Things To Do
in Tellicherry
Tellicherry (Thalassery) is a historic coastal town on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, known for its colonial-era fort, spice trade legacy and distinctive Thalassery biryani. The town blends lively markets, fishing harbors and calm stretches of beach, with nearby drive-in beaches and backwaters within easy reach. Thalassery has a strong cultural identity — from traditional arts and festivals to a long history of trade and mixed communities.
It makes a compact base for food-focused exploration, gentle beach time and short nature excursions into northern Kerala.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic Tellicherry Fort, which offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. As you wander through the fort's ancient walls, learn about its colonial past and the role it played in the spice trade. Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at a local eatery, savoring dishes like puttu and kadala curry.
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the bustling Tellicherry market, where the vibrant colors and aromas of spices fill the air. Engage with friendly vendors and sample local snacks like banana chips and murukku. Visit the nearby St. Thomas Church, an intriguing blend of Indian and European architecture, and reflect on its historical significance.
As the sun sets, head to a beach nearby for a peaceful evening walk along the shore. Listen to the gentle waves while enjoying fresh seafood from a beachside shack. Conclude your day with a cultural experience by attending a local music or dance performance.
Begin your day at the pristine Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, where you can enjoy a unique experience of driving along the coast. Spend some time sunbathing or swimming in the warm waters, feeling the soft sand beneath your feet. For breakfast, relish traditional Kerala dishes like appam and stew at a nearby café.
Engage in thrilling water sports like parasailing or jet skiing, taking in stunning views of the coastline from above. You can also opt for a relaxing banana boat ride with friends or family, enjoying the laughter and splashes. After your water adventure, recharge with a leisurely seaside lunch featuring freshly caught fish.
Wind down by watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea, capturing the moment with beautiful photographs. Enjoy a beach bonfire while sharing stories and enjoying snacks with fellow travelers. Later, head to a local restaurant for a delicious dinner featuring Kerala’s iconic dishes, such as karimeen pollichathu.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍚Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| 🍽️Mid-range restaurant meal for two | $15-25 |
| 🛏️Budget double room (guesthouse) | $15-35 |
| 🚕Auto rickshaw / short taxi ride | $0.5-3 |
| ☕Coffee / tea and a snack at a cafe | $0.5-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich culinary tradition, especially Thalassery biryani and coastal seafood
- Historic sites and compact, walkable town center
- Close to unique attractions like Muzhappilangad drive-in beach and backwaters
- Laid-back coastal atmosphere with strong local culture
- Limited high-end accommodation and nightlife options
- Heavy monsoon rains can disrupt travel and outdoor plans
- Public transport outside main routes can be sparse; last-mile travel may require autos
- Some signage and information for tourists can be limited compared with bigger cities
- "Namaskaram" - Hello / Greetings
- "Sukhamano?" - How are you?
- "Nanni" - Thank you
- "Evide aanu ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Ithu entha vila?" - How much does this cost?
- "Sahāyikkumo?" - Can you help?
Places to Visit in Tellicherry
Visit one of these nice places.
Colonial stone fort with sea-facing ramparts and textured walls — great for architectural and coastal shots at golden hour.
Late-afternoon light makes the pier and headland excellent for sunset and candid seaside photography, with fishing boats and local life as subjects.
Wide flat sandscape where you can drive along the shoreline — iconic long-perspective shots and early-morning seascapes.
Interlaced canals, coconut palms and small island villages create serene sunrise and daily-life photography opportunities.
Colorful spice stalls, fish sellers and bakery counters provide vibrant street photography of local commerce and food culture.
Food in Tellicherry
Tellicherry Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant biryani made with jeerakasala (Kaima) rice, subtle spices and either chicken, mutton or fish; famous across Kerala — try it at well-known local biryani stalls near the market and railway station.
Must-Try!
Coconut-based tangy curry with local fish (kingfish or mackerel), tamarind or kokum for sourness and fresh curry leaves — widely available at seafood restaurants and home-style eateries.
