Things To Do
in Nemmara
Nemmara is a small agrarian town in Palakkad district of Kerala, set amid lush paddy fields and coconut groves with easy access to nearby hills and wildlife reserves. The town is best known for the vibrant Nenmara Vallanghy Vela festival, which draws crowds for its processions, percussion, and fireworks. Life in Nemmara moves at a relaxed pace, with local markets, temples, and tea shops forming the social core.
Its location makes it a convenient base for short excursions to Nelliampathy hills, Pothundy Dam and surrounding natural attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional breakfast of puttu and kadala curry at a local eatery, savoring the authentic flavors of Kerala. After breakfast, visit the Nemmara Vallangi Vela festival site, where the vibrant decorations and temple atmosphere give you a taste of local customs. Engage with friendly locals who share stories about the significance of the festival, enriching your cultural experience.
Post-lunch, stroll through the lush paddy fields surrounding Nemmara, where you can enjoy the serene landscape and spot local wildlife. Visit a nearby coir factory to learn about traditional coconut fiber processing and see artisans at work. As the sun begins to lower, take a break at a local tea shop, sipping on freshly brewed chai while chatting with the shop owners.
Head to the banks of the river to witness the stunning sunset that paints the skies in hues of orange and pink. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride, soaking in the tranquility and natural beauty of the area as the day winds down. Finish your evening with a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, indulging in Kerala's famous fish curry.
Rise early and fuel up with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a trek into the Western Ghats, known for their stunning biodiversity. As you hike through the trails, admire the breathtaking views of rolling hills and lush greenery that surround you. Keep your camera ready for glimpses of unique flora and fauna along the way.
Take a break for lunch at a scenic spot, enjoying packed meals while soaking in the panoramic vistas. Afterward, continue your trek towards the nearby waterfalls, where you can take a refreshing dip and marvel at the cascading water. Engage with fellow trekkers, sharing stories and experiences about your adventures.
Return to Nemmara in the evening and visit a local cultural center to witness a traditional dance performance showcasing the rich heritage of Kerala. As night falls, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a nearby eatery, sampling local delicacies such as appam and stew. Wrap up your day by visiting a local market, shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| ☕Cup of tea/coffee (local shop) | $0.30-1 |
| 🚕Short taxi/auto ride (within town) | $0.5-3 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse/homestay (per night) | $15-30 |
| 🛒Market groceries (basic local items) | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic rural landscapes and close access to hills and wildlife areas
- Authentic local culture and the vibrant Nemmara Vallanghy Vela festival
- Affordable travel and food options
- Peaceful, less-touristed atmosphere ideal for relaxation and photography
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist facilities compared with larger towns
- Public transport may be infrequent; some attractions require private transport
- Monsoon rains can disrupt travel and outdoor plans
- Medical and specialized services require travel to larger nearby cities
- "നമസ്കാരം (Namaskaram)" - Hello / Greetings
- "നന്ദി (Nandi)" - Thank you
- "സുഖമാണോ? (Sukhamano?)" - How are you?
- "ഇത് എത്രയ്ക്ക്? (Ith ethra yku?)" - How much is this?
- "അവിടെ എവിടെയാണ് ബസ് സ്റ്റാൻഡ്ഡ/ത? (Avidethe evideya bus stand?)" - Where is the bus stand?
Places to Visit in Nemmara
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide expanses of green rice paddies provide classic Kerala rural landscapes—best at sunrise and sunset for soft light and human activity shots.
Colorful processions, percussion ensembles and fireworks during the Vela festival offer dynamic, cultural photo opportunities (seek permission when photographing people).
Rolling tea gardens, misty hills and winding roads—excellent for panoramic and landscape photography, especially early morning.
Water vistas, embankments and nearby woodlands provide reflective water shots and birdlife photography, particularly in the migratory season.
Coconut groves, small temples, and local markets capture everyday life; candid portraits of artisans and farmers (ask permission first) add depth to travel albums.
Food in Nemmara
Nemmara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed rice flour cylinders (puttu) served with spiced black chickpea curry—common for breakfast and available at local breakfast stalls.
