One of the well-loved beaches in Kerala, Cherai Beach is famous for its picturesque views, coconut groves at the backdrop, seashells and the sight of Chinese fishing nets. Stretching across an area of 15 km, the beach is located some 30 km from Kochin, at the north end corner of Vypeen Island. It is apt for swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of other water activities, like speed boating and water-scooting.
Commonly referred to as the “Princess of the Arabian Sea”, Cherai beach also offers a children’s park where you can spend some quality time with your kids. If you are looking for a rejuvenating beach experience in Kerala, you should not miss this at any cost. You can book one of the luxurious Cherai beach resorts to add extra charm to your beach holiday.
How to reach the Cherai beach?
Cherai beach is located about 24 km from the industrial sector of Ernakulam and 30 km from Kochin.
By air: The Kochi International Airport is located about 20 km away.
By railway: The Ernakulum Junction is located some 30 km away, and Aluva is at 25 km.
By water: Take a ferry from Kochin and reach Vypeen Island in 10 minutes or so. You can then take a bus to Cherai Beach, which will take you about an hour to reach.
By road: It takes about an hour and a half to reach Cherai beach via Old NH 47.
Where to stay on the Cherai beach?
There are plenty of accommodation options on and around the longest beach in Kerala. From affordable beach resorts to luxurious hotels, everything is available here. Check out the options below and choose one according to your preferences and budget:
36 Palms Beach Resort
Source: TripAdvisor
3-star property
Prices: Variable
Check-in: 2 PM
Check-out: 11 AM
The 36 Palms is an exceptionally beautiful resort located on Munanbam Road, Cherai Beach and is a 45-minutes drive from the Kochin International Airport. Besides being sea-facing, the resort offers several other amenities, like an in-house restaurant that serves continental to traditional dishes and, of course, fresh fish.
You can watch the dolphins and fishermen at their day’s work from the resort compound or the restaurant. The rooms are squeaky clean, air-conditioned and come with walk-in shower and bath facilities. The hotel is designed mainly for honeymooners and lovers, thus ushering in romance and bliss against the backdrop of a pristine beach.
Reasons to stay:
- Beautiful heritage rooms
- Relaxing ambience and world-class facilities
- Varieties of cuisines
- Proximity to the main beach area
- Proximity to other restaurants and beach shops
- Yoga and Ayurvedic retreats under experienced trainers
- An on-site spa and massage treatment
- On-site beauty and skincare treatment
- Bicycle rides and organised village walks (included in packages)
Sea Lagoon Health Resort
Source: Website
4-star property
Prices: Depend on the packages
Check-in: 1 PM
Check-out: 11 AM
A lavishly gorgeous property located on Cherai Beach, the Sea Lagoon Health Resort is every beach lover’s paradise. With the Arabian Sea on one side and the backwaters on the side, the resort invariably gives the feel of a secluded yet luxurious island home. It offers theme-based luxurious suites and regular rooms that are designed to please.
Every room comes with a private balcony, where you can sit and enjoy your morning tea and evening coffee, appreciating the majestic views around. It will not be wrong to say that this is one of the top Cherai Beach Resorts that you can book for a luxurious vacation.
Reasons to stay:
- 35 theme-based spacious rooms
- Multi-cuisine restaurant along with a bar
- On-site Ayurvedic Spa and Yoga classes on request
- Beach-side cultural activities
- Library and Curio shop
- Pool-side cafeteria and ice cream parlour
- Air-conditioned banquet hall looking over to the backwater view
- Separate backwater restaurant
- Boating on the backwaters
- Medical assistance on request
- Dedicated business centre for people on business trips
Sealine Beach Resort
Source: Website
3-Star Property
Prices: Rs 3,500 onwards
Check-in: 12 PM
Check-out: 11.30 AM
The Sealine Beach Resort is one of those few luxury resorts on Cherai Beach that offers accommodation options for every budget. It offers both non-AC and AC rooms, so you do not have to spend a fortune. However, the other facilities remain the same.
