Cherthala is a calm and beautiful town in Alappuzha, a popular district in Kerala. This place is known for its peaceful backwaters, clean beaches, temples, and rich culture. If we are looking for a quiet and relaxing trip, Cherthala is a perfect choice.
In this guide, we explore the top places to visit in Cherthala and the best things to do. The content is simple, clear, and easy to follow, helping us plan a perfect trip.
Why We Should Visit Cherthala
Cherthala is not crowded like other tourist places. It gives us a chance to enjoy nature, local life, and peace.
Here’s why we should visit:
- Beautiful backwaters and lakes
- Clean and less crowded beaches
- Famous temples and churches
- Authentic Kerala food
- Friendly local people
Cherthala is perfect for family trips, couples, and solo travelers.
Top Places to Visit in Cherthala
1. Pathiramanal Island – A Nature Lover’s Spot
Pathiramanal Island is a small island located in Vembanad Lake. The name means “Sands of Night”.
This place is best for:
- Bird watching
- Nature walks
- Photography
We can see many types of birds here, including migratory birds from other countries. The island is only reachable by boat, which makes the journey exciting.
Best time to visit: Early morning or evening
2. Arthunkal Church – A Famous Pilgrimage Place
St. Andrew’s Basilica Arthunkal is one of the most famous churches in Kerala.
Key highlights:
- Dedicated to St. Sebastian
- Known for the Arthunkal Festival
- Attracts thousands of visitors every year
The church has a peaceful and spiritual environment. Many people visit here to pray and find calmness.
3. Mararikulam Beach – Clean and Peaceful Beach
Marari Beach is one of the best beaches near Cherthala.
Why we love this beach:
- Very clean and quiet
- Less crowded than other beaches
- Perfect for relaxing and sunset views
We can walk along the shore, enjoy fresh air, and spend peaceful time with family.
4. Thiruvizha Mahadeva Temple – A Sacred Place
Thiruvizha Mahadeva Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Features:
- Beautiful traditional Kerala architecture
- Calm and spiritual atmosphere
- Important place for local festivals
This temple is a great place to experience Kerala’s culture and traditions.
5. Andhakaranazhi Beach – Where Lake Meets Sea
Andhakaranazhi Beach is a unique beach.
What makes it special:
- A long bridge into the sea
- Backwaters meet the Arabian Sea
- Perfect for photos and evening walks
This place is less crowded and offers beautiful sunset views.
6. Pallippuram Church – Historic and Peaceful
St. Mary’s Forane Church Pallippuram is one of the oldest churches in the area.
Highlights:
- Rich history and tradition
- Calm and quiet environment
- Beautiful building design
It is a good place to relax and enjoy peaceful time.
Best Things to Do in Cherthala
1. Enjoy a Backwater Cruise
One of the best experiences in Cherthala is a backwater boat ride in Vembanad Lake.
We can:
- Ride in a houseboat
- Watch village life
- Enjoy Kerala food on the boat
This is a must-do activity for every traveler.
2. Taste Authentic Kerala Food
Cherthala is famous for its delicious Kerala cuisine.
We should try:
- Karimeen Pollichathu (fish dish)
- Kerala Sadya (served on banana leaf)
- Fresh seafood dishes
The food here is fresh, tasty, and full of local flavor.
3. Explore Village Life
We can explore nearby villages to understand real Kerala life.
Things to see:
- Green paddy fields
- Fishing activities
- Coir (coconut fiber) making
This experience is simple but very memorable.
4. Attend Festivals
Cherthala has many colorful festivals.
We can enjoy:
- Temple festivals with decorated elephants
- Church festivals with music and lights
- Traditional dance forms
These festivals show the rich culture of Kerala.
5. Try Ayurveda Treatments
Kerala is known for Ayurveda, a natural healing system.
In Cherthala, we can try:
- Body massages
- Relaxation therapies
- Stress relief treatments
This helps us feel fresh and relaxed.
Best Time to Visit Cherthala
The best time to visit is from October to March.
Why this time is best:
- The weather is cool and pleasant
- Good for sightseeing
- Ideal for beach and boat rides
Monsoon season (June to September) is also beautiful, but it may rain a lot.
How to Reach Cherthala
By Air
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport. It is about 60 km away.
By Train
Cherthala has a railway station with good connections.
By Road
We can reach Cherthala easily by road from:
- Kochi
- Alappuzha
Road travel is smooth and comfortable.
Travel Tips for Cherthala
- Wear light cotton clothes
- Carry sunscreen and water
- Respect local traditions
- Book hotels early during peak season
Sample 2-Day Travel Plan for Cherthala
Day 1
- Visit Pathiramanal Island
- Explore Arthunkal Church
- Relax at Marari Beach
Day 2
- Visit Thiruvizha Temple
- Go to Andhakaranazhi Beach
- Enjoy a backwater cruise
This plan helps us cover the best places comfortably.
Conclusion
Cherthala is a peaceful and beautiful destination that offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and relaxation. From the calm waters of Vembanad Lake to the quiet shores of Marari Beach, every place here gives us a special experience.
We can enjoy boat rides, tasty food, village life, and spiritual places without the rush of big tourist cities. Cherthala is ideal for anyone who wants a calm and refreshing holiday in Kerala.
If we are planning our next trip, Cherthala should definitely be on our list for a simple, peaceful, and memorable travel experience.