Things To Do
in Aikaranad
Aikaranad is a semi-rural township in Ernakulam district of Kerala, India, surrounded by paddy fields, coconut groves and small rubber plantations. It combines quiet village life with easy access to larger towns and Kochi city, offering a snapshot of Kerala’s everyday culture. The area has a mix of temples, churches and mosques, local markets and traditional houses, making it a pleasant place for slow exploration and photography.
Friendly communities and accessible roads make it a convenient base for day trips into nearby hills, backwaters and wildlife areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Aikaranad and check into your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast while soaking in the views of the lush greenery surrounding you. Take some time to relax and acclimate to the tranquil atmosphere of the village.
Explore the local markets where you can find traditional handicrafts and local delicacies. Engage with the friendly vendors and sample an array of fresh fruits and snacks. Stroll through the village to admire the traditional architecture and natural beauty.
Enjoy a local dinner at a recommended restaurant to taste authentic South Indian cuisine. After dinner, take a quiet walk and enjoy the starry sky, a rarity in urban settings. Wrap up your day with a short meditation session to connect with the serene environment.
Start your day by visiting the ancient temples of Aikaranad, famous for their intricate carvings and historical significance. Join a guided tour to learn about the local mythology and rituals associated with these structures. Engage in the morning prayers, experiencing the spiritual connection of the place.
Visit the local museum that showcases the history and culture of the region. Participate in a traditional craft workshop, where you can try your hand at pottery or weaving. Enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the scenic spots nearby.
Attend a cultural performance, showcasing traditional dance and music. Enjoy interactions with local artists and gain insights into their craft. Conclude your day with a dinner featuring local specialties while sharing your experiences with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $10-18 |
| 🚌Local bus fare (short trip) | $0.20-0.60 |
| 🚕Auto-rickshaw or short taxi ride | $1-5 |
| 🥤Bottled water / soft drink | $0.30-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic village atmosphere close to nature and traditional Kerala life
- Good base for day trips to backwaters, bird sanctuaries and nearby hills
- Fresh local food and friendly, welcoming communities
- Photogenic rural landscapes and easy access to markets and religious sites
- Limited nightlife and few high-end tourist services within the town itself
- Monsoon season can disrupt travel and outdoor plans
- Public transport can be infrequent for some rural routes
- Language barrier possible outside areas where English is commonly used
- "Namaskaram" - Hello / Greetings
- "Nanni" - Thank you
- "Evide aanu ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Suhruthayaayi sanghamikkamo?" - Can you help me?
- "Sukhamano?" - Are you well?/How are you?
Places to Visit in Aikaranad
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide-open fields, winding country lanes and small bridges provide classic Kerala village scenes, especially dramatic at dawn and dusk.
Vibrant market stalls with colorful fruits, spices and handcrafted goods — excellent for candid street and close-up shots.
Traditional temple gopurams and old churches showcase decorative woodwork, colorful murals and ritual life — photograph respectfully and ask permission where required.
Calm water channels edged with coconut palms and small boats offer reflective photographic opportunities, especially at sunrise.
Dense greenery of rubber, coconut and spice gardens with textured foliage good for macro and landscape photography.
Food in Aikaranad
Aikaranad Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf (usually for festivals and special meals); consists of rice, sambar, avial, thoran, olan, pickles and payasam — try at local hotels or during temple festivals.
Must-Try!
Tangy, spicy fish curry made with coconut and tamarind, often paired with rice; fresh catch is available at local eateries and small coastal-style restaurants nearby.
Steamed rice flour cylinders (puttu) served with spicy black chickpea curry — a common and hearty breakfast found in local breakfast shops.
Banana slices coated in batter and fried — a very popular street snack, ideal with tea from roadside stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly or daily market where vendors sell fresh vegetables, spices, coconut, fish and snacks; great for photographing stalls and trying fresh produce or a hot snack.
Small roadside stalls offering idli, dosa, vada, pazham pori and local sweets — inexpensive, freshly made and an authentic local experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting temples, churches or rural homes; remove shoes and cover shoulders and knees in religious settings.
A polite 'Namaskaram' (or a nod) is common; avoid public displays of affection and be mindful of conservative attitudes in village settings.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially inside religious sites or private homes; some places restrict photography.
If offered food or a seat by locals, accept courteously; using the right hand for giving/receiving is customary.
Safety
Tipping in Aikaranad
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: small tips of INR 20–100 (local equivalent) for restaurant staff, porters and drivers are common. For guided tours, a modest tip to a guide or driver at trip’s end is customary if service was good.
Cash (Indian Rupees) is widely used for small purchases and in markets; larger hotels and restaurants accept cards. Mobile payments and UPI apps are commonly used by locals and increasingly accepted by shops and taxis — keep some cash for rural vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to May bring hot, humid conditions; daytime temperatures can be high so plan outdoor activities for mornings and evenings. Stay hydrated and use sun protection; this is also a quieter tourist period.
June to September sees heavy rains and dramatic landscapes; travel can be disrupted by showers and occasional flooding but the countryside is lush and waterfalls are at their best. Bring waterproof gear and check local transport before setting out.
October to November offers pleasant weather, clearer skies and festivals — ideal for sightseeing, photography and outdoor excursions. Road conditions improve after the rains.
December to February is mild and comfortable with cooler mornings and evenings, making it the most popular time for visitors; pack a light jacket for early mornings in hill areas.
Aikaranad at Night
Hiking in Aikaranad
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short nature trails through wooded habitats ideal for birdwatching and gentle hikes; best early morning for birds and wildlife sightings.
Guided or self-led walks through rubber, spice and coconut plantations offer easy hikes with cultural insights into local agriculture.
Moderate climbs to nearby viewpoints provide panoramic views over paddy fields and waterways; seasons after the monsoon are best for clear vistas.
Airports
How to reach Aikaranad by plane.
Main international airport serving Ernakulam and greater Kochi area; approximately 25–50 km from Aikaranad depending on route — offers domestic and international connections and is the most convenient gateway.
Located further south (several hours’ drive), useful for visitors combining Aikaranad with a longer southern Kerala itinerary; fewer direct connections to Aikaranad than Kochi.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population speaks Malayalam and follows a mix of Hindu, Christian and Muslim faiths — communities are often tightly knit with strong family ties.
Workers from other Indian states and regions may be present in agriculture, construction and local industries, adding linguistic and cultural diversity.
Many older residents maintain traditional occupations such as farming, coir-making and small-scale trade; they often preserve local customs and crafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely played and followed across Kerala, with local clubs and school-level competitions drawing enthusiastic crowds.
Cricket is a national passion, commonly played in open fields and school grounds; informal matches are frequent among youth and adults.
Volleyball is popular in villages and schools as a community sport, often played on sandy or grassy courts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aikaranad.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are abundant due to Kerala’s long tradition of plant-based dishes and temple cuisine; ask for ‘sattvic’ or strictly vegetarian preparations if needed. Many restaurants can prepare vegetarian thalis and snacks.
Vegan choices are available but require clarification: coconut milk is commonly used and eggs/dairy may be present in some dishes. Specify no ghee, yogurt or cream when ordering and ask about hidden ingredients like fish stock.
Rice-based foods (rice, puttu, idli, dosa) are naturally gluten-free; always confirm that fried items are not cross-contaminated with wheat-based batters if you have celiac disease.