Things To Do
in Perumkulam
Perumkulam is a small, peaceful village in Kerala known for its lush coconut groves, paddy fields and a large traditional village pond that gives the place its name. The settlement has a relaxed rural rhythm with narrow lanes, friendly households, and occasional temple festivals that bring color and sound. Life here revolves around agriculture, waterways and local markets, making it an excellent place to experience everyday Kerala away from tourist crowds.
Visitors find easy access to backwaters, birdlife and authentic home-cooked cuisine in a setting that feels both timeless and welcoming.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along the pristine sands of Perumkulam Beach, where the gentle waves greet you. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as fishermen prepare their boats, and catch a glimpse of their morning catch. A delightful breakfast at a local beach shack, featuring fresh seafood and tropical fruits, will energize you for the day ahead.
Spend your afternoon indulging in water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, perfect for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. The warm, clear waters invite you to explore the vibrant marine life just beneath the surface. Afterward, relax on the beach with a good book or take a leisurely swim in the ocean.
As the sun begins to set, witness the breathtaking colors painting the sky over Perumkulam Beach. Join locals for an evening stroll along the shore, breathing in the salty air and enjoying the vibrant beach atmosphere. End your day with a beachside dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Kerala dishes while listening to the soothing sounds of the waves.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by visiting the bustling Perumkulam market early in the morning. Experience the sights and sounds of vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts, while sampling delicious street food. Engage with friendly locals and learn about their traditions as you wander through the colorful stalls.
After exploring the market, take a cooking class with a local chef who will teach you how to prepare authentic Kerala dishes using fresh ingredients from the market. Enjoy the hands-on experience of blending spices and cooking traditional meals. Savor your culinary creations for lunch, enjoying the fruits of your labor amongst new friends.
As the evening approaches, take a leisurely stroll to a nearby café where you can enjoy a cup of locally brewed chai. Reflect on your day while watching the sun set over the nearby hills, painting the landscape in warm hues. Consider visiting a local cultural performance, such as a Kathakali dance show, to immerse yourself further in Kerala's rich artistic heritage.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| ☕Tea/coffee and snack | $0.30-1 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / homestay (per night) | $10-25 |
| 🚖Short auto-rickshaw ride | $0.50-2 |
| 🛒Local market groceries (basic) | $3-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Tranquil, authentic rural Kerala experience away from tourist crowds
- Lush landscapes, backwaters and abundant birdlife for nature lovers
- Affordable food and accommodation with warm local hospitality
- Good opportunities for photography, boating and cultural immersion
- Limited nightlife and few modern amenities within the village
- Infrastructure (ATMs, pharmacies, hospitals) may require travel to nearby towns
- Monsoon rains can disrupt travel and outdoor plans
- Language barrier possible if you don’t speak Malayalam — fewer English speakers than in big cities
- "Namaskaram" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "Nanni (നന്ദി)" - Thank you
- "Dayavaayi" - Please
- "Ethra?" - How much?
- "Shauchalayam evide? (ശൌചാലയം എവിടെ?)" - Where is the toilet?
- "Sahayam! (സഹായം!)" - Help!
- "Illa, nanni (ഇല്ല, നന്ദി)" - No, thank you
Places to Visit in Perumkulam
Visit one of these nice places.
Early-morning and dusk reflections, fishermen, lotus flowers and village life clustered around the pond make for evocative images.
Green rice paddies, narrow mud paths and seasonal farm work provide classic rural Kerala scenes, especially photogenic after rain.
Small waterways with coconut palms, houseboats in the distance and local boats—great for sunrise/sunset silhouettes and birdlife.
Architectural details, ritual lamps, festival processions and devotees—respectful photography during ceremonies captures cultural life.
Colorful produce, spice piles, fish stalls and the bustle of local commerce—ideal for street photography and portraits (ask permission).
Food in Perumkulam
Perumkulam Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A tangy, spicy fish curry made with tamarind or kokum and coconut, widely available at local eateries and seafood stalls.
Must-Try!
Steamed rice-flour cylinders (puttu) served with spicy chickpea curry—common for breakfast and available at tea shops.
