Things To Do
in Perunturuttu

Perunturuttu is a serene town where lush spice plantations meet winding backwaters on Kerala's Malabar fringe. The town blends heritage, spice markets, and a welcoming community. Traditional art forms like Kathakali and Theyyam sit alongside modern cafés and markets, giving visitors a taste of both heritage and everyday life.

With tropical landscapes and riverside sunsets, Perunturuttu is a gentle gateway for nature lovers and food explorers alike.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional South Indian dosas and filter coffee. Stroll through the historic lanes of Perunturuttu, where ancient temples and colonial architecture narrate the rich history of the town. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic Perunturuttu Fort, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

afternoon
:

After exploring the fort, indulge in a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant specializing in local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and fragrant spices. Post-lunch, visit the local craft market to witness artisans at work and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs. Engage with locals and learn about their crafts, from pottery to textiles, providing a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Perunturuttu.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the beach and enjoy a peaceful stroll along the sandy shore, listening to the gentle waves. Find a cozy spot to watch the sunset, where the sky transforms into a canvas of orange and purple hues. Conclude your day with a seafood dinner at a beachside shack, relishing the flavors of the sea while enjoying the sound of the ocean.

day 2
Beach and Water Sports
morning
:

After breakfast, head to the stunning Perunturuttu Beach, known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Engage in thrilling water sports like jet skiing and banana boating, giving you an adrenaline rush and a chance to enjoy the beautiful coastline. Take breaks in between to relax under the sun and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.

afternoon
:

After an exhilarating morning, enjoy a beachside lunch featuring fresh catch of the day and local delicacies. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, building sandcastles, or swimming in the warm waters. As the day progresses, consider renting a kayak to explore the tranquil waters and the nearby coves.

evening
:

As the evening approaches, join a local beach volleyball game, where you can mingle with locals and travelers alike. Enjoy the vibrant beach atmosphere as vendors set up stalls selling snacks and souvenirs. Wrap up your day with a bonfire on the beach, sharing stories and enjoying the starlit sky with new friends.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-8
🚕Taxi ride (short distance)$2-5
🛵Scooter rental (per day)$6-12
🏨Budget hotel per night$20-40
🛍️Mid-range dinner for two$15-25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and spice routes
  • Scenic backwaters and lush hill views
  • Friendly locals and welcoming homestays
  • Delicious Kerala cuisine with seafood specialties
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife options in town
  • Monsoon travel can be challenging
  • Rural road quality varies in remote areas
  • Medical facilities are smaller in the town; plan visits to nearby cities
  • "Namaskaaram" - Hello
  • "Nanni" - Thank you
  • "Ente peru [name] aanu" - My name is [name]
  • "Dayavayi" - Please
  • "Vandi kittumo?" - Can I get a ride?

Places to Visit in Perunturuttu

Visit one of these nice places.

Sunrise over the Perunturuttu Backwaters

Glass-like waters reflecting coconut palms and pastel skies, with slow-moving houseboats in the distance.

Spice Plantation Corridor

Terraced green valleys and winding paths ideal for wide-angle landscape shots.

Old Town Temple Courtyards at Dusk

Golden hour light over temple architecture and ornate carvings; respectful photography only with prior permission where required.

Riverside Bridge at Sunset

Colorful skies meet copper-toned water with silhouettes of ferries and fishing boats.

Culinary Guide

Food in Perunturuttu

Kerala's cuisine is coconut-rich and spice-forward, with seafood as a staple. Expect bright curries, fresh coconut curries, and a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options that showcase coastal and inland flavors.

Perunturuttu Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Appam with Vegetable or Chicken Stew

A soft, fluffy rice pancake paired with a fragrant coconut milk stew; widely available in eateries and homestays.

Must-Try!

Malabar Fish Curry

A savory fish curry cooked in tamarind and coconut gravy; best found in seaside restaurants and spice markets.

Puttu with Kadala Curry

Steamed rice cake layered with coconut, served with black chickpea curry; a staple breakfast option.

