The Cost of Living in Cherthala: Is it Affordable?

Cherthala is a small town located in Kerala, Southern India, and is renowned for its serene backwaters, lush green coconut groves, and ancient temples. While the town is not as popular as some of its neighboring cities, it still has some of the lowest living costs in Kerala. So, if you’re planning to move to Cherthala or are simply curious, this blog post will give you an in-depth look at the cost of living in Cherthala.

Housing Costs in Cherthala

One of the biggest expenses in any town or city is rent, and the same applies to Cherthala. However, the town offers some of the most affordable rental options in Kerala, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment hovering around Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 8,000. For a three-bedroom house, you may have to pay around Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 monthly, depending on the location and amenities.

Food Costs in Cherthala

When it comes to food, Cherthala offers affordable and delicious options. You can find a variety of local food in small shops and eateries for as low as Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per meal. If you prefer eating at restaurants, then you might have to spend around Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 for a good meal.

Transportation Costs in Cherthala

Transportation in Cherthala is generally quite affordable, and you can get around the town using public transport or taxis/buses. A bus ticket in Cherthala costs around Rs. 10, whereas an auto-rickshaw ride can cost you around Rs. 30 for a short distance. If you plan to commute to nearby towns or cities, you can book a cab at a reasonable price.

Healthcare Costs in Cherthala

Medical facilities in Cherthala are decent, with some reputed hospitals and clinics spread throughout the town. A general consultancy fee for a doctor starts at around Rs. 200, with medical procedures and tests costing extra, depending on their complexity.

Education Costs in Cherthala

Cherthala has some good schools and colleges that offer quality education at an affordable rate. A private school’s monthly tuition fees start from around Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 10,000, depending on the standard of the institution, while college tuition fees are generally higher, starting from around Rs. 50,000 per annum.

Utilities Costs in Cherthala

The cost of utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, in Cherthala is relatively low. On average, you may have to pay around Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,000 per month as an electricity bill for a medium-sized apartment. The cost of internet service in Cherthala is also relatively low, starting at around Rs. 500 monthly.

Conclusion

Overall, Cherthala is an affordable town to live in compared to other cities in Kerala. However, as with anywhere, the cost of living in Cherthala depends on the lifestyle you wish to maintain. That said, if you’re looking for a place with a low cost of living, beautiful scenery, and peaceful surroundings, then Cherthala might be the perfect fit for you.

The Insider’s Guide to Cherthala, Kerala

Cherthala is a bustling city located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. It is known for its scenic beauty, backwaters, serene lakes, and coastal charm. Cherthala is a city that is still undiscovered by many travelers, but it has an unexplored world of alleys that spread around the backwaters filled with houses, shops, and cafes. The cost of living in Cherthala is affordable, and is an excellent destination for budget travelers looking for a laidback vacation. In this insider’s guide, you’ll explore the local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions

• St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church – This church is one of the most famous and oldest churches in Kerala, known for its impressive architecture dating back to the 9th century.
• Karumadikuttan – This is a well-known statue in India because of its simplistic nature. It’s just a big rock statue, over 10 feet high, with a serene smile and representing Lord Buddha. The name Karumadikuttan means ‘the boy made of black granite’.
• Mamala Palam – A bridge built with traditional architecture to connect Cherthala, Kumarakom, and Kochi.
• Kandankary – A quaint island village in the middle of Vembanad Lake, located about 20 kilometers from Cherthala. It’s a perfect place for a day picnic or an overnight stay to enjoy the serene beauty of nature.
• Thiruvizha Mahadeva Temple – A 1000-year-old temple known for its Koothambalam (temple theater), the only temple in the world that has a Koothambalam without a roof.

Dining Spots

• Malgudi Cafe – A cozy cafe with a fantastic selection of shakes, snacks, and desserts. The ambiance is excellent for people who love to read, relax and enjoy coffee.
• Hotel Surya – A famous multi-cuisine restaurant serving authentic Kerala cuisine. Don’t miss out on their seafood dishes like Karimeen fry and prawn curry.
• Kayees Biriyani – Their Biriyani is famous all over Kerala and worth trying.
• Iceberg – A great ice cream parlor offering some of the best homemade ice creams and milkshakes in Cherthala.
• Tharavadu – A perfect place to have a traditional Kerala Thali (a full-course meal served on a banana leaf).

Cultural Experiences

• Kalari – Cherthala is known for its famous ‘Kalari’ (a traditional Martial Art form of Kerala). You can watch a Kalari performance with live music and learn basic movements from a trainer.
• Chavittunatakam – It is a Christian drama, created in the 16th century by the Portuguese. It is a pure art form still preserved in Cherthala.
• Pookkalam – You can see the well-crafted flower mandapams or Pookalams in front of every temple in Cherthala during all the festivals. The intricate designs and fresh flowers are a treat for your eyes.

Local History

• Cherthala Palace – The former palace of the Rajas of Cherthala. The palace has now been converted into a museum of Kerala’s traditional history, including ancient weapons, coins, and royal memorabilia.
• Arthunkal Church – This church, built-in 1584, is a famous pilgrimage site. It is dedicated to St. Sebastian and is the oldest church dedicated to him. Arthunkal Church feast is famous all over Kerala, and it is considered one of the biggest Christian pilgrimages in South India.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

• Kottaram – It is a small coastal village located about 15 kilometers from Cherthala. Kottaram is famous for the traditional boat-making industry. You can watch the boat-makers craft the boats from the trunk of coconut trees.
• Vattakayal – It is a scenic backwater located about 13 kilometers from Cherthala. You can take a canoe or fishing boat ride and soak in the beauty of nature.
• Desinganad Temple – Located about 20 kilometers from Cherthala, this temple is famous for the rituals, painting and drawing.

Cherthala is one of the best-kept secrets of Kerala. The city is an ideal destination for those looking for a laidback vacation away from the hustle-bustle of the city. It is a budget-friendly destination and offers a wide variety of unique experiences to the visitors.