Cherthala — Travel Guide
Cherthala, celebrated across Kerala and the Arabian Sea coast as the sacred home of the ancient Sree Karthyayani Devi Temple and the global manufacturing capital of traditional coir matting and backwater crafts, is an engaging destination in Kerala.
It's the home of the sacred Ayurvedic shrine of Maruthorvattom Sri Dhanwanthari Temple, the 16th century Portuguese pilgrimage basilica of St. Andrew's in Arthunkal, the scenic coastal lagoon of Andhakaranazhi, and the tranquil canal networks of Vembanad Lake.
It works as a primary coastal, industrial, and railway transit hub connecting Alappuzha (Alleppey) and Mararikulam with Kochi (Cochin), Vaikom, and Kottayam along National Highway 66.
It represents a rich cultural crossroads where palm fringed backwater lagoons meet golden Arabian Sea beaches, where traditional coir factory looms hum beside ancient temple ponds, and where centuries of interfaith harmony bring together Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities.
Located at an elevation of 4 meters in Alappuzha district, it sits 4 km from Maruthorvattom, 8 km from Arthunkal Basilica, 10 km from Vembanad Lake, 12 km from Marari Beach, 20 km north of Alappuzha town, 35 km south of Kochi, and 60 km from Cochin International Airport.
Morning breezes drifting over the Vembanad backwaters and local seaside toddy shacks carry the appetizing aroma of authentic Kerala Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaf and roasted with spicy shallot masala), spicy Chemmeen Roast (prawns) cooked in rich coconut milk.
You'll also enjoy soft lacy Appams served with creamy vegetable stew, hot Puttu with spicy Kadala Curry, sweet Palada Payasam, crispy hot Banana Chips fried in pure coconut oil, and fresh tender coconut water, while temple chenda melam drums echo at dawn.
Active coir spinning yards, traditional canoe docks, ancient wooden temple gables, and passing Southern Railway coastal express trains define the daily rhythm of this lively coastal town.
Cherthala is famous for Karthyayani Devi Temple, Arthunkal Basilica, Maruthorvattom Dhanwanthari temple, coir industries, and authentic coastal Kerala cuisine.
It's a practical base if you want to tour tranquil backwater channels, attend the famous Arthunkal Makaram Perunnal feast, visit ancient Ayurvedic healing shrines, and savor fresh seafood delicacies.
The surrounding coastal Travancore territory holds deep antiquity shaped by the Chera dynasties, the sage Vilwamangalam Swamiyar who consecrated Karthyayani Devi, and Portuguese missionaries who built the seaside basilica in 1581. From the sacred stone sanctum of Karthyayani to the historic nave of Arthunkal Church, you'll discover rewarding cultural landmarks across the district.
Local life centers around coir weaving, backwater fishing, coconut harvesting, temple festivals, boat crafting, and warm Malayali hospitality. You can view the sunrise over Vembanad Lake at dawn, explore the ancient temples and coir factories by midday, and watch the sunset from Marari Beach by evening.
Neighboring destinations like Alappuzha, Kochi, and Kumarakom offer Alleppey Houseboat Cruises, Fort Kochi Heritage Walk, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and Vaikom Shiva Temple. Adding Cherthala to your travel plans works well for spiritual pilgrims, backwater lovers, beach travelers, and road trippers exploring Kerala.
You can view the glowing golden sunset reflecting off the tranquil Arabian Sea waters and watch the evening church candles and temple oil lamps illuminate the coast by dusk. The journey is worth every rupee. Cherthala provides an authentic, peaceful, and culturally deep travel experience.
Planning your trip around the pleasant winter sightseeing season from September to March, the world famous 10 day Arthunkal Perunnal festival in January, or the grand Cherthala Pooram at Karthyayani Temple will give you the best experience across Kerala. Here is the seasonal breakdown:
Best Time to Visit by Season
• Winter Season (September to March): The premier travel window. Pleasant, breezy, and sunny with daytime temperatures between 22°C and 31°C, ideal for houseboat cruises, beach visits, and temple darshans.
• Monsoon Season (June to August): Rich southwest monsoon rains turn backwaters and coconut groves lush green, ideal for traditional Ayurvedic rejuvenation treatments.
• Summer Season (April to May): Warm and humid with daytime temperatures reaching 34°C. Evening beach strolls and morning backwater rides are recommended.
