• Menu

Tag - kerela

Kappad Beach – The Place Where Vasco Da Gama Landed in kerala

Kappad beach located in Kozhikode district of Kerala is a secluded beach offering a peaceful environment away from busy city life. The beach is locally known as Kappakkadavu due to its rich historical significance. The beach is surrounded by thick evergreen palm grooves providing a nest for people to sit and enjoy its beautiful landscapes. Vasco Da Gama, a great explorer first set foot on this beach in the year 1498. The backwaters of River Korappuzha merge with the Arabian Sea in this beach and offer an attractive site for tourists.

Best Time to Visit Kappad beach

The perfect time to reach this site is during the period between December to March, where the temperature is cool and less humid. Rainfall does not exist during this time and the place remains dry to enjoy its beauty.

Places to visit near Kappad beach

Mananchira Square

Mananchira Square
Img Source

Mananchira Square is a large recreational park located 17 km away from Kappad beach. The park is the family spot for people living in Kozhikode city and has a rich historical past to it. it has a large pool constructed by Manavedan Raja, who is the ruler of Zamorins. The park is adorned with beautiful sculptures and a lawn of perfectly arranged flower garden. There is a play area for children, the pathway for walking and sitting arrangements.
Timings: 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm (all days a week)
Entry fee: free

Backwaters of Kozhikode

Backwaters of Kozhikode
Img Source

Kozhikode backwater cruising offers the best travel and stay options to enjoy your vacations. Houseboats are available with standard facilities like kitchen, bedroom, restrooms, etc for a perfect stay. The cruising through these backwaters gives you a perfect picture of beautiful nature. The travel through the traditional villages of Kozhikode district gives you a unique experience and taste of Kerala food.

HILITE mall

HILITE mall
Img Source

HI-LITE mall is a major commercial centre for Kozhikode city and attracts many people for its multi-branded outlets. This place is a centre for weekend outings and offers a wide range of entertainment facilities like cinepolis movie theatre and gaming zones for children. The mall has a large size food court serving different varieties of food cuisines.

  • Timings: 10:30 am to 10:30 pm (all days a week)
  • Entry fee: free

Pazhassi Raja Museum and Art gallery

Pazhassi Raja Museum and Art gallery
Img Source

Pazhassi Raja is an 18th-century freedom fighter and head of the kingdom of Kottayam. State archaeology department established the museum in Kozhikode city for the memory of Pazhassi Raja. The main attraction of Pazhassi Raja Museum is that it hosts the popularly acclaimed Raja Ravi Verma paintings and artworks. It also displays 18th-century artecrafts like antique bronzes, coins, dolmenoid cists, etc.

  • Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (closed on Mondays and public holidays)
  • Entry fee: INR 20 per person

Kozhikode Planetarium

Kozhikode Planetarium
Img Source

Kozhikode Planetarium is an exciting science place located in Kozhikode city of Kerala state. The place unveils the unknown facts about the universe and briefly displays facts about each planet in the solar system. The planetarium allows tourists to observe sky through a high-end telescope during the months of December/January to have a closer look of stars. Entertainment activities such as puzzles solving quiz and other games are conducted for children in the science centre.

  • Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (closed on Mondays and public holidays)
  • Entry fee: INR 30 per person

Kozhikode Beach

Kozhikode Beach
Img Source

Kozhikode beach also known as Calicut beach is a weekend getaway spot for the people of Kozhikode city. This Malabar Coast beach is the best spot for family outings and beach vacations. It is the much-hyped spot for everlasting sunset and sunrise spot. The beach is well maintained with neatly paved walkways. A giant lighthouse stands adjacent to this beach and is believed to be constructed 100 years ago. The government has planned to convert this as a smart beach by placing WI-FI connection and many other modern facilities.

Kadalundi Bird sanctuary

Kadalundi Bio Reserve and Bird sanctuary
Img Source

Kadalundi is a bio reserved area and popular bird sanctuary located near Kozhikode. This village is away from pollution and offers a serene environment to hang around with friends and family. The place is a hub for many foreign migrated birds for nesting. More than 100 bird species are said to be found in this place.

Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village

Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village
Img Source

Sargaalaya art and craft village is a step taken by the tourism government to spread the awareness of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. This art village is situated in Iringal of Kozhikode district and is a popular tourist spot. Several renowned artisans work is displayed here and craft festival is held every year to encourage the best artisanship. You can also shop some of the traditional handmade crafts at reasonable rates.
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Entry fee: INR 40

Tali temple

Tali temple
Img Source

Tali Mahakshetram is a popular pilgrim centre located in Kozhikode. Lord Shiva is the main deity worshipped in this temple built by Zamorins in the 16th century. The Tali Temple belongs to 50 Namboothiri families and is the main trustees of this temple.

  • Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (all days a week)
  • Entry fee: free

Vayalada hills

Vayalada hills Balussery
Img Source

Vayalada hills located in Balussery of Kozhikode district at 530 meters above Sea level is a magical wonderland. The hills are called Malabar’s Gavi for its lovely landscapes. The views from the top edge of the hill are magnificent and attract many tourists for its natural beauty. The Kakkayam dam reservoir sits below the hills and offers amazing sceneries.

SM street Kozhikode

SM street Kozhikode
Img Source

SM Street is a popular and highly crowded commercial area in Kozhikode city of Kerala state. This place is a hub for spices, garments, textile handlooms, etc and can be purchased at wholesale prices. Kerala traditional handicrafts like rosewood carvings, buffalo horns, doormats, toys, etc are available here. This street hosts the best local cuisine restaurants and other eateries.

Things to do in Kappad beach

Canoli Canal boat ride

A boat ride through the canoe canals of River Korappuzha offers breathtaking views and joyful experience. The beauty of nature can be experienced lively by travelling through these backwaters. The houseboats will have a kitchen, where fresh food will be cooked and served hot.

Beach shacks

Kappad beach is popular for its traditional local cuisines and beach shacks outside the beach serve the tasty fresh seafood. The food is prepared in a traditional manner, which adds more taste to it. The popular dish in this beach is Karimeen fry and it is prepared with lots of Kerala spices.

Vasco Da Gama memorial

Vasco Da Gama memorial is established in Kappad beach to commemorate the great explorers, who first set foot in this place. The memorial is 500 years old and still standing at this beach. Many historical adventures visit this beach to see Vasco Da Gama memorial.

Collect seashells

Nature enthusiasts can collect a wide range of different seashells in Kappad beach. These seashells can be used for making ornaments and for home interior decorations.

Take a long walk

Kappad beach has a long stretch of rocky shoreline with beautiful evergreen hills located adjacent to it. Tourists can take long walks along the shore by enjoying the cool breeze from the Sea.

Kurumba temple

Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple is a popular pilgrim spot located at the end of Kappad beach. People should take a short trek uphill to reach this place. The goddess is worshipped by nearby fishing communities.

How to reach Kappad beach?

By Train

Kozhikode railway station is the major railway junction at a distance of 18 km from Kappad beach and connects major cities and towns.

By Road

Kappad beach can be reached easily through the road from Kozhikode city and other major towns. The government buses from Kozhikode bus station are frequently available to reach this beach.

By Flight

Calicut international airport is the nearest one located at a distance of 41 km from the Kappad beach.

Use Goibibo.com to check for discounts on tickets

Hotels To Stay in Kappad

Kappad being a small beach destination does not have much hotels to stay. The budget hotel rates starts at around Rs 1700 per night and goes upto Rs 3500 for luxury accommodation.

some of the best hotels to stay in Kappad are

Planning for your next trip? Check out the following services

We have tried our best to provide you with authentic information. If you have more information to add, kindly use the comment box below. Like our blog? kindly care to share.

