The Cherai Beach is the closest of the beaches to the city of Kochi, if we could safely ignore the Fort Kochi Beach which is more of a sand point than a beach. To get to Cherai, you could go either via Edapally or through Vypin. The latter route is recommended because the roads are much better and the view as you cross three bridges in succession is pleasing to the eye. The cochin skyline as you speed across the bridge and the multitude of fishing boats on either side gives one ample photo opportunities.
The Cherai Beach is around 35 kms from the railway station at Kochi. From the station, you have to reach the marine drive and drive past the Kerala High court. You will reach a T-junction once you cross the three bridges, where you have to turn right to Cherai. The drive is pretty straight from here on. However the point at which you have to turn left to Cherai is a little confusing. We missed the turn and drove straight on, and realized it only after traveling another couple of kilometers, while the last board we saw stated that the beach was just a kilometer ahead.
The Beach is usually crowded during the weekends. You can drive right unto the beachfront and step out onto the beach. There is a parking fee for the vehicles as the areas has been generally taken over by the restaurant owners lining the beach road. The restaurants are only namesake and the only eatables available are the uniquely ‘Kerala’ snack of ‘Pazham pori’ (banana fry) and bonda. You do get the packet chips and other munchies, but if you feel like having a masala dosa or rotis, then you better head back to Kochi fast.
Cherai Beach is generally clean and safe in the area frequented by visitors. However the beach extends much further, but is considered unsafe due to the weak sand strength in those areas. Due to lack of shade near the beach, visiting during the day can be a hot affair. It is preferable to start for Cherai at around 3 in the afternoon, so that you can reach there by 4 and return after watching the sunset.
Welcome to Gods own country!!!!!!!!
Cherai Beach is about 15 Kms long and is the best clean beach of Kerala. If U drive a little further from the main beach, u can find restaurants(in fact some houses as well) serving delicious sea food. Probably U were not aware of this. Make sure to taste some mouth watering seafood during ur next visit to Cherai.
ReplyDeleteThe beach comes alive in the evenings with lot of colourful kites. One can buy a kite for Rs.10 and enjoy kite flying at Cherai.
Wonderful pics..........liked them:)
ReplyDeleteThanx a ton for considering my words and adding few pics, keep blogging
Thanks nandini and deepa for your inspiring comments. Will keep you posted.
ReplyDeleteCherai beach is one of the best beach in kerala .The beach ideal for swimming and sun bathing.one side of 15 meter long beach is cherai backwater.
ReplyDeleteThe distances between cochin city ,airport are only 27 km.beach side Restaurants ,beer parlour and good village home made foods are available here.Cheraibeach is now available on your mobile.visit www.cheraihotel.mobi