Best beaches near Kochi, Kerala
Kochi has a few beautiful beaches. Read this article to learn more about the best beaches in Kochi to visit solo, with family or friends.
With its coastline extending from one end to the other, Kerala boasts of several nice beaches, in addition to its backwaters, hill stations and amusement parks. No wonder this small state at the southern tip of India is called "God's Own Country". If you have some time in Kochi, try a local backwater tour. I recently went on a day tour in a country style wooden boat through the backwaters of Kochi. Read more at Cochin Day Tours
Kochi is one of the major tourist destinations in Kerala with many beautiful beaches, historical places and amusement parks. If visiting beaches in Kochi is in your itinerary, read further to learn where to go. Taking aesthetics, atmosphere and convenience into account, let me help you choose the best place in Kochi for your visit.
Cherai - most family friendly beach in Kochi
Cherai beach is the longest and most crowded one among those in Kochi. Occasionally, there are tourism festivals and similar programs but other than that, it's all about family fun. Hundreds of families visit Cherai every day. Week ends are usually very crowded with lot of families spending their time with families. The entire stretch of Cherai beach extends over 2 km, even though the shopping and amenities are centred around 200 metres area of the beach. If you like some privacy and want to be away from the crowd, you can walk further on either directions and you will find your private spot in the sand with not much crowd around you.
If you love sea food, don't think twice. Cherai is the place to go. With more than 20 sea food restaurants along the beach road, you can order any sea food item here. Read more about our our experience with a family operated sea food restaurant in Cherai beach.Fort Kochi beach - the most happening place
Are you a party animal? You are in the sand not just for the sun but to celebrate your holidays? Fort Kochi beach is the place for you. It's crowded, beach side restaurants are plenty, and Chinese fishing nets are treats for your eyes. There are lot of premium restaurants and other tourist attractions close to the beach, including the Paradesi Synagogue, Jew Street etc. This is where where most of the foreigners go for its proximity to other major tourist attractions in the city.
There is an adjacent children's park, which is another attraction for families to choose this place for a week-end picnic. 
Fort Kochi Beach
NOTE: There are lot of weeds in the Fort Kochi beach and it is not an ideal place to swim. This place is better known for its beach side activities and not for the sand or swimming. Kuzhupilly beach - the quite beach with enough privacy
If you don't like to be in the crowd, you better avoid Cherai and Fort Kochi. Instead, come to Kuzhupilly beach, just 3 km south of Cherai. What is awaiting you there is a relatively clean, white sand beach without much crowd. You can have your own privacy in the open sand. If it's sunny out there, you can step back a bit and there are plenty of trees and shade along the side. This calm and quite destination has no shopping, no village restaurants and sadly, no amenities too. There are couple of small coffee shops where you can get coffee and snacks.
The reason I didn't recommend this as the best choice for families is, there are no life-guards on duty. If you can take care of your own safety, this is a good choice for family visit.
Come and spend an evening in Kuzhupilly beach and watch the sunset here. You are sure to come back!
When you are coming from Kochi, you have to take a narrow strip of road for about 2 km to hit this destination. This 2 km stretch is one of the best driving routes in Kerala with backwaters on both sides. At the end of the road, you will wish it was a bit longer road.Beach front accommodation in Kochi
If you like to open your windows to the beach, you have to choose either Fort Kochi or Cherai. Fort Kochi has a few premium hotels close to the beach but if you are looking for homestays and budget accommodation, you have more choices in Cherai.
There are not many hotels or homestays in Kuzhupilly area. The only hotel close to the beach here is Indriya Sands Resort, which is just across the road. This hotel has got an excellent location, with a direct view of the beach and is surrounded by backwaters on the other side. If I choose to stay in one of these locations, I would choose Indriya Sands resort for its serene location, with 360 degree view of backwaters, village life and the beach.
Tailpiece: If you are in Kerala to enjoy the best beaches in God's Own Country, you may want to include Kovalam and Varkala in your itinerary.
Which do you think is the best beach near Kochi ?
Kochi is in my radar to be one of the places I need to visit this year. Thanks for the info on beaches. Can you tell which beach will offer a secluded and peaceful view of sunset and may be a possible homestay nearby?