Sign-up to our Newsletter and explore beaches from your inbox

cherthala beach

8 Best Tourist Places To Visit Near Cherthala

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 - Cherthala
Img Source

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 - Cherthala
Img Source

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 - Cherthala
Img Source

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

Backwater Cruise and boat races - Cherthala
Img Source

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

Karthyayani Devi temple - Cherthala
Img Source

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

First World War memorial - Cherthala
Img Source

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 - Cherthala
Img Source

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

Kumarakom bird sanctuary and backwater cruise - Cherthala
Img Source

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

Cherai Beach – 12 Must Visit Places and Things To Do

Cherai beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kerala, it is located in the suburb of Kochi city at a distance of 30 km. This place is a major tourist attraction and a favorite spot for family vacations. The beach offers some of the exciting activities like dolphin spotting, swimming, water sports etc. The beach offers us a picture of backwaters merging with Seawater with a backdrop of lush green coconut groves.

Best time to visit Cherai Beach – Cherai Weather

The perfect time to reach this beautiful beach is during October to March. The weather is quite windy and the temperature will be cool and pleasant during this time.

Places To Visit Near Cherai Beach

Cherai Gowreeshwara Temple

Cherai Gowreeshwara Temple
Img Source

Cherai Gowreeshwara Temple is a popular pilgrim center in Cherai. Lord Subrahmanyan is the main deity of the temple. The temple has four main doors to enter inside the main hall and it is the only temple in Asia to have four doors. The temple’s festival is celebrated grandly every year at the end of January month. During this festival large number of decorated elephants march with the chariot.

  • Timing: 05:00 AM – 8:00 PM (all days of week)

Wonderla Kochi

 Wonderla Kochi
Img Source

Wonderla amusement park in Kochi is one of the largest theme parks in India. The park was started with the name Veega land and later changed as Wonderla Kochi. It is the first ISO certified park for safety and clean environmental conditions. With 30 acres of land, it offers some of the world class 50 plus adventurous rides, huge swimming pool and much more thrilling experience. The park has all basic amenities like restaurants, changing rooms, gardens etc.

  • Timing: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (all days of week)
  • Entry fee: INR 900 per person

Vypeen Island

Vypeen Island
Img Source

This small and charming Island is located a few kilometers from Kochi. Vypeen island was developed by Portuguese in the late 17th century. To reach this island, ferries are available from Fort Kochi jetty to reach this site. Vypeen Island offers serene beaches, oldest European fort named Azhikotta and Ochanthuruthu lighthouse, which was built in the year 1503.

Munambam Beach

Munambam Beach
Img Source

The munambam beach is located near the Northern end of Cherai beach and is popularly called as Muziris Golden beach. This is the beach were the River Periyar merges with the Arabian Sea. There is a walking area constructed on the beach with lights and sitting arrangements, where people can sit and enjoy the cool breeze of the Sea. Many people gather in this beach to watch the sunrise and sunset views in early mornings and late evenings.

Kuzhuppilly Beach

Kuzhuppilly Beach
Img Source

Kuzhuppilly Beach is considered as one of the best beaches in Kerala. The beach offers a long stretch of shoreline with golden sand. A large number of umbrellas are placed on the beach to sit under it and enjoy the beautiful views of the beach. The government has taken steps to develop this beach by bringing open-air theatre, parking facilities, wooden benches etc to improve tourism.

Puthuvype Beach

Puthuvype Beach
Img Source

Puthuvype beach is the heart of Vypeen Island located a few kilometres from Kochi city. It offers some picturesque views to beach lovers. The gigantic lighthouse built in this beach offers bird’s eye view of enthralling Arabian Sea. This energetic beach is visited by many people to capture some amazing snaps of Mother Nature. Department of tourism have plans to establish Asia’s largest Oceanarium on this beach.

Puthenthode Beach

Puthenthodu Beach
Img Source

Puthenthode Beach is in Chellanam, which is 12 km away from Kochi city. It is a virgin beach with very small stretch of shoreline offering calm and peaceful environment. This beach is an untouched beauty and offers serene environment with a backdrop of lush green coconut grooves. The beach is a best spot for romantic getaway.

Indo Portuguese and Maritime Navy Museums

Indo Portuguese and Maritime Navy Museums
Img Source

This prestigious museum is located in the Indian Navy school of Fort Kochi called as INS Dronacharya School of Gunnery. The Maritime Navy Museum has an outstanding collection of ammunition bunkers of WW 2 era and educates every aspect of the Indian maritime history. This museum is a recommended place for history lovers and enthusiasts to know more about the artefacts and models of rich Indian Navy’s history.

