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)
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Afternoon at Chera Dwip |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| when the pathway was still affloat |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Me sticking around to enjoy the sunset |
