Marine Drive Kochi Entry Fee
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Marine Drive Kochi Address: Marine Drive Walkway, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kerala, 682031, India
Marine Drive is the most happening place in the heart of Kochi. The picturesque area, built facing the backwaters, is the main hangout place for people inside and outside Kochi. Whoever visits for sightseeing in Cochin, never leaves the town without paying a visit to the Marine Drive. The magnificently built Marine Drive that is 3 kilometer long walkway on the shore of Vembannattu Kayal would surely offer a pleasant experience to its visitors. Not only the walkways, there are also many shopping malls and eateries near Marine Drive to hang out.
The story behind the Marine Drive
The Shanmugham Road adjacent to Kochi Lake was considered as Marine Drive before the present one until 1980. As part of the city development program under the Greater Cochin Development Authority, the new proposal was submitted which was similar to the project of Mumbai Marine Drive. Marine Drive was the temporary name suggested for the project, which was later made permanent due to public demand. The present Marine Drive area includes part of Kochi Lake, west side of the Shanmugham Road and the walkway. The initial plan of the GCDA was to connect the western border of the land through a road which got cancelled due to the Coastal Protection Laws in India. However, the authority is still making every effort possible to make Marine Drive one of the most happening tourist attraction in Kochi.
Things to explore in Marine Drive
- Marine Drive boating: Marine Drive is best known among the locals for spending laid back evenings while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Vembanattu Kayal and its calm breeze. But for tourists, Marine Drive offers many intriguing and engaging activities, the main being Marine Drive boating. There are many private and government run boats and small cruise services. There are a few cruises which organize candid dinner amidst the city lights being reflected on the beautiful lake. The best time for boating in the Marine Drive is undoubtedly the late evenings and nights.
- Rainbow Bridge: Rainbow bridge is another attraction of the Marine Drive for tourists. The arch shaped bridge is illuminated with rainbow colored lights which gives a marvellous visual in the night. There are several seating arrangements near the bridge for visitors to witness this splendour.
- GCDA shopping complex: There are a number of shops near the Marine Drive walkway for tourists. Visitors who wish to have a hassle free shopping experience shall try the GCDA shopping complex. This place also has many eateries with food items ranging from traditional Kerala cuisine to continental cuisine.
How to reach Marine Drive
Since Marine Drive is situated in the heart of Kochi, reaching here need not be a concern for any traveller. The place is well connected with public transport via road and water. The government run boat services are considered to be the easiest mode of transport to reach Marine Drive as you could avoid your precious time being spent in traffic-jam. Apart from that, the boat jetty is close to the entrance of the Marine Drive walkway which makes it even more comfortable.
