Cherai Beach

About Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach is located at 40 kms from Ernakulam city. This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. Cherai, is well known for sea food. The Pallipuram Fort built by the Portuguese is 4 Km from here. A typical kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction. Villas are of traditional ethnic Kerala style, built in harmony with natural products like cane, bamboo, thatched palm leaves, coir etc without inflicting the innate beauty of Mother Nature. All traditional Kerala Houses to suit your requirements with Cable T.V., Mini fridge, Telephone etc. You will enjoy the Beach games, swimming; fishing, boating, canoeing, rafting and backwater cruise during your holidays in Cherai Beach Resorts.Dolphins are occasionally seen here.The 15 km long golden Beach is very clean, shallow and is ideal for swimming, surfing and sunbathing. The newly beautified 400 Meters of the main beach has a walkway and High mask lamps which make the beach enjoyable even at night. Trained security staff are present round-the-clock in the beach. The Beach is very safe and tourists of all age groups can enjoy the Beach alike. The beautiful beach is studded with seashells of various hues and shapes. There is a park for children on the beach. Water Scooterand Speed Boats are available for hire. One could catch an occasional glimpse of

A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby makes this place even more beautiful. The main attraction of Cherai is the ‘Poyil’ a large inland lake forming a part of the calm serene backwaters separated from the ocean by only a narrow sandbar. A boat ride along the palm fringed backwaters and paddy fields is a breathtaking experience you will never forget. One could get a glimpse of country boats ferrying paddy or fish, fishermen casting for the days catch, reapers working in the paddy fields, toddy tappers climbing coconut trees for tapping toddy, ducks wading across the water with their ducklings, storks looking for their prey in the paddy fields etc. The water fields here are single crop ones mostly cultivating paddy. In between the crop season the paddy fields are converted into fish farms, mainly prawns. Cherai is also well known for the mouth lingering fresh sea food and country wine Toddy, A very quiet beach, Cherai, is well known for sea food and country wine - Toddy. From Ernakulam you have to take the boat from High Court Jetty or the Main boat jetty to Vypeen. From Fort Cochin there is ferry to Vypeen every 15 minutes. It is 40 minutes by bus from Vypeen. The Pallipuram Fort built by the Portuguese is 4 Km from here.Its the latest entry in a tourist diary- the Cherai in Ernakulam district. It’s the new generation tourist hot spot. Golden beaches, coconut palms corridors, backwaters, historical monuments. Just 15 minutes drive from North Paravur.

You will find several beach resorts and hotels providing quality accommodation to travelers. These resorts and hotels on the beach provide quality accommodation. While you are in Kerala, feast on some authentic and delectable dishes. No visitor can escape from the irresistible variety of seafood and Kerala delicacies once he is in Cherai. As you travel to Cherai beach Kerala, experience the enthralling backwater ride.

Interesting things to Visit

Portuguese Fort :

yt was Built in1503 by the Portuguese it was also known as ‘Aya Kotta’. It is the oldest European monument in India. It was an out post to safegurd the famous Mussiris Port. In 1661 the Dutch captured the fort and in 1789 the fort was handed over to the King of Thiruvathankoor. In 1795 it came under the British. The hexagonal fort is the best-preserved Portuguese bastio

ASVD Temple & Chariot festival :

This temple was constructed in A.D1869. Azheekkal Sree Varaha Venkateswara Temple is the only “Sampoornakshetra” in South India. This is the only temple in India where both the deities of Sree Varaha and Sree Venkateswara are installed side by side and worshiped as single moorthy. The famous temple “Ratha” (Chariot) is a rarity in temple architecture. This is the only chariot in the world, which runs on the rail. The festival takes place twice in a year.

Gowreeswara Temple :

This is an important pilgrimage centre in Kerala, it is also known as South Pazhani, built in 1912. Gowreeswara temple is dedicated to Lord Muruka. The idle was installed by Sree Narayana Guru. To see Cherai at her best come during the festival. The trumpeting of more than 30 elephants and the magical sound of “Panchavaadya” and the spectacular view of celebratory fireworks.

Pallipuram Church :

The church was built by the Portuguese in 1577. The exquisite picture of Holy Mary positioned at the top of the “Altar” was brought from Portugal. The Church, however, survived the onslaught of the Dutch who were not Catholics. And the amazing thing is that the Dutch even built a chapel for this church.

Juma Masjid :

An elegant mosque of harmonious proportions and simplicity. In 1869 the mosque was renovated, but there is no evidence when this was built.

Paddy Field :

The green emerald paddy fields attract lots of tourists and its pastural surroundings are really charming

Nearest Visiting places

Hill Palace Museum:

This is now the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and is the official residence of the Kochi royal family. The complex is a reflection of traditional architectural style of Kerala. Full-fledged ethno-archaeological articles and artifacts belonging to the Kochi royal family are all a luxury that the visitors to the place get to relish. In addition there are numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants around the area.

Kodanad:

It is one of the largest elephant training centres of South India. The beautiful river Periyar flows in the north of this place. The elephants are mainly trained for Safari. There is also a small zoo here.

Willington Island:

This is artificial island named after Lord Willingdon, and a British viceroy to India is surrounded by beautiful, calm and serene backwaters. This sweet getaway was created from the soil obtained while deepening the docks at the Kochi harbor. This small piece of land is the headquarters of the Southern naval command and also an important trade center. Cruises along the gorgeous backwaters that surround the island are a luxury anyone would love to indulge in.

