One way to get there is to travel on the train from Ernakulam or Alleppey. Cherthala is connected to Ernakulam and other major towns like Alleppey and Thiruvananthapuram by the arterial national highway (NH 66) which runs very close to the town. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport.
The other ways are as follows.
1. Use a bus from Ernakulam to Alleppey. Almost everybus stops in cherthala. A new route by KSRTC low floor AC VOLVO also plys through the route.
2. There is buses from Kottyam to cherthala. Both KSRTC and Private buses is there.
3. Use SWTD boat service to reach Thavanakadavu from Vaikom. From Thavanakadavu there is buses to Cherthala every 5 minutes or less. This is the easy route for people from Vaikom or near areas to reach College Of Engineering, Cherthala
The best way to travel around the town is to hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw.
Buses (both private and state transport) are available frequently to travel around at a cheap price.
Cherthala has several beaches, backwaters and the largest lake of India. Popular tourist beaches are Marari beach, Arthunkal and Andhakaranazhy. They are free to visit. Thanneermukkom Dam a scenic place and Kumarakom Bird sanctuary is nearby.
Arthunkal churchArthunkal Basilica is a must see place when you are in cherthala. Its one of 6 basalicas in Kerala for the Catholics. The shrine was made by Portuguese people which is still kept intact. Arthunkal beach is in front of this Church.
Andhakaranazhy Beach is a good place to visit. Its just 10 km from Cherthala town. Watching sunset with your lovable one, this is the best place you can have around the town.
Thaneermukkam is where the biggest saltwater blockade is located. You can have a nice house boat ride in those backwaters, an experience you will never forget. This place is also famous for "kallushaps" or Toddy parlours which has excellent curries. you shouldn't miss it.
Pathiramanal Island
Pathriramanal or the midnight sands in a beautiful island near to town. The island is excellent repository of flora and fauna which is still uninhabited by man kind. Boats are available to island which should be missed. (Boats take ₹500 per group for journey to the island to and fro.)
Various local Hindu temples — Cherthala Karthyayani temple, Varanad Devi temple, Kalavamkodam Saktheeswaran temple, Nagamkulangara Shiva temple, Kollappally Devi temple, etc. are amazing places to visit and spend time. But make sure to not violate any cultural practices and etiquette. These temples also have large temple ponds, old banyan trees, and plain monastery grounds where you can meditate or relax.
Thankey Church (Thankey), Kadakkarappally P O (Kadakkarappally, Cherthala, Thankey, Kerala Cherthala, India), ☏ +91 4782 812065. It is the miraculous statue of the Passion of Our Lord that attracts thousands to Thankey every year in a pilgrimage marked by repentance and an earnestness to start a new life. (updated Feb 2019)
Beach walk — Cherthala has numerous beaches towards its west side, some of which are never crowded. Apart from the popular Marari, Arthunkal and Andhakaranazhy beaches, less crowded ones include Chethi, Thykkal, Ottamassery, etc.
Boating — You can travel through backwaters of Cherthala in small canoes.
Vasundhara Sarovar. Live barbecue lobsters. (updated Apr 2015)
Vinoos Park. Locally famous fish roast. (updated Apr 2015)
Meeshakkaran Dileepettans Restaurant, Mayithara, Cherthala (Near St.Michael's College). This is one of the most sought after Sea Food Restaurants in Cherthala. (updated Jan 2021)
Onion Restaurant (adjacent to Cherthala KSRTC bus station on its west side). Quality food dishes available at a budget price. Kuzhimanthi, biriyani, chicken dishes, fish curries, etc. are available. The restaurant also have an integrated bakery offering a variety of snacks, including some special ones like kilikkoodu, madakku, etc. (updated Aug 2023)
Four Brothers (Opposite Cherthala KSRTC bus station). A very decent bakery for snacking with all items available (updated Aug 2023)
Sweet tender coconut water is the locally available nourishing beverage in Cherthala. Specialist coconut climbers will pluck raw fresh tender coconut in front of you and make it drinkable with 4 or 5 slices on top portion to make a hole in it.
Sweet toddy is a popular acloholic drinks of Cherthala
Sarbath, lime soda, freshlime and lime water are common drinks available everywhere for cheap price.
Shakes are a popular drink that is available in almost all bakeries
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