Islands of Kochi: Unseen struggles of island communities

Just a short boat ride from Kochi, the jewel of Kerala that pulsates with a new age rhythm, lies a string of islands where time seems to have stood still. While the mainland city enjoys the comforts and urgency of modern life, these picturesque dots on the backwaters are home to forgotten communities, separated from progress by no more than a strip of water and decades of unfulfilled promises. This e-book from The Hindu offers a journey into the heart of this paradox, exploring the lives and livelihoods of those living in the shadow of a metropolis yet cut off from its opportunities.

Through a series of powerful, in-depth reports, Islands of Kochi reveals the daily struggles of the islanders. Its chapters chronicle the harsh reality of life on the margins: the fight for a simple bridge to the mainland, the irony of being surrounded by water but having “not a drop to drink”, and the constant battle against tides that erode both land and hope. Yet, each story is also one of an unyielding spirit, of communities defined by a “resilience built on hope” who continue to fight for their right to be seen and heard.

If you wish to understand the complex realities of development, the human cost of inequality, and the enduring dignity of those who refuse to be forgotten, this is a must read. It is a stark reminder of a crucial, sobering truth: for many, these islands are beautiful, but “only from a distance”.

What’s Inside

The islet that shaped Kochi, now a ghost town, by Devipriya Suresh

Kumbalanghi: a model tourism village, with margins, by Devipriya Suresh

At Murikkal, a bond that withstood time and floods, by Soyesh H.

Blending backwaters, birds and responsible tourism in Valiya Kadamakudy, by Soyesh H.

A scenic island’s struggle for resurgence: Cheriyakadamakkudy at a crossroads, by Soyesh H.

Amachadi Thuruthu: an unseen island with an unvisited memorial, by Soyesh H.

Bridges to nowhere: the daily struggles of Chariyamthuruthu’s forgotten residents, by Soyesh H.

Isolated yet unyielding, Chennur’s journey toward progress, by Soyesh H.

Life on Kalluvechakadu, where the mainland lies out of reach, by Devipriya Suresh

An island cut off: Korangotta’s long wait for a bridge, by Devipriya Suresh

Kari Island’s search for development through sustainability, by Devipriya Suresh

The quiet dispossession of Moolampilly, by Devipriya Suresh

The Mukkathukari paradox: water everywhere, but not a drop to drink, by Soyesh H.

Ramanthuruthu: an isle missing from the map, by Devipriya Suresh

Just a boat away: the fight for Thanthoni Thuruthu’s submerged lives, by Soyesh H.

Valanthakkad: life in the shadows of an unfinished bridge and broken promises, by Soyesh H.

An island woven in myths and memories, by Devipriya Suresh

Valiya Pazhampilly Thuruthu: an island that bears the brunt of floods, by Devipriya Suresh

Cheriya Pazhampilly Thuruthu: an islet of sinking promises, by Devipriya Suresh

Okkal Thuruthu: life on a quiet island in the Periyar, by Soyesh H.

Please find the links & content of the e-book on Kochi here –

To download a sample of the e-book: https://newsth.live/Kochi_Sample

To read the e-book, subscribe here: https://www.thehindu.com/premium/ebook/

Published – April 21, 2026 11:22 am IST