A blend of history and modern convenience
Till the advent of the Portuguese in the 16th century, the island was inhabited by a small indigenous fishing community. The Portuguese introduced the Catholic faith in the area. They set up many churches, including the famous Church of Our Lady of Hope. According to recent research, the Portuguese legacy is still visible in the dialect of a few Anglo-Indians in Vypeen. They use the earliest forms of Creole (a mixture of two or three languages) of the Portuguese language, but its grammar is influenced by Malayalam. Under the influence of the Portuguese, Vypeen began to develop and is now one of the islands with the highest density of population. Today, the Goshree bridge connects the island to the city of Kochi, whereas earlier one had to be ferried to and fro. Njarakkal is the business centre of Vypeen.
Discover the ease of reaching Vypin Island. This narrow strip of land, stretching approximately 27 kilometres, is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and the backwaters of the Vembanad Lake to the east. It is seamlessly connected to the mainland of Kochi by a series of bridges, including the Goshree Bridges, which provide convenient road connectivity to the island. Rest assured, your journey to this coastal paradise is just a bridge away.
Discover cultural attractions
Vypin Island is home to several cultural and historical landmarks that reflect its rich heritage. The Pallipuram Fort, located on the northern end of the island, is one of the oldest European forts in India, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The island also boasts of traditional fishing villages, ancient temples, and historic churches, offering insights into its cultural diversity and religious traditions.