Mattancherry Water Metro Station: Experiencing the World's First Water Metro in Kochi

The first thing that struck me at Mattancherry Water Metro Station wasn't the station itself. It was the silence. Not complete silence, of course. This is Kochi. There were distant ferry horns, fishermen chatting near the shore, the occasional cry of a seabird circling above the harbor, and the gentle slap of water against the jetty. Yet compared to the chaos of urban transport systems elsewhere in India, this place felt remarkably calm.

The first thing that struck me at Mattancherry Water Metro Station wasn't the station itself.

It was the silence.

Not complete silence, of course. This is Kochi. There were distant ferry horns, fishermen chatting near the shore, the occasional cry of a seabird circling above the harbor, and the gentle slap of water against the jetty. Yet compared to the chaos of urban transport systems elsewhere in India, this place felt remarkably calm.

Standing there, watching sleek electric ferries glide across the backwaters, it became impossible not to appreciate what Kochi has achieved with the World's First Water Metro.

This isn't merely a transportation project.

It's a city rediscovering its relationship with water.

For centuries, Kochi's waterways were its highways. Traders, fishermen, spice merchants, sailors, and local communities depended on these channels long before roads connected the islands. Today, the Kochi Water Metro revives that tradition with modern technology, sustainability, and passenger comfort.

And among its most fascinating stops is Mattancherry Water Metro Station — a gateway to some of Kerala's richest cultural heritage.

For travelers, photographers, history enthusiasts, and curious explorers, this station offers much more than a commute. It offers a unique perspective on how the past and future coexist in one of India's most fascinating coastal cities.

Why Visit Mattancherry Water Metro Station? More Than Just a Transport Hub Many visitors assume metro stations are functional spaces designed solely for transit. Mattancherry Water Metro Station challenges that assumption.

Why Visit Mattancherry Water Metro Station?

More Than Just a Transport Hub

Many visitors assume metro stations are functional spaces designed solely for transit.

Mattancherry Water Metro Station challenges that assumption.

Reasons to visit include:

  • Experience the World's First Water Metro
  • Enjoy panoramic harbor views
  • Witness sustainable urban transport in action
  • Access historic Mattancherry and Fort Kochi
  • Observe daily waterfront life
  • Capture unique photography opportunities
  • Explore Kochi's maritime heritage

Unlike conventional transportation hubs, the station feels integrated into its natural environment.

Water is not an obstacle here.

It is the infrastructure.

Mattancherry's Deep Connection With Water Long before the Kochi Water Metro existed, Mattancherry was one of India's most important maritime trading centers. For centuries, ships arrived carrying merchants from: Arabia China Portugal The Netherlands Britain

Historical and Cultural Significance

Mattancherry's Deep Connection With Water

Long before the Kochi Water Metro existed, Mattancherry was one of India's most important maritime trading centers.

For centuries, ships arrived carrying merchants from:

  • Arabia
  • China
  • Portugal
  • The Netherlands
  • Britain

The waterways surrounding Mattancherry connected spice warehouses, fishing communities, royal centers, and international trade routes.

Nearby attractions include:

  • Mattancherry Palace
  • Paradesi Synagogue
  • Jew Town

The Water Metro represents a fascinating continuation of this history.

Instead of spice-laden boats, electric ferries now carry office workers, students, tourists, and residents across the same waters.

Personal Experience Narrative

Arriving at Mattancherry by Water

My journey began from another Water Metro terminal.

As the ferry departed, Kochi gradually revealed itself from a perspective most visitors never experience.

Road traffic disappeared.

Buildings appeared to float.

Fishing nets punctuated the horizon.

Small boats crossed our path.

The ride itself became part of the destination.

As we approached Mattancherry Water Metro Station, the city's layers unfolded like a story.

Historic warehouses stood alongside modern structures.

Fishing boats shared water space with ferries.

Church spires emerged behind palm trees.

The arrival felt surprisingly cinematic.

Unlike stepping off a bus or train, arriving by water creates anticipation. You approach slowly. The destination reveals itself gradually.

It is travel at a more human pace.

Exploring Mattancherry Water Metro Station

Architecture and Design

The station embraces simplicity.

Large open areas maximize natural ventilation.

Glass panels allow uninterrupted views of the water.

The design prioritizes accessibility and efficiency without overwhelming the surrounding landscape.

