Water Metro in India: Experiencing Kochi's Revolutionary Journey Across Water

The first thing I noticed while standing at the gleaming terminal wasn't the boats themselves—it was the silence. There was no chaotic honking, no smoky buses, and no rush of traffic. Instead, gentle waves lapped against floating pontoons while fishermen prepared their nets nearby. Office commuters waited alongside tourists carrying cameras, and schoolchildren chatted excitedly as the electric ferry approached almost noiselessly.

Most cities hide their waterways behind buildings. Kochi celebrates them.

The first thing I noticed while standing at the gleaming terminal wasn't the boats themselves—it was the silence. There was no chaotic honking, no smoky buses, and no rush of traffic. Instead, gentle waves lapped against floating pontoons while fishermen prepared their nets nearby. Office commuters waited alongside tourists carrying cameras, and schoolchildren chatted excitedly as the electric ferry approached almost noiselessly.

This is Water Metro in India, an ambitious public transport system that has transformed Kochi's centuries-old relationship with its backwaters into one of the world's most innovative urban mobility projects. Frequently described as the World's First Water Metro, it isn't merely another tourist attraction—it is public transportation designed around water rather than roads.

For a traveler, it offers something equally valuable: an affordable front-row seat to everyday life unfolding along Kerala's legendary backwaters.

Why Visit Water Metro in India? Many travelers associate Kerala's waterways with luxury houseboats in Alleppey or Kumarakom. While those experiences remain iconic, Kochi's Water Metro offers something refreshingly authentic. Instead of being designed exclusively for tourists, it serves residents commuting between islands, students heading to college, vendors transporting goods, and families visiting relatives.

Why Visit Water Metro in India?

Many travelers associate Kerala's waterways with luxury houseboats in Alleppey or Kumarakom. While those experiences remain iconic, Kochi's Water Metro offers something refreshingly authentic.

Instead of being designed exclusively for tourists, it serves residents commuting between islands, students heading to college, vendors transporting goods, and families visiting relatives.

That authenticity makes every ride fascinating.

Reasons to experience it include:

  • Affordable compared to private cruises
  • Modern electric ferries with panoramic windows
  • Beautiful views of Kochi skyline
  • Unique perspective of islands
  • Eco-friendly public transportation
  • Excellent photography opportunities
  • Comfortable and air-conditioned cabins
  • Easy integration with Kochi Metro

Unlike sightseeing cruises, the Water Metro lets visitors experience Kochi as locals do.

A City Built on Water Long before highways connected Kochi's neighborhoods, boats were the primary mode of transport. The city's geography made this inevitable. Dozens of islands—including Vypin, Bolgatty, Willingdon Island, Mulavukad, Kadamakkudy, and Fort Kochi—are separated by interconnected lagoons and estuaries.

A City Built on Water

Long before highways connected Kochi's neighborhoods, boats were the primary mode of transport.

The city's geography made this inevitable. Dozens of islands—including Vypin, Bolgatty, Willingdon Island, Mulavukad, Kadamakkudy, and Fort Kochi—are separated by interconnected lagoons and estuaries.

Historically, traders from Arabia, Portugal, China, the Netherlands, and Britain sailed these waters carrying spices, timber, and textiles. Chinese fishing nets became permanent symbols of the waterfront, while ferry crossings remained essential for generations.

The Water Metro is not a departure from Kochi's history.

It is, in many ways, a return to it.

Instead of replacing waterways with roads, the city has modernized water transport using electric ferries, floating terminals, digital ticketing, and integrated metro connectivity.

Few cities have embraced their geography so intelligently.

My Journey Across Kochi's Waterways I boarded the ferry shortly after sunrise. Morning light spread softly across Vembanad Lake, turning the water into sheets of silver. The terminal itself felt remarkably clean—minimalist architecture, digital displays, accessible ramps, and an efficiency rarely associated with public transport in India.

My Journey Across Kochi's Waterways

I boarded the ferry shortly after sunrise.

Morning light spread softly across Vembanad Lake, turning the water into sheets of silver. The terminal itself felt remarkably clean—minimalist architecture, digital displays, accessible ramps, and an efficiency rarely associated with public transport in India.

