Fort Kochi Beach: Where History Meets the Arabian Sea in Kerala

 When people search for Kochi Beaches, they often expect endless stretches of golden sand and turquoise water. Fort Kochi Beach offers something entirely different—and perhaps far more memorable. Here, the Arabian Sea is only one part of the story. Portuguese explorers, Dutch merchants, British colonial architecture, Chinese fishing nets, weathered piers, fishermen untangling their nets, artists sketching sunsets, and locals gathering every evening all come together to create an experience that is uniquely Kochi.

When people search for Kochi Beaches, they often expect endless stretches of golden sand and turquoise water. Fort Kochi Beach offers something entirely different—and perhaps far more memorable. Here, the Arabian Sea is only one part of the story. Portuguese explorers, Dutch merchants, British colonial architecture, Chinese fishing nets, weathered piers, fishermen untangling their nets, artists sketching sunsets, and locals gathering every evening all come together to create an experience that is uniquely Kochi.

Fort Kochi Beach isn't the place to spend an entire day swimming. Instead, it invites you to slow down, observe, photograph, and absorb centuries of history unfolding against the rhythm of crashing waves.

If you're looking for Kerala Beaches that combine heritage, culture, food, photography, and authentic local life, Fort Kochi deserves a place near the top of your itinerary.

Why Visit Fort Kochi Beach? Unlike many beaches across Kerala, Fort Kochi is not defined by luxury resorts or water sports. It is defined by stories. Every corner carries traces of different civilizations. Portuguese influence blends with Dutch architecture, British-era buildings stand alongside traditional Kerala homes, and Jewish heritage coexists with centuries-old churches and temples.

Why Visit Fort Kochi Beach?

Unlike many beaches across Kerala, Fort Kochi is not defined by luxury resorts or water sports. It is defined by stories.

Every corner carries traces of different civilizations. Portuguese influence blends with Dutch architecture, British-era buildings stand alongside traditional Kerala homes, and Jewish heritage coexists with centuries-old churches and temples.

Walking here rarely feels like visiting a tourist attraction. Instead, it feels like strolling through an open-air museum where life continues uninterrupted.

Reasons to visit include:

  • Historic waterfront
  • Spectacular Arabian Sea sunsets
  • Famous Chinese Fishing Nets
  • Heritage architecture
  • Street food
  • Photography opportunities
  • Easy walking access to Fort Kochi attractions
  • Relaxed atmosphere

A Beach Shaped by History Long before Fort Kochi became one of the most photographed destinations in Kerala, it was an important trading port connecting India with Europe, Arabia and China. The arrival of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama transformed Kochi's global significance. Although he first landed in Calicut, Kochi later became central to Portuguese influence on India's western coast. Vasco da Gama himself was initially buried in Kochi before his remains were eventually taken back to Portugal.

A Beach Shaped by History

Long before Fort Kochi became one of the most photographed destinations in Kerala, it was an important trading port connecting India with Europe, Arabia and China.

The arrival of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama transformed Kochi's global significance. Although he first landed in Calicut, Kochi later became central to Portuguese influence on India's western coast. Vasco da Gama himself was initially buried in Kochi before his remains were eventually taken back to Portugal.

Walking along today's waterfront, especially near Vasco da Gama Square, it's remarkable to think that this coastline witnessed spice traders, explorers, missionaries and merchants arriving from across the world.

The sea has been watching history unfold for over five centuries.

Experiencing Fort Kochi Beach The best way to experience Fort Kochi Beach is without an agenda. Start early. At sunrise, the beach belongs to fishermen. Nets are repaired with practiced hands while small fishing boats gently rock against the shoreline. Tea stalls slowly open, serving steaming chai to locals beginning their day. Morning light is soft, almost painterly. The sea reflects pale blues and silvers while colonial buildings glow warmly.

Experiencing Fort Kochi Beach

The best way to experience Fort Kochi Beach is without an agenda.

Start early.

At sunrise, the beach belongs to fishermen. Nets are repaired with practiced hands while small fishing boats gently rock against the shoreline. Tea stalls slowly open, serving steaming chai to locals beginning their day.

Morning light is soft, almost painterly. The sea reflects pale blues and silvers while colonial buildings glow warmly.

As the day progresses, the atmosphere changes.

Cyclists weave through quiet lanes.

Artists open galleries.

Cafés begin filling with travelers.

School children walk home.

Nothing feels rushed.

By evening, the waterfront transforms again.

Families gather.

Street musicians perform.

Vendors prepare roasted peanuts and fresh seafood.

The famous Chinese Fishing Nets become silhouettes against a dramatic orange sky.

