Cherai Beach is a beautiful and pristine beach located in the State of Kerala, India, along the Arabian Sea coast. It is situated in the Cherai village, which is part of the Vypin Island, one of the many islands forming the city of Kochi (Cochin). It is 15kms of long golden beach suitable for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. This is one of the few places where one can see the lagoon and sea separated only by a few hundreds of meters.
Cherai Beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and cultural experiences, making it a popular destination for travellers seeking a tranquil escape amidst Kerala’s coastal paradise.
THINGS TO DO IN CHERAI BEACH
• SUNRISE & SUNSET PHOTOGRAPHY :- Early morning at Cherai Beach are serene and less crowded, making it perfect for capturing soft pastel skies and reflections on the water. Sunsets at Cherai are dramatic & Vibrant, often painting the sky in shades of orange, red and deep purple.
SUNRISE TIME – 5:45 – 6:00 AM & SUNSET TIME – Arrive by 6:15 PM
• BEACH WALK & SWIMMING :- A walk along with Cherai Beach is calm, scenic, and rejuvenating, especially during early mornings and evenings. One of the safer beaches in Kerala for swimming.
WALKING TIME – 6:00 – 8:00 AM & 5:30 -7:00 PM
• DOLPHIN SPOTTING FROM THE SHORE :- Dolphin spotting from the shore at Cherai Beach is a unique & memorable experience for visitors. Due to the beach’s shallow coastal waters and rich fish population, dolphins are occasionally seen swimming close to the shoreline.
EARLY MORNING 6:00 – 8:00 AM
• BEACHSIDE CAFES AND SEAFOOD SHACKS :- Is a delightful culinary charm to the coastal experience. Locally caught seafood along with Kerala-Style dishes, snacks, and refreshing drinks. Visitors can enjoy grilled fish, prawns, crab and traditional preparations flavored with coconut, spices, and curry leaves, often cooked to order. Many cafes offer open -air seating with views of the sea, making them perfect spots to unwind after a beach walk or swim while watching the sunset.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Ideal For: Families, couples, solo travelers
1. BACKWATER CRUISES NEAR CHERAI BEACH
Backwater cruises near Cherai Beach offer a serene and scenic way to experience Kerala’s famous waterways. Just a short distance from the beach, the calm backwaters wind through coconut groves, narrow canals, fishing villages, and lush green landscapes, providing a peaceful contrast to the open sea. Visitors can enjoy traditional houseboat cruises, small motorboats, or country boats, gliding past paddy fields, birdlife, and local homes along the water’s edge. These cruises are ideal for relaxation, photography, and cultural observation, especially during early mornings or sunset hours. Backwater cruises near Cherai allow travelers to immerse themselves in Kerala’s natural beauty and rural lifestyle, making them a must-do experience alongside a beach holiday.
Highlights:
• Traditional Kerala village life
• Scenic canals and lagoons
• Peaceful nature experience
Duration: 1–2 hours
Best Time: Morning or late afternoon
2. DOLPHIN WATCHING IN CHERAI
Dolphin watching in Cherai is a special and naturally occurring experience that adds to the beach’s charm and appeal. Thanks to the shallow coastal waters and abundant fish population, dolphins are occasionally seen swimming close to the shoreline, especially during the early morning hours when the sea is calm. Visitors may spot dolphins moving in small groups, surfacing for air, or playfully leaping above the water, often visible directly from the beach without the need for boat rides. The best chances for sightings are between October and March, particularly from quieter sections of the shore. While sightings are not guaranteed, dolphin watching in Cherai offers a memorable connection with marine life in its natural habitat and is a highlight for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Tips:
• Best time: 6:00–8:00 AM
• Peak season: October to March
• Always choose licensed boat operators
Ideal For: Families, wildlife lovers
3.CHINESE FISHING NETS & FISHING VILLAGES
Chinese fishing nets and the traditional fishing villages around Cherai Beach reflect the deep-rooted coastal heritage of the region. These iconic shore-operated nets, believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders centuries ago, are still used by local fishermen as part of their daily livelihood. Visitors can often see fishermen working together to lower and raise the massive wooden structures, especially during early mornings and evenings, offering a glimpse into age-old fishing techniques. The nearby fishing villages add to the charm, with rows of modest homes, boat yards, and nets drying in the sun, showcasing a simple and sustainable way of life. Together, the Chinese fishing nets and fishing villages create an authentic cultural experience that highlights the strong connection between the people of Cherai and the sea.
What to Expect:
• Traditional fishing techniques
• Fresh seafood markets
• Cultural photography opportunities
4.MUNAMBAM BEACH & FISHING HARBOUR
Munambam Beach and Fishing Harbour, located a short drive from Cherai Beach, offer a fascinating glimpse into Kerala’s coastal life and fishing traditions. Munambam Beach is known for its calm, less-crowded shoreline and scenic views of the Arabian Sea, making it ideal for peaceful walks and sunset watching. Adjacent to the beach, the Munambam Fishing Harbour is one of the busiest in the region, where visitors can witness fishermen unloading fresh catches, repairing nets, and preparing boats for the next voyage. Early mornings and evenings are especially lively, showcasing the daily rhythm of the fishing community. Together, Munambam Beach and Harbour provide a blend of natural beauty and authentic local culture, making them a rewarding stop for travelers exploring the Cherai and Vypin Island area.
