Dear Cats Of Kochi readers, Welcome back! I am yours truly Bandit and today we are interviewing Luna, our travel-savvy cat who has spent countless hours exploring the waterways of Kochi. She shares her purr-fect knowledge about the Kochi Water Metro.
Q: Luna, welcome to the Ask Me Anything of cats of kochi! Hope you liked the fish we served in the lobby while you were waiting. Let's get started! what exactly is this Kochi Water Metro everyone's talking about?
Meow! Thank you Bandit for inviting me. The fish was yummy. The Kochi Water Metro is Asia's first integrated water transport system. A network of electric boats that connect Kochi's mainland to 10 island communities. As a cat who appreciates both efficiency and scenic beauty, I find it's the purr-fect way to travel without getting my paws wet. Did you know that historically, Kerala relied heavily on inland waterways before the road system was in place.
Q: Oh wow i didn't know that. Which routes are currently operational, Luna?
I've explored all the current routes my dear Bandit, :
- High Court - Vypin (my personal favorite for bird watching)
- High Court - Fort Kochi (Travellers hot spot with excellent fish markets nearby)
- Vyttila to Kakkanad (great for business cats)
- High Court to South Chittoor via Bolgatty and Mulavukad North (scenic route!)
- South Chittoor to Cheranelloor via Eloor (less crowded, perfect for naps)
I love drawing maps, so i have drawn the routes for your readers. Here you go.
Q: This is so cool Luna. you are awesome! Can you tell us the operating hours?
They are punctual. Boats arrive every 15-20 minutes during peak hours (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM) and every 20-30 minutes during off-peak times. I prefer traveling during off-peak hours – more space to stretch! Please note that these timings do change at times so check on their website if you wish to plan ahead. I have made a quick time table of the two key routes here for your ready reference.
Q: Thank you again for collating this time table. Its so handy. I am going to download this as an image and keep. Are there any passes or bulk tickets options on the Water Metro? How do humans purchase tickets?
There are Daily, Weekly, Monthly pass options for regular travellers. The Staff at the Customer Care are super friendly and will help you find the right one for your needs. As a local cat, I've observed that the Kochi One Metro Card is the most convenient option for regular travelers. It works across both the Water Metro and the regular Metro. Unfortunately, they don't offer feline discounts yet, despite my formal complaints. For travelers who may not be able to get the Metro Card due to regulations, Cash/Card purchase is the easiest option.
To purchase these tickets, humans have multiple options – ticket counters at terminals, the Kochi One Metro Card, mobile QR code tickets through the Kochi One app, or online booking. I recommend downloading the app before your trip – it provides real-time updates on boat timings, which even I find useful despite my natural feline punctuality.
Photo Credits: Pranav, Ansh
Q: Does the Water Metro get crowded, Luna? How should travelers handle peak times?
Ah, an excellent question about personal space – something I take very seriously! Yes, the Water Metro can get quite crowded during certain times and on specific routes. The High Court - Fort Kochi, Vypin route is particularly busy during weekends and holidays when tourists flock to the historic areas.
During December-January (peak tourist season) and April-May (summer holidays), all routes experience higher passenger volumes. I've seen the boats reach full capacity and long queues.
For a more pleasant journey, I recommend: Travel early before 8 AM or after 10 AM to avoid the morning rush. Mid-day journeys (12-3 PM) are wonderfully quiet. Avoid weekends on the Fort Kochi route if you dislike crowds like me and long waiting times
The good news is that even when crowded, the boats are air conditioned and the journeys are relatively short (20-25 minutes on most routes). The staff are also quite efficient at managing boarding and alighting to minimize chaos – something I, as a cat who values order, greatly appreciate.
Q: What's your recommended itinerary for first-time visitors to Kochi?
For a purr-fect day in Kochi, I recommend starting at High Court Terminal and take the Water Metro to Fort Kochi. Explore the Chinese Fishing Nets (excellent fish-watching spots), St. Francis Church, Jew Town, and the Dutch Cemetery. The cafés in Fort Kochi serve excellent food. Return to High Court Terminal by evening to catch the sunset over the backwaters – it's a meow-gical sight.
Q: Any special experiences that shouldn't be missed?
The Backwater Sunset Experience is not to be missed! Board from High Court Terminal to Vypin or Fort Kochi around 5:30 PM. The golden light on the water is simply magical – perfect for contemplation or, in my case, planning my next meal.
For the adventurous, I recommend the two-day island hopping adventure. Spend day one exploring Bolgatty Island and Mulavukad, then day two visiting Kakkanad and South Chittoor. The peaceful backwater villages are perfect for those seeking tranquility – something we cats value greatly.
Q: Wow thats a beautiful picture! Well done. Also, Is there connectivity between Water Metro Station and the Kochi Metro Stations?
Yes. Electric AC Buses connect you between water and rail metro stations and also shopping points. Buses are available every 10 minutes starting 7.45 AM till 8.00 PM daily. The stops are MG Road Metro, Maharajas Metro, General Hospital, Boat Jetty, Menaka & High Court Water Metro. Are you a visual person like me? I have this handy map for you then.
Q: Another Map! You are godsend. Now tell me, How environmentally friendly is the Water Metro?
Luna puffs her chest proudly.
Very! As a cat who plans to use all nine lives on this planet, I appreciate their commitment to sustainability. The electric-hybrid vessels significantly reduce carbon emissions. The terminals have solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and waste management protocols to protect the backwater ecosystem. The boats are also designed to create minimal wake, reducing shoreline erosion.
Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time for my afternoon nap. All this travel expertise is exhausting!
Luna gets ready to curl into a ball and then promptly falls asleep on her jute cushion, dreaming of her next Fort Kochi adventure.
