The miles of azure blue Cherai beach is a northern extension of Kochi's Vypeen Island and separates the Lakshwadeep Sea from the backwaters of Kerala. It is situated 26 km from Ernakulam City and is place of ultimate silence. Beach buffs often sit on the beach and cannot escape themselves without experiencing the changing mood of the sea. The coastline features the local boatmen, cleaning out their wooden Kettuvallams and wandering if they find any tourist groups for a ride.

Things to do and See in Cherai beach
Cherai beach addresses the quiet and serene surrounding, where visitors can relax and plan their beach day schedule. The beach provides excellent opportunity for swimming and sun bathing under the many Sun Umbrellas. Beach lovers can also have a leisurely walk towards the nearby Cherai backwaters, which are fringed by palm trees and paddy fields. These place provides an idyllic opportunities for boating at fixed rates per hour. The water are calm and children can easily leap into the gentle waves and squeal delightedly, to the shore.

Gowreeshwara Temple
This divine temple is located on Cherai main village and is about 500 m from the beach. The temple was built in 1912, as a tribute to Sri Subramanya Swamy. Pilgrims visit the temple during February and March, when the temple looks spectacular with its annual nine-day festival. An exclusive march of dozens of caparisoned elephants is a must-see one.

Azheekkal Temple
Dedicated to Shri Venkateshwara, this famous temple is situated in Cherai main village and is just a km away from the Cherai beach. The temple is known for its grand chariot, which is pulled by thousands of devotees during the biannual Rathothasava festival.

Lighthouse
A visit to Cherai beach turns worthy with stepping atop the 46-m tall lighthouse at Ochanthuruth on Vypeen Island. It was built in 1979 and since then it has become a popular spot, offering the breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea

Shopping at Cherai beach
The shops bee-lined in the coastal area at Cherai sells locally made accessories such as hand made umbrellas, caps and scarves. Shoppers can buy some antique Kerala souvenirs like the Kathakali mask, cotton weaves and handicrafts made out of coconut shell and fibre from Kerala State Handicraft Apex Society and Kairali, located on Kochi's MG Road.

Eating at Cherai beach
A very few eateries are set up on the stretch of Cherai. The restaurant at Baywatch Hotel offers an array of good seafood which includes the lobster and crab preparation, king prawn fry etc. The food-courts at Sealine also serves some great multi-cuisine food like the mussels(Kallumakaya), prawn dishes and more.

Getaway from Cherai Beach
Beach lovers on Bekal beach may not find beach shacks, but can think of to tantalize their taste bud with the excellent sea-food. Mutton dishes served as Malabari mutton biryani is the specialty of non-vegetarian restaurants. Kerala Tourism Department Corporation restaurant, set up at the beach offers tea, coffee, cold drinks and packed snacks. They also serve lunch as per the advance order by the visitor. Keralite food can be relished at Hotel Malanadu and Elite Tourist Home, situated at Kanhangad. Besides, lip smacking vegetarian foods are offered at K-Tees International Restaurant, located close to the beach.

Getaway from Bekal Beach
Pallipuram Fort
This hexagonal majestic fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is located at Pallipuram on the northern end of Vypeen Island and is about 4 km from Cherai. Frequent buses ply from Vypeen and aids visitors reach the spot at nominal coast. Tourist can also opt for a long ride by auto rickshaw.

Place of accommodation in Cherai Beach
Cherai beach, by far, has some quality staying options. Visitors can book comfortable rooms at Cherai Beach Resorts, Baywatch Beach Homes, Sealine Beach Resort, Amravanthy Resorts. All the resorts are developed with spacious AC and non-AC rooms and has elite facilities. They are situated in close proximity to both the beach and backwaters, thereby ensuring a uniquely picturesque ambience.

When to visit Cherai
The best time to visit the beautiful Cherai beach is from September to May.

How to reach Cherai
By Air:
Kochi International Airport, situated 22 kms away, in Nedumbassery is the nearest aerodrome to Cherai. On reaching travelers can hire the available pre-paid taxis and reach the beach.

By Rail:
The nearest railhead is at Ernakulam, some 26 kms away from Cherai. The train station is connected to Delhi by the Mangala Lakshadweep Express, Kanyakumari Express and Netravati Express.

By Road:
Ernakulam is linked to Cherai by bridges from Goshree and Willingdon. The place is on NH47, which connects Salem to Kanyakumari via Palakkad, Thrissur, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.