The architecture reflects modern Kerala's preference for climate-sensitive public infrastructure.

Instead of fighting nature, it works with it.

The Ferry Experience

The ferries are among the most impressive aspects of the Kochi Water Metro.

Features include:

  • Air-conditioned interiors
  • Comfortable seating
  • Digital information systems
  • Accessibility features
  • Electric propulsion
  • Reduced environmental impact

For travelers accustomed to crowded ferries elsewhere in India, the experience feels refreshingly modern.

Watching Kochi From the Water

One unexpected pleasure is simply observing daily life.

You'll notice:

  • Fishermen repairing nets
  • Harbor workers loading supplies
  • Schoolchildren commuting
  • Local families crossing between islands
  • Traditional boats sharing waterways with modern vessels

These small moments reveal the authentic rhythm of Kochi.

The World's First Water Metro: Why It Matters

A Global Urban Transport Innovation

The World's First Water Metro is significant because it reimagines urban mobility.

Many coastal cities possess waterways but fail to integrate them into public transportation systems effectively.

Kochi has done exactly that.

Benefits include:

AdvantageImpact
Reduced road congestionFaster commuting
Lower emissionsCleaner environment
Better island connectivityIncreased accessibility
Scenic travelEnhanced passenger experience
Sustainable growthFuture-ready infrastructure

The project has attracted international attention as a model for water-based urban mobility.

Hidden Gems Near Mattancherry Water Metro Station

Quiet Waterfront Lanes

Most tourists rush directly toward major attractions.

Take a detour.

The narrow lanes around Mattancherry reveal:

  • Historic warehouses
  • Aging wooden doors
  • Hidden shrines
  • Traditional homes
  • Small tea shops

These streets tell stories rarely found in guidebooks.

Spice-Scented Corners

Mattancherry remains connected to Kerala's spice trade.

Walk around the old commercial areas and you may smell:

  • Pepper
  • Cardamom
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves
  • Nutmeg

The aroma itself becomes part of the travel experience.

Local Fishing Areas

Early mornings reveal a different side of Mattancherry.

Small fishing boats return with fresh catches.

The interaction between fishermen, buyers, and transport workers offers compelling opportunities for cultural photography.

Best Photography Spots Around Mattancherry Water Metro Station

1. Station Jetty During Sunrise

The soft morning light creates beautiful reflections.

Ideal for:

  • Long exposures
  • Reflection photography
  • Minimalist compositions

2. Ferry Arrival Points

Capture:

  • Passenger movement
  • Water splashes
  • Architectural symmetry

Best timing:

  • Early morning
  • Late afternoon

3. Harbor Views

The harbor offers layered compositions featuring:

  • Boats
  • Water
  • Skyline
  • Clouds

Telephoto lenses work particularly well here.

4. Heritage Streets Nearby

The contrast between historic architecture and modern transportation creates strong storytelling images.

5. Golden Hour Waterfront

Perhaps the most rewarding time.

The evening light transforms the entire waterfront.

Warm tones reflect across the water, creating stunning visual depth.

Photography Tips

Gear Recommendations

Bring:

  • Wide-angle lens for landscapes
  • 50mm lens for street scenes
  • Telephoto lens for harbor activity
  • Polarizing filter for water reflections

Ideal Timings

TimePhotography Advantage
6:00–8:00 AMSoft light, fewer crowds
4:30–6:30 PMGolden hour colors
Blue hourCity lights and reflections

Composition Ideas

Try framing:

  • Ferries between traditional boats
  • Reflections beneath station structures
  • Passengers against expansive water backgrounds
  • Heritage buildings viewed from ferry windows

Local Food Experiences

What to Eat Near Mattancherry

The area surrounding the station is a culinary treasure.

Must-try dishes include:

Kerala Fish Curry

Rich, tangy, and deeply flavorful.

Appam and Stew

A classic breakfast option.

Malabar Parotta

Best enjoyed with beef curry or vegetable kurma.

Fresh Seafood

Depending on the catch, you'll find:

  • Pearl spot fish
  • Prawns
  • Crab
  • Squid

Banana Chips and Local Snacks

Perfect for carrying during exploration.

Local Conversations and Human Stories

The Boatman Who Remembered Older Kochi

One of the most memorable conversations happened near the waterfront.

An elderly boat operator spoke about Kochi before bridges connected many islands.