  • Timings: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (all days of week)
  • Entry fee: INR 40 per person

Kochi Backwaters Cruising

Kochi Backwaters Cruising
Img Source

Kochi helms as the queen of backwaters in the state of Kerala. The rich biodiversity of this place, stunning visuals and ever-lasting greenery attract tourists from all over the world to travel in these backwaters. Various types of Backwater cruises like houseboats are available at Fort Kochi jetty for accommodation and travel. A ride through these backwaters offers you most captivating landscapes and unique experience.

Munambam Fising Harbor

Munambam Fising Harbor
Img Source

The fishing harbour is located five km from Cherai beach and is the most important hub for the export of seafood. Tourists visit this place to buy fresh seafood and watch the fishermen catching the fishes with the help of Chinese fishing nets. A large rampart is constructed near the harbour and is a great spot to hang out.

Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace
Img Source

Mattancherry palace is a historical site located in Mattancherry, Kochi constructed by Portuguese in the late 17th century. The palace is one of the UNESCO heritage sites and attracts many tourists from around the world. It offers breathtaking interior designs and Portuguese architecture with brilliant historical settings. The palace shows the life of Kochi King with a collection of this articles and art paintings.

  • Timing: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (all days of week)
  • Entry fee: INR 2 per person

Jew town

Jew town
Img Source

Jew town is a popular commercial centre located near Fort Kochi. Many tourists visit this place to buy rich historical antique pieces and are the best place for antique hunters. You can find many Jewish antique materials as they lived in this particular town many years ago.  The town also offers some of the colonial buildings built during Dutch, Portuguese and British rule.

Activities and Things To Do In Cherai

Dolphin sightings

The Northern end of Cherai beach near the Vypeen Island is the home for many dolphins. The warm temperature of this beach attracts many dolphins to come near the beach. Boat services are available on the beach, which will take you inside the waters to have a closer look of dolphins swimming along with you.

Swimming and sunbathing

The beach waters are clean and the vast stretch of the silver sand shoreline makes it ideal for swimming. The government has set-up lifeguards in this beach to provide safe swimming conditions for tourists.

Water sports

The beach offers adventurous boating experience and other water sports activities. Tourists can enjoy activities like the banana ride, jet skiing, Paragliding, snorkelling and canoe ride with all safety standards by professionals. Life jackets are provided to everyone before performing the water activities.

Chinese fishing nets

Chinese fishing nets can be seen near the vicinity of this beach and it is the popular way of catching fish. This is practiced in large scale near Cherai beach and you should never miss to see these unique fishing nets. The sight of fish jumping near the nets gives you a unique experience.

Collect Seashells

Cherai beach with its long stretch holds a wide range of Seashells. People who are fond of collecting Seashells can reach this site to find various Seashells.

Paddy Farm Fishing

Cherai is the heart of rice production in Kerala. You can see vast acres of evergreen paddy fields near the beach. The paddy fields also act as fishing farms, especially in growing prawns. Various colorful butterflies and birds are seen in this place.

Kite Flying

There are many shops near Cherai beach selling beautifully designed kites. Kite flying is a popular activity on this beach. The government also conducts kite festival annually on this beach, where thousands of colorful kites fill the sky.

How To Reach Cherai Beach

By Road

Cherai beach is well connected by road with frequent state transport Buses from Ernakulam Junction and Kochi bus station. The Goshree Bridge constructed between Ernakulum and Vypeen provides easy access to this beach.

By Train

Ernakulam Junction is the nearest railway station to Cherai beach, which connects major metro cities and towns.

By Flight

Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport located near this beach, which is at a distance of 22 km away from the beach.

Getting Around Cherai

The best way to reach the beach is by taking the ferry from Fort Kochi jetty to Vypeen Island. You can hire auto-rickshaw or taxi from Cherai junction to reach the beach.

Kindly visit our traveling Partners To Book Hotel Rooms and Tickets

We have tried our best to provide you with authentic information. If you have more information to add, kindly use the comment box below. Like our blog? kindly care to share.

Sign-up to our Newsletter and explore beaches from your inbox