Kochi Backwaters

Popularly referred as the 'Queen of Arabian Sea', Kochi embraces a cluster of picturesque islands, some no more than just rocks or spits of land on the Vembanad Lake. Only a few are of any significant size.

Kochi Backwaters has a natural harbor around which the city has developed. The harbor is characterized by Chinese Fishing Nets, called 'cheena vala' in Malayalam. These large nets, which hang from bamboo posts, are a popular tourist attraction. They are still used by local fishermen and tourists to catch fish attracted by the lights suspended above the nets.

With its tiny bays and hidden coves, the isles are an escapist's joy. There are ferry services every half hour from Kochi to the islands [6am to 10pm]. Vehicles can be brought to the islands by vehicular ferries. Almost all of the islands are sailable, but prime destinations are Bolgatty and Willingdon. Bolgatty is deep into resort tourism owing to the magnificent Bolghatty Palace, one of the oldest existing palaces built by the Dutch in 1744 AD and later converted into a heritage hotel resort. Set amidst lush foliage, Bolghatty Palace offers palace and executive suites, deluxe rooms, and lakefront cottages along the backwaters. Tourists can enjoy the private golf course, swimming pool, and Ayurvedic center. Guests can avail the free ferry service.

Willingdon is an artificial island [an island formed by land reclamation] named after Lord Willindgon, the former British Viceroy of India. The busy island features the government of India tourist office, the southern naval command headquarters, the Cochin port trust, and the customs house. The island also attracts seafood aficionados. Interestingly, the specialty seafood restaurant, 'Fort Kochi', does not have a daily menu; instead, a trolley contains the catch of the day, be it jumbo prawns, lobster, Indian salmon, snapper, squid, mullet, or seer fish.

Some islands are so small that tourists get acquainted with the locals in no time. Gundu is the smallest island [5 acres]. The only edifice there is a coir factory and tourists can observe the process of manufacturing coir doormats from coconut fibre. Vypeen is renowned for the Portuguese fort at its northern end. For those who truly desire seclusion, there are modest inns on the smaller islands. With no nightlife, shopping malls, and often no television reception, the magnetism of these islands is privacy, great weather, conversation with locals, and appetizing fish delicacies.