Things To Do
in Paramagudi

Steamed rice cakes served with sambar and chutneys; ubiquitous for breakfast at local eateries and roadside stalls.

Must-Try!

A fiery, aromatic curry influenced by nearby Chettinad cuisine; available at local restaurants and special-occasion menus.

Tangy and spicy coastal-style fish curry — best in village eateries or seaside day-trip restaurants.

Layered flatbread paired with rich vegetable or meat kurma; a popular evening meal available at local bakeries and stalls.

Daily market with fresh produce, spices and snacks; try sundal (seasonal legume salads), vadai (fried lentil donuts) and freshly brewed filter coffee here.

Small roadside stalls that serve tea, bun omelettes and fried snacks — great for observing local life and tasting inexpensive street food.

Remove shoes before entering temples, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), and follow temple rules regarding photography and prasad.

Show respect to elders; a traditional greeting (hands together) is appreciated. Avoid public displays of affection and be mindful of conservative dress codes in rural areas.

Use your right hand for giving and receiving items and food, as the left hand is considered unclean in local custom.

Always ask before photographing people, especially women and in religious ceremonies; many locals are friendly but appreciate being asked first.

Tipping is modest: round up small bills for rickshaw drivers, give 5–10% at private restaurants if service is good, and offer a small tip to hotel staff for help with luggage. Street-food vendors and small shopkeepers do not expect tips.

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used, especially in markets and small eateries. UPI and mobile payments are common for many shops; debit/credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants. ATMs and bank branches are available in town but withdraw cash in advance when heading to rural areas.

April–June can be very hot and dry; carry water, wear light breathable clothing, schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon and expect high temperatures.

Southwest monsoon brings occasional showers (Jun–Sep) while the more significant northeast monsoon (Oct–Dec) brings heavier rains; roads can get muddy and some rural tracks may be less accessible during heavy rains.

November–February is the most pleasant time to visit with mild days and cooler nights — ideal for outdoor activities, birdwatching and festivals.

Pongal (January) and local temple festivals are lively times to visit for cultural experiences, but expect crowds and limited transport availability during major events.

Vegetarian options are readily available — rice dishes, dosas, idlis and vegetable curries. In rural settings, clarify that no ghee or non-vegetarian stock is used if you strictly avoid animal products.

Basic vegan choices exist (plain dosa, idli with coconut chutney, vegetable curries) but ask about ghee/curd in preparations. Carry snacks if you need guaranteed options.

Rice-based South Indian cuisine is largely gluten-free; avoid wheat-based items like parotta unless confirmed.

Food tends to be spicy — request 'less spicy' (in Tamil: 'kuraiya miriyum') and restaurants will generally accommodate.