Kerala, "God's Own Country," is renowned for its serene backwaters, lush greenery, and stunning coastlines. Tucked away near Kochi, in the Chellanam region, lies a relatively new gem that's rapidly capturing the hearts of locals and travelers alike: the Kandakkadavu-Chellanam seawall walkway. This isn't just a picturesque path; it's a testament to human ingenuity, community resilience, and the raw beauty of the Arabian Sea.
Imagine a 7.3-kilometer stretch where you can walk, with the endless expanse of the sea on one side and verdant coconut groves on the other, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and gold. This is the experience that awaits you. And to bring this experience closer to everyone, we at Keralapix have created detailed video guides – one in English for our pan-India and international viewers, and another in Malayalam for our local audience, both showcasing the exact same stunning visuals!
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| The inviting 7.3 km Kandakkadavu-Chellanam walkway, perfect for a serene evening stroll along the Kochi coastline. |
The Allure of the Kandakkadavu-Chellanam Walkway
Stretching an impressive 7.36 kilometers from the Chellanam Fishing Harbour to Puthenthode, this walkway offers more than just a path. It’s an immersive coastal experience. As you stroll along the clean, tiled surface, the rhythmic sound of the (distant) waves and the refreshing sea breeze provide a natural symphony.
Evenings are particularly magical here. The walkway becomes a prime spot to witness breathtaking sunsets over the Arabian Sea. Far out, you might spot fishing boats making their way, tiny silhouettes against the vast waters. While you can't dip your toes directly into the crashing waves here – as the walkway sits atop a mighty seawall – the expansive, uninterrupted views are a feast for the eyes.
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| Golden hour magic at Kandakkadavu, as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the walkway and tetrapods. |
More Than Just a Scenic Route: A Lifeline and an Engineering Marvel
This impressive structure serves a critical purpose: protecting the low-lying coastal villages of Chellanam and its surroundings from the often-destructive fury of the sea. For decades, residents faced the brunt of coastal erosion and flooding, especially during monsoons. Their persistent efforts, led by the Chellanam Janakeeya Vedi (People's Forum), finally led to the government initiating this project in 2021.
The engineering behind it is fascinating. The seawall features a dual-component structure. The sea-facing side is fortified with massive tetrapods – specially shaped concrete blocks weighing between two to five tons – designed to break the force of the waves. The landward side is a robust wall of granite stones, rising three meters from the ground. Atop this granite structure sits the 2.5-meter wide concrete walkway.
This ambitious project, the largest of its kind by the Kerala Irrigation Department, was implemented by the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) with a significant ₹344.2 crore funding from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The meticulous planning and study were conducted by the Chennai-based National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), with supervision from the Anti-Sea Erosion Project Management Unit.
To get a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable place and its features, watch our detailed English video guide:
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| The mighty tetrapods forming the first line of defense against the sea, crucial for protecting the Chellanam coast. |
A Journey Through Kerala's Coastal Charm
The walk is not just about the sea; it’s about the entire coastal ecosystem. The landward side is adorned with rows of coconut palms, their green fronds swaying against the blue sky, offering a classic Keralan backdrop. It’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, fresh air, and a moment with nature.
Strategically located, Kandakkadavu is easily accessible. If you're driving from Kochi city, a roughly 20-kilometer journey via Thoppumpady and Kannamaly on State Highway 66 will bring you here. It’s also a convenient and refreshing stop for tourists traveling along SH66 between popular destinations like Alappuzha and Mararikulam.
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| Lush palm groves line the landward side of the walkway, offering a beautiful contrast to the azure Arabian Sea. |
Experience it in Your Preferred Language: മലയാളത്തിലും ലഭ്യമാണ്!
Understanding the diverse audience we cater to, we've ensured that the beauty and information about this place are accessible to all. For our Malayalam-speaking viewers, we have a dedicated video with the same stunning visuals and detailed narration in Malayalam.
നിങ്ങളുടെ ഭാഷയിൽ ഈ അനുഭവം ആസ്വദിക്കൂ! കണ്ടക്കടവ് കടൽപ്പാതയുടെ മനോഹാരിതയും വിശദാംശങ്ങളും ഉൾക്കൊള്ളുന്ന ഞങ്ങളുടെ മലയാളം വീഡിയോ കാണുക:
The Impact: Safety, Serenity, and a Model for the Future
The positive impact of the Chellanam seawall has been immediate and profound. Coastal residents, who once lived in constant fear during high tides and monsoons, now feel a greater sense of security. Areas previously prone to flooding have remained safe, even during heavy rains. The success of this project has been so significant that the state government is considering replicating this model in other vulnerable coastal regions of Kerala.
Walking here, you might also glimpse remnants of older, damaged structures, a stark reminder of the challenges the sea once posed – and a powerful illustration of how far this community has come.
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| The Kandakkadavu walkway is easily accessible, becoming a popular spot for locals and visitors to unwind and enjoy the coastal ambiance. |
Planning Your Visit & Our Video Guides
If you're planning a visit, remember:
- Parking: Convenient parking is available at the base.
- Access: Steps are provided at regular intervals (16 locations) to get onto the elevated walkway.
- Best Time: Evenings are ideal for pleasant weather and sunsets. Daytime can be quite hot due to the lack of shade.
- Lighting: There are currently no streetlights, so night visits are best avoided for safety.
Whether you're planning an actual trip or just want a virtual tour, our videos on the Keralapix YouTube channel are your perfect guides. They cover everything you need to know, from the scenic beauty to the engineering marvels.
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| Don't miss the spectacular sunsets at Kandakkadavu – a truly unforgettable Keralan experience. |
A Coastal Jewel Worth Exploring
The Kandakkadavu-Chellanam seawall walkway is more than just infrastructure; it's a symbol of hope, a hub for the community, an engineering success, and a stunning new addition to Kerala's tourism landscape. It’s a place where natural beauty meets human endeavor, creating a space that is both functional and breathtakingly beautiful.
We invite you to explore it, either in person or through our videos. Don't forget to subscribe to our Keralapix YouTube channel for more explorations of Kerala's hidden and not-so-hidden gems!
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