Last Updated on July 1, 2024 by admin
While the Kochi itinerary may not include Cherai, I feel it is a must-visit if you are spending 2 days in Kochi. This blog covers things to do in Cherai and places to visit near Cherai Beach Vypin Island and all the Cherai beach activities.
While tourists are always confused about whether to visit Marari Beach or Cherai beach from Kochi, one has to understand that both have their unique charm. I will be honest here that I have not been to Marari Beach so I cannot make a comparison of Marari Beach vs. Cherai Beach. But I will simply stick to all the things to do in Cherai and Places to visit near Cherai Beach.
Since many may not have heard about Cherai Beach, let’s start with the most obvious question –
Table of Contents
Where is Cherai Beach? About Cherai Beach
Cherai is nestled at the northern end of Vypin island and comes under the Ernakulum District administration of Kerala. Located 25 km away from Ernakulum, Cherai beach has always been a popular spot for locals and international tourists.
Cherai beach is blessed with calm and shallow waters making it a favourite spot for swimming and bathing. It has a unique ecosystem having backwaters from the Arabian Sea on one side and Periyar River water on the other.
The landscape around the beach is Instagram worthy with blue waters, a golden sand beach, and swaying coconut and palm corridors. All of this with a background of traditional Chinese Fishing Nets.
Cherai beach activities
The clear blue sky and the shallow waters make a perfect place for visitors to indulge in beach activities. If adventure is not something you look forward to then one can simply chill along the backwaters or take a stroll on the golden sand beach. Due to its strategic location, Honeymoon in Cherai, Kerala is a popular option away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Stroll on Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach is a clean beach and with its warm waters, visitors are certainly tempted to take a dip in the water. Cherai is a perfect location for a beach vacation in Kerala. Take a stroll on the golden sand beach or walk along the newly constructed promenade, play volleyball or drink coconut water, there are ample ways to spend time at Cherai Beach.
Other than Cherai Beach, there are 2 more beaches nearby – Pine Beach and Munambam Beach. Munambam Beach is situated at the northern end of Cherai Beach, and that is the point where the River Periyar flows into the Arabian Sea. It is a perfect place to sit and watch the union of Periyar and the Arabian Sea and the formation of an estuary.
Dolphin watching
Sighting dolphins at Cherai beach is a unique attraction in Kochi. The waters around Cherai beach are filled with various species of fish including the friendly dolphins. Dolphins are present in abundance around Cherai beach and they can be observed by taking a boat out into slightly deeper waters. The dolphins are known to follow boats and kayakers and are extremely friendly.
The best time to observe the dolphins is from October to May.
Cherai water sports
Cherai Beach Tourism is popular for water sports. For adventure enthusiasts, Cherai Beach has great options. There are a few companies that offer water sports at Cherai beach. Water sports include speed boat rides, banana rides, bumper rides, ATVs, paramotoring, kayaking, standup paddling, scuba diving and much more.
Observing the Chinese Fishing Nets
While Chinese fishing nets of Fort Kochi are a famous Instagram spot, Chinese Fishing Nets are present all over Kerala. In Cherai, visitors can observe the fishermen using these nets to catch the fish during the morning and evening hours. These nets look especially beautiful around sunset.
Things to do in Cherai
Cherai sightseeing is all about the culture of Kerala. If visitors have more time and want to explore more of Cherai than the Cherai beach then head into the town to check out some places.
Visit Poyil Lake
Very close to the Cherai beach is the very stunning Poyil lake. It is a unique place where the sea and the backwaters are divided by a narrow corridor of land. This panoramic view is extremely beautiful at sunrise and sunset when one can see the local fishermen casting their nets.
Ride on Backwaters of Cherai
The Backwaters of Cherai, are a combination of lakes, lagoons, and canals. Just like the backwaters of Alleppey, the backwaters of Cherai are lined with coconut and palm trees and one can observe the village life from the canoe ride.
Visit the Portuguese Fort
Also known as “Aya Kotta”, this fort is the oldest European monument in India. It was constructed as an outpost to safeguard the ancient port of Muziris. The Portuguese used the Pallippuram Fort as a base to check the ships that ply up and down the Periyar to the Arabian Sea.
Although the fort has a long history of capture and ownership, the fort now lies in ruins.
Gowreeswaram Temple, Cherai
Goreeswaram is an important Hindu temple in Kerala. Built-in 1912, the temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga, the God of War, whose vehicle is a peacock. The temple is renowned for its spectacular festival gathering in the month of January every year.
Ornamented elephants, decorated temples and locals dressed in the finest silk attire gather on the temple premises to witness the cultural festival.
Varaha Temple Cherai
The Varaha temple of Cherai is also known as the Azheekal Sree Varaha Venkateswara temple. Built in the late 18th century, this is the only temple in India where both the deities of Sree Varaha and Sree Venkateswara, both incarnations of Lord Vishnu, are installed side by side and worshipped as a single idol.
The temple is well known for its wood carving, its silver ceiling, and the temple tank known as “Sreevarahapuskarani”, which are unique in their artistic excellence and beauty.
The famous temple chariot is built entirely from silver and Chinese glass and is a rarity in temple architecture. It is the only chariot in the world, which runs on rails, with its track constructed under the supervision of European engineers. Traditionally, the chariot festival takes place twice a year and involves the chariot being pulled by the deities around the temple accompanied by a drum roll.
