The 3 km long Puthuvype beach is part of the Vypin Island in Ernakulam district, Kerala. Puthuvype beach was one of the secluded beaches in Kochi, with fewer tourists and more fishermen on their duty. Yet the beach became quite popular with the introduction of beach buggies or off-road four-wheeler vehicles. This has immensely changed tourism on the beach. A huge number of adventurous tourists visit Puthuvype, to enjoy these driving-along beachline thrilling sports.
Initially, these beach buggies were introduced in Cherai beach by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) of Ernakulam, later shifted the location to Puthuvype beach since it is more shallow and has the longest coastline. These four-wheelers do not stumble easily, thus it is equally enjoyed by women and children as much as young men. The 30 minute or one hour drive has a fixed rate respectively as decided by the tourism department. Since this new venture was a huge hit, DTPC is planning on purchasing more beach buggies. They only have permission to drive along the north and south sides of the beach.
Puthuvype beach also hosted “The Beach Carnival & Games 2019” conducted by the State government and the district sports council. The eleven-day long carnival aimed at promoting games such as football, volleyball, Kabadi and gatta gusthi. In association with the sports carnival, there were musical shows, food stalls, shopping tents etc that enhanced the spirit of the event. It was a successful attempt in promoting rural sports and the lives of local fishermen at the potential State beaches.
