Walk in Kochi: From Fort Kochi Water Metro Station to Mattancherry – A Journey Through Time

Some journeys are measured in kilometers. Others are measured in stories. The walk from Fort Kochi Water Metro Station to Mattancherry belongs firmly in the second category. At first glance, it appears to be a simple urban walk of a few kilometers. Yet the moment you step out of the Water Metro terminal and begin moving through Fort Kochi's historic lanes, you realize this route is far more than a commute between two neighborhoods. It is a walk through centuries of trade, migration, faith, art, colonial encounters, spice routes, and everyday life.

Some journeys are measured in kilometers.

Others are measured in stories.

The walk from Fort Kochi Water Metro Station to Mattancherry belongs firmly in the second category.

At first glance, it appears to be a simple urban walk of a few kilometers. Yet the moment you step out of the Water Metro terminal and begin moving through Fort Kochi's historic lanes, you realize this route is far more than a commute between two neighborhoods. It is a walk through centuries of trade, migration, faith, art, colonial encounters, spice routes, and everyday life.

This walk in Kochi reveals something many travelers miss. While tourists often rush between landmarks in auto-rickshaws, walking allows you to notice the details that truly define the city—the fading Portuguese-era walls, fishermen repairing nets in the shade, the scent of cardamom drifting from warehouses, murals hidden in side lanes, and elderly residents who still remember stories passed down through generations.

For photographers, this route is a visual feast.

For history lovers, it is an open-air museum.

For curious travelers, it is one of the most rewarding experiences in Kerala.

And perhaps the best part? Every few hundred meters, the atmosphere changes completely.

Why Visit This Walk in Kochi?

Many visitors focus on attractions individually:

  • Chinese Fishing Nets
  • Fort Kochi Beach
  • St. Francis Church
  • Mattancherry Palace
  • Jew Town
  • Paradesi Synagogue

But the spaces between these places are equally fascinating.

Walking allows you to:

  • Experience Kochi at street level
  • Observe everyday local life
  • Discover hidden architectural details
  • Photograph heritage buildings without rushing
  • Find local cafés and art galleries
  • Explore lesser-known lanes
  • Understand how Fort Kochi and Mattancherry evolved together

Unlike many heritage districts that feel frozen in time, this route remains alive. Schoolchildren cycle through narrow roads. Spice traders continue family businesses. Artists transform old warehouses into galleries.

The walk feels authentic because it is not curated. It is simply Kochi being Kochi.

Historical and Cultural Significance To appreciate this route fully, it helps to understand the remarkable history beneath your feet. Few places in India have witnessed such diverse influences. Over centuries, Kochi welcomed:

Historical and Cultural Significance

To appreciate this route fully, it helps to understand the remarkable history beneath your feet.

Few places in India have witnessed such diverse influences.

Over centuries, Kochi welcomed:

  • Arab traders
  • Jewish merchants
  • Chinese sailors
  • Portuguese explorers
  • Dutch administrators
  • British rulers

Long before modern globalization became a buzzword, Kochi was already one of the world's most connected port cities.

Fort Kochi became a major Portuguese settlement after the arrival of Vasco da Gama in 1498. Later, the Dutch reshaped the city, leaving behind architecture still visible today.

Mattancherry evolved into a bustling commercial district linked to the spice trade. Pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves moved through these streets toward markets across Europe and the Middle East.

The result is a fascinating cultural mosaic.

A short walk can take you past:

  • Colonial churches
  • Synagogues
  • Mosques
  • Hindu temples
  • Dutch houses
  • British-era structures

Very few places in India offer such density of multicultural heritage within walking distance.

My Personal Experience: Walking Into Layers of History I arrived via the Water Metro early in the morning. The ferry ride itself felt refreshing. As the boat glided across the backwaters, the skyline gradually shifted from modern Kochi to the low-rise heritage charm of Fort Kochi.

My Personal Experience: Walking Into Layers of History

I arrived via the Water Metro early in the morning.

