Cherai Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Kerala. It offers a magnificent view of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets or Cheena Vala well. The nearby shacks offer the fresh cuisine that attracts a large number of tourists. It is also called as "The Princess of the Arabian Sea". The beach is clean, shallow, and peaceful and is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Dolphins are occasionally seen here.
Location of Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach is located just 27 kilometres away from Kochi. It is on the northern end of Vypin Island. It is at the distance of 30 kilometres from the city of Kochi.
Attraction of Cherai Beach
The 10 kilometres long Cherai Beach is dotted with calm serene backwaters and swaying coconut lagoons. The lush green paddy fields also heighten the beauty of the beach. The scenic beauty and the traditional outlook of the beach recall the visitors for enchanting holidays. What makes Cherai Beach distinct from other beach hideaways is its unique ambience - its very air spells harmony and balance. Tourists can also spend time lazing on the beach and relaxing in the breeze shade. Coconut water is available in abundance to quench the thirst of the visitors. The sun set also provides the classic back drop to the quaint and charming beach.
The beach is studded with seashells of various shades and shapes. The beach also hosts a park for the children. Water scooter and speed boats are available for rent. The main attraction of Cherai is the `Poyil` which is a large inland lake forming a part of the serene backwaters. An experience of the boat ride along the palm fringed backwaters and paddy field is overwhelming. Cherai beach is well known for the mouth watering fresh sea foods. Ayurvedic resort in cherai also offers a soothing experience to the mind. It is one of the few places where the backwaters and the sea can be seen in a single frame. The seashells found here are unique in nature. Visitors can ride speedboats and water-scooter, which are available on rent. The beach is perfect for sun bathing, swimming, and surfing.
Another attraction of Cherai beach is the Cherai Gowreeshwara Temple which is one of the popular Hindu pilgrimage centres in Cheria. Another temple, Azheekkal Sree Varaha Temple includes all the seven Gods of the Gowda Saraswat Brahmins of Kerala. It is very popular for its beautiful wood carving, the ceiling of the eastern Gopuram, the Silver Pallake, and the tank of the temple. The Pallipuram Church houses a wonderful image of "Ave Mary" placed above the altar. Pallipuram fort one of the oldest European monuments in India has three-story hexagonal structure and was repaired between 1596 and 1605, with a frontage added in Manuelino style. Other attractions in and around the Cherai include Sahodhara havan, Portuguese Fort and many more.
Visiting Information of Cherai Beach
The beach is easily accessible through road, rail and air. Cherai is just 15 minutes drive from North Paravur. It can be approached from Ernakulam either by taking a ferry to Vypeen Island which is 22 kilometres away from Cherai or taking the longer road route via Edappally to North Paravur and from there to Cherai, a distance of about 25 kilometres. One can also approach Cherai straight from the Kochi International airport via North Paravur approximately 22 kilometres. The nearest railway station is at Aluva 23 kilometres away from cherai.
