Cherthala is located in the Alappuzha district. it is a unique beach destination. This place is an estuary, where the backwaters of Cherthala meet the Arabian Sea waters forming thick sand sediment.
Therefore, this beach is also known as andhakaranazhi beach, which means a beautiful estuary.
Best time to visit Cherthala – Cherthala Weather
The best time to visit Cherthala is during the month between December to February. The temperature will be cool and is the ideal time to travel through these picturesque backwaters.
Places to visit in and near Cherthala/Andhakaranazhi Beach
Thaickal beach
Thaickal beach is located a few kilometers away from Cherthala beach and it is one of the untouched beaches in Kerala. The beach is less crowded and offers a peaceful environment. The shoreline is long and has a wide and flat sand bed, which is ideal for long walks.
Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha beach is one of the most visited beaches in Kerela. The beach is very popular and many international tourists visit this site for its natural beauty. The beach pier is centuries old and is the major attraction of this beach. The ancient lighthouse stands tall and offers signal to the Sea vessels. Vijay Park and Sea Park near the beach are two centers for entertainment activities.
Arthunkal beach
Arthunkal beach is located adjacent to the St. Andrew’s Basilica . The beach has picturesque landscapes and a backdrop of palm trees lined along the shoreline. Therefore, this beach is best for photography. You can visit this beach in the evenings to watch the blissful sunset.
Backwater Cruise and boat races
Alappuzha backwater cruise offers an unforgettable experience. The cruising takes place through various mesmerizing places like Punnamada Lake, Pathiramanal Island, Vattakayal Lake and 250-year-old Chavara Bhavan house. The houseboats has all the basic amenities and hence it is comfortable for your stay. The travel through clean waters and evergreen landscapes gives you a magical journey.
Karthyayani Devi temple Cherthala
Cherthala Karthyayani Devi temple is a prominent pilgrim centre and the main deity of this temple is Goddess Karthyayani Devi. Cherthala Pooram is a major festival and it is the second largest festival in Kerela. Karthika star day is also celebrated grandly in this temple, where thousands of devotees pay their visit to this temple.
First World War memorial
This memorial is near the Taluk office of Cherthala. The memorial is constructed to commemorate 112 brave soldiers. These soldiers from Cherthala have fought during the World War 1 between the years 1914-1918.
St. Andrew’s Basilica
St. Andrew’s Basilica is a popular church built in the 15th century by Portuguese missionaries. The church is in Arthunkal of Alappuzha district and it is one of the architectural wonders. St.Sebastian festival in this church is widely celebrated for 10 days, where people from all over the state pay their visit to this holy place.
- Timings: 5:30 am to 5:00 pm (all days of week)
Kumarakom bird sanctuary and backwater cruise
Located near Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom bird sanctuary spreads across 14 acres. Many foreign birds migrate from overseas to reach this site. Bird species egret, darter, heron, and Siberian stork visit this place. Therefore, this bird sanctuary is the best place for photographers. The perfect time to visit Kumarakom bird sanctuary is between the months of June to August. It is also the best spot for backwater cruising and offers some of the visually appealing sites.
- Timings: 6:30 am to 6:00 pm (all days of week)
- Entry fee: INR 50 per person
Activities and Things to do in Cherthala
Manakodom Lighthouse
The Manakodom lighthouse built in Cherthala beach stands tall and majestic. It is established as a signal tower to guide the seamen traveling at nighttime. The lighthouse offers bird’s eye view of glittering blue waters of Arabian Sea. It also offers a panoramic view of beach estuary, where backwaters join the Arabian Sea.
Shrimp farming in Cherthala
Cherthala is a renowned place for shrimp farming and the fishermen use Chinese fishing nets for harvesting. These are called jumping nets and it will be very interesting to watch how the fishermen are catching the fish in their daily life.
Sunrise & Sunset
The beach has a long Sea walkway extending deep into the beach waters. This place is an ideal spot for watching mesmerizing views of Sunrise and Sunset. People rush to this site during early hours of day and evenings to watch this ravishing Sunrise and Sunset.
Sit and relax
The soft sand along the beach shoreline offers an ideal place to sit back and relax the everlasting beauty of the beach. Cool sea breeze and everlasting green landscapes around the beach soothe your mind.
Beach shack
Cherthala beach offers a wide range of beach shacks and resorts, which provides tasty Kerala food cuisines. You can have a variety of fresh seafood dishes cooked in front of your sight. The beach shacks also arrange candlelight dinners for a romantic getaway.
Pedal boat ride
The pedal boat ride through the waters of Cherthala beach gives you a unique experience. You can catch your own fish for dinner accompanied by the fishermen. This thrilling experience involves taking you deep inside the blue waters to catch your prey.
How to reach Cherthala?
By Train
Alappuzha railway station is the major railway junction located 16 km from the Cherthala beach connecting all metro cities and towns. Cherthala railway station is at a distance of 10 km from the beach.
By Road
Cherthala beach is well connected by road with all major cities and towns. Therefore, state transport buses and Private taxis are available from Allappuzha and Kochi to reach this beach.
By Flight
Kochi International airport located at a distance of 50 km from the beach is the nearest airport.
Getting around Cherthala
The best and economical way to roam around the beach is to hire a taxi or auto rickshaw.
Cherthala STD Code: 0478
Cherthala Postal Code: 688539