Places to visit near Cherai Beach
If visitors have more than one day in Cherai then they should check out these beautiful places to visit near Cherai Beach.
Palium Palace Cherai
Although known as a palace, Palim Palace or Palium Kovilakam is a traditional home of the Prime Ministers to the Kings of Kochi. It came to be called ‘Kovilakam’ or palace after the then Prime Minister hid the King in his home when the royal house was threatened by the Portuguese. The kind used it as his official residence, where a lot of major decisions were made and put into action.
The palace is the perfect blend of Dutch and Kerala architecture. It is very well preserved and a guided tour at Palium Palace makes visitors understand the nuances of the home. The palace preserves many artefacts and furniture places from the king’s time.
Palium Palace Cherai entry fee: INR 55 per adult for domestic tourists and INR 100 per adult for international tourists.
P.S: Photography is not allowed inside the palace.
Jewish Synagogue Chendamangalam
The Chendamangalam Synagogue is one of the oldest known synagogues in Chendamangalam. It is dated to the 11th century, though the synagogue structure itself dates to the 14th Century, making it the oldest synagogue in the Common Wealth of Nations.
Unfortunately, I visited Chendamangalam Jewish Synagogue on a Saturday and it was closed.
Chendamangalam Handloom Village
Chendamangalam holds an important position in Kerala history and used to be under the reign of the erstwhile King of Cochin. Chendamangalam Handloom village was developed as a weavers village as it used to provide clothes to the King before he went to the temple. Weavers mainly women, use handlooms to weave traditional textiles and sarees that are famous globally.
The weaves have taken on the design intervention challenge as they have merged tradition and contemporary sensibilities which have supported the survival of this handloom heritage.
While this is an offbeat place, I highly recommend visiting Chendamangalam while planning the places to visit near Cherai Beach.
Pallipuram Church
This 15th-century church is one of the oldest churches in the Diocese of Kottappuram and is also known as Our lady of Snow. There is an interesting legend behind its name. During the invasion by Tipu Sulthan, the army was unable to spot the church due to a sudden mist that covered the church. It was not a winter season and where the mist came from was an unknown. From then onwards the church came to be known as Our lady of Snow or Manjumatha.
Best time to visit Cherai
Winters are by far the best time to visit Cherai as the weather is very pleasant and there is more possibility of adventure sports and sightings of dolphins. Temperatures range from 17 – 33 degrees Celsius.
How to reach Cherai?
The distance between Cherai beach to Kochi airport is only 26 km, which can be covered in a 45 minutes drive. If you want to reach the place by bus or train, you can reach the Aluva railway station or bus stand and take an auto from there to reach Cherai.
Where to stay | Cherai beach hotels and resorts
Due to its tranquil nature, Cherai hosts many hotels and resorts. The best part is, that many of these Cherai resorts are along the beach and have the backwaters on the other side of their property so that guests can experience the best of both worlds. Here are some great options for Cherai Beach Resorts:
Resort: Blue waters Cherai, Cherai beach resort, Les 3 elephants
Hotel: Holiday Hotel, Cherai Onetree Retreat
Homestay: Blue Birds Homestay, Vintage Inn Homestay
Cherai Beach Restaurants
Being so close to Ernakulam, Kochi residents consider places to visit near Cherai Beach a part of their city. They throng Cherai Beach restaurants for their cosy ambience and a perfect long drive from Kochi. Some of the popular cafes and restaurants here are – Lilliput Multi-Cuisine Restaurant, Chilliout Cafe Cherai beach, Delish – Multicuisine Restaurant and Whispering Sands Restaurant.
Cherai Beach FAQs
Is Cherai Beach worth visiting?
Yes! Cherai is one of the best beaches in Kerala and south India. There are many resorts in and around the beach to cater to the needs of tourists and make it a perfect staycation location.
Marari or Cherai – Which is a Family-Friendly Beach?
In my opinion, Marari Beach and Cherai Beach are fantastic in their own ways. The Marari beach is in a fishing village and is far from the noisy crowd and is detached from the world, which makes it ideal for honeymooners while Cherai has many adventure and leisure activities making it perfect for families.
Is Cherai the best beach near Kochi?
Touted as one of the best beaches in the state, Cherai beach is at a distance of only 30 km from the city of Kochi. Situated on the northern end of Vypin Island, Cherai beach, which is fondly called the “The Princess of the Arabian sea” that extends to over 10 km. The clean sandy beach that is comparatively uncrowded makes it a popular picnic spot for honeymoon couples and families alike.
Sustainable Tips for Places to visit near Cherai Beach
- Cherai is a small town that is home to lagoons, estuary, backwaters, lake and beach. This natural wonder should not be trashed by disposing of waste anywhere and keeping its beauty intact.
- Do not feed anything to the dolphins or any other aquatic life.
- Be respectful in temples and dress modestly.
- Do not write on fort walls.
Read More Kerala posts here
- Kerala Travel Guide
- Trekking in Munnar
- Things to do in Munnar
- Places to visit in Thekkady
- Human by Nature
- Glamping in Munnar, Kerala
- Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram
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