Beaches near Kochi

We are travelling to Kerala in October and are looking for a beach to stay at close to Kochi for a couple of nights and would welcome any recommendations

Marari is one option...

Cherai Beach on Vypeen Island is about 40 minutes from Kochi. Safe swimming and good beaches. Marari is good but the sea can be dangerous with strong undertow and rough waves.

Anyone been there lately?
some pictures show extensive rocks on the beach at Cherai Beach

Some Parts have rocks as a sea wall but there is lot's of sand, I will also be there on the 28th of October.

Where are you staying, we are looking for a mid-ranged place

we will just be there for the day, we a group of 8 have a homestay booked in Cochin..But I've been to Cherai before it was discovered to the extent it is now, lovely stretch of beach.

It is an extensive sandy beach. If you look on the hotel section on Indiamike you will see a range of hotels at Cherai. The Sealine Hotel is I believe mid priced - I have had good meals there and they do provide sun beds and beach umbrellas which can be useful when the sun is strong.

The Sealine was practically empty when I inquired there last (late) September. The manager offered me an off-season rate of Rs 1500 for a non-AC standard room, a 1000 below the listed price.

I would not recommend Marari, except if you can afford the very high-end hotels there. But the beach is more of a toilet there than at Cherai, and the budget places that all go for Rs 1500 for a basic room are not that great.