Kunnan Kurishu Pilgrimage Centre: Discovering a Peaceful Spiritual Landmark Among the Churches in Kochi

Kochi is often associated with Chinese fishing nets, colonial architecture, spice warehouses, and bustling waterfronts. Travelers usually spend their time exploring Fort Kochi's historic lanes, Mattancherry's heritage buildings, or the city's thriving café culture. Yet hidden away from the tourist crowds lies a deeply spiritual place that offers a completely different perspective on the city.

Kochi is often associated with Chinese fishing nets, colonial architecture, spice warehouses, and bustling waterfronts. Travelers usually spend their time exploring Fort Kochi's historic lanes, Mattancherry's heritage buildings, or the city's thriving café culture. Yet hidden away from the tourist crowds lies a deeply spiritual place that offers a completely different perspective on the city.

Kunnan Kurishu Pilgrimage Centre is one of those places.

Unlike some of the more famous Churches in Kochi that frequently appear in guidebooks and social media feeds, Kunnan Kurishu feels quieter, more personal, and profoundly rooted in local faith traditions. Visiting this pilgrimage centre is less about sightseeing and more about experiencing a living spiritual landscape where prayers, rituals, and community life continue uninterrupted by tourism.

As a traveler and photographer, what struck me most was not just the architecture but the atmosphere. The sounds of distant prayers. The scent of candles and incense drifting through the air. Elderly worshippers sitting silently beneath trees. Families arriving together with offerings. The slow pace creates a welcome contrast to Kochi's energetic urban rhythm.

For travelers seeking meaningful experiences and for those interested in Churches in India beyond the famous cathedrals and basilicas, Kunnan Kurishu offers an opportunity to connect with local culture in a deeply authentic way.

Why Visit Kunnan Kurishu Pilgrimage Centre? There are many reasons to include Kunnan Kurishu in your Kochi itinerary. A Different Side of Kochi Most visitors experience Kochi through its colonial history. Kunnan Kurishu reveals another layer of the city's identity—its enduring spiritual traditions.

Why Visit Kunnan Kurishu Pilgrimage Centre?

There are many reasons to include Kunnan Kurishu in your Kochi itinerary.

A Different Side of Kochi

Most visitors experience Kochi through its colonial history. Kunnan Kurishu reveals another layer of the city's identity—its enduring spiritual traditions.

Authentic Local Experience

The majority of visitors are local pilgrims rather than tourists. This creates a genuine atmosphere that feels refreshingly uncommercial.

Peaceful Environment

The centre provides a calm escape from city traffic and crowded tourist attractions.

Cultural Understanding

Visiting the pilgrimage centre offers insight into Kerala's Christian communities, their traditions, and their relationship with faith.

Photography Opportunities

The combination of architecture, religious symbolism, devotional practices, and natural surroundings creates compelling photographic possibilities.

Historical and Cultural Significance The story of Christianity in Kerala is unlike anywhere else in India. According to long-standing tradition, Christianity arrived on the Malabar Coast with Saint Thomas the Apostle in the first century CE. Whether viewed through faith or history, the influence of these early Christian communities shaped Kerala's social and cultural landscape for centuries.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The story of Christianity in Kerala is unlike anywhere else in India.

According to long-standing tradition, Christianity arrived on the Malabar Coast with Saint Thomas the Apostle in the first century CE. Whether viewed through faith or history, the influence of these early Christian communities shaped Kerala's social and cultural landscape for centuries.

Kunnan Kurishu forms part of this broader Christian heritage.

The word "Kurishu" means "Cross" in Malayalam. Throughout Kerala, crosses have long served as important symbols of faith, pilgrimage, and community gathering. Many pilgrimage centres developed around miraculous events, local traditions, or places associated with answered prayers.

The significance of Kunnan Kurishu extends beyond architecture. It functions as a living pilgrimage destination where people seek blessings, healing, guidance, and spiritual comfort.

One fascinating aspect of Kerala's Christian traditions is how local culture has blended with religious practices. Visitors often notice similarities between Christian festivals and broader Kerala cultural customs. This unique synthesis creates a distinctly Keralan expression of Christianity.

My Personal Experience at Kunnan Kurishu I arrived early in the morning. The roads were still relatively quiet. Soft sunlight filtered through coconut palms, creating patches of golden light along the pathway leading toward the pilgrimage centre. The first thing I noticed was the silence. Not complete silence—rather a gentle combination of birdsong, distant conversations, rustling leaves, and occasional prayers. Several families had already arrived.