As the ferry pulled away, Kochi slowly revealed itself.

Luxury apartments stood beside fishing villages.

Historic churches overlooked modern bridges.

Cargo ships crossed paths with tiny wooden fishing boats.

Children waved from village jetties.

A kingfisher darted across the water before disappearing into mangroves.

Unlike a road journey, nothing obstructed the view.

The city unfolded in 360 degrees.

Inside the ferry, conversations happened in Malayalam, English, Hindi, and occasionally Tamil. Some passengers barely looked outside—they had made this journey hundreds of times.

For me, every minute felt like a moving documentary.

Exploring the Water Metro Experience Modern Terminals The terminals deserve appreciation. They are bright, accessible, and thoughtfully designed with elevators, waiting areas, ticket counters, digital displays, and clean washrooms. Compared to traditional ferry jetties across India, they feel surprisingly futuristic.

Exploring the Water Metro Experience

Modern Terminals

The terminals deserve appreciation.

They are bright, accessible, and thoughtfully designed with elevators, waiting areas, ticket counters, digital displays, and clean washrooms.

Compared to traditional ferry jetties across India, they feel surprisingly futuristic.

Electric Ferries

The boats themselves are quiet.

Without diesel engines roaring beneath your feet, you begin noticing subtle sounds:

  • Water brushing against the hull
  • Birds overhead
  • Conversations drifting across the cabin
  • Wind entering through open decks

The absence of engine noise changes the entire experience.

Scenic Routes

Every route offers something different.

Some pass industrial docks where massive container ships dominate the horizon.

Others weave through calmer waters lined with coconut palms and fishing villages.

The High Court–Vypin route is ideal for first-time visitors, while longer routes reveal quieter corners of Kochi rarely explored by tourists.

Hidden Gems Along the Journey One of the greatest pleasures of riding the Water Metro is discovering places that rarely appear in mainstream itineraries. Kadamakkudy A peaceful cluster of islands known for: Mangrove ecosystems Sunset reflections Birdwatching Traditional fishing

Hidden Gems Along the Journey

One of the greatest pleasures of riding the Water Metro is discovering places that rarely appear in mainstream itineraries.

Kadamakkudy

A peaceful cluster of islands known for:

  • Mangrove ecosystems
  • Sunset reflections
  • Birdwatching
  • Traditional fishing

Early mornings here feel magical.

Mulavukad

A fascinating blend of urban expansion and traditional village life.

Look closely and you'll notice fishermen repairing nets beneath newly constructed apartment buildings.

Bolgatty Island

Often overshadowed by Fort Kochi, this island combines colonial heritage with peaceful waterfront walks.

Its quieter atmosphere makes it especially rewarding for photographers.

Photography Guide

For photographers, the Water Metro is a moving observation deck.

Best Time

Sunrise (6:00–8:00 AM)

Golden light illuminates both the city skyline and fishing boats.

Late Afternoon (4:30–6:30 PM)

Warm light creates beautiful reflections across the water.

Avoid harsh midday sunlight unless shooting dramatic architectural compositions.

Best Subjects

  • Reflections of terminals
  • Commuters waiting
  • Electric ferry approaching dock
  • Fishing boats crossing modern ferries
  • Chinese fishing nets
  • Cargo ships
  • Seagulls following ferries
  • Coconut-lined islands

Lens Suggestions

  • 24–70mm: versatile storytelling
  • 70–200mm: compressing harbor scenes
  • 16–35mm: terminal architecture
  • 50mm prime: candid portraits

Polarizing filters help reduce glare while preserving reflections.

Local Food Experiences

Every terminal becomes an opportunity to discover local flavors.

Try:

  • Appam with stew
  • Puttu and kadala curry
  • Kerala banana chips
  • Pazham pori
  • Fresh lime soda
  • Karimeen preparations
  • Toddy shop seafood (where appropriate)

Near High Court and Fort Kochi terminals, small cafés often serve excellent filter coffee alongside freshly made snacks.

Rather than seeking upscale restaurants immediately, spend time exploring neighborhood eateries within walking distance of terminals.

Many memorable meals come from family-run establishments.