Soft, lacy rice pancakes paired with a mild coconut-based vegetable or meat stew—comfort food often found at homestays and cafés.
A festive vegetarian banquet served on a banana leaf with many small side dishes and payasam for dessert; usually offered during festivals and special occasions.
Crispy fried banana chips and sweet banana fritters sold by street vendors and in local snack shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open-market atmosphere where farmers and fishers sell produce, spices and fresh catch; excellent for sampling local snacks and buying ingredients.
Early-morning market with a wide range of fresh local fish—great for photography and to pick up seafood for local cooks or homestays.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes and dress modestly when entering temples and religious sites; follow local signage and observe silence during rituals. Photography may be restricted—ask first.
A respectful 'Namaskaram' is appreciated. Smile and be polite; asking permission before photographing people, especially women and elders, is important.
Modest clothing is expected in village settings—cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious places or conservative households.
Hosts may offer food or tea—accepting small tokens and compliments is polite. If invited to a home, bringing a small gift like sweets or fruit is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Perumkulam
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Small tips (50–200 INR) or rounding up for restaurant service, auto-rickshaw drivers, guides and housekeeping are common. For exceptional service, leave a larger tip; many homestays expect a modest tip for personalized service.
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used in villages. Digital payments (UPI, mobile wallets) and debit/credit cards are increasingly accepted in larger shops and homestays, but carry cash for small vendors, markets and boat operators. ATMs may be in nearby towns, so plan cash needs accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
(March–May) Hot and humid with temperatures rising; early mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities. Stay hydrated, wear light cotton clothing and plan strenuous activities for cooler hours.
(June–September) Heavy rains and dramatic skies; landscapes are lush and ideal for photography but some roads and trails may be waterlogged and boat travel can be choppy. Carry rain gear and flexible plans.
(October–November) Cooler, clearer skies and refreshed scenery—excellent for outdoor activities and festivals as waterways calm down and visibility improves.
(December–February) Pleasant, mild temperatures and low humidity—best time for sightseeing, long walks and boat rides; pack a light layer for early mornings.
Perumkulam at Night
Hiking in Perumkulam
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, flat walks through rice paddies and village lanes—ideal for gentle exploration, birdwatching and photography.
Short trek along a small river or stream to a modest waterfall or cascade; best attempted in the post-monsoon and dry months when paths are safer.
Day-trip hikes in the foothills of the Western Ghats offer richer biodiversity and viewpoints; trails vary by difficulty and are best done with a local guide.
Airports
How to reach Perumkulam by plane.
Major international airport serving central Kerala; reachable by road within 1–3 hours depending on the exact location in the region. Offers domestic and international connections.
Another international airport serving southern Kerala; travel time by road varies—suitable for visitors coming from the south or south-west parts of the state.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the village population, involved in agriculture, temple activities and local trades.
Kerala has a long-established Christian community; churches are community centers for festivals and social life in many villages.
Present in many parts of Kerala and contributing to the cultural and culinary mix; mosques serve as neighborhood hubs where applicable.
Many younger residents travel to nearby cities or abroad for work; seasonal laborers and younger generations influence local commerce and remittance-driven lifestyles.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across India, including Perumkulam, with informal street and field matches common among youths and local teams.
Played widely in schools and villages; informal matches and local tournaments take place, especially among younger players.
Traditional snake-boat races are a cultural hallmark in Kerala during festival season—nearby waterways may host such events regionally.
Traditional sport played in village games and school competitions; popular in rural communities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Perumkulam.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common—soups, vegetable curries, lentils and rice. Many restaurants and homestays can prepare fulfilled vegetarian meals, especially during temple festival seasons.
Vegan eating is feasible but requires clarifying the use of ghee (clarify 'no ghee') and curd; coconut oil and coconut milk are staple vegan-friendly ingredients.
Rice-based dishes (appam, puttu, rice and curries) are naturally gluten-free; always check for wheat in snacks or batters at street stalls.
Seafood is common—tell hosts in advance if you need fish-free meals. Coconut is widely used; clarify nut allergies as coconut and tree nuts may be present in several dishes.