My Personal Experience at Kunnan Kurishu

I arrived early in the morning.

The roads were still relatively quiet. Soft sunlight filtered through coconut palms, creating patches of golden light along the pathway leading toward the pilgrimage centre.

The first thing I noticed was the silence.

Not complete silence—rather a gentle combination of birdsong, distant conversations, rustling leaves, and occasional prayers.

Several families had already arrived.

An elderly couple slowly walked toward the prayer area. A mother helped her young child light a candle. A group of women sat together reciting prayers softly.

What made the experience memorable was observing everyday faith rather than ceremonial grandeur.

Nobody seemed concerned about being watched.

There were no performances for tourists.

Everything felt natural and deeply personal.

As I wandered respectfully around the grounds, I found myself spending more time simply observing than photographing. Sometimes the most meaningful travel moments happen when the camera stays lowered.

Exploring the Pilgrimage Centre

The Sacred Cross

The central symbol naturally draws visitors' attention.

Pilgrims often pause here to pray, reflect, or leave offerings. Throughout the day, people arrive with different intentions—gratitude, hope, remembrance, or requests for divine guidance.

Observing these individual moments provides insight into the deeply personal nature of pilgrimage.

Prayer Areas

The prayer spaces are designed to encourage contemplation.

Simple architecture often creates a stronger emotional impact than elaborate decoration. The emphasis remains on devotion rather than spectacle.

Religious Artwork

Visitors will notice various Christian symbols integrated into the site.

These visual elements provide both spiritual meaning and photographic interest.

Pay attention to details:

  • Hand-carved crosses
  • Religious statues
  • Candle arrangements
  • Prayer inscriptions
  • Decorative motifs inspired by Kerala traditions

Surrounding Landscape

One of the pilgrimage centre's greatest strengths is its setting.

Trees provide shade throughout the day, creating an environment conducive to prayer and reflection.

The natural surroundings help reinforce the sense of peace.

Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Insights

Visit on a Weekday Morning

Most visitors arrive during weekends and religious occasions.

Weekday mornings offer quieter conditions and better opportunities for photography.

Observe Local Devotional Practices

Rather than rushing through the site, spend time watching how pilgrims interact with the space.

You'll gain a deeper understanding of local traditions.

Seasonal Transformations

During major Christian festivals, the atmosphere changes dramatically.

Decorations, lighting arrangements, and community gatherings transform the pilgrimage centre into a vibrant spiritual hub.

Listen to the Sounds

Many travelers focus exclusively on visual experiences.

At Kunnan Kurishu, the soundscape is equally important.

Bird calls, prayer recitations, church bells, and conversations create an immersive sensory experience.

Best Photography Spots

Entrance Approach

The pathway leading toward the pilgrimage centre often provides strong leading lines.

Best Time:

  • Early morning

Ideal Lens:

  • 24mm–35mm

Main Prayer Area

Wide-angle compositions work well here.

Look for moments when worshippers move naturally through the frame.

Always photograph respectfully and avoid disrupting prayer.

Cross Against the Sky

The cross becomes especially dramatic during sunrise and sunset.

Best Time:

  • Golden hour

Tree-Lined Sections

The interplay of sunlight and foliage creates beautiful patterns.

Photographers interested in storytelling can use these areas to capture pilgrims in a natural setting.

Candle Light Details

Low-light photography opportunities emerge during prayer times.

A fast prime lens can help capture intimate moments without flash.

Photography Tips for Kunnan Kurishu

Photography ElementRecommendation
SunriseBest overall lighting
MiddayHarsh light, use shade
Golden HourExcellent atmosphere
PortraitsAsk permission first
ArchitectureUse wide-angle lens
DetailsCarry a macro lens
CrowdsVisit weekdays
Drone UseVerify local regulations

Additional advice:

  • Respect prayer activities.
  • Avoid intrusive photography.
  • Capture emotions rather than just structures.
  • Focus on storytelling images.

Local Food Experiences Nearby

A visit to Kunnan Kurishu can easily be combined with culinary exploration.

Kerala's food culture is among the richest in India.

Look for local eateries serving:

  • Appam and stew
  • Puttu and kadala curry
  • Fish curry meals
  • Kerala parotta
  • Banana fritters
  • Fresh toddy (where legally available)
  • Traditional Syrian Christian dishes

One particularly rewarding experience is enjoying a simple Kerala breakfast after an early morning visit.

The combination of spiritual reflection and comforting local food creates a memorable start to the day.