The sunset isn't simply something to watch—it becomes an event shared by everyone.

Exploring Beyond the Sand One of the greatest advantages of Fort Kochi Beach is that many attractions lie within walking distance. Chinese Fishing Nets Perhaps the most iconic image associated with Kochi Beaches, these massive cantilevered fishing nets have become symbols of the city itself.

Exploring Beyond the Sand

One of the greatest advantages of Fort Kochi Beach is that many attractions lie within walking distance.

Chinese Fishing Nets

Perhaps the most iconic image associated with Kochi Beaches, these massive cantilevered fishing nets have become symbols of the city itself.

Watching fishermen operate them is fascinating. The process relies on teamwork rather than machinery, making it an incredible subject for documentary photography.

Early morning is usually the best time to observe fresh catches.

Vasco da Gama Square

This lively promenade runs alongside the waterfront and comes alive every evening.

Local vendors sell everything from coconut water and ice cream to freshly fried fish.

Unlike many commercial waterfronts, Vasco da Gama Square still feels rooted in local life.

St. Francis Church

Just a short walk inland stands one of India's oldest European churches.

It reminds visitors that Fort Kochi is much more than a beach destination.

Fort Kochi Streets

Some of the best experiences happen away from the shoreline.

Narrow streets lined with colorful colonial homes reveal cafés, bookstores, antique shops, art galleries and murals waiting to be discovered.

Hidden Experiences Most Visitors Miss Instead of staying near the busiest part of the waterfront, continue walking further along the promenade. You'll discover quieter sections where fishermen mend nets in peaceful surroundings. Small wooden boats rest on the sand. Children play cricket.

Hidden Experiences Most Visitors Miss

Instead of staying near the busiest part of the waterfront, continue walking further along the promenade.

You'll discover quieter sections where fishermen mend nets in peaceful surroundings.

Small wooden boats rest on the sand.

Children play cricket.

Older residents gather under trees discussing politics over cups of tea.

These quieter moments often become the most memorable photographs.

Photography Guide Fort Kochi Beach is one of Kerala's finest photography destinations. Best Time Golden hour before sunset. Early morning between sunrise and 8 AM. Cloudy monsoon evenings.

Photography Guide

Fort Kochi Beach is one of Kerala's finest photography destinations.

Best Time

Golden hour before sunset.

Early morning between sunrise and 8 AM.

Cloudy monsoon evenings.

Best Subjects

  • Chinese Fishing Nets
  • Reflections after rain
  • Fishermen at work
  • Colonial architecture
  • Street vendors
  • Fishing boats
  • Silhouettes
  • Seagulls
  • Waves breaking against old structures

Recommended Lenses

  • 16–35 mm for landscapes
  • 24–70 mm for travel
  • 70–200 mm for candid portraits
  • 35 mm prime for storytelling

Composition Ideas

Frame the fishing nets against the setting sun.

Use leading lines created by the promenade.

Include people for scale.

Capture reflections after rainfall.

Photograph fishermen rather than only the equipment.

Local Food Worth Trying Fort Kochi is a paradise for seafood lovers. Look for: Karimeen Pollichathu Kerala fish curry Prawn fry Squid roast Tapioca with fish curry Appam and stew Banana fritters Fresh lime soda after a humid walk Several waterfront cafés also serve excellent coffee while offering uninterrupted sea views.

Local Food Worth Trying

Fort Kochi is a paradise for seafood lovers.

Look for:

  • Karimeen Pollichathu
  • Kerala fish curry
  • Prawn fry
  • Squid roast
  • Tapioca with fish curry
  • Appam and stew
  • Banana fritters
  • Fresh lime soda after a humid walk

Several waterfront cafés also serve excellent coffee while offering uninterrupted sea views.

Conversations That Stay With You One of the joys of Fort Kochi is meeting people who have lived beside the sea for generations. Spend a few minutes speaking with fishermen or vendors. Many happily explain how the Chinese Fishing Nets work or share stories about changing tides, declining catches and memories of old Kochi. These conversations often reveal more about the city than guidebooks ever can.

Conversations That Stay With You

One of the joys of Fort Kochi is meeting people who have lived beside the sea for generations.

Spend a few minutes speaking with fishermen or vendors.

Many happily explain how the Chinese Fishing Nets work or share stories about changing tides, declining catches and memories of old Kochi.

These conversations often reveal more about the city than guidebooks ever can.

Best Time to Visit

SeasonExperience
October–FebruaryPleasant weather and ideal for walking
March–MayHot afternoons but beautiful sunsets
June–SeptemberDramatic skies, fewer crowds and lush surroundings

Morning and evening remain the most comfortable throughout the year.

