Vypin Island - The hidden gem

Vypin -The hidden gem

History says this island was formed in the year 1341 after heavy floods. Many of you might have already been to Cherai beach in vypin which is the second best tourist beach in Kerala next to Kovalam. But Vypin island is beyond Cherai beach. If you are in hunt for a place with less crowd and the luxury of nature, here is your destination. 

The first destination in this historical island can be Cherai beach, ofcourse! This beach is unique in certain aspects. Even in the scorching sun of post noon April also you can plan a visit to this place. The cool breeze will make you go crazy standing amidst the Australian pine trees (Rhu) situated  offshore. There are plenty sea food restaurants nearby where you can enjoy sea food without a hole in your pocket.  Another unique feature of this beach is its drive way. If you are driving a car, you will love the water land on either side of the road. Totally detached from the buzz of the mainland. 

Kuzhupilly and Munambam beaches (Muziris golden beach) are just 10 minutes drive from Cherai beach respetively in South and North direction. Keep your wheels on beach road only. Remind you to taste the local snacks available on road side from Kudumbashree vendors. 

Kuzhuppily beach 

Noon time in Kuzhuppily beach 

Periyar river joins munambam beach here, called as estuary. If you are staying in airbnb try buying fish from Munambam market, the cheapest you can ever find. Try your luck in bargaining too.

Next destination - Nedungad!!!
   However I describe the beauty of this place, it'll be insufficient. Most of the outside travelers don't know about this place. Its a prototype kerala village with plenty backwaters, fishing spots, crab farms, prawns farm, paddy fields, clean roads and village life. There are many home stays and airbnb stays in Nedungad village. They provide tree house, yoga sessions and fishing amneties as well. Believe me! The beauty of this land make you dissolve in nature. All through the day the breeze 'll entertain you. You can carry some ready to eat food items and picnic gadgets inorder to spend more time there. Make sure you leave no stuff there, coz this land is known for its clean villages. 

    If time permits do take a visit to Nedungad church too. You can ask local boatmen to give you a canoe ride which is very adventurous. The locals are very helpful and can understand English. Its quite frequent too see foreign nationals taking a bicycle on rent to cover all these places on pedals. Again its your stamina call! Since it is an island, the climate is hot and humid all through except in the monsoons. 

Puthuvype light house

panoramic view from light house

Light house Puthuvype

If you want to take a breath taking view of beach and shore try going to this light house. Entry tickets are issued from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Newly built LNG terminals are also visible from this. The view of colorful shore with boats and fishing nets are stunning. 




Pallipuram fort 

The fort is situated in the northern extremity of Vypeen island and is hexagonal in shape, a form popularly known as ayikkotta or alikotta. It was built by the Portuguese in 1503 and is the oldest existing European fort in India. The Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the Kingdom of Travancore in 1789. 

Matsyafed fish farm

Here is something you can never get in any usual tourist places around. This matsyafed fish farm is in Narakkal. Entry ftime is 9.30am to 6.00 pm and fee is 200 which includes welcome drink, fish curry meals, one dessert and boating. Fishing rods are availale on rent. You can try your luck in fishing here. Good spot for pearl fish. Carry sun protectors or umbrellas as the area is always under scorching sunlight. The area is well maintained. Thanks to administration and public. 

Travel tips

1. The weather through out the year is hot and humid as it is a coastal area.
2. Avoid visiting during summers. 
3. Always carry mosquito repellants 
4. Umbrellas and caps will always help.
5. Street foods are relatively hygienic and cheap(prefer kudumbasree stalls)
6. Better to take airbnb stays as the host ll be there to help you in small affairs.
7. Buses are also convenient if you want to be budget friendly.
8. The whole length of island is only 27kms, hence pedaling bicycle is also a good option. 

NB:- All the images used in the blog are from google images.