Things To Do
in Perumbalam
Perumbalam is a small inhabited island in the Vembanad Lake off the coast of Alappuzha (Alleppey) in Kerala, India. It is characterized by narrow lanes, paddy fields, and traditional fishing and farming communities surrounded by backwaters. The island offers tranquil waterfront views, vibrant birdlife, and a glimpse of rural Kerala life away from the busier tourist hubs.
Getting there involves a short drive from Alappuzha town and a ferry or causeway crossing, making it a peaceful day-trip or a quiet base for backwater exploration.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the quaint lanes of Perumbalam, where you can admire the unique architecture of traditional Kerala houses. Visit the local market to witness vibrant stalls filled with fresh produce and spices, engaging with friendly vendors along the way. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor a traditional breakfast of puttu and kadala from a nearby eatery, soaking in the local flavors.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby temples, such as the Sree Narayana Guru Temple, to learn about the rich spiritual heritage of the region. Participate in an interactive workshop on traditional Kerala art forms like Kathakali or Mohiniyattam, where you can try your hand at some dance moves. Afterward, relax by the serene backwaters, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and watching local fishermen at work.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a waterfront restaurant, indulging in fresh seafood dishes unique to the region. Take a leisurely boat ride through the backwaters, experiencing the tranquil beauty of nature as the sky turns shades of orange and pink. Conclude your day with a visit to a local cultural performance, immersing yourself in the storytelling and music that reflect the essence of Kerala.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a houseboat cruise through the mesmerizing backwaters of Perumbalam. As you glide through the lush greenery, take in the picturesque views of coconut palms and quaint villages lining the banks. Capture the essence of local life by observing fishermen casting their nets and families going about their daily routines.
After a leisurely morning on the water, enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch served on the houseboat, featuring dishes such as fish curry and rice, freshly prepared by the onboard chef. Continue your exploration by visiting small islands and learning about local crafts like coir-making and handloom weaving. Engage with the artisans and perhaps pick up a few handmade souvenirs to take home.
As the evening approaches, your houseboat will find a tranquil spot to anchor, giving you time to unwind and enjoy the view. Savor a light dinner under the stars, with the gentle sounds of nature enveloping you. Reflect on your day ’s adventures while sipping on some local coconut water, concluding a perfect day in paradise.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🚌Local bus or short ferry ride | $0.30-2 |
| 🏠Basic guesthouse / homestay (per night) | $15-40 |
| ⛴️Day houseboat cruise (per person / short trip) | $25-70 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5 L) | $0.30-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful backwater island atmosphere away from tourist crowds
- Excellent birdlife and sunset photography opportunities
- Authentic village culture and fresh seafood
- Easy access to Alappuzha and broader Kerala backwater attractions
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few upscale accommodations on the island
- High humidity and mosquitoes, especially in monsoon and post-monsoon periods
- Public transport and ferry schedules can be infrequent, requiring planning
- Less nightlife and urban entertainment compared with larger towns
- "Namaskaram" - Hello / Respectful greeting
- "Nanni" - Thank you
- "Evide?" - Where?
- "Ivide" - Here
- "Sahayikkumo?" - Can you help?
- "Oru chaya, kripayittu" - One tea, please
Places to Visit in Perumbalam
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide lagoon views, fishermen at work and paddy-field reflections make dawn and dusk especially photogenic.
Golden light on the still backwaters with boats and silhouetted fishermen — excellent for landscape and silhouette shots.
Green patchwork fields and narrow footbridges offer intimate rural scenes and close-up shots of daily life.
Historic lighthouse, busy harbour activity and the canal-side walkway provide varied urban-backwater contrasts.
A small bird-rich island and Kumarakom wetlands are ideal for bird photography and wildlife shots, especially in winter migration months.
Food in Perumbalam
Perumbalam Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pearl spot (Karimeen) marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaf and grilled — a regional specialty best found at local homestays or backwater restaurants.
Must-Try!
Tangy, coconut-based fish curry spiced with tamarind or kokum; widely available in island homes and local eateries.
Steamed rice-flour cylinders (puttu) served with spiced black chickpea curry — a classic Kerala breakfast available in local cafes and family-run spots.
Soft, lacy rice pancakes paired with a mild coconut chicken or vegetable stew — common in breakfasts and homestays.
