Are you looking for a beach destination that has it all? A place where you can enjoy the sun, sand and surf, as well as the backwaters, history and culture of Kerala? A place where you can relax and rejuvenate your senses while experiencing the natural beauty and the cultural richness of God’s Own Country? If yes, then Cherai Beach is the perfect destination for you.
Cherai Beach is a beautiful beach in Kochi that is located on the north-end of the Vypeen Island. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala that attracts thousands of visitors every year. It has a 10 km long coastline that is clean and sandy, perfect for sunbathing, swimming and surfing. It also has a picturesque backdrop of coconut groves, paddy fields and fishing nets that add to its charm. It is a place where you can witness the harmony and diversity of Kerala’s culture, as it has a mix of Hindu temples, Christian churches, Muslim mosques and Jewish synagogues. It also has a vibrant art and music scene that showcases the traditional and contemporary forms of Kerala’s art and music.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Cherai Beach, from its history and culture to its activities and accommodations. We will also give you some tips and suggestions for making your trip more enjoyable. So let’s start by learning more about the history and culture of Cherai Beach.
History and Culture of Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach has a rich history and culture that dates back to ancient times. It was once a part of the ancient port of Muziris that was a major trade center in the Indian Ocean. It was also a place where many foreign travelers and traders visited and settled down, such as the Arabs, the Chinese, the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British and the Jews. It has a cultural heritage that reflects the influences of various religions and communities that have co-existed here for centuries.
Some of the historical and cultural attractions that you can visit on Cherai Beach are:
The Ancient Port of Muziris: This is an archaeological site that is located near Cherai Beach. It was once a bustling port that was connected to various countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. It was also a center of commerce, culture and religion. You can see the remnants of ancient buildings, coins, pottery, beads, etc. that have been excavated here. You can also visit the Muziris Heritage Project Museum that displays the artifacts and information about the port.
The Cultural Diversity:
Cherai Beach is a place where you can witness the harmony and diversity of Kerala’s culture. It has a mix of Hindu temples, Christian churches, Muslim mosques and Jewish synagogues that reflect the different faiths and beliefs of the people here. Some of the religious places that you can visit on Cherai Beach are:
Gowreeswara Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that hosts the famous Cochin Carnival every year in January. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala that has a unique architecture and decor.
St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church: This is an ancient church that is believed to be one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas in India. It has a beautiful structure and paintings that depict the life of Jesus Christ.
Cheraman Juma Masjid: This is one of the oldest mosques in India that was built by Malik Ibn Dinar, a companion of Prophet Muhammad. It has a simple design and a peaceful atmosphere.
Paravur Synagogue: This is one of the oldest synagogues in India that was built by the Jewish community that migrated to Kerala from Israel. It has a colorful interior and a sacred Torah scroll.
The Art and Music Scene:
Cherai Beach showcases the traditional and contemporary forms of Kerala’s art and music. It has a vibrant art and music scene that attracts many artists and performers from across the state. Some of the art and music forms that you can enjoy on Cherai Beach are:
Kathakali: This is a classical dance-drama form that originated in Kerala. It involves elaborate costumes, makeup, gestures and expressions that narrate stories from Hindu epics.
Mohiniyattam: This is another classical dance form that originated in Kerala. It involves graceful movements, facial expressions and costumes that depict the feminine aspects of Hindu gods and goddesses.
Theyyam: This is a ritualistic dance form that originated in Kerala. It involves colorful masks, costumes, music and fire that represent the worship of ancestral spirits and deities.
Folk Music: This is a form of music that is popular among the rural and tribal communities of Kerala. It involves instruments such as chenda, maddalam, elathalam, etc. that produce rhythmic and melodious sounds.
Activities and Attractions at Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach is a place where you can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions that suit your preferences and interests. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, nature or culture, you will find something to do on Cherai Beach. Some of the activities and attractions that you can enjoy on Cherai Beach are:
Water Sports:
If you are an adventure lover, you can enjoy various water sports activities on Cherai Beach, such as kayaking, catamaran ride, jet ski, banana ride, speed boat, bumper ride, etc. You can rent these equipment from the local operators who will also provide you with professional guidance and safety equipment. You can have a thrilling time on the water while enjoying the scenic views of the beach and the backwaters.
Dolphin Watching:
If you are a nature lover, you can watch dolphins frolicking in the sea from the beach or from boats. Cherai Beach is one of the few places in Kerala where you can spot these friendly and intelligent creatures. You can also take pictures and videos of them as they jump and play in the water.
Fishing:
If you are a fishing enthusiast, you can try your hand at fishing on Cherai Beach with the help of local fishermen or fishing equipment. You can catch different types of fish such as pomfret, mackerel, sardine, etc. You can also cook and eat your catch or sell it to the nearby restaurants or markets.
Children Park:
If you are traveling with your family and kids, you can spend some quality time with them at the children park on Cherai Beach. The park has swings, slides, seesaws, etc. that will keep your kids entertained and happy. You can also relax and enjoy the breeze on the benches or hammocks in the park.
High Mask Lamps:
If you are visiting Cherai Beach at night, you can enjoy the beauty of the beach with the high mask lamps that illuminate the beachfront. The lamps create a romantic and festive atmosphere on the beach that will make your night memorable. You can also take a stroll or a bike ride along the beach with these lamps.
Backwaters:
If you want to experience the serene backwaters behind Cherai Beach that are separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land, you can take a boat ride or a houseboat cruise along the backwaters. You can enjoy the scenic views of coconut groves, paddy fields and fishing nets that line the backwaters. You can also spot various birds and animals such as kingfishers, herons, otters, etc. that inhabit the backwaters.
