Want to take a relaxing stroll over rollicking sea waves, enjoying marine life? Then head to Thooval Theeram Ottupuram beach in the sleepy coastal town of Tanur in Malappuram district.

A floating bridge, a new attraction to the state’s beach tourism, that boasts of a site-seeing platform has been thrown open to visitors by Tourism Minister P A Mohammed Riyas. One can walk 100 meters into the sea, thereby relishing a new experience on the beach.

“We want to fully utilize the beach tourism potential of the state. Kerala is a sought-after wedding destination and centres for the same will be set up across the state,” the minister said.

The floating bridge, the first one in the district, became a reality, with the District Tourism Promotion Council taking the initiative.

The bridge has been made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) blocks, that float over the water. Photo: Manorama
The bridge has been made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) blocks, that float over the water. Photo: Manorama

Made of interlocking bricks
The floating bridge has been designed to facilitate the visitors to walk 100 meters into the sea, over rollicking sea waves and receding tides. The facility is open to tourists from 10 am to 6.45 pm. The entry fee is Rs 120.

The service of lifeguards and fishermen has been roped in to ensure the security of tourists. Additionally, life jackets will be provided to each visitor.

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The bridge has been made on the model of interlocking bricks, placing fiber blocks one after the other. Three-meter-wide steel handrails have been erected on both sides of the bridge. An 11-meter long, seven-meter wide floating site-seeing platform at the end of the pathway is the unique specialty of the floating bridge.

Other floating bridges of Kerala
Kozhikode's Beypore Marina Beach was the first in Kerala to get a floating bridge. The facility was introduced in the beach, last year. Two months ago, Kannur's Muzhapilangad beach also got it. Recently, it was announced that Vypeen's Kuzhippilly beach will also soon have the facility. Quite a few beaches in Kasaragod, Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram will also soon have floating bridges.

How to be safe on a floating bridge
Wear life jackets while on the bridge and make sure you don't cross its railings. It's better to not use the bridge on rough sea days.  

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