The ferry ride itself felt refreshing. As the boat glided across the backwaters, the skyline gradually shifted from modern Kochi to the low-rise heritage charm of Fort Kochi.

The morning light was soft.

Fishermen were already at work.

A few tourists lingered near the waterfront, but the streets remained pleasantly quiet.

Rather than heading directly toward famous landmarks, I simply started walking.

That decision transformed the experience.

Within minutes, I found myself slowing down. Every street seemed to reveal another detail worth noticing.

A bright blue colonial window.

A cat sleeping on an old stone step.

A bicycle leaning against a weathered yellow wall.

The walk became less about reaching Mattancherry and more about observing the city unfold naturally.

Detailed Exploration of the Route Starting at Fort Kochi Water Metro Station The station itself offers interesting views of the waterfront. Spend a few minutes watching: Boats crossing the harbor Fishing activity Local commuters arriving and departing Reflections on calm water

Detailed Exploration of the Route

Starting at Fort Kochi Water Metro Station

The station itself offers interesting views of the waterfront.

Spend a few minutes watching:

  • Boats crossing the harbor
  • Fishing activity
  • Local commuters arriving and departing
  • Reflections on calm water

Morning arrivals provide particularly beautiful light.

Photographers should arrive shortly after sunrise.

The combination of soft golden tones and low-angle light creates excellent opportunities for waterfront photography.

Walking Through Fort Kochi Streets

This section of the walk feels distinctly European in character.

Tree-lined roads.

Colonial-era buildings.

Quiet residential lanes.

Art-filled walls.

The atmosphere is relaxed and walkable.

Look closely and you'll notice numerous architectural details:

  • Wooden shutters
  • Arched windows
  • Decorative balconies
  • Portuguese-inspired facades

Some houses have remained within the same families for generations.

Others have become cafés, boutique hotels, or galleries.

The blend of old and new gives Fort Kochi its unique personality.

One of the unexpected pleasures of this walk is discovering art spaces. Former warehouses and heritage structures now host: Contemporary art exhibitions Photography displays Cultural events Independent creative studios During the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, these spaces become even more vibrant

Art Galleries and Creative Spaces

One of the unexpected pleasures of this walk is discovering art spaces.

Former warehouses and heritage structures now host:

  • Contemporary art exhibitions
  • Photography displays
  • Cultural events
  • Independent creative studios

During the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, these spaces become even more vibrant.

Even outside festival periods, the artistic energy remains visible through murals, installations, and creative storefronts.

Many visitors rush past these places without stepping inside.

That is a mistake.

Some of the most memorable moments happen in these quiet spaces.

The Transition Toward Mattancherry Gradually, the atmosphere changes. The residential calm of Fort Kochi gives way to busier commercial activity. Traffic increases. The scent of spices becomes more noticeable. Warehouses begin appearing more frequently. This transition itself is fascinating because it mirrors centuries of economic history.

The Transition Toward Mattancherry

Gradually, the atmosphere changes.

The residential calm of Fort Kochi gives way to busier commercial activity.

Traffic increases.

The scent of spices becomes more noticeable.

Warehouses begin appearing more frequently.

This transition itself is fascinating because it mirrors centuries of economic history.

You are literally walking from a colonial settlement toward one of India's historic spice-trading hubs.

Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Insights

Hidden Courtyards

Several heritage properties contain interior courtyards invisible from the street.

Whenever a gate is open, respectfully look inside.

These spaces often reveal:

  • Traditional architecture
  • Flowering plants
  • Old wells
  • Beautiful light patterns

Forgotten Warehouses

Many old spice warehouses remain active.

Some buildings appear abandoned but continue serving commercial purposes.

Their weathered textures create excellent photographic subjects.

Side-Lane Shrines

Small shrines tucked between buildings offer insight into local spiritual life.

These modest spaces often receive little tourist attention but reflect the living culture of the neighborhood.

Street Cats of Fort Kochi

Photographers often focus on architecture.

Yet the city's cats have become part of its visual identity.

You will find them resting on colonial walls, window ledges, and shaded verandas.

They make surprisingly compelling subjects.