How to Reach Fort Kochi is well connected from central Kochi. Ferry from Ernakulam Taxi Auto-rickshaw Local buses Rental scooter Taking the ferry adds a memorable perspective of Kochi's waterfront.

How to Reach

Fort Kochi is well connected from central Kochi.

  • Ferry from Ernakulam
  • Taxi
  • Auto-rickshaw
  • Local buses
  • Rental scooter

Taking the ferry adds a memorable perspective of Kochi's waterfront.

Where to Stay

Fort Kochi offers accommodation for nearly every budget.

  • Heritage homestays
  • Boutique hotels
  • Colonial guesthouses
  • Backpacker hostels
  • Luxury heritage properties

Staying within Fort Kochi allows you to explore early mornings and late evenings when day tourists are absent.

Budget Tips

  • Use ferries instead of taxis.
  • Walk between attractions.
  • Eat at local cafés.
  • Carry water.
  • Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds.
  • Sunrise visits are quieter than sunset.

Responsible Travel Help preserve this historic coastline. Avoid littering. Respect local fishermen while photographing. Ask permission before taking close-up portraits. Support local businesses. Avoid disturbing birds around the shoreline. Carry reusable water bottles.

Responsible Travel

Help preserve this historic coastline.

  • Avoid littering.
  • Respect local fishermen while photographing.
  • Ask permission before taking close-up portraits.
  • Support local businesses.
  • Avoid disturbing birds around the shoreline.
  • Carry reusable water bottles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Expecting a swimming beach.
  • Visiting only at noon.
  • Ignoring nearby heritage streets.
  • Rushing through in under an hour.
  • Missing sunrise.
  • Photographing only the fishing nets while overlooking everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fort Kochi Beach good for swimming?

Not really. Strong currents and rocky sections make it unsuitable for swimming. It is best enjoyed for walking, sightseeing and photography.

What is Fort Kochi Beach famous for?

It is famous for the Chinese Fishing Nets, colonial history, sunsets, Vasco da Gama Square and its vibrant cultural atmosphere.

How much time should I spend here?

Allow at least three to four hours. A full day lets you combine the beach with cafés, heritage walks and museums.

Which is the best time for photography?

Sunrise offers peaceful scenes with fishermen, while sunset provides dramatic silhouettes and vibrant skies.

Is Fort Kochi Beach suitable for families?

Yes. The promenade, street food, open spaces and nearby attractions make it enjoyable for visitors of all ages.

Among all the Kochi Beaches, Fort Kochi Beach stands apart not because of its sand but because of its soul. It is a place where history refuses to remain inside museums, where fishing traditions continue beneath the same skies that once welcomed spice traders and explorers, and where every sunset feels like a community gathering rather than a tourist spectacle.

Final Thoughts

Among all the Kochi Beaches, Fort Kochi Beach stands apart not because of its sand but because of its soul. It is a place where history refuses to remain inside museums, where fishing traditions continue beneath the same skies that once welcomed spice traders and explorers, and where every sunset feels like a community gathering rather than a tourist spectacle.

For photographers, it offers changing light and endlessly compelling human stories. For history lovers, it reveals layer upon layer of Kerala's maritime past. For slow travelers, it rewards curiosity with hidden lanes, conversations, and quiet moments that linger long after the journey ends.

If your idea of a perfect beach includes culture, heritage, authentic local life, and memorable photography rather than crowded shores, Fort Kochi Beach will likely become one of your favorite places in Kerala.

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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.



A Daunting Trek to Edakkal Caves in Wayanad || Kerala Diaries






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…Curuva(Kuruva) Island - A potential paradise for nature lovers






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.Lush green tea gardens around Suchipara Waterfalls, Wayanad || Kerala Diaries












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.Kathakali Dance in Kochi: Behind the Makeup, Music, and Mythology







There are some places in India that stay with you long after the journey ends. In the historic coastal city of Kochi, the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets are one such experience. Standing silently against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, these massive cantilevered fishing structures are more than just fishing equipment — they are living symbols of history, trade, culture, and the rhythm of coastal life in Kerala.Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi – The Timeless Symbol of Kerala’s Coastal Heritage




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.Doors of Kochi: Stories Hidden Behind Weathered Wooden Frames



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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 DiariesHow to reach Wayanad and main places to explore, along with interesting things to do






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.Drawn by the aroma into the Coffee Plantations of Wayanad || Kerala Diaries






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.Food Trail in God's own country, Kerala (India)






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.Main places to visit and things to do in Kerala, India


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