Things To Do
in Mannārakkāt
Mannarkkad is a scenic town at the foothills of the Western Ghats in the Palakkad district of Kerala. It serves as a gateway to forested valleys like Attappadi and the Nelliyampathy hills, drawing nature lovers and culture seekers alike. The town blends agrarian life with spice and rubber plantations, traditional Kerala architecture, and a relaxed village tempo.
Visitors can use Mannarkkad as a base for nature walks, temple visits, and immersive rural experiences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Mannārakkāt and settle into your riverside homestay surrounded by emerald paddy fields. Enjoy a steaming cup of filter coffee on the verandah as local birds flit among the palms. Chat with the host family about Kerala traditions while soaking in the tropical morning air.
Head to the bustling town market where vendors display fresh spices, tropical fruits and handmade crafts. Bargain for aromatic cardamom and pepper before sampling crispy banana chips from a family-run stall. Watch the kaleidoscope of colors and listen to animated conversations in Malayalam as you wander the narrow lanes.
Return to the homestay for a home-cooked lunch of sambar rice and fish curry flavoured with raw mango. Join a short stroll to the nearby temple where golden lamps flicker at dusk and temple bells chime in harmony. Cap the evening with a riverside barbecue, sharing stories and local folk songs under a canopy of stars.
Rise early and drive to Malampuzha Garden, admiring the morning mist over the dam reservoir. Take a leisurely boat ride across the calm waters, spotting kingfishers and herons along the banks. Wander through manicured floral beds, inhaling the scent of roses and jasmine drifting on the breeze.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the verdant lawns overlooking the dam, sampling spicy chicken stew wrapped in banana leaf. Climb the toy train or ropeway for panoramic views of the undulating Western Ghats. Stop by the steel rope bridge for an adrenaline-fuelled photo op with the reservoir far below.
Return to Mannārakkāt and refresh with a traditional banana leaf meal at a local eatery. Attend a short classical music recital in a heritage bungalow lit by oil lamps. Drift back to your homestay with the gentle hum of cicadas lulling you to sleep.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🧺Groceries and snacks | $2-6 |
| 🚍One-way local transport (bus/taxi) | $0.5-2 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to scenic hill views and forest trails
- Rich Kerala culture and cuisine at manageable town scale
- Reasonable costs and friendly, rural hospitality
- Limited nightlife and urban amenities
- Tourist infrastructure less developed than bigger cities
- Forest and hill areas can be challenging in monsoon
- "Namaskaram" - Hello
- "Ente peru Mannarkkad aanu." - My name is Mannarkkad.
- "Ningal sukhamano?" - Are you well?
- "Dayavayi" - Please
- "Nanni" - Thank you
- "Ith enta?" - Where is this place?
Places to Visit in Mannārakkāt
Visit one of these nice places.
Rolling tea and coffee estates, misty valleys, and dramatic light at sunrise or sunset offer dramatic landscape photography.
Waterfront dam with palm-fringed shores and reflections of hills, ideal for tranquil sunrise shots.
Rugged terrace vistas across tribal settlements and green over the plateau, great for wide-angle landscape shots.
Historic fort with ancient walls and watchtowers, offering architectural photography and a sense of old Kerala town planning.
Food in Mannārakkāt
Mannārakkāt Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Coconut milk-based fish curry with tamarind and curry leaves, best paired with red rice or steamed rice.
Must-Try!
A mixed-vegetable curry simmered in coconut, curd, and coconut oil, often served with rice.
Steamed rice cake served with black chickpeas curry; a quintessential Kerala breakfast pairing.
Tapioca (kappa) served with a tangy fish curry; a rustic, satisfying combo.
A coconut-based curry featuring beans or jackfruit seeds, typically served with rice.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling daily market offering fresh vegetables, spices, fruits, and traditional snacks like banana chips and vadams.
Local market area known for farm produce, tribal crafts, and seasonal fruits.
Roadside stalls selling fresh pepper, cardamom, and other Kerala spices—great for sampling aroma-filled snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering many temples. Ask for permission before taking photos inside sacred spaces.
A polite Namaste or a courteous greeting in Malayalam goes a long way.
Respect local customs; avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas; ask elders before recording or interviewing.
Safety
Tipping in Mannārakkāt
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% in restaurants if service charge is not included. Small tips to hotel staff or porters are common.
Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards and UPI are increasingly available at towns and larger shops. ATMs are common in town centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid days with temperatures often in the 28–38°C range; carry water, sunscreen, and light clothing. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for outdoor activities.
June to September brings heavy rains and lush green landscapes; be prepared for wet trails and occasional landslides in hill areas. Comfortable rain gear is essential.
Pleasant and cooler at higher elevations with comfortable days in the 20s°C; great for hiking and sightseeing, but cooler at night.
Mannārakkāt at Night
Hiking in Mannārakkāt
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hill range with plantations, viewpoints, and forest trails.
A forested hill near Palakkad offering panoramic views and trekking routes.
Airports
How to reach Mannārakkāt by plane.
Approximately 70–100 km from Mannarkkad; well-connected to major Indian cities and some international routes.
About 150–200 km away; offers more domestic and international options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant community speaking Malayalam; farmers and artisans in many families.
Areas around Attappadi host tribal groups with distinct cultures and crafts.
Seasonal workers in plantations and markets contributing to local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, played in schools, clubs, and local grounds.
Common on public grounds and in schools, especially on weekends.
Widely played in community centers and homes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mannārakkāt.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Kerala cooking is highly vegetarian-friendly; look for thali, avial, sambar-based dishes, and rice. When ordering, confirm no non-vegetarian stock or ghee in preparation if you follow strict vegetarian rules.