Marine Drive, Kochi

Marine Drive, Kochi Overview

Overlooking the serene backwaters of Kerala is Marine Drive, one of the most popular hangout spots in the city of Kochi. It is a picturesque promenade with a walkway of about three kilometres and is a fantastic place to spend some time leisurely, either in the company of loved ones or even some alone time.

Boulevard of Marine Drive stretches from Jankar Jetty in the north to the Ernakulam Boat Jetty in the south. Important landmarks nearby include The Marine Walkway, The Rainbow Bridge, The Houseboat Bridge, The China Net Bridge and GCDA Shopping Complex. So if you are looking to discover the very essence of what Kochi is all about, Marine Drive is just the place for you.

1. Boating

2. Shopping At Marine Drive, Kochi

From flea markets to high rise shopping mall, this destination has it all. The most prominent shopping mall here is the GCDA shopping complex, which is known for its amazing variety o (Read More)f goods. Other shopping complexes here include Bay Pride Mall and Seaside shop which are great destinations for casual shopping. The market area near Marine Drive is most famous for its cotton clothing and an assortment of knick - knacks which you will not be able resist buying!

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Nomenclature and History of Marine Drive

Until the 1980s, what we know today as the Marine Drive was known as Shanmugham Road, which also included the Kochi Lake and the Arabian Sea. In the 1980s, a project was started by GCDA named as the Kochi Marine Drive Project and thus work was initiated on the same. However, due to the enforcement of the Coastal Protection Laws in India in the 1990s, construction of a road along the drive became impossible. As a result of the same, a walkway was constructed in its place. However, the name Marine Drive stuck. Today, this destination has become a must do for all people who visit the city, and can be easily deemed as the state's commercial capital as well.

Boat Services From Marine Drive

A popular activity to pursue at Marine Drive is its boat rides, which provide a serene excavation into the city. There are various boat services from Marine Drive that take you to many tourist spots like the Oil Tanker Berth, Kochin Shipyard, the Bolgatty Palace, Mattancherry Jewish Synagogue and many more. What's more, a number of small time shopkeepers sell a wide variety of snacks such as ice creams and cotton candy to keep you munching through your boat ride. A comprehensive guide to the same is detailed below:-

1. Trip to Oil Tanker Berth, Sulfer Berth, Container Berth and Harbour via Bolgatty Palace and back.
Cost: INR 1000 per head
Time: 1 Hour
2. Trip to Oil Tanker Berth, Sulfer Berth, Container Berth and Harbour via Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Net, Dolphin Point, Vypeen, Vallarpadam Container Berth, Bolgattey Palace and back.
Cost: INR 1500 per head
Time: 1.5 Hours
3. Trip to Mattancherry, Dutch Palace, Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishet, Dolphin Point, Dolphin Point, Vypeen, Vallarpadam Container Berth, Bolgatty Palace via Harbour
Cost: INR 2000 per head
Time: 2 Hours
4. Full SIght Seeing of Kochi Backwaters
Cost: INR 3000 per head
Time: 3 hours

However, on the negative side of things, the cleanliness in this place is not very good, so that might cause a little inconvenience in your trip. However, the view from the Marine Drive more than makes up for it, and is a must do if you are in the city.