Cherai Beach

Cherai is a part of Vypin islands - a Suburb of Cochin city in the state of Kerala, south India. It is about 25 km from High Court Junction, Kochi. Cherai is home to a picturesque beach - Cherai beach. It is on the northern end of Vypin Island.
The 10 km of long golden CheraiBeach is very clean, shallow and pacific and evokes irresistible temptation for swimming and sunbathing. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. It has the calm serene Backwaters on the other side and the land is filled with coconut trees
Cherai has played an important role in the history of modern Kerala by becoming the birth place of two prominent political personsages of modern Kerala - Mathai Manjooran and Sahodaran Ayyappan.
Cherai Gowreeshwara Temple is one of the main Hindu temple. Temple is mainatained by Vijnana Vardhini Sabha (V. V Sabha). It also known as Kerala palani. The festival in the temple is biggest festival in Eranakulam district. The festival happens every year towards the last 2 weeks of January or first 2 weeks of February. The main attractions are Elephant march(around 20-30 elephants).
There is one more famous temple in Cherai, which is Azheekkal Sree Varaha Temple famous for its beautiful chariot.It is one of the oldest temple owned by Gowda Saraswatha Community.
Nearest attractions:

Portuguese Fort : Built in1503 by the Portuguese also known as 'Aya Kotta'. It is the oldest European monument in India. It was an out post to safeguard the famous Mussiris Port. In 1661 the Dutch captured the fort and in 1789 the fort was handover to the King of Thiruvathankoor.
Pallipuram Church : The church is built by the Portuguese in 1577. The exquisite picture of Ave Mary on the top of "Altar" is brought from Portugal.The yearly celebrations of Lady of snow happening in August every year.The Water parade of boats is one of the notable function .
Munambam Beach: Munambam beach has been opened in mid of 2009.This tourist destination providing all modern facilities to the tourists like walkways,playground etc. People can enjoy the beauty of Munambam harbour also from this area.It is the tip-end of Ernakulam district and Vypeen Island.