The Essential Guide On How To Get To and Around The Biennale City
- 13 Dec 2016
- Rheanna Mathews
- Features
Yet another Biennale time is upon us again and if you are not a native, or if you are a geographically challenged Kochiite, getting to Fort Kochi for the Biennale is something that you might find baffling. WtzupCity has compiled a list of routes you can take to get to there.
Where to Start and How to Get to Fort Kochi
Marine Drive: Going by boat from the Ernakulam Boat Jetty is the fastest, cheapest way you can get to Fort Kochi. But the crowds are a deterrent for many.
Buses are another popular option. Buses through Menaka ply the direct route to Fort Kochi.
Vytilla: The Vytilla Mobility Hub has those low-floor, comfortable, A/C Volvo buses that take you directly to Fort Kochi. Just get on the ones with the boards that say Kundannur – Fort Kochi. Now, if those are unavailable when you get there, take a bus to pallimukku Marine Drive (Menaka stop) and from there, you can hail direct buses to Fort Kochi.
Edappally: Buses from Edappally diverge after the Kaloor North stop to the High Court and M. G. Road that runs parallel to it. So long as the boards on the buses say Fort Kochi, you’ll get there no matter which route you take.
Aluva: Buses to Fort Kochi start here.
Kakkanad: Buses to Fort Kochi start here too, and go via Palarivattom and Kaloor North.
Ernakulam Town (ERN): If you’ve come to Kochi with the Biennale as your sole purpose, and you’re waiting at the Ernakulam North railway station wondering how to get to Fort Kochi, the aforementioned buses starting from Aluva and Kakkanad pass through here.
Ernakulam Junction (ERS): And if you’re at the Ernakulam South railway station instead, catch a bus to Palarivattom and a second one to Fort Kochi, from there.
Nedumbassery: Buses starting from Angamaly/Athani and headed to Fort Kochi take the national highway and pass through Nedumbassery, if you’re the backpacking sort of airline traveller and prefer public transportation to taxis and the ridiculously costly tuk-tuks.
The Venues
Aspinwall House: A sea-facing property in Fort Kochi with warehouses on the way to Mattancherry containing office buildings, a residential bungalow, warehouses and several other outlying structures.
Cabral Yard: Named after a Portuguese navigator, the property was used for the production of coir yarn.
Pepper House: Another waterfront heritage property, it is a very popular café also housing a library, a gallery and event spaces.
David Hall: Built by the Dutch East India Company, the building is located on the north side of Parade Ground in Fort Kochi and is believed to have housed military personnel during the Dutch occupation.
Kashi Art Café: At the forefront of the Kochi art scene, this garden café brings art to the enthusiast.
Durbar Hall: Originally built to host the Cochin Maharaja’s court, and located at the heart of Kochi, the building and its grounds serve as an exhibition venue of international standing.
MAP Project Space or, the Dutch Warehouse: From a time when the spice trade was at its height, this dilapidated ‘godown’ built when the Dutch ruled Kochi is located on Bazar Road.
Once you get to Fort Kochi, make your way to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale Foundation office at Kunnumpuram or to Aspinwall House with the help of the locals, get your tickets and just follow the throng. Happy Art Trails!