Major Annual Cultural & Spiritual Celebrations
• Arthunkal Makaram Perunnal (January): 10 day grand seaside Christian pilgrimage feast where thousands of devotees crawl on their knees in gratitude to St. Sebastian.
• Cherthala Karthyayani Pooram (March April): Traditional 8 day temple carnival celebrated with caparisoned elephant processions, Panchavadyam orchestras, and fireworks.
• Maruthorvattom Dhanwanthari Vavu: Special healing rituals and herbal aartis on New Moon days.
• Onam Harvest Festival (August September): Celebrated with grand floral Athapookkalam designs, traditional Vallamkali boat races, and festive Onasadya feasts.
What Cherthala is Famous For
• Arthunkal Basilica: Historic 16th century Portuguese seaside pilgrimage shrine.
• Coir Capital: Leading manufacturer of eco friendly coconut coir floor mats.
• Coastal Kerala Flavors: Karimeen Pollichathu, Chemmeen Roast, and Palada Payasam.
Reaching Cherthala in Kerala is simple because 4 lane National Highway 66, Cherthala Railway Station on Southern Railway coastal mainline, and Cochin International Airport provide reliable multi modal transit connectivity. Here is your complete transit guide:
By Air
• Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery (COK): Located 60 km north of Cherthala (approx 1.5 hours drive via smooth 4 lane NH 66 / Container Road with direct flights to all major Indian metros and international destinations across the Gulf and Southeast Asia).
• Trivandrum International Airport (TRV): Located 170 km south via NH 66.
• Airport Transfers: Pre paid cabs, app taxis from Kochi Airport, and KSRTC Low Floor AC Volvo buses operate regular direct highway transfers to Cherthala.
By Train
• Cherthala Railway Station (Station Code: SRTL): Located directly in town on Southern Railway's Ernakulam Alappuzha-Kayamkulam coastal mainline with daily superfast express halts.
• Ernakulam Railway Junction / South (Station Code: ERS): Located 35 km north on the mainline.
• Alappuzha Railway Station (Station Code: ALLP): Located 20 km south.
• Connecting Express Trains: Vanchinad Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, Maveli Express, Ernad Express, and local passenger trains connect nearby stations smoothly across India.
By Road
• National Highway 66 (Panvel Kochi-Alappuzha Kanyakumari Coastal Highway): 4 lane coastal highway passing directly through Cherthala.
• State Highway 40: Connecting Cherthala with Vaikom, Kottayam, and Thanneermukkom.
• Bus Services: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators run frequent direct Super Fast, Fast Passenger, and Minnal AC buses between Kochi, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Cherthala every 5 minutes.
Local Commuting
• Auto Rickshaws & Town Cabs: Readily available at Cherthala Railway Station, KSRTC Bus Stand, and Court Junction for quick local commuting and trips to Arthunkal Basilica.
• Rental Private Cabs: Hiring a private taxi is the most convenient way to explore the regional coastal circuit covering Karthyayani Temple, Maruthorvattom Dhanwanthari, Arthunkal Basilica, and Marari Beach in a single day.
Exploring local coir factory markets and tasting authentic coastal Kerala, Travancore, and traditional backwater culinary specialties is an enjoyable part of visiting Kerala. Here are the top items to buy and try:
What to Buy (Coir Mats, Spices & Banana Chips)
• Handcrafted Golden Coir Door Mats & Rugs: Eco friendly, durable mats, carpets, and garden geo textiles woven from natural coconut fibers.
• Fresh Kerala Banana & Jackfruit Chips: Crispy yellow raw plantain slices fried golden in pure cold pressed coconut oil.
• Handcrafted Kerala Brass Nilavilakku Lamps: Heavy traditional brass multi wick oil lamps cast by skilled local metalsmiths.
• Pure Cold Pressed Coconut Oil: Freshly expeller pressed virgin coconut cooking and hair oil with rich natural fragrance.
• Organic Malabar Black Pepper & Cardamom: Aromatic whole black peppercorns, cloves, and green cardamom pods from Kerala hill plantations.
Famous Local Food Specialties
• Authentic Kerala Karimeen Pollichathu: Fresh pearl spot fish marinated in shallots, ginger, garlic, and red chilies, wrapped in fresh banana leaves and pan fried in coconut oil.
