Kochi to be ‘Florida of the East’

The list of ‘firsts’ to the credit of Kochi seems unabated and the latest in the list is the proposed marina coming up on the Bolgatty Palace Hotel premises. India’s first world-class marina that can accommodate 150 luxury yachts and international cruise liners at a time will come up in the backwaters of Kochi, making Kerala a hotter tourist destination.

Tourism officials engaged in finalising the project said that the marina, which would offer berthing facilities, refueling and replenishing of the stores of visiting yachts, would make virtually make Kochi, the East’s Florida. The marina will have a wet dock and a gallery with equipment and machines for carrying out repair works. It will also have luxury cruisers and jet skis. The marina’s potential stems from the fact that there are several luxury yachts, which call at Kochi, despite the current poor berthing facilities.

Set up by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation this eco friendly project is estimated to cost Rs.8.25-crore of which the Union government had already provided Rs.4 Crores. The first phase of the Marina is expected to be completed in 18 months.

The project will provide docking and maintenance facilities for the yachts on five acres of land. The three-storey marina house, inspired by the Dutch Palace architectural style will be the world’s first marina with a golf course as well.

This marina, on completion will provide an impetus to tourism and water sports as it will ensure a convenient whistle stop to all yachts on the transit from the Middle East to the Far East. It will have a facility to accommodate 50 luxury yachts in the first phase, which is sure to bring in more seafarers to Kochi in the near future.

The advent of Marina will ensure the overall development of the area. Fuel stations and facilities to provide water and electricity to the yachts will be built on the side of the marina house all the while keeping the unique naturescapes and ecological equations of the region intact.

A wooden plank that juts right into the backwaters would allow the visitors to sneak peek into the yachts. In addition, health clubs and guest rooms for well heeled tourists have also been proposed. The proposed marina is expected to enable Kochi to carve a niche on its own in the world tourist map.