You can get gorgeous views of the sea from the resort and walk to the beach any time you wish. Besides, the resort also maintains the traditional Kerala hosting standards by offering Ayurvedic treatments. If you are looking for an affordable stay on Cherai Beach, this one should be on the top of your list.
Reasons to stay
- Walking distance from the beach
- The multi-cuisine restaurant also offers delicious seafood
- Range of rooms – From sea-facing deluxe AC rooms to standard non-AC ones
- Private balcony with the deluxe rooms
- Ayurvedic treatments, like oil massage, herbal baths, etc.
Mare Blu Resort
Source: TripAdvisor
3-Star Property
Prices: Variable
Check-in: 12 PM
Check-out: 11 AM
A family-run retreat, the Mare Blue Resort offers a homely ambience to its guests, something that it is popular for. With its Mediterranean-styled villas with private balconies and open sit-outs, the retreat is a must-stay for guests looking forward to experiencing a relaxed beach vacation.
The retreat also offers space to hold events like weddings, engagements, open-air birthday parties, etc. However, one of the most unique characteristics of this property is that it allows pets, both canines and felines, to accompany you on your vacation.
Reasons to stay
- Homely and comfortable ambience
- Pet-friendliness
- Affordable yet luxurious
- Wi-Fi-enabled business centre
- Space to hold special events
- Children’s play area at the front
Cherai Beach Residency
Source: Website
2-star hotel
Prices: Contact the property
Check-in: 12.30 PM
Check-out: 12 PM
Probably the quaintest of all Cherai Beach resorts, this small and cute property and only 6 rooms offers a panoramic view of the sea, which is the reason it is famous. Also, the location is extremely favourable, as it is just 25 km from Kochin International Airport and 20 km from the Aluva railway station. This elegant beach resort is a perfect getaway for solo travellers and friendly groups who are not looking for exquisite luxury. It also has an on-site restaurant that serves traditional Kerala cuisine.
Reasons to stay
- Comfortable and affordable
- The location is too good
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Dedicated kids’ play area
- Yoga classes on request
- Paid airport transfers and shuttle services
A few exciting things to do on Cherai Beach
Source: Pinterest
Cherai Beach is one of the most beloved beaches in all of India. There are ample activities to pass your time besides casual strolling or swimming in the blue-green waters. Let us mention a few so you can get an idea:
- Watch the dolphins dance – The beach is the best place to sit and watch the dolphins in their regular happy moods. You can also take a boat out in the sea and watch them up close. The cute aquatic species is too friendly and may even come up near the boat, trying to be friends.
- Water sports – If you are an adventure lover, then Cherai Beach is just for you. From Banana rides to paramotoring, kayaking and scuba diving, you can get it all here.
- Take photos of the Chinese fishing nets – Of course, this is a favourite activity of all tourists who visit here. You can stand and watch the fishermen at their work, or you may take pictures of the nets that hang in the sunset and look mesmerising.
- Boating in the backwaters – The stunning, picturesque views of lakes, canals and other water bodies on a backdrop of coconut groves will take your breath. You can indulge in some kayaking to enhance the experience.
FAQs
What are some places to visit near Cherai Beach?
There are lots of places, to be honest. You can visit the Poyil Lake for its majestic views or the Pallipuram Church, which houses a brilliant and rare picture of Ave Mary. You can also visit the ASVD temple for its unique interiors.
Where can I get good seafood in Cherai?
All renowned Cherai Beach resorts have in-house restaurants that serve delicious seafood. However, the Shappu Curry and Seafood restaurant is said to be one of the best in the area, followed by Liliput Multi-cuisine Restaurant and Baby Chettans Seafood Restaurant KRB.
What are the backwaters?
The backwaters are a combination of lakes, canals and other water bodies surrounded by coconut groves that offer an unmatched view. The backwaters are one of the unique sights in Cherai and make Kerala a favourite destination of national and international tourists.
When is the best time to visit Cherai?
The best time will be from October to March, as the weather will be pleasant, and you can enjoy yourself in the open without much difficulty.