Best Photography Spots Along the Walk

Waterfront Near Water Metro Station

Best Time:
Early morning

Photographic Subjects:

  • Boats
  • Reflections
  • Fishermen
  • Harbor scenes

Heritage Streets of Fort Kochi

Best Time:
7:00 AM–9:00 AM

Photographic Subjects:

  • Colonial houses
  • Empty roads
  • Long shadows
  • Street life

Art District Areas

Best Time:
Late morning

Photographic Subjects:

  • Murals
  • Street art
  • Creative storefronts
  • Human portraits

Spice Market Zone

Best Time:
Afternoon

Photographic Subjects:

  • Traders
  • Sacks of spices
  • Warehouse interiors
  • Textures and colors

Jew Town Streets

Best Time:
Golden hour

Photographic Subjects:

  • Antique shops
  • Heritage buildings
  • Warm evening light
  • Street scenes

Photography Tips for This Walk in Kochi

Use a Wide Lens Sparingly

Many streets are narrow.

Instead of photographing entire buildings, focus on details.

Look Up

Balconies, windows, and rooftops often create stronger compositions than eye-level scenes.

Carry Minimal Gear

Heavy equipment becomes tiring during long walks.

A mirrorless camera and one versatile lens are sufficient.

Respect People

Always ask before photographing individuals.

Many locals respond warmly when approached politely.

Shoot During Rain

Monsoon conditions create dramatic reflections and richer colors.

Local Food Experiences Along the Route

One of the joys of this walk is eating spontaneously.

Instead of searching for famous restaurants, pay attention to smaller local establishments.

Try Kerala Snacks

Look for:

  • Pazhampori
  • Parippu vada
  • Banana chips

Freshly prepared versions are especially satisfying during rainy weather.

Seafood Specialties

Being close to the coast means seafood is abundant.

Popular options include:

  • Karimeen
  • Prawns
  • Fish curry meals

Local Tea Shops

Tiny tea stalls provide insight into daily life.

Spend fifteen minutes observing conversations.

You'll learn more about the city than many guided tours reveal.

Human Stories Along the Route

The people often become the most memorable part of the journey.

An elderly shopkeeper explained how spice trading once dominated the neighborhood economy.

A café owner spoke about the transformation brought by tourism.

A fisherman shared stories of changing tides and seasons.

None of these encounters were planned.

That is the beauty of walking.

The slower pace creates opportunities for genuine human connection.

Best Time to Visit

SeasonExperience
October-FebruaryPleasant weather and ideal walking conditions
March-MayHot but manageable during mornings
June-SeptemberDramatic monsoon atmosphere and excellent photography

The best months are November through February.

For photographers, monsoon season offers exceptional visual opportunities despite occasional rain.

How to Reach

By Air

Nearest airport:

Cochin International Airport

Travel time to Fort Kochi:
Approximately 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic.

By Train

Nearest major stations:

  • Ernakulam Junction
  • Ernakulam Town

By Water Metro

The Water Metro provides one of the most enjoyable ways to arrive.

It adds a scenic waterfront perspective before the walk begins.

Where to Stay

Fort Kochi offers accommodation across all budgets.

Budget

  • Backpacker hostels
  • Heritage guesthouses

Mid-Range

  • Boutique hotels
  • Restored colonial homes

Premium

  • Luxury heritage properties
  • Waterfront hotels

Staying in Fort Kochi allows early morning exploration before crowds arrive.

Budget Tips

  • Use the Water Metro instead of taxis where possible.
  • Walk between attractions.
  • Visit galleries with free entry.
  • Eat at local cafés.
  • Carry a refillable water bottle.

A full day exploring on foot can remain surprisingly affordable.

