Willingdon Island

While Fort Kochi and Mattancherry always held the limelight, its neighbouring island, Willingdon has always lived in their shadow. Built by Robert Bristow and named after Lord Willingdon, the governor of Madras presidency, this is the largest man-made island in India that connects the mainland (Ernakulam) to Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. It once housed the Cochin International Airport and is presently home to southern naval command of Indian Navy and Cochin Port Trust. The island has nice little roads and most of them lead to the embarkation point for ferries. Gulmohar trees are aligned along the road, which add more charm to an already captivating one. This acts more like a walkway along the fringes of the Vembanad Lake. Strolling along this lake is an ideal way to spend the evening, admiring the beautiful vistas around.

The views of the mainland along with blue waters of Vembanad Lake, the floating sea weeds, a few Chinese fishing nets and the docked ships make a beautiful frame. While Fort Kochi is popular for its colonial structures, Willingdon Island offers panoramic vistas and an old world charm with neatly lined houses, a few dilapidated ones and peaceful roads.