Kalady:

Situated on the banks of River Periyar, 45 km from Kochi is Kalady a pilgrim centre and the birth place of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Indian Philosopher of the 8th century AD. There are two shrines in memory of Adi Sankaracharya, one dedicated to him as Dakshinamurthy and the other to the goddess Sharada maintained by Sringeri Mutt. On the same premises there is also a spot (Brindavan) where Adi Sankaracharya`s mother Aryamba was cremated. In addition to it there is an ancient Shri Krishna Temple close by which was me family temple of Adi Sankaracharya.

Madhavan Nayar Foundation:

It is situated about 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edapally. It has life size figures revealing the historic episodes and events from the Neolithic to the neoteric era. The art gallery has 200 original paintings and sculptures, which are the works of the contemporary Indian artists. The light and sound shows with English and Malayalam commentaries attract a number of visitors.

Thattakkadu Bird Sanctuary:

This bird Sanctuary on the Kochi-Munnar road, about 20 km from Kothamangalam. This sanctuary is rightly named after its explorer Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist. A variety of native birds like the Malabar grey-horn bill, the woodpecker, the parakeet etc can be seen here. The Ceylon frog-moth and rose-billed roller are among the rare birds found in this sanctuary. Various migrant birds also come here during the season.

Historical Museum :

Important scenes of Kerala history are portrayed through through Sculptures. Greeting the visitor outside is a statue of Parasurama ,the mythological safe who is said to have created Kerala.

Bastion Bunglow :

Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667 AD, Bastion Bungalow get its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old, Dutch fort.

Bolghatty :

Bolghatty palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by K.T.D.C. The grounds have a small golf course & several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour & the sea.

Cherai Beach :

Cherai Beach offers a unique combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms.

Children’s Park :

A high-tech children’s Park with Non-Conventional Energy Museum and Musical Fountain. The Children enjoy a lot with the facilities available here.

Marine Drive:

Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful part of Kochy city. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbour from here is excellent.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Petrol Pump
Binanipuram Road, Edayar,
Aluva, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
NH47, North Kalamassery
Ernakulam
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Market Road, Aluva
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
NH 47A, Palarivattom
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Supplyco Petrol Bunk
Near Iac, D H Road
Ernakulam, Kerala 680016
Tel: 0484 2362852.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Fort Heritage
1/283, Napier Street, Kochi,
Kerala 682001
Tel: 0484 2215333.

Hotel Wyte Fort
NH -47, Byepass
Maraduru, Kochi
Kerala 682304
Tel: 0484 2706952.

Hotel Cherai Beach Resort
Cherai, Kerala.

Kuzhupilly Beach House
204, Beach Rd, Veli, Cochin
Kerala 682501
Tel: 0484 2531456.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Hill palace police station
Ernakulam, Kerala.

ET North Police Station
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Police Station Edappally
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Tripunithura Police Station
Tripunithura, Ernakulam,Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Al Shifa Super Speciality Hospital For Piles
Near Ksrtc, Rajaji Road
Ernakulam, Kerala 680035
Tel:0484 2363777.

Chaithanya Eye Hospital
Near Sree Krishna Temple
Ravipuram Road
Ernakulam, Kerala 680016
Tel: 0484 2357135.

Gyno Speciality Hospital
Internatioal Airport Junction, Athani
Ernakulam, Kerala 680585
Tel: 0484 2475031.

Nairs Hospital
Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass
Ernakulam, Kerala 682304
Tel: 0484 2302666.

Vijaya Insitute Of Medical Sciences
Kamadhenu Apartments,
Kaloor Road, Kadavanthara
Kochi, Kerala 682020
Tel: 0484 2205261.

Link:

http://touringparadise.blogspot.com/2009/09/cherai-beach-vypeen-islands.html
http://keralatourismblogs.blogspot.com/2009/06/cherai-beach.html
http://kerallam.blogspot.com/2009/06/cherai-beach-delightful-combination-of.html

Location info

• **Address:**Cherai, Ernakulam, Keral, India.

• District: Ernakulam District**.
  **

• **Nearest City:**Kalady, Angamally, Edapally, Kundara, ripunithura, Vaikom, Thalayolaparambu.

• **Best time to visit:**August to March.

Climate & weather

The climate of Ernakulam is tropical and average maximum temperature of 36°C in summer and minimum 18.0°C.

Things to do at Cherai Beach

The golden Beach is very clean, shallow and is ideal for swimming, surfing and sunbathing, Dolphins are occasionally seen here.You can enjoy a game of volleyball or take a splash in the sea.

Things to carry

Clothes, Sun glasses, Food and water, Digital camera etc..

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Kerala’s beaches have seafood shacks serving fresh catch of the day — karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish), crab roast, and prawn curry. Beach areas (Kovalam, Varkala, Cherai) have cliff-top cafes and beachside restaurants with excellent views. Traditional Kerala snacks like banana chips, pazham pori, and ela ada are widely available.

Accessibility

The beach is accessible from the main road by a short walk across sand. Wheelchair access may be limited due to soft sand. The nearest approach road ends at the beach entrance, and beach wheelchairs are generally not available. Visitors with mobility concerns may find the shacks and parking area more accessible than the beach itself.

Rules & restrictions

Dress modestly — Kerala is culturally conservative. Swimming at certain beaches can be dangerous due to strong currents and riptides — observe lifeguard flags. Alcohol is regulated; some beach areas have restrictions. Many beaches near temples or fishing communities appreciate conservative dress. Plastic bans are enforced across Kerala.

Best photography spots

Kerala’s coastline offers some of India’s most photogenic beach scenes: Chinese fishing nets silhouetted at sunset in Kochi, the dramatic cliffs of Varkala, the lighthouse and crescent beach at Kovalam, and the tranquil palm-fringed stretches of Marari. The fishing communities, colourful boats, and golden-hour light create stunning images.