Things To Do
in Vallikunnam

A multi-dish vegetarian or mixed spread on banana leaf with rice, sambar, avial, thoran and payasam — available at festive times and some family restaurants.

Must-Try!

Freshwater or seafresh fish cooked in tangy coconut-based curry; best at local seafood stalls or coastal restaurants in nearby Kayamkulam.

Steamed rice flour cylinders (puttu) with black chickpea curry — a common breakfast available at small tea shops.

Soft lacy rice pancakes served with vegetable or meat stew — widely available at breakfast cafes and homestays.

Small-town market (check local days) selling fresh produce, fish, spices and snacks — try banana chips, tapioca crisps and freshly fried pakoras.

A larger nearby market for seafood, spices and street food stalls; ideal for sampling local fish preparations and purchasing spices.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples — cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering, and women may be expected to wear saree or modest clothes at certain temples.

Greet elders respectfully, use 'Namaskaram' or a simple hello, and avoid raising your voice in public.

Use the right hand for giving and receiving food or money; the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially during prayer or ceremonies; avoid photographing inside some temples or ritual moments.

Tipping is modest and discretionary: round up bills or leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good; give 20–50 INR to porters or cleaners; taxi drivers expect small tips for help with luggage. In rural homestays a small thank-you gift or tip is appreciated.

Cash (Indian Rupees) is widely used in shops, markets and small eateries. Larger restaurants and hotels accept credit/debit cards; UPI and other mobile payments are increasingly accepted in towns. Carry small denominations for markets and local transport.

March–May are hot and humid with daytime temperatures often in the high 20s–mid 30s °C (80s–90s °F). Carry water, sun protection and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

June–September brings heavy southwest monsoon rains — landscapes are lush and dramatic but heavy rain can disrupt travel, boat schedules and outdoor plans; bring rain gear and waterproof bags for cameras.

October–November is pleasant and cooler with bright skies, good for photography and festivals (Onam falls earlier in the year depending on the lunar calendar).

December–February offers the most comfortable weather with mild days and cooler nights; ideal for walks, boat trips and day trips to nearby towns.

Approximately 2–3 hours by car from Vallikunnam; gentle hill walks, pine forests and tea estates offer easy-to-moderate trekking and scenic viewpoints.

A bit further but accessible as a day trip for forest walks, suspension-bridge views and eco-tourism trails in a managed forest setting.

Renowned for birdwatching and short nature trails; best visited with a local guide for sightings and forest path navigation.

For serious trekking and hill-station hiking, plan multi-hour drives to Munnar or Periyar; these are full-day or overnight excursions from Vallikunnam.

Major international airport near Kochi, roughly 100–140 km north of Vallikunnam depending on route; best bet for international arrivals and connecting domestic flights. From the airport hire a taxi or take a train/bus combination to Kayamkulam/Haripad and then a local taxi to Vallikunnam.

International airport in Thiruvananthapuram, approximately 120–160 km south by road; useful for southern arrivals. From TRV take rail or road connections toward Kayamkulam/Mavelikkara and onward by local transport.

A significant portion of the local population; temples and Hindu festivals shape cultural life.

A substantial Christian community with churches and Christian festivals visible in the social fabric.

Present as part of the religious mix, contributing to cultural and culinary diversity.

Many families have members working in the Gulf countries which influences migration patterns, remittances and local economy.

Vegetarian options are widely available (sadya, vegetable curries, appam, puttu). Specify 'no ghee/no fish' when ordering if you avoid animal products; many meals are strictly vegetarian in temple-associated eateries.

Possible but requires care: coconut-based dishes are common but ghee and curd are used in some items — ask cooks to skip dairy and clarify preparation.

Many South Indian staples (rice, appam, puttu, dosa made from rice/urad dal) are naturally gluten-free, but check for wheat-containing snacks and cross-contamination.

Carry a translation card for allergies (nuts, seafood) as many dishes contain coconut and seafood and cross-contact is common.