Things To Do
in Mankada
Mankada is a small town in Malappuram district of Kerala, India, characterized by lush green paddy fields, coconut groves and a relaxed rural pace of life. It sits a short drive from Perinthalmanna and Kottakkal, making it a quiet base for exploring nearby cultural sites and Ayurvedic centers. The population is predominantly Malayali, with a mix of Hindu and Muslim traditions reflected in local festivals, temples and mosques.
Travelers come for gentle countryside scenery, local food, and easy access to nature and regional cultural attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the ancient Thirumandhamkunnu Temple, where the early morning rituals create a serene atmosphere. Enjoy the lush surroundings as you participate in the morning puja and witness the locals engaging in their spiritual practices. The gentle sounds of bells and chanting will set a peaceful tone for the rest of your day.
After a traditional South Indian lunch at a local eatery, head to the nearby Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, famous for its Ayurvedic treatments and herbal medicines. Explore the museum that showcases ancient Ayurvedic texts and traditional medicinal practices. Engage with knowledgeable staff who can explain the healing properties of various herbs native to the region.
As the sun sets, stroll through the village markets filled with vibrant colors and the aroma of local spices. Take the opportunity to interact with local artisans and shop for handmade crafts and textiles. End your evening with a traditional Kerala-style dinner at a local homestay, enjoying dishes such as appam and stew.
Kick off your day with a guided nature walk in the nearby forests, where the chorus of birds will accompany you as you explore the rich biodiversity. Look out for native species of flora and fauna, and learn about the importance of conservation efforts in the area. Capture the beauty of the early morning dew glistening on leaves and the vibrant colors of wildflowers.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch by the serene banks of the local river. Spend some time canoeing or kayaking, immersing yourself in the tranquil waters while enjoying the stunning views of surrounding landscapes. Take a moment to relax and appreciate the natural beauty that Mankada has to offer.
As twilight descends, return to your accommodations and freshen up before dinner. Head out to a nearby viewpoint to witness a breathtaking sunset over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Cap off the evening with a bonfire under the stars, sharing stories with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range) | $12-25 |
| 🚌Local bus fare (short ride) | $0.20-0.80 |
| 🚕Auto-rickshaw/short taxi ride | $1-4 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse per night | $10-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful rural setting with scenic paddy fields and coconut groves
- Close to Ayurvedic centers and traditional medical shops (Kottakkal)
- Authentic Malabar cuisine and welcoming local communities
- Good base for short nature trips and cultural exploration
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist amenities compared with larger towns
- Monsoon season can disrupt travel and outdoor plans
- Public transport can be infrequent for remote spots, requiring private transport
- Fewer international-standard hotels and services directly in town
- "Namaskaram" - Hello / Greetings
- "Sughamano?" - How are you?
- "Nanni" - Thank you
- "Evide aanu ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Ivideyilla" - Not available / There isn't
Places to Visit in Mankada
Visit one of these nice places.
Broad, green fields that glow at sunrise — excellent for pastoral landscapes, reflections in irrigation channels and rural life shots.
Architectural details, carved woodwork and ritual scenes provide rich photographic subjects — always ask permission before photographing people or prayer practices.
Historic Ayurvedic center with traditional buildings, herbal gardens and shopfronts that showcase local culture and craftsmanship.
Local streams and riverbanks offer reflections, village boats and activity shots — ideal for golden hour photography.
Food in Mankada
Mankada Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant, spicy rice dish layered with succulent meat (chicken/mutton) and fried onions — find it in local restaurants and special-event kitchens in Perinthalmanna and Kottakkal.
Must-Try!
Thin rice flatbreads (pathiri) paired with a rich chicken curry — a traditional Muslim-community specialty commonly available in small eateries.
A mild, coconut-milk-based fish stew lightly spiced and commonly found in coastal-leaning menus and nearby town restaurants.
Fried banana fritters sold by street vendors and tea shops — a popular snack with morning tea or evening chai.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market offers fresh produce, spices, snacks and small food stalls — excellent for trying local fruits, fried snacks and buying spices to take home.
A mix of Ayurvedic product shops and food stalls; good for sampling regional sweets and pathiri with curries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites — cover shoulders and knees; women may be expected to cover hair at some mosques.
Remove shoes before entering temples and some mosques, avoid taking photos during prayers unless invited, and follow any gender-specific rules for access.
A simple 'Namaskaram' or 'Assalamu Alaikum' (in Muslim areas) goes a long way; show deference to elders and accept invitations with polite gratitude.
Always ask before photographing people — be especially cautious with images of women and religious ceremonies.
Safety
Tipping in Mankada
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and discretionary: round up bills in small eateries, leave 5–10% in nicer restaurants if service is good, and tip hotel porters or guides a small amount. Street vendors and tea stalls do not expect tips.
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used in villages and small shops; most larger restaurants, hotels and pharmacies accept cards and UPI/mobile payments. Keep small change for buses, rickshaws and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to May are hot and humid with daytime temperatures often in the high 20s to mid-30s °C (80s–90s °F); stay hydrated, plan outdoor activities for morning/evening, and expect occasional heat haze.
June to September bring heavy southwest monsoon rains — lush landscapes but frequent downpours, possible road disruptions and limited hiking; pack rain gear and allow extra travel time.
October to November typically have clearing skies, pleasant temperatures and refreshed greenery — a good time for outdoor exploration and photography.
December to February are mild and comfortable (low 20s °C / low 70s °F by day), cooler at night — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor walks with lower humidity.
Mankada at Night
Hiking in Mankada
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Around 40–50 km away, the Nilambur area offers forested trails, teak plantations and gentle hikes with a chance to see wildlife and enjoy shaded routes.
A longer drive (~45–60 km) brings you to birdwatching trails and estuarine walks suitable for easy hikes and nature photography.
Short, informal walking routes through paddy fields and along small waterways around Mankada provide low-effort, scenic hikes ideal for mornings or evenings.
Airports
How to reach Mankada by plane.
The closest major airport (approx. 60–80 km depending on route); offers domestic connections and some international flights to the Middle East. From the airport you can hire taxis or use pre-booked transfers to reach Mankada.
About 140–170 km by road, Cochin airport has wider domestic and international connectivity; travel time is longer but offers more flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the local population follows Islam, with strong community institutions and cultural traditions in the Malabar style.
Hindu communities maintain temples and festivals that are integral to local cultural life and agriculture cycles.
Smaller Christian and other communities contribute to the cultural mix; overall the population is ethnically Malayali with Malayalam as the primary language.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is very popular in Kerala and the region hosts local matches and enthusiastic community participation.
Cricket is widely played in schools and open grounds — you'll see informal matches and local tournaments frequently.
Team sports like volleyball and traditional games such as kabaddi are common in village-level events and school competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mankada.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are readily available (idli, dosa, vegetable curries, rice-based thalis) especially at Hindu-style eateries; always confirm with staff if dishes use ghee or animal-based broths.
Vegan choices exist (plain rice, vegetable curries, certain snacks) but many dishes use coconut oil or ghee — specify ‘no ghee/dairy’ when ordering and confirm preparation methods.
Rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free (pathiri is rice-based); avoid wheat-based parottas and confirm ingredients in fried snacks to prevent cross-contamination.
Many eateries in the area serve halal meat by default; ask if halal certification is required for peace of mind, but Muslim-run hotels typically follow halal practices.