One of the largest man-made islands in India, Willingdon Island is named after the erstwhile Viceroy, Lord Willington. Designed and created by the harbour engineer Sir Robert Bristow, it is today a massive commercial centre in Kochi. A visionary, Sir Robert Bristow foresaw the potential of creating a man-made island while deepening and constructing the Kochi harbour. In the year 1928, when the modernisation of the harbour was being done under his supervision, he decided to use the mud and materials dredged out from the Vembanad, to create the island by filling the area around a pre-existing tiny natural island. Today, Willingdon Island is a sprawling area of 775 acres and is one of the most bustling trading centres in the nation. 

Set amidst the backwaters, the island is a beautiful spot for visitors to enjoy the charm of the backwaters as well. The serene walkways and the picturesque views of the Arabian Sea make for an enjoyable experience. The island also hosts some of the best hotels in the city. 

Home to the Kochi Naval Base of the Indian Army, the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and the Port of Kochi, Willington Island is one of the most important locations in the state. It is connected to the mainland via the Venduruthy Bridge. One of the biggest contributors to its growth as a commercial hub is the presence of the Mattancherry and Ernakulam wharfs on either side of the island.