backwaters. It was then retrieved by Paliyath Raman Valiyachan, the Maharaja of Cochin’s prime minister. Paliyath Raman Valiyachan donated the property on this, where the current Vallarpadam church is built. Since 1676, a sanctuary lamp he donated has been burning continuously in his honour.
Address: Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam, Kochi, Kerala 682504, India
Timings:
- Monday to Saturday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
3. Cochin Port Maritime Heritage Museum
Image Credit: N. Vivekananthamoorthy for Wikimedia Commons
For those who love to dwell in the history of places they visit, the Cochin Port Maritime Heritage Museum is the ideal place to stroll on Willingdon Island. The palace was originally utilised as the head engineer’s quarters during the colonial era’s building of Willingdon Island. The Cochin Port Trust transformed the palace into a museum to showcase Kochi’s maritime history. Displays at the Cochin Port Trust Maritime Heritage Museum feature tools for maritime travel and navigation from various eras as well as an uncommon collection of images documenting the development of Kochi (then known as Cochin) as a port city following colonial interventions.
Photographs captured during the construction of the old Mattancherry Bridge and the one shot, when the first train landed at the island’s harbour terminus, convey fascinating tales of the past. Other images on show include the building of the bridges on the Venduruthy Railway, the Mattancherry Bridge and its wharves, the first train to arrive in Kochi, Robert Bristow’s home and vehicle, the reclamation of the Ernakulam foreshore and the Mattancherry shoreline dotted with Alleppey-bound boats. A steering device, a mechanical calculator, an underwater search gadget and seafarers’ clock models are a few more artefacts placed in this iconic museum.
Address: Cochin Port Maritime Heritage Museum, Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala 682003, India
Timings: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays)
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Reaching Willingdon Island
Willingdon Island is linked to the mainland via the Venduruthy and Mattancherry bridges. Daily passenger boats from Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, Vypin and Marine Drive travel to the island. The shortest national highway in India, 47A, is another route that leads to the island. A multitude of port offices, travel companies, souvenir shops, national and international bank branches and warehouses. There are five schools and a kindergarten for the benefit of these families as well as those residing on the Naval Base. Of these schools, three are part of the Kendriya Vidyalaya network.
The Willingdon island also houses a hospital, a fire station, tank farms, a dry dock and places of worship. On the island, the Port Health organisation operates intending to prevent the introduction of quarantinable diseases. The Government of India Tourist Information Office, located near the airport and the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industries are both positioned strategically in this area. Trade between countries is centred on this island too.
Arriving at the island
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So that was all about Willingdon Island, its beauty and the historical importance it carries. The island is a testament to India’s brave history in fighting with Independence. On one hand, it showcases the exploitation of Britishers of our motherland. And on the other, the island proves to be a symbol that good management can bring in good change, as done by the government of India. The efforts to still preserve the island in good shape are commendable, making it a must-visit place on your trip to Kochi.
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Cover Image Credit: Jaseem Hamza for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Willingdon Island
What is the largest man-made island in India?
Willingdon Island is the largest man-made island in India. The island was built during the Britishers rule and has a rich history that is worth knowing. Today, Willingdon Island serves as a great tourist place, offering scenic views of the Kochi Port and waterways. Millions of tourists visit the island every year.
Are there good hotels on Willingdon Island?
Yes, there are. One can choose to stay at one of the local hospitals situated on the island if staying for longer.
What is the size of Willingdon Island?
The total area of the island is around 775 acres. The island stands on the backwaters of Kochi, Kerala.
How to reach Willingdon Island from Ernakulam?
The popular Venduruthy Bridge connects Willingdon Island to the mainland of Kochi, through Ernakulam. One can even take a jetty to reach the island.
How far is Willingdon Island from Munnar?
The Willingdon Island is around 128.6km away from Munnar.
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