Meen Pollichathu

Marinated fish wrapped in banana leaf and grilled; a signature Malabar specialty.

Malabar Biryani

Fragrant rice with meat or vegetables and whole spices; served in family-run eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Perunturuttu Spice Market

Vibrant stalls selling pepper, cardamom, cloves, and fresh produce; try roasted cashews and coconut chips.

Riverside Street Snacks

Stalls along the riverfront offer banana fritters, spiced plantains, and samosas.

Local Market Alleys

Small lanes where you can taste fresh fruit, coconut water, and everyday Kerala snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild with cooler evenings. Expect high humidity year-round, especially along the coast and in the backwaters.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple and modesty etiquette

Dress modestly, remove shoes, and seek permission before entering sacred spaces or photographing people at ceremonies.

Greetings

A polite Namaste with hands pressed together is preferred over handshakes in many settings.

Public behavior

Avoid loud behavior in markets and religious sites; ask before photographing locals, especially elders.

Safety Guide

Safety

Perunturuttu is generally safe for travelers. Watch during the monsoon for slippery roads and rising water levels; practice common-sense safety in crowded markets and when taking photos. Keep valuables secure and use reputable transport especially late at night.

Tipping in Perunturuttu

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Rounding up or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory. Small tips for hotel porters, guides, and taxi drivers are common; in more formal establishments, check the bill first.

Payment Methods

Cash (INR) is widely accepted; many larger establishments accept cards and mobile wallets such as Paytm or Google Pay. Have small denomination notes for markets and street vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

March to May brings hot days and high humidity; stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours.

Monsoon

June to September brings heavy rainfall and lush scenery; roads can be slippery and may flood in rural areas; carry a rain jacket and sturdy waterproof footwear.

Winter and Shoulder

October to February offers milder days and cooler nights; this is ideal for outdoor activities and photography, with comfortable temperatures.

Nightlife Guide

Perunturuttu at Night

Perunturuttu offers a quiet nightlife scene with family-run tea houses, riverfront cafes, and occasional live folk music. Bars and late-night clubs are limited in the town, but cultural performances, storytelling evenings, and open-air cinema can be found in the surrounding areas or during festivals.

Hiking in Perunturuttu

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Chembra Peak (via Kalpetta)

Popular hill hike with expansive views of the Western Ghats; best in dry season.

Edakkal Caves Trail

Historic rock-cut caves with forested approaches and scenic overlooks.

Pookode Lake and Surrounding Trails

Gentle forest trails around a freshwater lake, suitable for easy hikes and family outings.

Airports

How to reach Perunturuttu by plane.

Calicut International Airport (CCJ)

Kozhikode International Airport; about a 60-80 km drive from Perunturuttu with connections to major Indian cities and some international links.

Kannur International Airport (KAN)

Kannur Airport; roughly 140-170 km away; serves domestic flights and a growing number of international routes.

Cochin International Airport (COK)

Kochi Airport; approximately 200-250 km away; a major hub with extensive domestic and international connectivity.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most attractions within a 15-20 minute stroll. Sidewalks can be uneven in older parts, so wear sturdy shoes; for longer trips, auto-rickshaws are convenient and affordable.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Malayalis

The dominant cultural group in Kerala, comprising Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities.

Local Traders and Farmers

Residents involved in spice trade, agriculture, and small businesses.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

The most popular sport, played in schools, parks, and local clubs.

Football

Widely played on beaches and in community grounds; strong local participation.

Badminton

A common indoor/outdoor activity in homes and community centers.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is moderate in town with peak periods around market hours and early evenings. Public transport includes buses and auto-rickshaws; main routes are well-maintained, while rural lanes can be winding and narrow, especially during the monsoon.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Perunturuttu.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are abundant. Look for dishes labeled sabzi or curries without meat or fish; when ordering, specify no fish or meat and ask for coconut milk as a dairy alternative if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic clinics and dispensaries are available locally. For more comprehensive care, a district hospital in the nearby town and private hospitals in larger towns are accessible within a short drive. Carry any needed medications and travel insurance.

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