Things To Do
in Edayikunnam

A celebratory vegetarian feast with rice and many side dishes—sambar, avial, thoran, pickles and payasam—served on a banana leaf; best tried at festivals or homestays during special occasions.

Must-Try!

Tamarind or kokum-based fish curry cooked with coconut and spices; usually available in local restaurants and small seafood eateries in nearby towns.

Steamed rice flour cylinders (puttu) paired with spiced black chickpea curry (kadala); a popular breakfast and widely available from local breakfast stalls.

Fried banana fritters (pazhampori) and thinly sliced fried banana chips—ubiquitous snacks sold at tea stalls and markets.

Small markets sell fresh fish, vegetables, spices, coconut and local snacks; ideal for sampling street foods like banana fritters, vada and hot bondas.

Informal stalls serving filter coffee, masala tea and light snacks—great for people-watching and chatting with locals.

Wear modest clothing in villages and when visiting temples or churches—shoulders and knees covered are appreciated, and remove footwear when entering sacred spaces.

Ask permission before photographing rituals or people, speak softly in places of worship and follow any posted rules.

A polite 'Namaskaram' and a smile go a long way. Use right hand for exchanges and avoid public displays of affection in conservative settings.

If offered food or tea by locals, accept graciously; it’s a sign of hospitality. Eat with your right hand when sharing traditional meals.

Tipping is modest: round up bills at small eateries, leave 50–100 INR for good service at a homestay or guide, and 100–200 INR for drivers after longer trips. Tipping is discretionary and appreciated but not mandatory.

Cash is widely used, especially in villages; keep small notes and change. Mobile UPI payments and local QR-code payments are common in towns. ATMs are in larger towns—carry enough cash for rural stays and market purchases.

The dominant linguistic and cultural group speaking Malayalam, involved in agriculture, trade and local services.

A mix of Hindus, Christians and Muslims live in close-knit communities with shared festivals and traditions—each community maintains its own temples, churches and mosques.

Families engaged in rubber, coconut and spice cultivation and small-scale farming form a substantial portion of the local population.

Younger adults often commute to nearby towns for education and employment, contributing to a mix of traditional and contemporary lifestyles.

The most widely played and followed sport—informal matches are common in open fields and school grounds.

Popular among youth in many parts of Kerala; local tournaments and school matches are common.

Traditional snake boat races are culturally significant in Kerala—seen seasonally during festivals in areas with large backwaters.

Community sports often include volleyball and kabaddi, played in village grounds and during local festivals.

Vegetarian food is easy to find—homestays, temples and many local restaurants serve vegetarian thalis and dishes. Clarify ingredient lists if strict (ghee or dairy may be used).

Vegan options exist (rice with vegetable curries) but ask about the use of ghee, coconut milk or yogurt; many dishes can be adapted on request at homestays.

Rice-based cuisine makes gluten-free eating straightforward, but check for wheat-based snacks and cross-contamination in shared kitchens.

Halal meat is available in nearby towns; fish and vegetarian options are widely available if you prefer to avoid non-halal meats.