Suggested Itinerary

Half-Day Walk

  1. Fort Kochi Water Metro Station
  2. Heritage streets
  3. Art galleries
  4. Lunch break
  5. Mattancherry
  6. Jew Town

Full-Day Exploration

Morning:

  • Water Metro arrival
  • Photography walk
  • Churches and heritage streets

Afternoon:

  • Mattancherry Palace
  • Spice markets
  • Local lunch

Evening:

  • Jew Town
  • Sunset photography
  • Café stop

Responsible Travel Tips

  • Dress respectfully.
  • Ask permission before portraits.
  • Support local businesses.
  • Avoid littering.
  • Respect religious spaces.
  • Walk quietly in residential neighborhoods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing Through in an Auto-Rickshaw

Walking reveals far more than riding.

Starting Too Late

Midday heat can reduce enjoyment.

Ignoring Side Streets

Many discoveries happen away from major attractions.

Carrying Excessive Camera Gear

Mobility matters more than equipment.

Visiting Only Famous Attractions

The route itself is the attraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the walk from Fort Kochi Water Metro Station to Mattancherry worth it?

Yes. It is one of the most rewarding heritage walks in Kerala, combining history, culture, food, architecture, and photography opportunities.

How long does the walk take?

Without stops, around 45–60 minutes. With photography, food, and exploration, allow 3–5 hours.

Is the route safe for solo travelers?

Generally yes. The area is popular with tourists and locals, though standard travel precautions apply.

What is the best time for this walk in Kochi?

Early morning offers cooler temperatures, softer light, and fewer crowds.

Can photographers enjoy this route?

Absolutely. Colonial architecture, street life, waterfront scenes, and spice markets provide diverse subjects.

Is the walk suitable during monsoon season?

Yes, provided you carry rain protection. Monsoon conditions often create the most atmospheric photographs.

Final Thoughts

The walk from Fort Kochi Water Metro Station to Mattancherry is not simply a route between two points on a map.

It is a journey through centuries of trade, migration, faith, creativity, and everyday life.

What makes this walk special is not any single monument.

It is the accumulation of moments.

A weathered doorway.

The smell of spices.

A conversation with a stranger.

Rain reflecting heritage facades.

A cat sleeping beneath a colonial window.

The sound of a distant church bell blending with the call to prayer.

These details reveal the real Kochi.

And that is why, among all the experiences available in Kerala, this remains one of the most rewarding walks a traveler can take.

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On the very first day of our stay in Wayanad, our host suggested us to trek to Edakkal Caves. 'Trekking' word did the magic and we decided to go there next day only. This Photo Journey shares some of the photographs and information around the trek & caves.We requested Sunil (our host at Treasure Trove to arrange an auto for the day. We left in the morning after breakfast and Edakkal is 15 kilometers from Meenangadi, the place where we were staying.We drove through some beautiful landscapes and beautiful sights. The mountain in above photograph looked beautiful and was shot from moving auto only. Later we realized that Edakkal caves offer another great view of the mountain from the hill top.We took some breaks on the way and soon we came a cross a diversion which lead us to 4 kilometers climb in auto, till the parking of Edakkal Caves. There is a small market at the base, where all vehicles need to be parked and then the trek starts for Edakkal Caves.The trek is concrete, but quite steep. Initially we were in hurry but realized that we should go slow. We enjoyed trekking to Edakkal caves and took some breaks on the way.After walking for 30 minutes we reached a counter where we had to buy entry tickets for the caves. Ticket costed 20 Rs per person and 30 Rs for camera. Please do read message in above photograph. One needs to deposit 20 rs if you want to take water bottle beyond this point. They paste a sticker on the bottle and you can get back the money when you come back. This model really works in Kerala and they have implemented it in most of the tourist destinations in Kerala.These stickers are pasted on the bottles. People bring back their empty bottles to the counter and get back the deposited money.These stairs start from the ticket counter till main caves of Edakkal.There are various shops on the way to have some snacks or buy stuff for home. Lot of Kerala products are sold in these shops - tea, coffee, spices, coconut products, herbal soaps etc.There are good number of stairs from ticket counter till caves. The main cave is on the top of this hill and one needs to trek through other smaller caves. There are folks around this hill who ensure smooth movement of crowd. This is quite a crowded place and discipline is important. Mostly people walk in queue and ensure that things happen smoothly.This is the entry to first cave at Edakkal. Above photograph is clicked from the cave. It was good to see a disciplined movement of folks and of-course credit goes to the local administration for appropriate arrangements in terms of marking & people to help.Now the trek continued through caves and few more steep climbs till we hit the final cave. Steel stairs are installed inside these caves. Edakkal caves lie at around 1200 metres above sea level on Ambukutty Mala, beside an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains of Mysore to the ports of the Malabar coast .Kids expressions in above photograph shows the level of next climb :). Yes, it was getting steeper. Next few climbs exposed everyone to some of the beautiful sights of Wayanad.Finally we hit the main cave which has varied designs carved on all the rocks. Edakkal Caves are two natural caves which are approximately 24 kilometers from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala. This lies around India Western Ghats.Inside the caves are pictorial writings. These signs are believed to date to at least 6000 BC, from theNeolithic man, indicating the presence of a prehistoric civilization or settlement in this region. The Stone Age carvings of Edakkal are rare and are the only known examples from south India.Check out wikipedia to know more about Edakkal caves.These are the stairs to come down on the back journey from Edakkal caves to the base. It was a nice experience to be there at Edakkal caves and enjoyed some of the amazing views from the top of this hill. It's a proper tourist spot so it's always crowded.