Boiled mashed tapioca served with spicy fish curry — a staple pairing in the region, especially among fishing communities.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively morning market where local fishermen land their catch; good for buying very fresh seafood and watching auctions. Street vendors nearby sell fried fish, fish curry meals and banana fritters.
Markets in Alappuzha and nearby Cherthala sell local spices, coconut products and tropical fruits; try small snack stalls for puttu, appam and local sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly out of respect for local customs — shorts and swimwear are fine at beaches but cover up when visiting villages, temples or churches.
Remove shoes before entering temples and some traditional homes. Follow any instructions about photography and dress at religious sites.
A simple 'Namaskaram' or a slight nod is a polite way to greet people. Asking permission before photographing people — especially women and elders — is expected.
Keralites are generally welcoming; accept invitations to share food or tea politely. Avoid public displays of affection and be mindful of conservative attitudes in village contexts.
Safety
Tipping in Perumbalam
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For houseboat crews, a tip of ~5–10% of the trip cost or around $2–5 per person per day is common. For restaurant staff, small change or rounding up is fine; give small tips to taxi or auto drivers for good service. At homestays, a modest tip for the host or cook is welcome if you enjoyed the meals and hospitality.
Cash (Indian Rupee) is widely used, especially on the island and in markets. Cards and UPI/digital payments are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants in Alappuzha; always carry some cash for small purchases, ferries, and local vendors. ATMs are available in Alappuzha town but may be limited on small islands.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings hot humid weather with temperatures often in the high 20s–mid 30s °C (80s–90s °F); plan early-morning activities, stay hydrated, and wear light cotton clothes.
June–September sees heavy rains and rougher backwaters; the landscape is lush and dramatic but some boat services and outdoor activities may be limited; carry rain gear and expect occasional travel delays.
October–November is pleasant with clearer skies and good visibility for boat trips and birdwatching; a popular time for festivals and houseboat cruises.
December–February offers the most comfortable weather (cool mornings/evenings and warm days), ideal for sightseeing, boat rides and outdoor photography; this is peak travel season.
Perumbalam at Night
Hiking in Perumbalam
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, flat walks among paddy fields and along canal embankments provide peaceful short hikes and opportunities to observe rural life and birdlife.
Short nature trails and boardwalks on this small island are great for birdwatching and quiet exploration; access is by boat from nearby piers.
Gentle walking trails near the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary provide scenic wetland views and birding opportunities; a short drive from Alappuzha makes it a convenient day trip.
For full-day or multi-day hilltreks, the Western Ghats destinations like Vagamon (~2–3 hours by car) and Munnar (~4–5 hours) offer trekking trails, tea-plantation walks and cooler hill-country hiking — these require a longer drive but are accessible as regional excursions.
Airports
How to reach Perumbalam by plane.
About 70–90 km away (depending on route), Kochi's airport is the most convenient international gateway. From COK you can drive or take a taxi to Alappuzha (approx 2–3 hours) and then a short ferry or road link to Perumbalam.
Located farther south (~150–180 km), Thiruvananthapuram airport is another option but involves a longer overland transfer. Suitable if combining with travel in southern Kerala.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The island is largely inhabited by Malayali (Kerala native) communities engaged in fishing, coir-making and rice cultivation; families maintain traditional livelihoods and local cultural practices.
Kerala's diverse religious mix is present, with local temples, churches and mosques shaping community festivals and social life.
Like many Kerala villages, households often include multiple generations and the population has a noticeable proportion of older adults due to demographic trends.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional snake-boat races are a major cultural and sporting event in Kerala, often held during Onam and local festivals — spectacular to witness from shorelines.
Cricket is widely played and followed across communities; casual matches in village grounds are common.
Football (soccer) and traditional games like kabaddi are also popular recreational sports in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Perumbalam.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are readily available (rice, dosa/appam, vegetable curries, idli, puttu). Inform cooks about strict vegetarian needs as kitchens often handle fish; many restaurants and homestays will accommodate.
Rice-based dishes, coconut curries and many vegetable preparations are naturally gluten-free and can be vegan. Ask about ghee or dairy in stews; coconut milk is a common and safe alternative.
Kerala is multi-faith and halal options are available in towns; communicate clearly with vendors about meat preparation when needed.