Things To Do
in Ummannūr

A festive vegetarian banana-leaf meal served with rice, sambar, avial, thoran and payasam; try it during festivals or at special homestays and community events.

Must-Try!

A tangy, coconut-based fish curry with tamarind or kokum and local spices; widely available in coastal and riverside restaurants.

Steamed rice-flour cylinders (puttu) served with spicy chickpea curry (kadala) — a classic Kerala breakfast available at tea shops and small eateries.

Crispy banana chips and deep-fried banana fritters (pazham pori) — popular snacks sold at markets and roadside stalls.

A bustling market where farmers sell fresh produce, spices and snacks — great for picking up jackfruit, coconut, curried leaves and freshly made banana chips.

Small fish stalls in nearby towns sell morning catches; you can taste grilled or curried fish prepared on the spot in many family-run shops.

Wear conservative clothing in villages and religious sites; cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples or mosques.

Always remove footwear before entering homes and many places of worship.

Seek permission before photographing individuals, particularly women and religious ceremonies.

A respectful 'Namaskaram' or a slight nod is appreciated; handshake is common but some elders may prefer not to touch.

Tipping is modest: rounding up bills is common in small shops and chai stalls; in restaurants a 5–10% tip is appreciated if service charge isn't included. Offer small tips to drivers, guides and hotel staff for good service.

Cash (Indian Rupees, INR) is king in villages — carry small notes and change. Debit/credit cards and mobile UPI payments are accepted in larger towns and many restaurants; ATMs are available in nearby towns but may be limited in remote areas.

Hot and humid with daytime temperatures often 30–36°C (86–97°F). Carry water, sunscreen and light cotton clothing; mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities.

Heavy, frequent rains brought by the southwest monsoon; spectacular green landscapes but expect road disruptions, muddy tracks and limited boat rides. Travel insurance and flexible plans are advisable.

Pleasant weather, lush scenery and a good time for festivals and outdoor exploring — cooler temperatures and clearer skies make it ideal for photography and hikes.

Mild and comfortable with cooler nights (20–25°C / 68–77°F); great for walking, cycling and outdoor sightseeing — carry a light sweater for evenings.

A short, accessible hill climb offering panoramic views of the countryside; suitable for light hiking, sunrise views and photography.

Part of the Western Ghats with pristine forests and biodiversity; reaching it is a longer trip but rewarding for more serious trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts (permit and guide often required).

Gentle riverside walks and trails along the Chaliyar offer birdwatching, photo ops and glimpses of rural riverside life.

Easy, informal walks along the edges of rice paddies that are ideal for casual hiking, photography and observing agricultural practices.

Vegetarian food is widely available; ask for 'sattvic' or plain vegetable curries if you avoid onion/garlic. Temple prasadam and vegetarian homestay meals are reliable options.

Vegan options exist (rice, vegetables, coconut-based curries) but clarify dairy avoidance—many curries use ghee or coconut milk, so ask hosts or restaurants to omit dairy.

Many traditional dishes are naturally gluten-free (rice-based items, curries); always confirm with cooks about wheat-based additives in snacks or gravies.

Peanuts and coconut are common; communicate allergies clearly and carry translation cards to explain severe allergies in Malayalam if needed.