Cherai is an excellent tourist destination of
Pallipuram panchayat in the northern end of
Vypeen Island in
Kochi,
Kerala. It is about 40 km away from
Ernakulam city. It is a typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves in the vicinity.
Cherai beach, studded with seashells of various hues and shapes is the main attraction here. Cherai's main industry is prawn farming.
The attractions of Cherai include a children's park on the beach, water scooter and speed boats on rent. Sree Gowreeswaram, the Shiva - Parvati temple founded by
Sree Narayana Guru is near the beach. Azheekkal Shri Varaha Devaswom and St Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church are other pilgrim centers in Cherai.
Bolghatty Island is nearby. Vyikotta Seminary, a theological school built by the Portuguese, is to the south of the fort. The printing press built at this school in 1577 is claimed to be the first printing press in Kerala. When the Dutch defeated the Portuguese, they made the school into a leprosy center which continued its function till 1921. Afterwards, it was handed over to missionaries to establish a nunnery and school, which are still functioning.
Accommodations are available at Cherai Beach Resort and other nearby hotels.
By road, Cherai is an hour's drive from Ernakulam or one can hire the boat from High Court Jetty or
Fort Kochi to Vypeen. Buses ply frequently from Vypeen to Cherai Beach. North Parur Bus Stand is 7 km away. Cochin International Airport is 22 km from Cherai. Ernakulam Junction Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