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After trekking to Edakkal caves in Wayanad, we headed towards Curuva Island in an auto. The word ‘Island’ made us visit there. After inquiring more, we got to know that it’s maintained by Forest department and good place to find different kinds of birds. One needs to use bamboo rafts to reach the Island and same rafts are used to come back.It took approximately 1 hr to reach Curuva Island from Edakkal Caves. It shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes in a car.The drive was beautiful through dense forests and coffee plantations.Our Auto-Rickshaw driver are quite fast as he wanted to ensure that we have enough time to explore the Island. It gets closed at 5pm, so you need to be back from the Island by then.We reached the entry counter of Curuva Island and bought our tickets from the counter of Kerala Forest and Wildlife conservation department. Single ticket costs 80 Rs which included to and fro in bamboo rafts. Camera ticket costs 40 Rs and you are also supposed to pay vehicle parking at same counter, so it was just 30 rs for the Auto-Rickshaw we were using.There is some walk from this counter to the water-body from where we needed to take Bamboo raft. It was around 200 meters away from the ticket counter. There are long queue at the port and we waited for approximately 20 minutes to board on the raft and reach the island. In this queue, a guard comes to check your bags and ensures that you don’t have any plastic item to carry to the island. If you want to carry a water bottle, get a sticker pasted on it for 20 rs and money is refundable by the showing the bottle on you back journey. I liked this model implemented by Kerala Tourism and it works. A good thing for other state tourism departments to learn. A ride on bamboo raft was something special, although our expectations were very high :). One raft was carrying approximtaley 50 folks at a time and I had always seen bamboo rafts carrying 4-6 folks. We wanted to do a ride on such raft, but time didn’t allow and such sights were located far from our homestays. I have used safety jackets at various places so far, but these were one of the best ones. Similar experience was there at Banasura dam as well.Bamboo raft hardly took 10 minutes to hit the other side. We got off the boat and put our safety jackets in designated basket. There was a huge bamboo bridge on the other side. After walking for a while, you see two small pathways – one takes you inside island and other leads you to the other port. We headed towards the core of the island where everyone was going. Btw, Curuva Island is again a typical touristic place and hence crowded. There was lot of noise on the island and we realized that we should forget about finding any birds around. And we were right. We didn’t see a single bird, although various sounds were coming from the other part which was restricted.After a while we hit a region of this island which had various water streams. And whole of this region of the island was full of people having fun in water. We were little disappointed, because we were expecting it to be a peaceful place which is close to the nature. Unfortunately it was opposite. But most of the folks were having fun, so it's definitely a good place for folks who want to enjoy in water splashes. Idea is to go there with right expectations :). Hope that readers of Photo Journey would benefit from this information.We had a round of the island and then headed back towards the rafts to head back to Meenagadi (our homestay). It was not so experience for us, probably because of very high expectations. This was a learning for us to be more informative about such places. During this trip, we had hardly any pre-planning except our travel and stay. Many times we intensionally keep things open but they may end up with such experiences. It was another experience, I would say :)Time to go other side of the water body and head towards our homestay…




