Valiyathura Pier, once operational was 703 feet long and supported by 127 concrete piles. It took a whopping 571 tonnes of cement and 250 tonnes of steel to build this structure!
But that’s not all – the pier was equipped with one 10-tonner and four 3-tonne cranes to unload cargo from ships. Unfortunately, it couldn’t handle massive ships that anchored from the deep sea, and that’s where Kochi port stole the show.
Fast forward to today, and the pier has seen better days. With dismantled cranes, eroded structure, and rusted cargo godowns, Valiathura turned out to be a dead port. But don’t let that fool you! The pier is now home to fishers who use the weakened structure to launch their catamarans during rough monsoon weather. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of the elusive Malavu fishes that visit the coastline occasionally.
Is it safe to visit the pier?” Well, the Harbour Engineering Department has announced a reconstruction project, so you can rest easy knowing that this beauty will soon be restored to its former glory.
In the meantime, if you’re a lover of winds, the beach, the coast, professional fishermen, fishing enthusiasts, lovebirds, encircling falcons, and the sound of strong waves threatening the piers, THEN you need to get here! Sure, the pier may be closed for now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the view from a distance.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, head down to the sea sand and watch the hectic fisher folk go about their daily activities. It’s a fascinating sight, trust me. Plus, if you’re in the mood for some fishing, you can either bring your gear or buy fresh fish from the locals.
Overall, Valiyathura Pier may be old and not in great condition, but that doesn’t take away from its unique charm. So, grab a cold drink, sit back, and enjoy the colorful sunset with lots of colors. And who knows, maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch the fishermen using their traditional boat-like thing called KATTAMARAM. They dive into the sea after pushing down the boat from above – it’s quite the sight!
Just a warning though – the pier is long and not well maintained, so entry has been restricted for safety reasons. But don’t let that deter you from visiting during sunset time. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!