Things To Do
in Punnila

A hearty, tangy lentil and vegetable stew served over rice — widely available in local eateries and ideal for a filling lunch.

Must-Try!

Vegetable stews and dry vegetable stir-fries seasoned with coconut and mustard seeds; common home-cooked sides found at small restaurants and banana-leaf meals.

Locally spiced pan-fried fish available at village coastal-influenced stalls or family restaurants (if fish is locally accessible).

A sweet rice or lentil pudding flavored with cardamom and jaggery used as a dessert for festival occasions and served in many eateries.

Small daily market where vendors sell fresh vegetables, coconuts and ready-to-eat snacks like vadai, bajji and sweet murukku — good for tasting authentic street flavors.

A common roadside stall serving local chaats and fried snacks; ideal for sampling savory bites with a cup of filter coffee in the evening.

Conservative clothing is respectful—cover shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples, homes or religious sites.

Remove shoes before entering temple compounds, follow any gender-specific rules and avoid touching sacred items unless invited.

A friendly 'Vanakkam' (Tamil greeting) or a nod works well. Address elders respectfully and ask before photographing people, especially women and children.

If invited to a home, small gifts like sweets or packaged goods are appreciated; avoid overly expensive presents which may cause discomfort.

Tipping is modest; small tips (Rupee-equivalent of $0.50–$2) for porters, drivers or helpful guides are appreciated but not mandatory. In small local eateries or with tuk-tuk drivers, rounding up the bill is common.

Cash (Indian Rupees) is widely used in villages; small shops and vendors may not accept cards. Mobile UPI payments and digital wallets are increasingly accepted in town centers, but carry cash for remote areas.

Hot and dry with daytime temperatures often rising; early mornings and late afternoons are best for outdoor activities. Carry water, sun protection, and plan strenuous activities for cooler parts of the day.

Expect regular rainfall and greener landscapes — great for lush photography but some trails may be muddy or slippery. Road travel can be slower; waterproof gear for you and your camera is recommended.

Mild, pleasant days and cooler nights make winter the most comfortable time for walking, sightseeing and outdoor photography. Pack a light jacket for evenings.

Local festivals bring colors, music and processions; excellent for cultural experiences but accommodation and transport can be busier, so plan ahead.

A major international airport within a few hours' drive offering domestic and international connections; commonly used by travelers heading to southern Tamil Nadu regions.

A domestic airport serving regional flights and reachable by road from many parts of southern Tamil Nadu; useful as an alternative depending on schedules and onward connections.

Majority of residents are involved in farming, small-scale agriculture and related trades, forming the backbone of local life.

Small traders, shopkeepers and traditional artisans who supply goods and services to the village and nearby areas.

Younger residents often move seasonally or permanently to nearby towns and cities for education and work, creating dynamic social links with urban centers.

A mix of Hindu, Christian and Muslim households reflecting regional religious diversity and shared cultural practices.

Vegetarian food is easy to find; many eateries serve pure vegetarian thalis and a wide selection of vegetable dishes. Ask for ‘no ghee’ or ‘no onion/garlic’ where relevant for stricter dietary preferences.

Vegan options are available through plain rice, sambhar, vegetable curries and lentils; clarify use of ghee or yogurt in preparations and request oil-based cooking when possible.

Rice-based meals are naturally gluten-free, but verify that snacks such as vada or packaged items don’t contain wheat if you have celiac disease or severe intolerance.

Common ingredients include coconut, peanuts and mustard seeds; communicate allergies clearly and consider carrying translated notes if language is a barrier.