Vypeen Lighthouse (Ochanthuruthu).
Cherai sits at the north end of the 27km-long Vypeen Island; most beach visitors stay near the resorts and never make the 18km drive south to the lighthouse at Ochanthuruthu. The lighthouse opens for the public for only 90 minutes a day (4-5.30pm) — outside that window the gates are closed and walkers turn back.WHY NOBODY KNOWS
Cylindrical 40m concrete lighthouse commissioned 1979, replacing the older 1903 Vypeen lighthouse. Directorate of Lighthouses operates it; ascent is via 144 steel steps to the lantern room. ₹20 entry / camera ₹50 / 4-5.30pm daily only. 360-degree view from the top: Cochin port shipping lanes, Fort Kochi harbour mouth, Munambam estuary northward, and the Arabian Sea horizon. Bring ID — lighthouse staff log every climber. Closed during cyclone warnings.
