Cherai Beach, Beach on Vypin Island, Ernakulam district, India
Cherai Beach is a coastal stretch on Vypin Island in Ernakulam district, India, with roughly 15 kilometers of golden sand along the Arabian Sea. Palm trees line the entire length of the coast and provide shade over the bright sand where the water meets the shore in gentle waves.
The Malabar coast served as an important point for traders from distant regions who reached Kerala by sea since ancient times. Over the centuries, the coast developed into a hub for exchange of spices and other goods between India and other parts of the world.
Island residents use the shore for their daily routines and community gatherings over generations. Fishermen pull in their nets and repair boats directly on the sand, while families from nearby villages gather here for traditional celebrations and ceremonies throughout the year.
Ferries operate regularly from the mainland and connect the island to central Kochi in about 30 to 40 minutes. Buses run from the airport directly to the coast, making arrival convenient for travelers with luggage or families.
The position between sea and backwaters allows visitors to move from the salty coast to the quiet canals within minutes. In some spots, both bodies of water are separated by only a narrow strip of land, making the island a rare example of two very different water landscapes in close proximity.
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