Marine Drive, Kochi also known as APJ Abdul Kalam Marg, is a 3 km promenade along the backwaters in the district of Ernakulam in Kerala. It starts from High Court Junction to Rajendra Maidan and offers a picturesque view of the backwaters and Kochi harbour. A vibrant hub of Kochi, it has several shopping malls, skyscrapers, food joints and entertainment options. The Kerala State Government is working on infrastructure development, cleanliness and safety of the area through a project named ‘Arabikkadalinte Rani Azhakinte Rani’ which translates to ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea, the Beauty Queen’.

Why the Walkway is called a Drive
In the 1980s, the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) initiated the Marine Drive project, inspired by Mumbai's Marine Drive. The present marine drive was claimed from the Kochi Lake. The plan of GCDA was to eventually construct a road on the western border of this land. This did not materialize because of the enforcement of coastal protection laws in the 1990s, leading to the development of a picturesque walkway instead. So ironic to its name, no vehicles are allowed on Marine Drive.

Boating & Cruising
Marine Drive in Kochi offers boating on the Vembanad Lake, especially popular in the evenings and nights. You can choose from different boats like speed boats, motor boats, house boats, or luxury cruises to explore Kochi's backwaters. You can enjoy delicious food and drinks on board cruise boats with the city lights reflecting on the beautiful lake. Boats services from Marine Drive can take you to other nearby attractions like Bolgatty Palace, Cochin shipyard, Mattancherry Palace, Jew Street and the Jewish Synagogue. 

View from the Bridges 
There are three bridges on the Marine Drive: the Rainbow Bridge, the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge, and the House Boat Bridge. Each of these has its own design and reflects the culture and history of Kochi. The Rainbow Bridge which is arch-shaped is lit up with rainbow colored lights which gives a marvelous view in the night. The Chinese Fishing Net Bridge resembles a traditional Kerala fishing net suspended over the water and is a good spot to watch the sunset over the lake. The House Boat Bridge looks like a ‘kettuvallam’, a traditional house boat, with a wooden structure and a thatched roof. The bridge features a small garden and a fountain that add to its beauty.

Landmarks near Marine Drive
Marine Drive in Kochi has various landmarks and monuments that highlight its cultural and historical significance. Among these, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi near High Court Junction stands as a tribute to the Father of the Nation. Nearby, the sculpture of Naval Martyrs portrays a soldier holding a rifle and saluting his fallen comrades. The memorial dedicated to APJ Abdul Kalam, the former president of India, stands as a testament to his contributions. Visitors can explore the GCDA shopping complex for a great shopping experience and it also hosts various dining options ranging from local Kerala cuisine to continental dishes. The fountain close to GCDA Shopping Complex is a favorite spot for visitors, while the garden near Bay Pride Mall has a diverse array of plants and flowers.