Walking on Water: Unveiling Kerala’s Spectacular Floating Bridges
Kerala’s coastline is now dotted with captivating floating bridges that offer visitors a unique and exhilarating experience. From Trivandrum’s Papanasam Beach to Kasaragod’s Bekal Beach, these innovative bridges blend adventure with breathtaking sea views. Visitors can immerse themselves in Kerala’s coastal charm while enjoying these floating bridges, each unique in design and experience. These attractions highlight Kerala’s efforts to create memorable adventures along its picturesque shores.
Discover Kerala’s Spectacular Floating Bridges
Explore Kerala’s coastal wonders with our comprehensive list of floating bridges that promise excitement and scenic beauty. From Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, discover how these innovative structures are reshaping beach tourism, offering visitors an opportunity to walk over the sea while enjoying panoramic views and engaging activities.
As Kerala continues to invest in enhancing its coastal attractions, these floating bridges exemplify the state’s commitment to sustainable and adventurous tourism experiences. Whether you seek serene coastal walks or thrilling water activities, these floating bridges are must-visit destinations for an unforgettable Kerala getaway.
While on these bridges, visitors can observe tiny fish swimming in the crystal-clear waters below. To manage crowds effectively, proper instructions and time limits are recommended, particularly during peak visitation periods. Furthermore, visitors are advised to wear sunscreen and hats during daytime visits to shield against sun exposure, ensuring a pleasant and safe experience at these fascinating new attractions.
Let’s explore the list of floating bridges in Kerala.
1. Floating Bridge at Varkala Papanasam Beach
Thiruvananthapuram recently introduced its first floating bridge at Varkala Papanasam Beach, a renowned tourist destination in Kerala. This innovative bridge, spanning 100 meters in length and 3 meters in width, comes equipped with essential safety features such as life jackets and stationed lifeguards. Positioned at the bridge’s end is a viewing platform that offers breathtaking sea vistas, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. Constructed using 1,400 floating polyethylene blocks, the bridge is a collaborative effort involving several tourism organizations. It accommodates up to 100 visitors at a time within operational hours from 11:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
Visitors revel in the unique experience offered by the Varkala Floating Bridge, especially when waves gently sway beneath their feet. The entry fee ranges from INR 120 to 250 per person, with varying opinions on its value for money. Operational hours stretching from 8 AM to 6 PM cater to the convenience of guests, although certain restrictions apply—individuals with heart conditions and young children are not permitted on the bridge.
2. Floating Bridge at Kuzhupilly Beach
The newly inaugurated floating bridge at Kuzhupilly Beach in Ernakulam presents a scenic opportunity for strolls amidst serene coastal vistas. While some visitors appreciate the tranquil ambiance, opinions vary on the current entry fee of INR120, with suggestions that a more reasonable price point of around INR 50 would better align with the experience offered. Despite pricing concerns, traversing the 100-meter-long polyethylene bridge to enjoy the panoramic views remains an attractive prospect for both locals and tourists. The operational hours of the floating bridge are from 9:30 AM to 6 PM.
The bridge can accommodate up to 50 individuals at a time, with visitors required to wear life jackets, and restrictions apply for certain groups like pregnant women and those with heart ailments. The beach, now enhanced with amenities like benches, swings, and umbrellas, can be accessed via the Vypin-Pallippuram state highway, offering connections to nearby Cherai Beach and Munambam Muziris Beach. The bridge promises a unique experience with safety measures overseen by trained lifeguards, contributing to the development of adventure tourism in the area.
3. Floating Bridge at Beypore Beach
The floating bridge installed at Beypore Marina Beach offers adventure enthusiasts a unique experience. This 100-meter-long and 3-meter-wide bridge, constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) blocks, adapts to the waves with 31 anchors, ensuring safety with railings and a movable structure. Although designed to accommodate up to 500 people, currently, only 50 individuals wearing life jackets are allowed at a time. At the bridge’s end, a 15-meter-wide platform provides breathtaking sea views.
The bridge, inaugurated by Tourism Minister P A Mohammed Riyas on March 31, operates from 11 AM to 6 PM with an INR 100 entry fee. While the concept is innovative, authorities must address the environmental impact by managing waste effectively, including placing dustbins every 200 meters to prevent garbage mismanagement along the waterfront, beach, and pier. Public education campaigns are vital to promote responsible garbage disposal and preserve Calicut’s allure by combatting plastic waste and enhancing waste control systems.
4. Floating Bridge at Thooval Theeram Beach
Thooval Theeram Beach in Tanur, Malappuram district, now features a captivating floating bridge extending 100 meters into the sea, constructed from high-density polyethylene blocks. This innovative addition, inaugurated by Tourism Minister P A Mohammed Riyas to boost Kerala’s beach tourism, offers visitors a serene coastal experience where they can stroll over the sea waves and admire the marine environment.
The bridge, equipped with steel handrails for safety, is part of Kerala’s broader efforts to establish wedding centers and enhance tourism across the state. Safety measures such as life jackets, lifeguards, and advisories to avoid the bridge during rough sea conditions ensure visitor well-being at this unique coastal attraction.
5. Floating Bridge at Chavakkad Beach
Chavakkad Beach‘s floating bridge offers visitors a unique experience, particularly recommended during high waves for an exciting time on the water. Located 6 kilometers from the Guruvayur Temple, it’s best accessed by private vehicle, though local bus transfers are available. Adventurous visitors can enjoy speed boating and beach buggy rides alongside the floating bridge walk, with an admission fee of INR 120.
While some may find the sea exposure limited, the range of activities including speed boating and beach buggy rides make it worthwhile, especially in the evening for a pleasant atmosphere. It’s advised to plan visits around high tide days to fully enjoy the activities, particularly the floating bridge experience.
6. Floating Bridge at Muzhappilangad Beach
The new floating bridge constructed at Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach in the Kannur district is a great experience for adventure seekers. This 100-meter bridge is situated at the southern edge of Muzhappilangad Beach, featuring a viewing platform at the eastern end for visitors to enjoy panoramic views of Dharmadam Island and nearby rocks.
This innovative bridge adjusts with wave movements and can accommodate up to 100 people. Made from a blend of rubber and plastic, visitors are required to pay an entry fee of INR 120 per person and are provided with life jackets for safety during the floating bridge experience. The operational hours of the floating bridge are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
7. Floating Bridge at Bekal Pallikkara Beach
The floating bridge constructed at the Bekal Pallikkara Beach draws numerous visitors who would like to experience a little bit of adventure. This special experience allows guests to stroll 150 meters over the water, dance, and sing on the beach while admiring the scenic views, including the majestic Bekal Fort. The floating bridge was created by EZ Tourism Pvt Ltd in collaboration with Azmi Holidays for Bakal Fest. The entry fee for the Bekal floating bridge is INR 120 per person operating from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Embark on a coastal adventure along Kerala’s picturesque shores with our guide to the state’s spectacular floating bridges. These innovative structures offer a unique blend of excitement and scenic beauty. Explore the sea from a new perspective while strolling over the water, enjoying panoramic views, and engaging in thrilling activities. Kerala’s commitment to sustainable tourism is showcased through these floating bridges, making them must-visit destinations for an unforgettable getaway.
Faris is a passionate travel blogger and by profession, Production Editor at a leading publisher in the field of scientific research. He loves exploring the hidden gems of Kerala and sharing his experiences through his blog to help readers find the perfect destinations for their next adventure.
