Marine Drive
West India Region
Marine Drive, officially named APJ Abdul Kalam Marg, is a popular waterfront promenade located in Kochi, India. Stretching along the backwaters, it offers a serene walkway free of vehicular traffic, making it a favored spot for locals and tourists alike. The promenade extends from the Kerala High Court junction to Rajendra Maidan and features several notable bridges including the Rainbow Bridge, Chinese Fishing Net Bridge, and House Boat Bridge. The area is lined with important commercial and residential buildings such as the GCDA Shopping Complex, Abad Bay Pride Mall, and the Hotel Taj Gateway. Marine Drive is not only a place for leisure strolls but also a hub for shopping and social gatherings. The Public Ground at its northern end serves as a venue for major exhibitions and political events. The walkway's development began in the 1980s following a land reclamation project from Kochi Lake, inspired by Mumbai’s Marine Drive, ultimately evolving into a beautified pedestrian space due to coastal protection laws. This blend of natural beauty, urban vibrancy, and cultural significance makes Marine Drive a distinctive landmark in Kochi's cityscape.
ヒント: The best time to visit Marine Drive is during the evening when the promenade is beautifully lit and the sunset over the backwaters can be enjoyed. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets or passes in advance for any special exhibitions or events held at the Public Ground. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the full stretch of the walkway. While no vehicles are allowed on the promenade, nearby parking and public transport options make access convenient. Look out for local refreshments like kulukki sarbath, a popular mocktail available at outlets along the drive. Check for any ongoing events or festivals at the Public Ground to enhance your visit experience.
興味深い事実
- •Marine Drive is officially named APJ Abdul Kalam Marg after the former President of India.
- •The walkway features three iconic bridges: Rainbow Bridge, Chinese Fishing Net Bridge, and House Boat Bridge.
- •The Public Ground at the northern end hosts major political meetings and exhibitions, including the 1982 meeting announcing AK Antony's comeback to the Indian National Congress.
- •The area was reclaimed from Kochi Lake in the 1980s as part of an urban development project inspired by Mumbai’s Marine Drive.
- •Local specialty kulukki sarbath, a refreshing mocktail, is a popular treat along the promenade.
歴史
Originally, the area now known as Marine Drive was part of Kochi Lake adjacent to Shanmugham Road.
In the 1980s, the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) initiated a land reclamation project inspired by Mumbai’s Marine Drive to create a waterfront area.
The plan initially included constructing a coastal road, but environmental regulations in the 1990s prevented this, leading to the development of a pedestrian walkway instead.
In 1992, under GCDA Chairman V.
Joseph Thomas, a beautification project led to the construction of landmarks such as the Rainbow Bridge.
Since then, Marine Drive has evolved into a key urban promenade and commercial center in Kochi.
場所ガイド
Marine Walkway
The main pedestrian promenade stretching from Subash Chandra Bose Park in the south to KSINC Boat Jetty in the north, offering scenic views of the backwaters and city skyline.
Rainbow Bridge1992
An architecturally distinctive bridge over the Market Canal near the GCDA Shopping Complex, serving as a symbolic gateway to Marine Drive.
Chinese Fishing Net Bridge
A bridge over Mullassery canal near the India Priyadarshini Children's Park, named after the famous Chinese fishing nets that are a cultural icon of Kochi.
House Boat Bridge
Located near the Goshree bridge end, this bridge is part of the Marine Walkway and provides access to boat jetties and houseboats on the backwaters.
GCDA Shopping Complex
A major shopping arcade along Marine Drive that serves as a commercial hub with various retail outlets and local shops.