• Spicy Chemmeen Roast (Backwater Prawns): Succulent fresh prawns sautéed with coconut slices, curry leaves, crushed pepper, and Kudampuli (garcinia).
• Soft Lacy Appam with Vegetable Stew: Fermented rice and coconut milk crepes paired with mildly spiced coconut milk vegetable curry.
• Sweet Palada Payasam & Unniyappam: Rich dessert made with rice flakes simmered in sweetened condensed milk, and fried jaggery banana fritters.
• Fresh Tender Coconut Water: Pure, electrolyte rich sweet water sipped straight from green tender coconuts.
Must-Visit Places in Cherthala
Cherthala and the surrounding Alappuzha Vembanad coastal corridor offer ancient Devi temples, Portuguese seaside basilicas, Ayurvedic healing shrines, and scenic backwater beaches. Here are the top attractions to visit during your stay.
1. Cherthala Sree Karthyayani Devi Ancient Temple
Centuries old sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Karthyayani (Mangalya Dayini), established by Sage Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, celebrated for its unique underground sanctum and grand Pooram.
Timings: 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM & 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located in central Cherthala town.
2. Maruthorvattom Sri Dhanwanthari Temple (4 km)
Rare and sacred temple dedicated to Lord Dhanwanthari (the physician of the Gods), revered across South Kerala for healing blessings, ancient murals, and herbal Mukkoottu prasadam.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM & 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 4 km north in Maruthorvattom.
3. Arthunkal St. Andrew's Forane Basilica (8 km)
16th century Portuguese coastal pilgrimage shrine housing the miraculous statue of Saint Sebastian, celebrated for the world famous 10 day Makaram Perunnal feast.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 8 km southwest on coastal beach road.
4. Andhakaranazhi Beach & Coastal Lagoon (12 km)
Scenic coastal barrier beach where Vembanad backwater canals meet the Arabian Sea, featuring a modern lighthouse, fishing boats, and golden sandbanks.
Timings: Daylight hours
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 12 km northwest near Pattanakkad.
5. Thanneermukkom Bund & Vembanad Lake (10 km)
Famous saltwater barrier regulating Vembanad Lake's water levels, offering sweeping views of gliding houseboats, lotus waterways, and sunset horizons.
Timings: Daylight hours
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 10 km east in Thanneermukkom.
6. Pathiramanal Island & Bird Sanctuary (14 km)
scenic green island in Vembanad Lake, accessible by boat from Muhamma, sheltering hundreds of rare migratory waterbirds and nature trails.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Fee: Free island access (Boat ride charges apply)
Route: Located 14 km southeast via Muhamma jetty.
7. Marari Beach & Coastal Fishing Village (12 km)
Clean golden sand beach lined with swaying coconut groves, traditional thatch resorts, and authentic Ayurvedic wellness retreats.
Timings: Daylight hours
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 12 km south in Mararikulam.
8. Vembanad Lake Backwater Houseboat Jetty
Tranquil canal networks offering private traditional Kettuvallam houseboat cruises, country canoe tours, and village angling spots.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Fee: Cruise rental rates apply
Route: Located along Arookkutty and Muhamma banks.
9. Cherthala Coir Mats & Geo Textile Societies
World famous coir manufacturing factories and artisan cooperatives weaving natural coconut fiber into durable floor mats, runners, and eco textiles.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily
Fee: Free factory visits
Route: Located in Coir Industrial Estate.
10. Cherthala Traditional Brass Nilavilakku Guilds
Artisan metal workshops casting traditional multi tiered Kerala brass oil lamps, temple bells, and bronze cookware.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located in Temple Bazaar.
11. Cherthala Traditional Bakeries & Sweet Marts
Renowned local confectioneries serving hot Unniyappam, Neyyappam, Halwa, fresh Banana Chips, and Palada Payasam daily.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located along Court Junction.
12. Traditional Coastal Toddy Shacks & Seafood Messes
A delightful food street serving authentic Karimeen Pollichathu, Chemmeen Roast, Appam with stew, and fresh coconut water.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located along NH 66 coastal highway corridor.
Cherthala Photo Gallery & Attractions
Explore high-resolution photographs of iconic temples, historical monuments, and scenic landmarks in Cherthala.
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