During december we were in Wayanad region of Kerala and planned a day visit to Suchipara Waterfalls. When we drive towards the waterfalls, one need to cross through these beautiful tea gardens. We had various breaks on our way and this Photo Journey shares more about this region of Wayanad.Although Wayanad is full of Tea gardens and coffee plantations, but this part around Suchipara waterfalls is very special. The landscapes are very beautiful and can't be compared with other gardens. This part is relatively hilly.Usually we don't click our own photographs but these lush gardens made us click some of our shots. Our auto-rickshaw driver also requested me to click him photograph :), although he requested us not to post on facebook because he doesn't post any photograph with his auto-dress. This Photograph is only for his family to show that how Suchipara looks like these days.Yes, we were travelling in Auto-rickshaw. 4 days spent in Wayanad and throughout we used Auto-rickshaw for tarvelling. They are cost effective and you enjoy the pleasant weather of Wayanad region.Wayanad is one of the highest producers in India and there are various regions which produce Coffee as well. The place where we were staying was a coffee farm.







The first thing that strikes you during a Kathakali Dance performance is not the music. Not the elaborate costumes either. It is the eyes. Under warm stage lights in Kochi, a performer slowly turns his face toward the audience. His eyes widen dramatically, then narrow with impossible precision. Every movement feels amplified. Every glance carries meaning. Even before the drums begin, the story has already started.



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The first thing that catches your attention in Kochi is not the sea. It is the doors. Old wooden doors with fading turquoise paint. Tall colonial arches with brass knockers shaped like lions. Tiny tiled entrances hiding cafés. Portuguese-style windows opening into courtyards scented with cardamom and fish curry. Some are cracked by monsoon moisture. Some are freshly painted in impossible shades of yellow and blue. Some stand abandoned, yet still dignified.



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I had always heard about Wayanad as one of the biggest tea producers in India, but when I actually visited this beautiful place I realized that coffee is also produced in abundance. Wherever we went in Wayanad, we found acres of lands covered by coffee plantations. This Photo Journey shares some information about coffee plantations in Wayanad region of Kerala. Coffee production in India is dominated in the hilly terrains of South Indian states. Karnataka produces the max followed by Kerala. Indian coffee is said to be the finest coffee grown in the shade rather than direct sunlight anywhere in the world. Our host at Meenangadi had huge coffee farm around his homestay and he shared the fact about coffee in shadow. Most of the the plants were in shades of various trees including black pepper, jackfruit, coconut & rubber trees.Above is the view from out cottage at Treasure Trove which was surrounded by coffee plantations all around. After coming back from Wayanad, I read more about Coffee plantations in India and got to know that we have approximately 2.5 lac coffee growers and majority of them are small growers. Major part of the coffee grown in India exported to Germany, Russian, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia, United States, Japan, Greece, Netherlands, France and Italy.There are two methods to process Coffee - dry processing and wet processing. Dry processing is the traditional method of drying in the sun which is favoured for its flavour producing characteristics. This what we witnessed during our stay in Wayanad. Indian coffee, grown mostly in southern India under monsoon rainfall conditions, is also termed as “Indian monsooned coffee. Two well known species of coffee grown are the Arabica and Robusta.




