In this post, I’ll be sharing my experience riding a cycle to Munambam from my place Ochanthuruth, Vypin. The ride to the end of my island (Vypinkara) was on my radar for some time now. Before that let me give a short introduction about the backdrop of this ride.
How it started
Vypin Island, Kochi, Kerala is my home town. Being an island with one side sea and the other side a river, the diversity of viewpoints or geographical variety is terrific here.
Ever since I started cycling with my Decathlon St 30, the plan was to explore my island completely in it. I started off with our nearest, Puthuvype Beach and Valappu Beach roads.
Slowly I started to go longer. Ernakulam, Fort Kochi, and nearby islands Panambukad and Vallarpadom were the next on my list. I knew even my destinations are there on my island itself. Cherai, Munambam, and Kuzhupilly were the places I wanted to conquer next.
Why Cherai and Munambam
Cherai is the most popular place here on Vypin Island. It’s even been marked on the world tourism map long ago. When national games were hosted by Kerala, some of the water sports contests were held here.
Munambam on the other side is the other end of Vypin Island. The other side of Munambam is Azheekal, which is the next district Thrissur. Munambam even has a beach, a breakwaters point locally called Munambam Pulimuttu, and a fort built by the Portuguese.
Mother Mary of snow church and Fishing Harbour are other attractions.
The Cycling Journey
The plan was to start at 5:30 AM from home (Ochanthuruth) and reach there by 7:30 AM. Rajna is not a fan of long rides so I didn’t disturb her sleep while I left home.
It was 5:45 by the time I started off. Most of the churches on the way were preparing for morning mass. People were going to church, and going to work, and fish sellers, newspapers, and milk distributors are also active at that time of the day. The little cold that usually lasts till 8 AM in the morning made cycling comfortable.
I managed to reach Cherai Devaswam Nada by 6:30. After resting there for 5 minutes I started off at Cherai Beach. Took the left turn to the beach from the main road. The road just before reaching the beach is good with water on both sides.
Reaching Cherai Beach
Soon resorts, boating centers, and restaurants started showing up. Upon reaching the Cherai beach I carried my bike to the walkway and rode a little on the top. Even though there was a huge pile of sand on that walkway, people were jogging, and exercising over there.
On the way, I saw a few cyclists and joggers. Spend 5 minutes there. The atmosphere was calm compared to the huge crowds usually seen in the main area of Cherai Beach on holidays. Some people smiled at me whereas some people looked serious. That’s ok. I’m trying to smile at everyone possible as a smile can make us feel really good at times.
To Munambam Breakwaters point ( Munambam Pulimuttu)
Then I moved towards Munambam Beach. It is better to travel through the beach road instead of the state highway if you are planning to visit Munambam Beach. Moreover, this route is newly tarred, and there are a lot of points near the road where we can sit and enjoy the sea.
A lot of beautiful resorts and homestays are also highlights of this route. They have also maintained their front with beautiful flowers and shrubs even though it is just in front of the luxurious resorts and hotels, its good.
I then reached the Munambam Breakwaters point and beach. A lot of people were exercising and walking there both on the beach and on the walkway. I saw a good number of anglers as well.
I also spotted a few dolphins on the other side, along with Chinese fishnets and fishing boats. From 7:15 to 7:30 I enjoyed the spot. I spotted a lot of flights passing through that sky not too far.
The return
After 7:30 AM I left the place and decided to take the beach road instead of the state highway, as it was the food choice. Till Kuzhupilly beach the beach road is good but after that, it is broken. So from Kuzhupilly I again entered the state highway.
The purple stones for Seashore Highway
Found that throughout the stretch government has placed purple stones to mark the proposed highway passing through this place. Once this highway is built, this place is going to be so popular among cyclists, bikers, and other travelers.
It was a very satisfying ride I rode through my islands one of the best roads and places. I rode through tarmac, gravel, sand, and no-road conditions but it was all an amazing experience.
I recommend everyone to take this route if they want to explore Vypin Island. Good day people. See you with another travel experience soon.
