Aerial view of Island D Cochin surrounded by backwaters

Private island · Kochi · Kerala

An island to yourself,
fifteen minutes from Marine Drive.

A private 1.5-acre island on the Kochi backwaters, with Chinese fishing nets on the horizon. Bring your people across by boat for a celebration, a company day or a day out.

An island to yourself

Why hire a party hall when you can hire out a party island, just for you and your loved ones? Island D Cochin is a private 1.5-acre island on the backwaters of Kochi, a short boat ride from the mainland.

Tables dressed in gold and black on the lawn beside the backwater

Day Out Package

A day on the island,
ten till six.

Cross over in the morning and have the island until evening: lunch, air-conditioned halls with sound and lights, the open lawn for games, and kayaks on the water. Made for groups of 50 or more.

Hours
10 AM – 6 PM
Per person
₹1,500
Group
50+ guests

Included

  • Boat transfer
  • Welcome drink
  • Lunch with two non-vegetarian dishes
  • Tea and snacks
  • A/C Banquet Hall
  • Sound system and microphones
  • A/C DJ Hall with DJ lighting and sound
  • Open lawn for games and activities
  • Kayaking

At extra cost Sunset cruise · Speedboat rides

Want something different? Every package can be tailored to your group.

Check dates

Events & Weddings

A whole island,
for your guest list.

Weddings, celebrations, corporate events, family gatherings and parties for up to 200 guests, with the island arranged around the way you want the day to run.

Guests
200Overall event capacity, arranged to suit your format.
A/C Banquet Hall
150Guests seated.
Open lawn
200Guests outdoors, under the sky.
A/C DJ Hall
50–60Guests, depending on the set-up.

Your event, your way. Use our catering and DJ, or bring your own caterer, decorator, DJ and entertainment. Events start from about ₹50,000 depending on what you need, and can usually be booked a week ahead, subject to availability.

Enquire about a date

Hosted on the island

Companies

  • TCS
  • Wipro
  • Mahindra
  • ACC
  • HSBC
  • Cognizant
  • Shobha Builders
  • HDFC Bank
  • Federal Bank
  • MyG

Sporting guests

  • The Australian cricket team
  • The Indian cricket team
Aerial view of the island and the backwater around it

Experiences

Out on the water,
or out on the lawn.

Take out a kayak, go for a sunset cruise or a speedboat ride, then bring the evening in with a campfire, a barbecue and the DJ hall.

  • Kayaking
  • Sunset cruise
  • Speedboat rides
  • A/C DJ Hall
  • Campfire
  • BBQ
  • Outdoor games
  • Boat transfers
  • Sunset cruises, speedboat rides, campfire and BBQ are available at extra cost.
  • Life jackets for every boat ride and kayak, a trained boat crew, first aid and fire-fighting equipment on the island.

Food

Your menu,
served on the island.

There’s no restaurant on the island. Food is arranged for each booking through professional caterers and built around your menu, including vegetarian, vegan and Jain requirements.

A long table set on the island lawn beside the backwater

Catering to your menu

Tell us what you’d like to serve and we’ll arrange it, typically for groups of 50 to 150. For events, you’re also welcome to bring your own caterer.

Ask about food
Fairy-lit trees over the path to a food counter at night

Evenings on the island

Planning an evening event? Add a campfire and a barbecue to your booking, at extra cost.

Add to your booking

Our Story

From Sandalwood Island
to Island D.

Pazhampilly Thomas bought the island in the 1960s, and for years it was a private retreat and farm for him and his family.

In 1994 his son, Denny Thomas, turned it into a resort and event destination. Known then as Sandalwood Island, it drew guests from around the world, including international visitors and celebrities, and was hired by hospitality groups such as Taj and CGH Earth for private experiences and events.

Renamed Island D Cochin, it has kept what set it apart from the start: the feeling of a private escape, surrounded by the backwaters of Kochi.

  1. 1960sBought by Pazhampilly Thomas as a family retreat and farm
  2. 1994Opened as Sandalwood Island by Denny Thomas
  3. TodayIsland D Cochin
The island at dusk, with lit palms along the path

Plan Your Visit

Good to know
before you cross.

Anything else? Call or WhatsApp +91 97466 10999, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Getting there

Where do we board the boat?

At River D, Cochin, on the mainland. Park outside River D, wait in the designated area, and the boat will bring you across.

How far is the island from the city?

About 15 minutes from Marine Drive, depending on the journey.

How long is the boat ride, and does it cost extra?

About 15 minutes, and it’s free for booked guests. Boats start at your booked time and keep running until the last guest leaves.

Is there parking?

Yes, free parking on the mainland for about 50 to 70 vehicles. There’s no valet.

Can we arrive another way?

Yes. Come by your own boat, take a taxi or auto to River D, or hire a boat from Marine Drive, which takes about 20 minutes.

What happens in bad weather?

For everyone’s safety, the boat may not run in harsh weather.

Booking & payment

How do we book?

Call or WhatsApp +91 97466 10999. A 50% advance payment confirms your booking.

Can we cancel or change the date?

The advance isn’t refundable, and there’s no refund if you cancel. You can ask to move to another date in advance, and we’ll change it if that date is available.

How far ahead should we book?

Events can usually be booked about a week ahead, subject to availability.

How can we pay?

All standard payment methods are accepted.

Do we need ID?

Yes. The person who made the booking should bring a valid ID card.

On the island

Can we stay overnight?

No. There’s no accommodation on the island; it’s for events and days out.

Are children and pets welcome?

Yes, both are welcome.

Can we bring alcohol?

We don’t serve alcohol, but you can bring your own, subject to the rules and responsible use. Illicit articles aren’t permitted.

Is the island accessible?

Elderly guests can board the boat with assistance. There’s currently no wheelchair access.

Is it safe on the water?

Life jackets are provided for boat rides and kayaking, the boat crew is trained, and there’s a first-aid kit and fire-fighting equipment on the island.

Are you open all year?

Yes, Island D Cochin is open throughout the year.

Plan your day

Bring your people across the water.

Call or WhatsApp +91 97466 10999. We usually reply within 15 minutes, between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM.