Cherai Beach

Located within a stone’s throw of Kochi, Kerala’s most populous city, is Cherai Beach. This long, golden sand beach sits on a 15-kilometer strip of coast backed by extensive backwaters. As the beach stretches off into the distance with a view of the Arabian Sea to one side and groves of coconut palms to the other it is hard to imagine you are just a short drive from a city of 2 million people.

Of course it can get busy at Cherai Beach and both locals and tourists alike flock to this beach for relaxation and fun. Nicknamed the Princess of the Arabian Sea, it has a reputaion as one of the best swimming beaches in the area. Along the beach you can find unique seashells, and there are traditional Chinese Fishing Nets on the waterfront.

You will find plenty of watersports on offer, including water scooters, speed boats, snorkeling, and canoeing. There are also boat trips where you can go dolphin spotting just off the coast. Another fun activity is to ride a bicycle through the villages to see the local life and beautiful scenery.

Nearby, you can explore one of the local Hindu temples, including Azheekal Sree Varaha Temple and Cherai Gowreeswara Temple. You can also walk on the boardwalk by the sea in Munambam Reak Water Point at the north end of the beach. There is an old fort called Pallipuram Fort that was built in 1596 and 1605, and you can take a canoe out on the backwaters and explore the local scenery.