Accommodations Near Cherai Beach
There are plenty of hotels and resorts near Cherai Beach that cater to different budgets and preferences. You can choose from a range of options that offer comfortable rooms, modern amenities, delicious food and friendly service. Some of the hotels and resorts near Cherai Beach are:
Cherai Beach Resort: This is a landscaped resort with canals, lagoons and villas overlooking the beach and the backwaters. It has an Ayurvedic spa, a health club, a conference hall and other facilities. It is ideal for couples, families and groups who want to enjoy a luxurious stay near Cherai Beach.
Club Mahindra Cherai Beach Resort: This is a luxury resort with cottages, studios and apartments with modern amenities. It has a swimming pool, a spa, a gym and other facilities. It is ideal for families and groups who want to enjoy a spacious and comfortable stay near Cherai Beach.
Maliekal Heritance Cherai: This is a heritage resort with traditional Kerala architecture and decor. It has a lagoon-facing pool, a spa, a yoga center and other facilities. It is ideal for couples and solo travelers who want to enjoy a peaceful and rejuvenating stay near Cherai Beach.
Vala House: This is a cozy boutique property with cottages and rooms with sea views. It has a restaurant, a garden and a playground. It is ideal for budget travellers who want to enjoy a simple and homely stay near Cherai Beach.
Cherai Beach Residency: This is a budget-friendly hotel with spacious rooms, a restaurant and a rooftop terrace. It has basic amenities and services. It is ideal for backpackers and solo travelers who want to enjoy a convenient and affordable stay near Cherai Beach.
How to Reach Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach is easily accessible by different modes of transport from various locations. You can choose the best option for you depending on your convenience, budget and time. Some of the ways to reach Cherai Beach are:
By Air: The nearest airport to Cherai Beach is Cochin International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Cherai Beach. The taxi fare is around Rs. 500-600 and the bus fare is around Rs. 50-60. The travel time is around 45 minutes to an hour.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Cherai Beach is Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, which is connected to major cities in India. From the station, you can take a taxi or a bus to Cherai Beach. The taxi fare is around Rs. 400-500 and the bus fare is around Rs. 40-50. The travel time is around an hour to an hour and a half.
By Road: Cherai Beach is accessible by road from Kochi and other nearby towns by taking a taxi or a bus or driving your own vehicle. The road condition is good and the route is scenic. The travel time varies depending on the traffic and the distance.
Once you reach Cherai Beach, you might want to know the best time to visit it.
Facilities at Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach is well-equipped with various facilities that make your visit more comfortable and convenient. You can find public toilets, changing rooms, showers, lockers, etc. near the beach.
You can also find lifeguards, security guards, police officers, etc. who ensure your safety and security on the beach. You can also find vendors, shops, stalls, etc. who sell snacks, drinks, souvenirs, etc. on the beach.
You may also find rental services for water sports equipment, bicycles, umbrellas, chairs, etc. on the beach. You can also find parking spaces for your vehicles near the beach.
Medical facilities, such as first aid kits, ambulances, hospitals, etc. is also available near the beach in case of any emergency.
Best Time to Visit Cherai Beach
The best time to visit Cherai Beach depends on your preference for weather, festivals and events. You can choose the best season and month for you based on these factors. Some of the details about the best time to visit Cherai Beach are:
Winter (November to February): This is the best season to visit Cherai Beach as the weather is pleasant and cool. The temperature ranges from 18°C to 32°C during this time. This is also the peak season for tourism as many domestic and international tourists visit Cherai Beach during this time. The festivals and events that take place during this time are Cochin Carnival, Christmas, New Year, etc.
Summer (March to May): This is not a very comfortable season to visit Cherai Beach as the weather is hot and humid. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 38°C during this time. This is not a very popular season for tourism as many people avoid visiting Cherai Beach during this time. The festivals and events that take place during this time are Vishu, Easter, etc.
Monsoon (June to October): This is not a very ideal season to visit Cherai Beach as the weather is wet and windy. The rainfall amount is high and the sea condition is rough during this time. This is not a very favorable season for tourism as many activities and attractions are restricted due to bad weather during this time. The festivals and events that take place during this time are Onam, Ramzan, etc.
Now that you know the best time to visit Cherai Beach, you might want to know some tips and suggestions for making your trip more enjoyable.
You may also like to read: Cherai; one of the less traveled beaches of Kerala
Tips for Visiting Cherai Beach
To make your trip to Cherai Beach more enjoyable, you should follow some tips and suggestions that will help you have a smooth and hassle-free experience. Some of the tips and suggestions for visiting Cherai Beach are:
What to Wear: You should wear light and comfortable clothes that are suitable for the tropical climate of Kerala. You should also carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, etc. to protect yourself from the sun. You should also carry swimwear if you plan to indulge in water sports or swimming on Cherai Beach.
What to Carry: You should carry enough cash as there are not many ATMs or card facilities near Cherai Beach. You should also carry water bottles, snacks, medicines, etc. as there are not many shops or restaurants near Cherai Beach. You should also carry a camera or a phone to capture the beautiful views of Cherai Beach.
What to Avoid: You should avoid littering or polluting Cherai Beach as it is a natural and pristine destination. You should also avoid venturing into the sea or the backwaters without proper guidance or safety equipment. You should also avoid disturbing or harming the wildlife or the locals of Cherai Beach.
You may also like to read: Where the Backwaters and the Beach Come Together: Cherai
Cherai Beach is a wonderful destination that offers a blend of sea and backwaters, history and culture, activities and attractions. It is a place where you can relax and rejuvenate your senses while enjoying the natural beauty and the cultural richness of Kerala.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Cherai Beach today and experience its charm for yourself.
