Things To Do
in Chettikulam

Broad, quiet shoreline with fishing boats, fishermen at work and wide horizons perfect for sunrise and sunset shots.

Candid scenes of fishermen, nets, baskets and the day’s catch — great for documentary-style photography.

Colorful boats, weathered wood and local life provide authentic portrait and detail photography opportunities.

If accessible, mangrove edges and tidepools reveal birdlife and marine details at low tide for nature close-ups.

A tangy, spicy fish curry made with tamarind, local spices and coconut; available at village restaurants and beachside stalls.

Must-Try!

Freshly caught local fish marinated in spices and shallow-fried — a simple must-try sold at small eateries and by the beach.

Staple South Indian breakfast items served with sambar and chutneys at most local breakfast shops.

A fragrant rice and meat or fish dish influenced by coastal Tamil and Kerala styles — available in nearby towns and larger restaurants.

Local fishermen unload their catch in the mornings; a lively spot to observe and buy fresh fish, prawns and crabs — vendors can often prepare simple fried portions on request.

Small tea and snack stalls serve filter coffee, murukku, sundal and fried fish snacks — ideal for sampling local flavors and interacting with residents.

Dress conservatively, especially when visiting temples or village homes — shoulders and knees covered for both men and women are respectful practices.

Remove shoes, avoid loud behavior, follow any dress codes and photography rules at temples; women may be asked to cover shoulders or wear a saree/shawl in certain shrines.

Greet elders with a polite nod or 'Vanakkam' and accept hospitality graciously; small reciprocal gestures of respect go a long way.

Public displays of affection are uncommon and may attract attention; always ask before photographing people, especially women and families.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Small tips (10–50 INR) for crew, helpers or attentive service staff are common; for restaurants a 5–10% tip is fine if service charge isn't included.

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used in village shops and markets. Mobile payments and UPI are increasingly accepted in towns; credit cards may work at larger hotels and restaurants but not in small eateries — carry cash for local purchases.

Hot and humid with daytime temperatures often high; best to plan outdoor activities early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and wear sun protection.

Two monsoon windows bring heavy rains at varying times of the year; coastal areas can be wet, roads occasionally disrupted and some activities limited — but the landscape is lush and birding can be excellent after rains.

Milder, more comfortable temperatures and lower humidity make it the most pleasant time to visit for beach walks, sightseeing and outdoor exploration.

Transitional months can be unpredictable but often offer fewer crowds and lower prices; pack layers and rain protection just in case.

Vegetarian food is widely available (idli, dosa, vegetable curries, rice and sambar). Ask for 'no ghee' or 'no onion/garlic' if observing stricter dietary rules; most local cafés will accommodate simple requests.

Vegan options exist but require clarifying ingredients (avoid ghee, yogurt and clarified butter). Coconut-based gravies and many sambar/rasam preparations are naturally vegan.

Rice is the staple and naturally gluten-free; dosas are usually safe but confirm if any wheat flour has been mixed in at local shops.

Seafood is ubiquitous along the coast, so explicitly request vegetarian preparations to avoid cross-contamination at mixed kitchens.