Must-Try!
Tamarind- and coconut-based fish curry with local spices; best tried at family-run seafood eateries in the area or in nearby coastal-leaning restaurants.
Soft, lacy rice pancakes paired with a mild coconut milk stew (vegetable or meat), a popular choice for dinner at many local restaurants.
Crisp banana chips and fried banana fritters sold at markets and street stalls—great snacks and gifts to take home.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A daily market with fresh vegetables, spices, plantains and snacks; ideal for sampling fresh banana chips, seasonal fruits and quick breakfast options.
Small street vendors offering tea, fritters (pazham pori), samosas and roasted peanuts—perfect for an affordable evening bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet elders respectfully; a simple 'Namaskaram' and a slight nod is appreciated. Use polite forms of address and be courteous in conversation.
Remove shoes before entering temples and dress modestly; women may need to cover shoulders/knees. Photography may be restricted in some sanctums—follow signs and local guidance.
Dress conservatively in rural areas and when visiting religious sites—avoid loud displays of affection in public. Be mindful when photographing people; ask permission first.
Safety
Tipping in Nemmara
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest in small towns—rounding up bills or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory. For guides, drivers and porters, small cash tips are customary depending on service quality.
Cash (Indian Rupees) is widely used, especially for small vendors and rural services; UPI mobile payments and wallets are common in Kerala and accepted at many shops. Credit/debit cards work at larger hotels and restaurants, but always carry some cash for markets and remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to May brings hot and humid weather in the lowlands; mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activity. Hydrate, wear sun protection and schedule strenuous activities earlier in the day. Hill stations like Nelliampathy offer cooler respite from the heat.
June to September sees heavy rainfall and lush landscapes—an atmospheric time for photography but expect muddy trails, occasional landslips on hill roads and disrupted transport. Carry rain gear, avoid risky treks and check local conditions before visiting forest areas.
October to February is the most pleasant period with cooler temperatures and clear skies—excellent for sightseeing, hiking and attending festivals. Mosquito presence is lower and visibility for wildlife is better in the cooler months.
Nemmara at Night
Hiking in Nemmara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A range of short to moderate trails through tea estates, forest patches and viewpoints—ideal for sunrise hikes and scenic walking. Some trails are best attempted with local guides.
Gentle walks around the reservoir and embankments with good birdwatching and landscape opportunities; suitable for families and casual hikers.
Guided treks in the buffer areas of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary offer wildlife viewing and forest immersion—bookings and permits are required for certain routes.
Airports
How to reach Nemmara by plane.
Approximately 70–95 km from Nemmara (depending on route); a common choice for international and domestic travelers with onward road connections by taxi or bus to Palakkad and Nemmara.
About 110–140 km away; well-connected with domestic and international flights, with good road links to Palakkad district—travel time varies with traffic.
Roughly 120–150 km distance; an option depending on flight availability and onward road travel preferences.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of the population speaks Malayalam and is involved in agriculture, plantation work, small businesses and trade.
Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities live in the area with shared cultural practices and festival calendars.
In nearby hilly and forested areas there are indigenous communities with distinct cultures—best approached respectfully and often visited via authorized community programs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is very popular in Kerala and the region—local clubs and school teams play regularly, and matches draw community interest.
Common in village and school-level competitions, volleyball is a popular social and competitive sport in the area.
During local festivals like Vela there are cultural performances, processions and sometimes traditional competitive displays which form a sporting and communal highlight.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nemmara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available: rice-based breakfasts, vegetable curries and dosa/puttu. Ask for 'sattvic' or plain versions if you prefer no onion/garlic; most eateries will accommodate basic requests.
Coconut is a key ingredient; vegans can find many suitable dishes, but confirm ghee/butter usage. Gluten-free choices include rice-based dishes, tapioca and certain snacks; double-check fried items to avoid cross-contamination.
If you have severe allergies (nuts, seafood), communicate clearly—use simple Malayalam phrases or show ingredients; in small towns, complex allergy accommodations may be limited, so carry essentials and medication.