Vypin Island

Vypin, also known as Vypeen, is a chain of islands that are part of the city of Kochi (Cochin) in Kerala, India. Vypin is a barrier island that stands between the Arabian Sea in the west and the Cochin backwaters in the east, which are formed by numerous Periyar River distributaries.

Discover the Charms of Vypin Island

Vypin is a chain of islands forming part of Kochi in Kerala. It acts as a barrier island between the Arabian Sea and the Cochin backwaters and is connected to mainland Kochi by the Goshree bridges. Spanning nearly 27 kilometers, it is one of the world’s most densely populated islands.

Vypin Island, one of the largest Goshree Islands, is renowned for its beautiful and extensive beaches, including Kuzhupilly, Puthuvype, Cherai, and Munambam. Cherai Beach, in particular, stands out as one of the longest beaches in Kochi, drawing numerous visitors. Munambam Fishing Harbour, the largest in Kochi, is also located on Vypeen.

Located about five kilometers from Ernakulam city, Vypeen spans over 25 square kilometers and was formed due to floods in 1341. The island’s population density has surged due to its development, particularly after the construction of the Goshree bridge, which replaced the need for ferry services. Njarakkal is the business hub of Vypeen.

Exploring the Cultural and Historical Richness of Vypin Island

The island is home to several temples, such as Elankunnapuzha Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple, Cherai Temple, Palathankulangara Devi Temple, and Azeekal Varahamoorthy Temple. For tourists, notable attractions include the Puthuvype Lighthouse, which is open from 3 PM to 5 PM daily, Cherai Beach, Sahodaran Ayyappan Museum, the historic Cruz Milagres Roman Catholic Church built in 1932, and Kuzhupilly Beach. Additionally, the Pallipuram Fort, a 16th-century Portuguese fort and part of the Muziris Heritage Project, stands at the northern tip of Vypeen Island.

Historically, Vypeen was inhabited by a native fishing community until the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century, introducing Catholicism and constructing several churches, including the Church of Our Lady of Hope. The Pallipuram Fort, also built by the Portuguese, remains a significant landmark. Recent research indicates that some Anglo-Indians in Vypeen still use early forms of Creole Portuguese mixed with Malayalam grammar, highlighting the lasting influence of the Portuguese.

Today, Vypeen is a fast-developing suburb with modern infrastructure. It offers numerous undiscovered attractions, such as the Ochanthuruthu lighthouse and its adjacent beach. The island’s economy is diverse, with Munambam Fishing Harbour at the northern tip and Puthuvype emerging as an industrial hub due to various projects, including the SPM project, LNG Terminal, and the proposed Oceanarium. Additionally, India’s first international container trans-shipment terminal (ICTT) is located at Vallarpadam Island.

Plan Your Visit to Vypeen Island

There is no entry fee to visit Vypeen Island, and the best time to visit is from October to March. Activities on the island include boating, fishing, sampling local food, and photography. The island is accessible from Kochi, with the nearest railway station being Ernakulam and the closest airport being Cochin International Airport. The island is open to visitors daily, with maps available for guidance.

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