Want to really get a feel for Kochi? Hop on a Kochi water metro - the best way to explore Kochi backwaters! They're full of cool little islands, actually created when they dredged for the Kochi Port. Stick around until evening and you'll catch an incredible sunset near Fort Kochi's estuary, with tons of boats and even big ships cruising by. The service is available from Fort Kochi to High court at Ernakulam city, and vice versa.
In 2017, Kochi launched its city metro line, aiming to ease the city's heavy traffic. But the metro project wasn't just about the overhead rail; it included a comprehensive, integrated transport system. From the start, they also planned for a water metro, ensuring accessibility by both land and water.
Kochi's existing public water transportation system, which connects its islands to Ernakulam city centre - the bustling commercial hub of Kerala that emerged after India's independence - is used by people for their daily commute to schools, colleges, and workplaces. However, these boats are quite old and are showing signs of rust.
The Kochi Water Metro launched in 2021 and boasts a robust network with cutting-edge infrastructure, quite similar to the Kochi Metro. The terminals are impressive, featuring QR scanner AFC gates, well-kept interiors, helpful staff, and fantastic battery-powered boats. These boats are air-conditioned, double-hulled vessels made right here at the Cochin Shipyard.
So, to get a good look around, hop on the water metro from Fort Kochi to the High Court terminal or the other way round. You'll cruise past the harbor, DP World container terminal, Bolgatty Palace, Vypin Island, and catch the ro-ro ferry and lots of fishing boats. Keep an eye out for Indian Navy boats too, if you're lucky. Plus, you'll spot the Port Trust office at Wellington Island, the Taj Malabar hotel, and Marine Drive in Ernakulam city.
Fort Kochi's got some interesting spots like the St. Francis Church, the first church built by the Portuguese. Vasco Da Gama the famous navigator was burried here and then thirteen years later the remains were taken back to Lisbon by his son. And those famous Chinese fishing nets down by the beach. If you're making your way to the High Court from there, swing by the Queen's Walkway—it's a long stretch along Marine Drive and perfect for a laid-back city walk. Locals love it and it's usually buzzing with activity.
To catch a breathtaking sunset over the Arabian Sea, hop on this tour around 4 PM and return by 6 PM. It's a hidden gem for experiencing Fort Kochi from the water, something not many people know about. We used to offer these cruises privately, but now this water metro ride is the highlight, and all of it would cost you only 100 rupees per person. See how cool it is!
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