He described school journeys made entirely by boat.

Water wasn't scenic then.

It was practical.

The Water Metro, he said, feels like "Kochi remembering who it used to be."

That sentence stayed with me long after leaving.

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Breakdown

October to February

The best period overall.

Advantages:

  • Pleasant temperatures
  • Clear skies
  • Comfortable exploration

March to May

Warmer but manageable.

Ideal for:

  • Morning photography
  • Fewer tourists

June to September

Monsoon season transforms the landscape.

Expect:

  • Dramatic skies
  • Rich greenery
  • Atmospheric photography

Carry rain protection.

How to Reach Mattancherry Water Metro Station

By Air

Nearest airport:

Cochin International Airport

Approximately 35–40 km away.

By Rail

Nearest major station:

Ernakulam Junction Railway Station

By Road

Well connected through Kochi's road network.

By Water Metro

The most enjoyable option.

Traveling via the Kochi Water Metro turns transportation into an attraction itself.

Where to Stay

Budget Travelers

Consider guesthouses in:

  • Fort Kochi
  • Mattancherry

Mid-Range Travelers

Boutique heritage properties offer excellent value.

Luxury Travelers

Waterfront resorts and heritage hotels provide memorable experiences.

Staying in Fort Kochi allows easy access to Mattancherry and Water Metro services.

Budget Tips

  • Use Water Metro services instead of taxis where possible.
  • Visit attractions early.
  • Eat at local restaurants rather than tourist-focused cafés.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle.
  • Explore on foot.

Suggested One-Day Itinerary

TimeActivity
7:00 AMWater Metro ride
8:00 AMWaterfront photography
9:00 AMLocal breakfast
10:00 AMMattancherry Palace
12:00 PMJew Town exploration
1:30 PMLunch
3:00 PMSpice market walk
5:00 PMWater Metro sunset ride
6:30 PMEvening photography

Responsible Travel Tips

  • Respect local communities.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Avoid littering near waterways.
  • Support local businesses.
  • Reduce plastic consumption.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Visiting only during midday.
  2. Ignoring the ferry ride itself.
  3. Rushing through Mattancherry.
  4. Missing sunrise photography.
  5. Not exploring side streets.
  6. Overlooking local food stalls.
  7. Assuming the station is merely transportation infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Kochi Water Metro called the World's First Water Metro?

It is the first large-scale integrated water-based metro transportation system designed to function like an urban metro network using modern electric ferries.

Is Mattancherry Water Metro Station worth visiting for tourists?

Yes. It offers scenic ferry rides, photography opportunities, cultural access, and a chance to experience innovative public transport.

How much time should I spend at Mattancherry Water Metro Station?

Plan at least 2–3 hours including a ferry ride and nearby exploration.

Is Kochi Water Metro suitable for photographers?

Absolutely. Sunrise, sunset, reflections, harbor activity, and heritage surroundings provide exceptional photographic opportunities.

Can I combine Fort Kochi and Mattancherry in one day?

Yes. They are close enough to explore comfortably in a single day.

Is the Water Metro operational during monsoon?

Generally yes, though schedules can occasionally be affected by severe weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

Mattancherry Water Metro Station is more than a transit point.

It represents an idea.

An idea that cities can evolve without abandoning their heritage.

An idea that sustainability can coexist with cultural identity.

And perhaps most importantly, an idea that travel itself can still be beautiful.

The World's First Water Metro is undoubtedly an engineering achievement, but what makes it truly special is how naturally it fits into Kochi's story.

As ferries glide across waterways once traveled by spice merchants, fishermen, and sailors, passengers become part of a narrative centuries in the making.

For photographers, it offers extraordinary compositions.

For travelers, it offers memorable experiences.

For Kochi, it offers a glimpse of the future.

And for anyone willing to slow down and watch the water, it offers something increasingly rare in modern travel: perspective.

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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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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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If you land in Bangalore, you can catch a KRSTC bus running regularly to Kozikhode or directly to Wayanad. Some kerala transportation buses are also available. It is highly recommended to plan it well and know about bus timings before hand, to plan your trip well. Let's also talk about travel by Rail/train. Nearest railway station is Kozikode and beyond that you need to either take a taxi or bus. Related Post : Journey from Delhi to Wayanad via Bengaluru, Mysore, and Sultan Battery || Kerala Diaries




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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