Activities:
• Harbour photography
• Boat watching
• Kite flying
• Water sports (seasonal)
Ideal For: Peace seekers & photographers
5.BEACH ACTIVITIES & KITE FLYING
Beach activities and kite flying at Cherai Beach add a fun and lively dimension to its relaxed coastal charm. The wide, open shoreline and steady sea breeze make the beach ideal for simple outdoor activities such as beach games, jogging, yoga, and sand play. Kite flying is especially popular during the late afternoons and evenings, when the wind conditions are perfect and colorful kites fill the sky, creating a festive atmosphere enjoyed by families and children. Visitors can also enjoy activities like swimming in designated areas, beach walks, and casual photography, while local vendors often add to the vibrant mood. With its safe, spacious sands and pleasant climate, Cherai Beach offers the perfect setting for both peaceful leisure and joyful beachside activities.
6.CHERAI GOWREESHWARA TEMPLE
Gowreeshwara Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near Cherai Beach on Vypin Island. Known for its peaceful ambiance and spiritual significance, the temple holds a special place among local devotees who visit to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and inner peace. The temple reflects traditional Kerala architectural elements, with a calm courtyard and a sacred atmosphere ideal for prayer and meditation. Regular poojas, auspicious days like Pradosham, and annual festivals draw worshippers from nearby villages. Surrounded by greenery and coastal serenity, Gowreeshwara Temple offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s religious traditions and serves as a quiet spiritual stop during a Cherai and Vypin Island exploration.
Distance: A short walk or drive from the beach
7. AZHEEKAL SREE VARAHA TEMPLE
Azheekal Sree Varaha Temple, located near Cherai Beach on Vypin Island, is an ancient and spiritually significant temple dedicated to Lord Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Believed to be over a thousand years old, the temple is deeply rooted in local legends and coastal traditions, especially those connected with the sea and protection from natural calamities. The temple features traditional Kerala-style architecture, with a serene atmosphere enhanced by its proximity to the beach and backwaters. Devotees and visitors come here to seek blessings for prosperity, protection, and peace, as well as to witness important rituals and festivals such as Varaha Jayanti. Azheekal Sree Varaha Temple is not only a place of worship but also a cultural landmark that reflects the spiritual heritage of the Cherai region.
8. PALLIPURAM TIPPUSULTAN FORT
Pallipuram Fort, located near Cherai Beach on Vypin Island, is one of the oldest surviving European forts in India and an important historical landmark of Kerala. Built by the Portuguese in 1503, the fort stands in a unique hexagonal shape and was later occupied by the Dutch and the British, reflecting the region’s rich colonial past. Surrounded by lush greenery and backwaters, Pallipuram Fort offers a quiet and scenic setting that contrasts with its strong military architecture. Visitors can explore its thick laterite walls, inner chambers, and central courtyard while learning about its role in protecting ancient trade routes. Easily accessible from Cherai, Pallipuram Fort is an Ideal short heritage into Kerala’s early maritime and colonial history.
Ideal For: History enthusiasts
9. FORT KOCHI & KOCHI CITY (Day Trip)
A Day trip to Fort Kochi and Kochi city from Cherai Beach offers a rich blend of history, culture and modern coastal life. Fort Kochi is known for its colonial-era charm, featuring iconic Chinese fishings nets, heritage buildings, art cafes, and quiet streets lined with Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. Visitors can explore historic sites such as St.Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and the vibrant Jew Town with its antique shops and Paradesi Synagogue.
Moving into Kochi City, the experience shifts to a lively urban atmosphere with bustling markets, waterfront promenades, shopping centers, and local eateries. The day trip provides a perfect contrast to the clam of Cherai Beach, allowing travelers to experience Kerala’s cultural heritage, artistic spirit, and city life – all within a short and convenient journey.
Located about 25–30 km away, Fort Kochi is perfect for a day trip.
Top Attractions:
• Colonial architecture
• Chinese fishing nets
• Mattancherry Palace
• Jew Town & spice markets
10. KADAMAKKUDY ISLANDS
The Kadamakkudy Islands and their nature trails offer a peaceful escape into Kerala’s rural and coastal beauty, located a short drive from Cherai Beach & Kochi. This group of scenic islands is known for its lush paddy fields, coconut groves, narrow village roads and tranquil backwaters that create postcard-perfect landscapes. The nature trails here are ideal for walking & cycling, taking visitors through traditional fishing villages, small canals, and bird-rich wetlands where migratory birds can often be spotted.
Early morning and evening are especially beautiful, with soft light reflecting off the water and fields, making the area popular with photographers and nature lovers. Kadamakkudy’s calm environment and unspoiled charm make it a perfect destination for those seeking slow travel, scenic exploration, and a deeper connection with Kerala’s natural and cutural heritage.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR CHERAI BEACH(2026)
• New coastal walkways, seating areas, and improved infrastructure are enhancing visitor experience
• Best season: October to March
• Avoid peak afternoon sun in summer months
• Choose eco-friendly stays and local guides