Local bakeries produce unique sweets, buns and halwa influenced by Arabic and European baking traditions — perfect with tea and plentiful around town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant early-morning market where you can see and buy the day’s fresh catch; small stalls nearby fry up fish and prawns to eat on the spot.
A busy market selling spices, bananas, coconut and snacks; sample banana chips, pazham pori (banana fritters) and small bakery treats while browsing.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly in public, especially when visiting temples and conservative neighborhoods — cover shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
Remove shoes before entering temples, avoid taking photos where prohibited, and follow local rules during religious ceremonies; be respectful during processions and festivals.
A simple 'Namaskaram' or 'Namaste' with a slight bow is appreciated; always address elders politely and ask before photographing people.
Haggling is normal in local markets for non-fixed-price goods — be friendly and reasonable when negotiating.
Safety
Tipping in Tellicherry
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: 5–10% in sit-down restaurants if service is separate, small change or ₹10–50 for porters, and rounding up for taxi/auto fares. Housekeeping in budget hotels may expect small tips for good service.
Cash is widely used in markets and small eateries; cards are accepted at mid-to-large restaurants and hotels. UPI and mobile wallets are common for local payments — ensure you have some cash for rural purchases and small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to May are hot and humid with temperatures often in the high 20s–mid 30s °C (80s–90s °F). Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
June to September bring heavy southwest monsoon rains; travel may be disrupted, roads can be slippery and many outdoor attractions are best avoided — but the landscape is lush and waterfalls and backwaters are dramatic.
October to February is cooler and drier, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler nights — the best window for sightseeing, beach outings and outdoor treks.
Tellicherry at Night
Hiking in Tellicherry
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A nearby hill station and popular trekking spot offering rolling grasslands, viewpoints and seasonal wildflowers — suitable for half-day to full-day hikes.
Forest reserve with guided trails, wildlife sightings and nature walks; best visited with local guidance and during drier months.
Long sandy stretches and headlands provide easy, scenic walks rather than steep hikes — ideal for sunrise/sunset photography and relaxed exploration.
Light walking routes through island villages and mangrove-lined canals in the backwaters; great for birdwatching and quiet nature time.
Airports
How to reach Tellicherry by plane.
The closest major airport, about 35–50 km by road depending on route; offers domestic and international connections and is typically a 1–1.5 hour drive to Thalassery by taxi or shuttle.
Approximately 100–120 km south of Thalassery (2.5–3.5 hours by road), with good domestic and some international flights — an alternative if schedules are better or for certain airlines.
Located north of Thalassery (around 150–200 km), useful for some regional arrivals and alternate flight options; longer drive but viable for cross-border itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population, participating in local temple festivals and traditional arts.
Historically influential in trade and cuisine; many Muslim families run eateries and businesses, and mosques are integral to community life.
Active denomination presence with churches and community activities contributing to the town’s social fabric.
Coastal livelihoods — fishermen, boatmen and merchant families have shaped Thalassery’s economy and culinary character.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is extremely popular — local grounds and clubs frequently host matches and the sport is a major community pastime.
Football (soccer) has strong local interest with neighborhood matches and youth participation.
Kerala’s traditional martial art is practiced and taught in parts of the region, and demonstrations can sometimes be seen as part of cultural programs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tellicherry.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available — Kerala-style veg curries, appam, puttu, dosa and thali meals. Ask for 'shuddh' (pure) veg if you need no onion/garlic, and look for restaurants that advertise vegetarian or South Indian meals.
Many coconut-based curries and vegetable dishes are naturally vegan; clarify use of ghee or dairy in certain dishes and request oil-only preparation when possible.
Halal meat is widely available at Muslim-owned eateries; ask staff if you need specific assurances about meat sourcing.
Rice-based staples (rice, dosa, appam, puttu) are gluten-free; be cautious with breads and fried items that may use wheat — always ask the vendor about ingredients and cross-contamination.