I did a post on main places to explore and things to do in God's Own Country - Kerala and one of the followers mentioned on Facebook that it's unfair not to mention food of Kerala. And I agree, so thought of compiling this post about Food of Kerala. I am sure that some of the following names would sound familiar - Puttu and Kadala Curry, Thalassery biryani , Appam with Stew, Dosa Ghee Roast with Kerala styled Sambar , Idiyappam with Egg Curry, Spicy Chicken Fry (locally known as Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu), Kerala Prawn Curry, Mussel Stir Fry (popularly known as Kallumakkaya Ularthiyath ) , Pumpkin (Erissery) and Lentil Stew, Naadan Beef fry or Kerala Style Beef Fry and Malabar Parota, Kerala style Fish Molee and Kerala rice(boiled rice) along with sambar, parippukari with ghee, pachadi, kichadi, aviyal, puliyan, kuttukari, Kalan, Olan, Injikkari, rasam, pappadam, pickle, raita, sweetners(two or three different types), payasam.I clearly remember the Theayyam feast we enjoyed at Kannur. After spending whole day at Theyyam temple, one of the priest invited us to join for the feast. Everyone is invited to have lunch at temple and some of the popular food items are served on banana leaf. The same day we were wondering about the banana trees which would have lost those leaves. Hundreds of folks had lunch at the temple during Theyyam festival. Whenever anyone talk about Kerala food, that feast come to my mind. So my recommendation is to find a community event where you can enjoy authentic Kerala food.If you have visited Kerala you would know how Kerala rice look like and if not, just have a look at above photograph. These are very light as compared to rice we get in North India.If you are visiting Kerala, it's recommended to buy some spices to bring back home for family and friends. Patimugam is something which we liked and bought in abundance. The pink colored water served with food is basically boiled water by putting Patimugam in it. Travellers very well know that food of any place is very much inspired by it's weather and local ingredients. You can very much guess the major ingredients of Kerala food. Coconuts grow in abundance in Kerala and hence coconut cream & coconut milk are widely used in dishes for thickening and flavouring. Owing to the weather of Kerala and the availability of spices, the Kerala cuisine is richly spicy especially the hot ones - chilli , black pepper , cardamom , cloves , ginger and cinnamon.Kerala's long coastline, various rivers, backwaters and strong fishing industry have contributed to many sea & river food based dishes. Rice and cassava (Tapioca) form the staple food of Kerala. All main dishes are made with them and served along with Kootan; the side dishes which may be made from vegetables, meat, fish or a mix of all of them. The main dish for lunch and dinner is boiled rice.If you love cooking and prefer healthy food for your family, you may want to check this brilliant blog by Sangeeta . And here is a recipe for Chicken stew Mughlai Style.Let me give another tip to fellow travellers for exploring authentic food of Kerala. Prefer staying in Home Stays and do proper research. We were lucky to have great experience of home stays in Kerala. If you plan to explore Wayanad, here are 2 recommendations - Treasure Trove and Bamboo Village.As you can see, banana leaves are used in different forms. Apart from serving food on banana leaf, it's also used for cooking. At our homestay, we used to get home cooked snacks with evening tea. What an awesome stay it was. I wish to go there right now. Non-veg was main part of all our meals at Kerala. I found it interesting when fish and chicken vendors sell various types of fish on bicycle. While staying at Bamboo village, we met some vendors who were selling 4-5 types of small fish and almost every villager was buying fish. Banana is other main ingredient of Kerala food. In fact, unripe banana are also used in various ways. Banana pakoras, boiled banana, banana chips etc. I am sure that banana must be used in 10 other forms in Kerala. I didn't like boiled banana which was served to us in breakfast. Either I ate it in wrong way or I could relate to it's taste.




