Coastal promenade in Chellanam–Puthenthode corridor turns a hit

The 7.36 km-long sea wall and the wide walkway built along the Chellanam-Puthenthode corridor in West Kochi are emerging as a popular tourist attraction in Ernakulam district.

Built at a cost of around ₹344 crore and said to be the longest of its kind in Kerala, with 16 access points, there is a growing demand to install benches and lights on the seawall and walkway to attract more visitors to the site. “The sea wall built using granite boulders and tetrapods and the 2.5 meter wide walkway with a barricade on the west side and plenty of fresh air has attracted thousands of people from Kochi city and even neighboring areas recently,” said VT Sebastian, general organizer of Chellanam-Kochi Janakeeya Vedhi. raid along the coast.

The walking path, built at an altitude of approximately 3 meters from the shore, was completed in 2024. Among the visitors, in addition to angling, there are also those who like to walk safely in the newly built area. He added that their main demand was for sponsors or tourism agencies to install benches and lights so that people can rest and visit the area even late in the evening.

‘Extend the walking path’

Janakeeya Vedhi and other groups have stepped up their demand to extend the trekking route by another 6.5 km up to Fort Kochi, a project that the government has guaranteed in 2023 and is currently estimated to cost around Rs 306 crore. When completed, a 14 km long sea wall-beach walking path will be created.

Responding to the demand for benches and lights, sources in the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) said the issue was discussed in the agency’s council meeting. “These can be installed after the local body or other concerned bodies issue a no-objection certificate (NOC). This will help attract more visitors, especially since the scenic walk is located next to the Alappuzha-Kochi coastal road. Parking infrastructure will also need to be improved,” they added.

‘The victory of resilience’

Describing the sea wall as a triumph of endurance, heritage enthusiast Mini Ulanat said he has witnessed Chellanam enduring the wrath of the sea every monsoon since his childhood. “With the seawall in place, it is encouraging to see locals and visitors taking peaceful walks along the promenade and watching the sunset. The fact that many other coastal areas are still struggling with the tides is a reminder that coastal protection measures must also reach such sensitive areas,” he said.

“With thoughtful planning, better amenities, ecotourism initiatives and cultural interpretations, this can become a model for how communities can live in harmony with the sea while preserving our heritage,” he added.

Demand for more coastal walks in the Greater Kochi area is growing, especially as much of Fort Kochi beach, once a major tourist attraction, has been lost to naval attacks. The adjacent walkway was also damaged and cracked at various places due to poor maintenance by Kerala Tourism.

‘Enormous potential’

The Chellanam-Puthenthode coastal walkway has great potential to attract visitors who once frequented Fort Kochi, provided adequate infrastructure is developed, a Kerala Tourism official said. He added that they hope the government will allocate sufficient funds for other trekking routes, including the Fort Kochi beach.