Chera Dwip – Awaits a Magic

If you think I am exaggerating along the way then you’re one of them, who specially needs to visit this place. It’s an island not very far from Saint Martins Islands main beach. Rather than mentioning it as a separate island would be inappropriate. As it is partially attached with the main beach. Now when I say partially it means that half of the day during the low tidal wave the pathway between main beach and Chera Dwip Remains visible, but as soon as the high tidal wave hits it gets disappear. Sounds scary? Nope, actually it is beautiful in its own way. Let’s uncover the beauty together. (notes: High Tide: জোয়ার, Low Tide: ভাটা)

Chera Dwip, Saint Martin Island.

If you’re planning on going to Chera Dwip, then I’m considering you’re already in Saint Martin or might be planning to visit soon. The first thing you need to know is that you can go there by using two different modes of commutes. One is to walk 5-6 kilometers following the west beach or to rent a bi-Cycle which is the most perfect option considering circumstances. You can also take a boat from the jetty and go there which will take around 15-20 minutes. But if you’re like me, who really dives into their surroundings to get soaked up, then cycle is the best way, hell you can even walk but until you’re not up for magnificent experiences only then you can take the boat.

Cycle Renting Stores Such as this can be found on the island

Now let me be very clear, I am not saying boat is nothing to be considered of, a lot of people’s livelihoods depends on that, and I obviously respect that. Cause there will always be elderly people and people not physically adequate enough to take the walk or cycle. So, there is that. But all the magic awaits only if you take the previous options. So, let me assume you choose the first one now let’s dive in.

Keep in mind, you have to wake up really early in the morning, this way you get to enjoy the sunrise which most people miss out due to sleep. Which is a real sorrow from my point of view.

Afternoon at Chera Dwip

Also, you need to take some breakfast and get ready for the journey as its going to take up almost all the day. There were four of us, and since there are no couple, no one needed to carry someone else fortunately. They charge around 25-30tk per hour. Now if you know cycling then you should really be careful about the cycle which is best fitted for you. There are plenty of shops and cycles to choose from, so don’t rush it. You can bargain for the price but that would be mean considering their livelihood depends on it. Take the cycle for a trial ride to see if everything is alright or not.

Some Fisherman Resting on the Beach

Starting the journey from west beach is the best possible route, in this way you don’t have to carry the cycle as there would be no corals coming in the way. The corals are mainly on east side. Don’t forget to ask the locals about the routes, as they are best possible solution to your all the confusion. Which I do every often when I travel to a new place. Furthermore, don’t forget to ask them about the time schedule of Tidal Waves. Remember, this is very important. Why? You will know soon.

The Bi-cycle that accompanied me along the ride

As you approach along the way, you will start to get mix up with the green on the on side and blue on the other side. Fellow fishermen leaving for fishing can be seen if you start early in the morning. Soon you will be at point which is named Golachipa, this particular area of the beach is so narrow that you can see both side of the east and west beach from here. It will give you a 360 view of the island. The more you progress, and start leaving all the resorts and dwellers behind, you will start to notice the profanity of the island, you will start noticing farmers, and people who lives in the beach. Soon you will come to a point where the pathway is narrower and confusing. Then you are at the entry point of the Chera Dwip. There will be multiple way with water here and there and it is hard to describe in the words. This is the place which will be drowned during the high tidal waves. Once you get to Chera Dwip it will feel much more peaceful than main island and also the amount of corals are much higher in this part. Roam around, enjoy the sun, may b take some photos, but keep the time in check. Since its afternoon. You better be already back but if you’re waiting for the magic then you should only start to get back by this time.

Some people coming from the Chera Dwip
through the drowned pthway.

On your way back, the pathway you took will still be there if you managed the time properly, and while crossing, it will start to go under the water, all of a sudden you will discover yourself surrounded by water, not very deep, still you can see your feet, but you will have only 8-10minutes to cross it. And believe met this couple of minutes is worth all the hype and every other hassle you went while coming here. Its like one of those movie scenes where you walk on the water. The sand you’re standing on a while ago will be covered by water in front of your eyes while the sun is setting, and believe me no other things can get as much serene as this. You only have a couple of minutes while at it, so enjoy every droplet. You also need to keep safety in mind, so I would suggest not to get overexcited. And the other part of the connecting pathway which was visible a while ago will start vanishing in front of your eyes. Soon it will feel like you’re standing in the middle of the ocean. And that is something right. Reaching to the main beach, take a look back and you will find no visible path to Chera Dwip. All of them are drowned which was affloated a while ago. The whole experience will feel like that it happened only inside your sub-conscious mind. But only you know it happened. And you experienced something which most of the people misses out.

when the pathway was still affloat

High Tide is about to hit, captured just before that.

If you’re still standing there, then now is the time to head back. the water which was at a height of few inches will start to rise and soon be touching your knees, and things will get scary. But you’re supposed to be back on the main beach by this time, as I suggested earlier.

A Short video to give a glimpe of what i was bragging all about.

ছেড়া দ্বীপে যাওয়া আসার রাস্তা 

While I was on my journey, this is exactly what happened with me, my friends went to Chera Dwip but this was where I decided to stick around until they came back. I was taking pictures of the sunset, reflections on the ocean, as usual my basic photo taking characteristic, some people were coming back already, and suddenly I noticed the pathway is slowly getting more surrounded by water and getting narrower, I called my friend and ask them to come back, but while I waited, happened the most magically magnificent thing on the whole journey. Soon enough I realized there are water below my feet, so I started walking back with my bicycle, there are multiple turns so it gets confusing and scary but none of them goes under until few minutes. I realized the level of water is increasing and soon it covered my knees, by then I made it back to the main beach. But lots of people were still crossing the passage including my friends so I realized there were still time.

Me sticking around to enjoy the sunset

 What I wrote here is merely just an overview of the experience and cannot be described in the words and photos. There are moments like this in the life that does not occur very often, and when it does you should be ready to soak every little bit of it. Gladly I was at the right place at the right time. Guess that’s how magic happens.