Conversations and Human Stories

One of the most meaningful aspects of visiting pilgrimage sites is meeting people.

During my visit, I noticed families traveling together across generations.

Grandparents explained traditions to children.

Young adults paused before continuing to work or study.

Some visitors came seeking comfort during difficult periods of life.

Others arrived simply to express gratitude.

These stories often remain invisible to casual tourists, yet they form the emotional foundation of places like Kunnan Kurishu.

The pilgrimage centre is not merely a destination.

It is part of people's lives.

Best Time to Visit

October to February

This is generally the most comfortable period.

Advantages:

  • Pleasant temperatures
  • Clear skies
  • Better photography conditions
  • Comfortable walking

Monsoon Season

The rains bring a different kind of beauty.

Advantages:

  • Lush greenery
  • Dramatic skies
  • Fewer visitors
  • Atmospheric photography

Carry rain protection for your equipment.

How to Reach Kunnan Kurishu Pilgrimage Centre

By Air

Nearest Airport:
Cochin International Airport

From the airport:

  • Taxi
  • App-based cab
  • Bus connections

By Train

Major railway stations in Kochi provide convenient access.

By Road

The pilgrimage centre is accessible through Kochi's road network.

Private vehicles, taxis, and local transport options are available.

Where to Stay

Depending on your travel style, consider:

Heritage Stay

Ideal for cultural travelers.

Boutique Hotels

Great for photographers and couples.

Budget Guesthouses

Suitable for backpackers.

Waterfront Properties

Excellent for combining pilgrimage and leisure experiences.

Fort Kochi and Ernakulam both offer strong accommodation options.

Budget Tips

  • Visit early to avoid traffic.
  • Use local transport where possible.
  • Combine multiple nearby attractions in one trip.
  • Carry water.
  • Eat at local restaurants rather than tourist-oriented establishments.
  • Travel during shoulder seasons for better hotel rates.

Suggested Half-Day Itinerary

6:30 AM

Arrive at Kunnan Kurishu.

7:00 AM

Explore prayer areas.

8:00 AM

Photography session.

9:00 AM

Observe local devotional activities.

10:00 AM

Breakfast at a nearby Kerala restaurant.

11:00 AM

Continue toward other heritage sites in Kochi.

Responsible Travel Tips

  • Dress modestly.
  • Maintain silence where appropriate.
  • Ask before photographing people.
  • Avoid interrupting prayers.
  • Dispose of waste responsibly.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Support local businesses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Treating It Like a Tourist Attraction

This is first and foremost a place of worship.

Visiting Only at Midday

Lighting and atmosphere are far better in the morning.

Ignoring Cultural Etiquette

Respectful behavior enhances everyone's experience.

Rushing Through

Allow time for observation and reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Kunnan Kurishu famous?

Kunnan Kurishu is known as a respected Christian pilgrimage destination where devotees gather for prayer, reflection, and spiritual fulfillment.

Is Kunnan Kurishu among the important Churches in Kochi?

Yes. While less internationally known than some colonial-era churches, it holds significant religious importance for local communities.

Can tourists visit Kunnan Kurishu?

Absolutely. Visitors of all faiths are generally welcome, provided they behave respectfully.

What is the best time to visit Kunnan Kurishu?

Early mornings between October and February typically offer the best experience.

Is photography allowed?

Photography is usually possible in many areas, but visitors should remain respectful and seek permission before photographing individuals.

How much time should I spend there?

Most travelers spend between one and three hours exploring the site and its surroundings.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes. The peaceful environment makes it suitable for visitors of all ages.

Can it be combined with other Churches in India themed travel?

Certainly. Kerala offers numerous historic Christian sites that can be explored as part of a broader heritage itinerary.

Final Thoughts

Kunnan Kurishu Pilgrimage Centre may not dominate travel brochures or social media feeds, but that is precisely part of its charm.

In a world increasingly shaped by fast tourism and curated experiences, places like Kunnan Kurishu remind us that meaningful travel often happens quietly.

You arrive expecting to see a church.

You leave having witnessed faith in action.

The memories that stay with you are not necessarily architectural details or photographs. Instead, they are moments: a candle being lit, a whispered prayer, sunlight filtering through trees, and the simple realization that some places retain their authenticity because they continue to serve the communities that created them.

Among the many Churches in Kochi, Kunnan Kurishu offers something rare—a genuine spiritual experience that invites travelers to slow down, observe carefully, and connect more deeply with Kerala's living cultural heritage.

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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.







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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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