Cherai Beach Ernakulam

Cherai Beach is a tropical haven; a mesmerizing combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms and paddy fields. This 12 km long golden beach is famously known as “The Princess of the Queen of the Arabian Sea”. A touch of history along with rustic village life and excellent food and wine, sand and sand, peace and quiet, are some of the few things that await visitors at Cherai. The beach is just 20 minute drive from the main commercial city of Kerala, Kochi, bordering the Vypeen Island. Journey to this upcoming tourist destination begins with an adventurous boat ride from Kochi till Vypeen and an exhilarating 40 minutes bus ride along the scenic coast. The sight of small wooden boats and numerous Chinese fishing nets make for a simple but fascinating experience.

You can begin your day at Cherai by enjoying the warmth and hospitality at the inland village. A typical Kerala village studded with thatched cottages and coconut groves and a lush paddy fields where one can see the hardworking villagers at work. Swimming will be your favourite pastime as the water here is clean and calm, considered safe for swimming. And if you are the adventurous type, you can challenge yourself to fast-speed water-scooter and speedboat rides. They are easily available on hire. Who knows you might even be the lucky one who gets to spot dolphins at play. Dolphin sightings are frequently reported here. When you get totally jaded, laze and snooze the day away and replenish yourself with some reviving country wine, toddy, or simple coconut water. Don’t forget to sample seafood here, they are considered most superior.

Relatively isolated and calm waters along with its charming park make it a favourite picnic spot for the locals. You will find waves of locals and tourist picnicking and lazing especially in the weekend. Recently, the beach was done up by laying 400 meters long cobble walkway lined by high mask lamps along the edges so that visitors can peacefully continue staying even at night. As for overnight stay, the Beach is still devoid of upmarket hotels but it has modest accommodation in the form of homestays and budget hotels spread near the beach.
Another place worth visiting is Bolghatty Island where the majestic Bolghatty Palace stands. The Palace now operates as a hotel with a small gold course. It was built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British. The Pallippuram Fort is another historic attraction being one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. It was built by the Portuguese in 1503.