India is also referred to as 'God's Own Country'. Kerala is a coastal state in India and has rich traditions, culture and lush unspoiled tropical beauty with unmatchable landscapes. Kerala is popularly known for its landscapes, backwaters, food, elephants, Theyyam & various types of spices. Kerala is perfect destination for folks visiting India and even for Indians who want to spend some time at peace & slow pace of life. Kerala has options for different types for tourists and travellers. This post lists some of the popular places to explore and things to do in Kerala state of India. Munnar - Usually I hate to do comparisons of places because it's usually unfair, as every place is unique. But I would like to call out that Munnar is popularly known as Kashmir of South India. Munnar is one of the key destination in Kerala which attracts lot of domestic and foreigner tourists to Kerala. It's a beautiful hill station which has lush green tea estates apart from spice plantations.Some of the popular places to explore in Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary, Anamudi, Tata Tea Museum, Idukki Arch Dam.Thekkady - Thekkady is one of the most important tourist destinations in Kerala state of South India. Thekkady is located in the famous Periyar National Park. The Periyar National Park is home to a large number of Indian elephants, lion-tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langurs, Indian bison and Bengal Tigers. Mullaperiyar Dam around the area on the Periyar River and formed an artificial lake for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.Kovalam Light house beach in Kovalam is must visit place. And I am sure that you must have seen some exceptional photographs of lighthouse beach. Just notice the lighthouse in above photograph and you would be able to recall other photographs from same place and beach. Kovalam is also known as beach town of Kerala. It is also known as the paradise of the south and beaches of KOvalam are considered some of the best beaches in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Alleppey - Alappuzha is an important backwater tourist destination in Kerala. Alleppey is one of the most preferred place for tourists, which attracts several thousands of foreign tourists each year. If you have ever watched boat races, Alleppy is the place to host these events. Apart from boat races Alleppy is also popularly known for beaches, marine products and coir industry. Allapuza Backwaters is a must experience thing in Kerala.Some of the other interesting other places around Alleppy include Statue Of Karumadikuttan, Mannarasala Sri Nagaraja Temple and Revi Karuna Karan (RKK) Memorial Museum.Wayanad - Wayanad is north Kerala and popular for it's tea & coffee plantations. Hilly region of Kerala which has plenty of natural things to explores. Lakes, Waterfalls, caves, tea estates, adventure activities, home stays, wildlife and lot more. Kalpetta, Pookot Lake , Edakkal Caves , Pakshipathalam, Lakkidi, Sulthan Bathery, Banasura Sagar , Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelimala view point , Meenmutty falls and Curuva Island are some of the popular places to explore in Wayanad. On our blog, we have shared about some of the best home-stays in Wayanad and incredible experience of Bamboo village. Check out more on the blog and I am sure that you would definitely plan for this region of Kerala.Vagamon hill station is located on Idukki - Kottayam border area. A best place to spend time during summers of Kerala. Vagamon is immensely beautiful with many points of tourist interest, which offer great landscapes. The meadows, forests and hills surrounded by fog/clouds make this place more interesting. ( Cochin ) / Ernakulam - If you are taking flight to south Kerala, most likely you would be hitting Kochi first. Kochi is located in Ernakulam district of Kerela, which was earlier known as Cochin. Kochi is also an important seaport in India. Ernakulam is popular for shopping options in Kerala. I haven't really done shopping in Kerala but this is well known fact about Ernakulam. Some of the popular places to explore around Cochin include Jewish Synagogue, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary, Ezhattumugham Nature Village and Athirappally Falls. Thiruvananthapuram - Poovar is a small village in the Southern tip of Trivendrum. Around Poovar beach you can explore mangroves, floating restaurants, varieties of birds and biodiversity. The beach is pristine with golden sand with no or less people. Solitude’s comfort, you see! Fisherman waiting to trap the fishes in their giant nets at one corner and eagles and crows waiting for the fishes to be their fodder. Nature, oh nature, vicious circle, it is Some of the interesting places to explore around Thiruvanantpuram are Priyadarshini Planetarium, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Temple, Kuthiramalika, Kanakakunnu Palace. A photograph of Coffee plants from Kerala state of India. some of the old temples. Some of the temples around Kannur celebrate Theyyam festival and lot of foreigner tourists visit Kannur for Theyyam. Thottada beach is one of the popular and isolated beach in Kannur. Riding around these beaches and backwaters can be interesting.Kumarakom Houseboats Kumarakom is most popular tourist spot located near the Kottayam city and famous for its houseboats in backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Vembanad Lake is the largest freshwater lake of Kerala and longest lake in India. Kumarakom is a famous Bird Sanctuary and home to a wide variety of local and migratory birds.One of the most important recommendation is to try Kerala food when you are in Kerala, but be careful about the quantity you order. Usually lot of curries are served, so it's recommended to order the minimum portion from menu and then decide, if you need more.

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