With a stretch of around 10 km, Cherai beach is considered to be the longest beach in the Ernakulam district. The beach is beautiful, calm, natural and pristine. Located around 25 km away from the Ernakulam city, the beach is unique, as it is not over crowded like the Kovalam and Varkala beaches.
The golden beach-backwater belt in Cherai is clean and shallow and a perfect location for sun bathing, surfing and swimming. The warm clear sky, soft sands, serene backwaters with Chinese nets on one side and dancing coconut trees, makes this beach a perfect getaway for those who want to get rid of from their busy life schedule. No wonder people call this beach as 'the Princess of Arabian Sea'. Just lie on the beach, relaxing yourself on the shore and experience the magical touch of the waves upon you.
The sunset of Cherai Beach is just beyond words to explain. Enjoy the tranquility around and if you love photography, just click a snap. You can also get excited with the sights of dolphins here and also try an encounter with the crabs around. The 400 m newly beautified main beach is equipped with walkway and high mask lamps. This makes the nightlife at Cherai beach more comfortable and lively.
The beach is very safe and you can hire water scooter and speed boats to enjoy the water around. Ample security staffs are appointed for your safety. There is also a park for children on the beach. One of the attractions in Cherai beach is the inland lake, Poyil. It forms the part of the calm serene backwaters and is separated from the ocean with a narrow sandbar. The other destinations near the beach are Gowreeshwara, Sivaparvathi and Azheekkal temples, lighthouse, Pallipuram Fort, Kottayil Kovilakam etc.
If you are visiting Cherai beach during the month of December, you will get the opportunity to be a part of the Tourism Mela in the beach. Considered to be the first beach carnival in Kerala, the festival is organized by the Pallipuram Grama Panchayat of the Vypin Island to promote beach tourism in Kerala. The carnival showcases Kathakali , Mohiniyattam, Bharathanatyam, Koodiyaattam, Gajoltsav etc.
Cherai beach is also an ideal stop for shopaholics. You can find here hand made umbrellas, caps and scarves, Kathakali mask, cotton weaves and handicrafts made up of coconut shells. You can also find seafood at Cherai beach which will satisfy the foodie in you.
Cherai beach is worth to visit throughout the year. But you can avoid visiting during the monsoon period (from June to August), because the rain may spoil your trip. A 15 minutes drive from North Paravoor will take you to this beautiful destination. You can make use of the ferry to reach the Vypin Island or can travel by road. Nearest railway station is Aluva (23 km) and nearest airport is Cochin international airport.