Things To Do
in Chittūr
Chittūr (Chittur) is a market town in Palakkad district of Kerala near the Western Ghats, known for its agricultural surroundings and close access to hill stations and wildlife reserves. The town blends traditional Kerala culture with influences from neighboring Tamil Nadu, visible in its food, languages and festivals. Lush paddy fields, coconut palms and nearby hills make it a good base for day trips into nature and tribal highlands.
Visitors find a relaxed, small-town pace with friendly markets, easy access to hiking and wildlife, and strong local food traditions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the ancient Thirumala Devasthanam, where you can admire its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere. Engage with local devotees who come to offer their prayers, and soak in the spiritual vibes of the temple. Afterward, enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at a nearby eatery, sampling idli and sambar.
Visit the nearby Chandragiri Fort, where history comes alive with its well-preserved structures and the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the fort's museum, which showcases artifacts from the region's rich past, including weapons and ancient coins. Take a leisurely stroll through the fort grounds, capturing photos of the breathtaking scenery.
As the sun sets, head to a local market to experience the vibrant energy and tempting aromas of Chittūr's street food. Sample local delicacies such as pani puri and vada pav while mingling with friendly vendors. End your day with a peaceful walk along the banks of the river, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Begin your day early with a guided nature walk in the Chittoor Reserve Forest, where the morning mist adds a magical touch to the lush greenery. Listen to the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves as you navigate through the trails, spotting diverse flora and fauna. Capture the beauty of the early morning light filtering through the trees.
After a refreshing walk, enjoy a packed lunch in a clearing, surrounded by nature's tranquility. Spend some time bird watching or simply unwinding in this peaceful environment, taking in the sights and sounds of the forest. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some of the local wildlife.
Return to Chittūr and visit a local café for tea and snacks, engaging with locals about their favorite spots in the area. As evening descends, take a stroll through the town, observing the lively interactions and street performances. Conclude your day with a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, savoring regional specialties.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range) | $12-25 |
| 🚕Short taxi/auto ride (2–5 km) | $1-3 |
| 🥤Bottle of water (local store) | $0.30-0.80 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.10-0.60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close access to Western Ghats, hills and wildlife reserves
- Authentic rural Kerala culture and flavorful local cuisine
- Less crowded than major tourist hubs; great for relaxed stays and nature trips
- Limited nightlife and nightlife infrastructure
- Fewer international travel services and amenities compared with larger cities
- "Namaskaram" - Hello / Greetings
- "Nanni" - Thank you
- "Enikku Malayalam ariyilla" - I don't know Malayalam
- "Evide aanu…?" - Where is…?
- "Sahayam cheyyamo?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Chittūr
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive green fields and rows of coconut palms at sunrise or sunset provide classic Kerala landscape shots and rural life scenes.
Panoramic views over rolling hills and tea/coffee plantations — great for wide landscapes and misty morning shots.
Vibrant markets with colorful produce, spice stalls and local vendors offer lively street photography opportunities.
Nearby cascades and reservoirs framed by forested hills make scenic nature photos, especially in/post-monsoon when water flow is stronger.
Food in Chittūr
Chittūr Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A multi-dish vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf — try it at festival times or at vegetarian restaurants for an authentic tasting of sambar, avial, thoran, pickles and payasam.
Must-Try!
Tangy, spicy fish curry made with tamarind or kokum and coconut — common in local eateries when fresh fish is available.
Steamed rice flour cylinders paired with black chickpea curry — a classic Kerala breakfast widely available in town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market (often weekly) where vendors sell fresh vegetables, spices, banana chips, and homemade snacks — perfect for trying local street bites and buying spices.
Look for stalls selling idli, dosa, vada, pazham pori (banana fritters) and tea/coffee; they’re excellent for cheap, authentic bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes and dress modestly when entering temples and some homes; observe local practices such as women covering shoulders in certain temples. Ask before photographing people in religious settings.
A simple 'Namaskaram' is a polite greeting. Use both hands when giving or receiving small gifts or items for added respect.
While town attire is relaxed, wearing modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) shows respect, especially in rural areas and places of worship.
Safety
Tipping in Chittūr
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For restaurants, a 5–10% tip is common if service charge isn’t included; round up fares for taxis/auto-rickshaws. Tip local guides, porters or drivers a modest amount for good service.
Cash (Indian Rupees) is widely used in Chittūr for markets and small shops. Larger hotels and restaurants may accept cards; digital payments (UPI, Paytm) are increasingly common. Carry small notes for market stalls and rural purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid from March to May; daytime temperatures can be high, so carry water, wear light breathable clothing and plan outdoor activities for mornings/evenings.
Southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rains — the landscape is lush, waterfalls are dramatic, but expect slippery trails, occasional flooding and disrupted travel; carry rain gear.
October–November offers pleasant weather, clearer skies and good conditions for trekking, wildlife visits and photography.
December–February brings cooler, comfortable temperatures (especially in the hills) — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities with low humidity and clear mornings.
Chittūr at Night
Hiking in Chittūr
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A forested hill range with viewpoints, small plantations and tea/coffee estates; offers moderate trekking routes and scenic drives.
A more remote, tribal-inhabited highland area with forest trails and cultural visits — best experienced with local guides and permission.
A protected area offering guided treks, wildlife watching and reservoir views; booking in advance and following sanctuary rules is essential.
Part of the Western Ghats biodiversity zone — trails and guided treks in the broader region offer rich flora and fauna (access typically via organized tours).
Airports
How to reach Chittūr by plane.
The nearest major airport for many visitors to Chittūr — typically a 1.5–2.5 hour drive depending on traffic. Offers domestic connections and some international flights; good gateway for western Tamil Nadu and eastern Kerala.
A larger international airport serving Kerala, approximately 3–4+ hours away by road; useful for international arrivals or domestic connections with more flight options.
Another regional airport in northern Kerala reachable in a few hours by car; offers domestic and some international flights and is an alternative depending on itinerary.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Malayali speakers with Kerala cultural traditions and practices.
Due to proximity to Tamil Nadu, there are Tamil-speaking residents and cultural influences in language and food.
Indigenous communities in nearby highland areas such as Attappadi with distinct languages, customs and livelihoods; visits should be respectful and ideally arranged via local guides or organizations.
A mix of Hindus, Muslims and Christians live in the area, with festivals and religious sites reflecting this diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region; you’ll find local matches, school competitions and pickup games in fields and streets.
Widely played and followed, especially at the school and college level, with enthusiastic local participation.
Kalaripayattu (traditional martial art) and regional games like kabaddi are practiced and demonstrated at cultural events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chittūr.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is widely available — many dishes are naturally vegetarian thanks to Kerala’s vegetarian traditions. Ask for a 'sadhya' or vegetarian thali and confirm no ghee if you want strictly plant-based.
Vegan options exist (rice, vegetable curries, coconut-based dishes), but clarify the use of ghee, yogurt and fish stock in broths. Many street snacks are fried and vegan-friendly but check for butter or milk in batter.
Rice is the staple, so many dishes are naturally gluten-free (rice, dosa made from rice and lentils, puttu). Still ask about wheat-based items like certain breads or snacks.