Things To Do
in Kesavapuram

A tangy, spicy fish curry made with coconut, tamarind and local spices; best at coastal stalls and small family restaurants in nearby towns.

Must-Try!

Steamed rice-flour cylinders (puttu) served with black-chickpea curry — a popular breakfast available at local eateries and tea shops.

Soft, lacy rice pancake (appam) paired with a mild coconut-based vegetable or meat stew; commonly found in local cafes and hotels.

Crispy fried banana chips and jaggery-coated banana slices sold at markets and shops — great snacks and souvenirs.

A small market where villagers sell fresh vegetables, fish, spices and snacks — try freshly fried banana chips, hot vadas and locally made sweets.

Early-morning fish auction and stalls offering a range of seafood; a good place to see catches and taste simple grilled fish preparations.

Wear modest clothing in villages and at religious sites – cover shoulders and knees; saris or long skirts are appreciated for women visiting temples.

Remove shoes before entering temples; men may need to remove shirts in some traditional temples and women should follow local rules for dress. Photography may be restricted.

Show deference to elders and use formal greetings (namaskaram) when meeting older people; addressing people politely matters in rural communities.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon in conservative areas; be mindful of personal space and interactions.

Tipping is modest: round up bills at tea shops, tip Rs 20–100 (~$0.25–1.25) for good service in small restaurants, and 5–10% in higher-end restaurants. Taxi drivers and guides appreciate a small extra for excellent service.

Cash (Indian Rupees) is the norm in villages; credit/debit cards and digital payments (UPI, Google Pay, Paytm) are widely accepted in towns and cities. Carry small notes for markets and rural purchases.

March–May is hot and humid with daytime temperatures often 30–35°C (86–95°F). Mornings are best for outdoor activities; stay hydrated and protect against sunburn. Coastal breezes can be pleasant, but inland areas feel warmer.

June–September (southwest monsoon) brings heavy rains, lush green landscapes and swollen rivers; travel can be disrupted by flooding and landslides in the Ghats. Good season for photography of waterfalls and greenery, but expect wet conditions.

October–November has intermittent rains from the northeast monsoon, cooler temperatures and clearer skies — a comfortable time to visit before peak tourist season.

December–February are the coolest months with daytime temps around 24–30°C (75–86°F) and pleasant evenings — ideal for sightseeing, trekking and beach visits.

A biodiverse peak in the southern Western Ghats known for rarity of flora and fauna — the trek is challenging and requires permits during the open season (usually January–March).

A hill station with gentler trails, viewpoints, tea plantations and cool weather — suitable for day hikes and nature walks.

Forest trails and reservoir surroundings offering wildlife spotting, birdwatching and short hikes in protected habitats.

Trails around Neyyar Dam and wildlife sanctuary with opportunities to see elephants, deer and birds; boat rides on the reservoir complement hikes.

The closest major airport serving domestic and international flights; about 20–40 km from Kesavapuram depending on exact location, with taxis and buses connecting to nearby towns.

Major international airport in central Kerala, approximately 200–250 km away — reachable by road or rail if you plan to combine visits in central and southern Kerala.

Form a significant portion of the population, often involved in agriculture, temple-centered cultural life and local trade.

Present in the region with local mosques, contributing to trade, fishing and cultural diversity.

Kerala’s Christian communities are well-established and active in education, services and local traditions.

Economic backbone of the village with livelihoods centered on coconut, rice cultivation and small-scale fishing.

The most popular sport nationwide and commonly played in villages and schools; informal matches in open fields are common.

Popular in Kerala with active local clubs and youth participation in towns and rural areas.

Traditional snake-boat races are a feature of Kerala’s culture in the backwater regions, with seasonal events attracting crowds.

Common community sports played in village grounds and schools.

Vegetarian options are readily available: coconut-based gravies, vegetable stews, dosa, idli and sadya items at vegetarian restaurants and temples. Always confirm if ghee or non-vegetarian stock is used.

Many coconut-based dishes are naturally vegan, but ask about ghee, curd and fish-based gravies; stick to plain rice, vegetable curries and coconut chutney where possible.

Rice-based dishes like puttu, appam and steamed rice are gluten-free; avoid wheat-based parotta or breads unless specified as gluten-free.

Coconut and seafood are common ingredients — always inform cooks about allergies and ask about cross-contamination in small kitchens.