Things To Do
in Cherutana Tekku
Cherutana Tekku is a small, verdant village tucked into the foothills of the Western Ghats in southern India, known for its coffee and tea plantations and patchwork of rice paddies. The community is largely agricultural, with winding lanes, traditional homes and a slow pace that suits travelers seeking nature, birdlife and rural culture. Visitors come for easy hikes to nearby waterfalls, sunrise viewpoints and the chance to stay in homestays and sample authentic southern coastal and hill cuisine.
Infrastructure is basic but improving—expect friendly locals, limited nightlife and a relaxed base for exploring the surrounding hills and forests.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the renowned Cherutana Tekku Temple, where you can witness the intricate carvings and vibrant rituals that take place. Engage with local priests and learn about the history and significance of this sacred site. The morning sun casts a beautiful glow on the temple, making it an ideal time for photography.
After a hearty South Indian lunch at a local eatery, head to the nearby Bhairav Temple, famous for its architectural marvels and serene surroundings. Spend your afternoon strolling through the lush gardens that surround the temple, where you can relax and meditate. Don’t forget to try some local snacks from the small vendors nearby, who offer delightful treats.
As evening approaches, return to the main temple area to witness the mesmerizing evening aarti, a communal prayer that fills the air with spiritual energy. The flickering oil lamps and chants create an enchanting atmosphere that captivates both locals and visitors. Enjoy a peaceful walk back to your accommodation, reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Begin your morning with a visit to the bustling local market, where vendors sell fresh produce, spices, and handcrafted goods. Interact with the friendly locals as you explore the vibrant stalls filled with colorful textiles and unique souvenirs. The aromas of street food waft through the air, tempting your taste buds to try local delicacies.
After shopping, indulge in a cooking class at a local home, where you’ll learn how to prepare traditional Cherutana cuisine using fresh ingredients from the market. Enjoy a leisurely lunch with your hosts, sharing stories and laughter as you savor the fruits of your labor. With newfound culinary skills, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the local culture.
As night falls, head to a cultural performance showcasing traditional dance and music from the region. The rhythmic beats and colorful costumes will transport you to another era as you witness the rich heritage of Cherutana Tekku. After the show, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the illuminated town.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Cup of filter coffee / tea | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.10-0.80 |
| 🏨Night in a basic homestay | $15-35 |
| 🚕Taxi/auto for short trip | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, unspoiled natural scenery and quiet village atmosphere
- Affordability and authentic homestay experiences
- Good for hiking, birdwatching and photography
- Friendly local community and opportunity to learn about plantation life
- Limited public transport and basic infrastructure
- Fewer dining and nightlife options—requires travel for more amenities
- Monsoon season can disrupt travel plans and make trails hazardous
- Language barriers possible outside tourist-facing hosts
- "Namaskaram (നമസ്കാരം)" - Hello / Greetings
- "Nandi / Nanni (നന്ദി)" - Thank you
- "Evide? (എവിടെ?)" - Where?
- "Ivide veendum? (ഇവിടെ വീണ്ടും?)" - How much is this?
- "Enikku Malayalamvaroilla (എനിക്ക് മലയാളംvaroilla)" - I don’t speak Malayalam
- "Thanni onnu thannamo? (തണ്ണി ഒരു തരാമോ?)" - Can I have water, please?
Places to Visit in Cherutana Tekku
Visit one of these nice places.
Sweeping, layered plantation slopes make dramatic photos at sunrise or after rain—look for workers, mist and winding service tracks for depth.
A local hilltop viewpoint offers panoramic sunrise shots over the valley; bring a tripod and arrive early for clear skies.
Traditional houses, courtyards, colorful markets and laundry lines provide intimate, human-interest images of rural life.
Seasonal waterfalls and rocky river stretches create opportunities for long-exposure shots and close-ups of flora and fauna.
Food in Cherutana Tekku
Cherutana Tekku Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed rice-flour cylinders (puttu) served with a spicy black-chickpea (kadala) curry—commonly available at breakfast and street stalls.
Must-Try!
Crisp-edged, lacy rice pancakes (appam) paired with mild coconut-based stews—popular for breakfast or a light dinner.
Tangy, tamarind- and coconut-based fish curry prepared with local spices; in inland hamlets you’ll find river-fish variations when available.
Sweet battered and fried banana slices sold at tea stalls and markets—excellent with a hot cup of chai.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively early-morning market where locals sell fresh vegetables, fruits, spices and snacks—ideal for tasting seasonal fruits and interacting with vendors.
Cluster of roadside tea stalls that serve filter coffee, chai, fried snacks and egg dishes—good for people-watching and budget bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Wear modest clothing, especially when visiting temples, homes or conservative areas—cover shoulders and knees as a courtesy.
Remove footwear before entering homes and many temples; look for cues from hosts and signage.
Use your right hand for giving and receiving food or money; the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and religious ceremonies—many locals will be flattered but expect respect.
Safety
Tipping in Cherutana Tekku
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, small service charges may appear; leaving a 5–10% tip for good service is common. For drivers, guides and porters a modest tip (a few hundred rupees or local equivalent) is customary if service was helpful.
Cash (Indian rupees) is king in village shops and small eateries. Larger hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept cards and UPI (mobile payments). Carry enough cash for market purchases, rural transport and small purchases—ATMs are usually in the nearest town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hotter and drier up to late May—mornings are the best time for hikes; afternoons can be warm, so carry water and sun protection.
Heavy rains bring lush scenery, swollen waterfalls and dramatic skies, but trails can be slippery, some dirt roads may be impassable and outdoor plans often require flexibility.
Clearer skies, pleasant temperatures and refreshed landscapes make this one of the best windows for trekking and photography; festival activity may add cultural interest.
Cooler nights and pleasant daytime temperatures—ideal for outdoor activities, birdwatching and comfortable homestays; mornings can be misty.
Cherutana Tekku at Night
Hiking in Cherutana Tekku
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A local ridge walk offering sweeping views over plantations and valleys—best at sunrise or late afternoon for photography.
A short trail that connects a series of seasonal cascades and natural pools—great in the post-monsoon months but slippery during heavy rains.
A quieter, low-impact route along the forest edge for birdwatching and spotting small mammals—carry binoculars and a guide if possible.
Airports
How to reach Cherutana Tekku by plane.
Major international airport serving Kerala with good domestic and international connections; reachable by road from the region in a few hours depending on traffic and location.
Regional international airport that serves northern Kerala and nearby hill districts; often used by visitors to the Western Ghats foothills.
A newer regional airport providing domestic and some international flights; convenient for northern parts of the region and reducing drive times for many visitors.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are small-scale farmers and plantation workers with generations living in the area—families tend to have strong community ties.
Local craftsmen, market vendors and small-business owners supply goods and services to the village and visitors.
Younger residents often commute to nearby towns for education and work, resulting in a mix of traditional life and modern influences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across India—local kids and adults often play in open fields or village grounds.
Strong following in some southern communities; informal matches are common and community tournaments take place during festivals.
Popular for village-level competition and social gatherings, especially during local festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cherutana Tekku.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is easy to find—South India has a strong vegetarian tradition, with many rice- and legume-based dishes. Inform hosts about strict vegetarian requirements to ensure no meat or fish is used in shared preparations.
Vegan options exist (coconut-based curries, steamed rice items, vegetables), but clarify use of ghee/curd in advance—homestays are usually accommodating if warned ahead.
Rice and lentil-based cuisine is naturally gluten-free in many cases, but avoid wheat-based items like parathas and check for cross-contamination in mixed kitchens.