Things To Do
in Puduva
Puduva is a small town in Kerala, framed by coconut groves, spice farms, and tranquil backwaters. It blends traditional crafts with the rhythms of river life and a welcoming, food-loving culture. Visitors can wander lively markets, enjoy fresh seafood, and experience warm Kerala hospitality in a compact, walkable setting.
The surrounding hills and canals make it a perfect base for day trips to tea estates, temples, and scenic viewpoints.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Puduva International Airport and settle into your cosy hotel. Step outside to a charming local cafe and savour a steaming filter coffee paired with freshly baked snacks. Take a leisurely stroll through the leafy streets to get your first glimpse of the city's colonial architecture.
Join a guided walking tour through the historic Old Quarter to uncover hidden courtyards and vibrant street art. Pop into an artisan workshop to see traditional palm leaf etching and meet local craftsmen. Pause at a heritage mansion turned museum to admire intricate wood carvings and antique photographs.
Head to the waterfront promenade as the sun dips below the horizon and watch fishermen cast their nets. Sample an array of local street food stalls offering crispy vadas, tangy chutneys, and coconut water. Finish the night at a rooftop bar with live music and panoramic views of the twinkling city lights.
Visit the towering Shri Padmanabha Temple at dawn, marveling at its ornate gopurams and sacred rituals. Join a local priest for insights into centuries-old customs and capture the play of golden light on its granite walls. Experience a moment of serenity as the morning bells echo across the courtyard.
Explore the centuries-old Puduva Fort and wander through its hidden passageways and ancient ramparts. Inspect the colonial-era cannons and imagine the bustling harbor life that once surrounded these walls. Spend time in the on-site museum, admiring royal artifacts and vintage maps.
Attend a traditional dance performance in the temple courtyard, where dancers in vibrant costumes tell mythic stories through intricate movements. Feel the rhythm of live mridangam drums reverberate as oil lamps cast flickering shadows on the stone carvings. End the night with prasad - a blessed sweet offering - shared among kindred spirits.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🚎One-way local transport | $0.5-1 |
| 🏨1-night in budget hotel | $15-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-2 |
| 🛍️Groceries for a day | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cosmopolitan yet traditional Kerala vibe
- Excellent backwater and hill scenery
- Tourist crowds can peak in peak season
- Smaller town amenities compared to big cities
- "Namaskaaram" - Hello
- "Dayavittu" - Please
- "Nanni" - Thank you
- "English samsaarikoo?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ithu entha vil?" - How much is this?
- "Restroom evide?" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Puduva
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour shots of boats, palm silhouettes, and the river reflecting the sky.
High viewpoint over quiet backwaters with emerald-green patches and villages below.
A street where artisans shape cedar and jackfruit wood; capture carving in progress and textured surfaces.
Panoramic hilltop vistas of tea gardens, valleys, and distant horizons.
Food in Puduva
Puduva Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed cylindrical rice flour cakes served with a spicy black chickpea curry.
Must-Try!
Fermented rice pancake served with a creamy vegetable or chicken stew.
Coconut milk–based curry with fish, ginger, and curry leaves.
Pearlspot fish pan-fried with aromatic spices and curry leaves.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively hub for spices, fresh fish, coconuts, and produce; sample banana chips and crispy snacks from stalls.
Narrow lanes offering chai, bhaji, dosa, and fried treats after the sun goes down.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Namaste; remove shoes before entering homes and many temples; dress modestly at religious sites.
Speak softly in residential areas; avoid loud public displays of affection in rural settings.
Eat with the right hand when utensils are not provided; many meals start on a banana leaf with coconut accompaniments.
Safety
Tipping in Puduva
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and taxis, a 5-10% tip for good service is common; many places include service charges on the bill.
Cash is widely accepted; cards and digital wallets (UPI, PayTM, Google Pay) are common in towns and hotels.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
February to May brings heat and humidity; stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and schedule outdoor activities for early mornings.
June to September brings heavy rains and slippery trails; pack rain gear, waterproof bags, and plan indoor sights on wet days.
October to January offers milder temperatures and lower humidity; ideal for outdoor exploration and photography.
Puduva at Night
Hiking in Puduva
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic hike with tea gardens and sweeping valley views.
Moderate forested trail with viewpoints and waterfall glimpses.
Airports
How to reach Puduva by plane.
Main regional airport; 3-4 hours by road with domestic flights and limited international services.
Coastal airport serving the region; about 3-4 hours by road.
Larger hub further south; about 5-6 hours by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic group speaking Malayalam with Christian, Hindu, and Muslim communities.
Communities linked to backwater and coastal livelihoods.
People from other Indian states supporting local industries and tourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular local pastime and match-watching activity in parks and streets.
Played in schools and community grounds; casual matches are common.
Traditional martial art occasionally demonstrated and taught in cultural centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puduva.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Kerala cuisine is veggie-forward; look for vegetable curries, lentil dishes, and coconut-based gravies; ask for no fish or seafood if needed.