Conversations That Stay With You

One elderly passenger smiled after noticing my camera.

"You are taking pictures," he said, "but this is our daily bus."

That sentence stayed with me.

To visitors, the Water Metro represents innovation.

To locals, it simply makes life easier.

A college student explained she now reaches class much faster.

A shopkeeper mentioned reduced dependence on crowded roads.

The ferry wasn't changing tourism alone—it was quietly improving everyday lives.

Sometimes the best travel memories come not from monuments, but from ordinary conversations.

Best Time to Experience Water Metro

SeasonExperience
October–FebruaryPleasant weather, clear skies, ideal photography
March–MayHot afternoons, beautiful mornings
June–SeptemberDramatic monsoon landscapes with lush greenery

Monsoon rides offer spectacular cloud formations and emerald landscapes, though occasional rain may limit photography.

How to Reach

Kochi is well connected by:

  • Air: Cochin International Airport
  • Rail: Ernakulam Junction railway station and Ernakulam Town railway station
  • Metro: Kochi Metro connects seamlessly with several Water Metro terminals.

Where to Stay

Depending on your interests:

  • Fort Kochi for heritage walks
  • Marine Drive for waterfront evenings
  • Ernakulam for metro connectivity
  • Bolgatty Island for quieter surroundings

Choose accommodation near metro stations if planning multiple ferry rides.

Budget Tips

  • Use Water Metro instead of taxis where possible.
  • Purchase integrated travel cards if available.
  • Travel during weekdays for fewer crowds.
  • Carry reusable water bottles.
  • Combine ferry rides with walking tours.
  • Visit nearby attractions on foot instead of hiring autos.

Suggested One-Day Itinerary

TimeActivity
6:30 AMReach terminal before sunrise
7:00 AMFirst Water Metro ride
8:00 AMKerala breakfast
10:00 AMExplore Fort Kochi
1:00 PMLunch
3:30 PMRide another Water Metro route
5:30 PMSunset photography
EveningMarine Drive walk

Responsible Travel Tips

  • Allow daily commuters to board first during rush hours.
  • Avoid playing loud music onboard.
  • Do not litter into the backwaters.
  • Respect local photography privacy.
  • Carry reusable bottles instead of single-use plastic.
  • Support local cafés and family-owned businesses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Visiting only during midday.
  • Assuming it is merely a tourist ride.
  • Ignoring lesser-known islands.
  • Skipping sunrise.
  • Carrying oversized luggage during peak hours.
  • Missing nearby walking trails after disembarking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Water Metro in India worth experiencing?

Absolutely. It combines scenic travel, sustainable transport, and authentic local experiences at a very reasonable cost.

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

It is widely recognized as the World's First Water Metro because it integrates scheduled electric ferry services into an urban metro-style public transport network connecting multiple islands through dedicated terminals and ticketing.

How much time should I spend?

Two to four hours is sufficient for one or two ferry rides, though photography enthusiasts may spend an entire day exploring different routes.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes. The ferries are comfortable, safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all age groups.

Can photographers carry professional cameras?

Yes. Morning and evening rides offer excellent opportunities for landscape, street, and documentary photography.

Final Thoughts

Some journeys are memorable because of where they take you.

Others become unforgettable because of how they change your perspective.

The Water Metro in Kochi belongs firmly to the second category.

It is easy to admire the sleek electric ferries or the engineering that has stitched together islands with modern infrastructure. Yet what lingers long after the ride ends is something less tangible: watching a city reclaim the waterways that shaped its history. As fishermen cast their nets beside container ships, children wave from village jetties, and office-goers quietly commute across shimmering backwaters, you realize this is more than a transport system—it is a living reflection of Kochi itself.

For photographers, it is a constantly shifting canvas of light, reflections, and human stories. For travelers, it is one of the most affordable and authentic ways to experience Kerala beyond the usual postcard imagery. And for anyone curious about sustainable urban mobility, it offers a hopeful glimpse into what the future of Indian cities could look like.

If your itinerary already includes Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, or the historic spice markets, make room for at least one Water Metro ride. Chances are, it will become one of the experiences you remember most—not because it was extravagant, but because it revealed Kochi from the perspective that has always mattered most: the water.

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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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