Things To Do
in Vellikulangara
Vellikulangara is a small village in Kerala’s Thrissur/Chalakudy region, set among rice paddies, coconut groves and the meandering Chalakudy River. The area is a peaceful rural base with easy access to notable waterfalls, rainforest fringes and traditional Kerala village life. Visitors will find simple local temples, friendly communities and plenty of photo opportunities of water, greenery and village routines.
Expect a slow, nature-oriented experience rather than busy tourist infrastructure.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the famous Vellikulangara Temple, where the morning rituals create a tranquil atmosphere filled with chanting and the fragrance of incense. Take a moment to appreciate the intricate architecture and the devotion of the locals as they engage in their morning prayers. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a nearby eatery, savoring local delicacies like puttu and kadala curry.
After lunch, head to the nearby Thiruvilvamala Temple, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the temple's rich history and beautiful artwork, taking time to reflect in its serene environment. As the sun climbs higher, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village, interacting with local artisans who showcase their crafts.
As the day winds down, return to Vellikulangara and participate in the evening aarti at the temple, where the atmosphere is filled with devotion and community spirit. Following the aarti, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional specialties like fish curry. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk through the village, soaking in the sights and sounds of daily life.
Start your day with a visit to the bustling Vellikulangara market, where you can experience the vibrant colors and aromas of local produce and handmade goods. Engage with friendly vendors as you sample fresh fruits and regional snacks, immersing yourself in the daily rhythms of village life. Capture the lively scenes with your camera, as the market is a feast for the senses.
After exploring the market, enjoy lunch at a local eatery, where you can taste authentic Kerala dishes made with fresh ingredients from the market. Post-lunch, visit a nearby coir factory to learn about traditional coconut fiber processing and watch artisans at work. Engage in a hands-on workshop where you can try your hand at making coir products.
As evening approaches, head to the local cultural center for a traditional dance performance, showcasing the rich heritage of Kerala. Enjoy the vibrant costumes and rhythmic music as you witness the stories of the region come to life through dance. After the performance, dine at a local restaurant famous for its biryani, sharing stories with fellow travelers about your day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| ☕️Cup of tea / coffee | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚕Short auto-rickshaw/taxi ride (within town) | $1-5 |
| 🛏️Basic guesthouse / homestay (per night) | $15-40 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5 L) | $0.25-0.75 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Lush natural scenery and proximity to famous waterfalls (Athirappilly, Vazhachal)
- Authentic village life, friendly locals and quiet atmosphere
- Excellent opportunities for nature photography, birdwatching and day hikes
- Relatively low cost and accessible from Kochi (Cochin) airport
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer English-speaking services in village areas
- Heavy rains and slippery trails during monsoon season can restrict activities
- Nightlife and entertainment options are minimal locally
- Public transport schedules and connectivity can be infrequent for remote spots
- "Namaskaram" - Hello / Greetings
- "Nanni" - Thank you
- "Evide?" - Where is...?
- "Ivide oppam ullaariyamo?" - Can you help me here?
- "Bahalanam Sunda?" - How much does it cost?
- "Kshamikkanam" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Vellikulangara
Visit one of these nice places.
Kerala’s most famous waterfall nearby—dramatic cascades, often surrounded by mist and rainforest, ideal for wide-angle and long-exposure shots.
Scenic viewpoints above the river, lush green forest backdrops and seasonal streams—good for close-up nature and landscape photos.
Riverside scenes with fishermen, bridges and tranquil waters reflect local life; sunrise and sunset are especially photogenic.
Classic Kerala landscapes with geometric rice paddies, walking paths and tall coconut palms—excellent for golden-hour portraits.
Small Hindu temples with carved wood and stone, ritual scenes and colorful festival decorations make strong cultural images—ask permission before photographing people.
Food in Vellikulangara
Vellikulangara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Festive vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf with rice, sambar, rasam and many side dishes; try it during festivals or at homestays.
Must-Try!
Spicy tangy coconut-based fish curry made with local river or coastal fish; widely available in family-run eateries and seafood restaurants in nearby towns.
Soft, lacy rice pancakes (appam) served with a mild coconut milk-based vegetable or chicken stew—popular for breakfast or dinner.
Steamed rice-flour cylinders (puttu) paired with black chickpea curry (kadala) —a classic breakfast found at local stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively local market selling fresh produce, spices, fish and snacks; try banana fritters, porotta stalls and fresh fruit hawkers here.
Small roadside shops that serve strong tea, local snacks like vada and samosas, and are great spots to observe daily life and chat with residents.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering temples and some homes; men may need to remove shirts in certain temple sanctums.
A simple 'Namaskaram' and a slight bow is appreciated; use the right hand for giving/receiving items and avoid public displays of affection.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and during religious ceremonies; be mindful of signs prohibiting photography in temples.
Safety
Tipping in Vellikulangara
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and discretionary: small tips for drivers (INR 50–200), hotel porters and guides appreciated, and 5–10% at restaurants if service charge is not included.
Cash (Indian Rupees) is widely used in villages; UPI mobile payments and popular wallets are common in towns; credit/debit cards accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but may not work at small shops or stalls—carry cash for rural areas.
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–30s°C (80s–90s°F); afternoons can be sultry—plan outdoor activities early in the morning or late afternoon.
June to September bring heavy rains and lush greenery; waterfalls are spectacular but trails may be slippery and some services limited—expect travel delays and plan for waterproof gear.
October to February is the most pleasant period with cooler mornings and clear skies—ideal for sightseeing, trekking and photography; nights can be comfortably cool.
Vellikulangara at Night
Hiking in Vellikulangara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short guided and unguided walks around the falls and viewpoints; trails can be slippery during monsoon but offer excellent waterfall views and rainforest ambience.
Forest-edge trails along the Chalakudy River—good for birdwatching and exploring streamside habitats; local guides recommended for deeper sections.
Hilly and forested areas a bit further afield offering more challenging hikes and wildlife-spotting opportunities—best done with a guide and proper permissions where required.
Airports
How to reach Vellikulangara by plane.
Primary gateway for the region, about 50–75 km away depending on route; well connected domestically and internationally. From the airport take a taxi or taxi+train via Angamaly/Aluva to Chalakudy/Vellikulangara.
Located further north (Kozhikode), roughly 100–140 km away; an option for some domestic routes but longer overland transfer times to Vellikulangara.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the local population practices Hinduism, with many villages centered around family temples and traditional rituals.
Kerala’s Christian community is well represented and active in local schools, churches and cultural life.
Muslim families live and work in the area, contributing to cultural and culinary diversity.
Many residents are engaged in agriculture (rice, coconut, banana) and river-related fishing livelihoods—these occupations shape daily rhythms and local culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is very popular across Kerala with active local clubs and community matches, especially among youth.
Cricket is widely played and watched; local grounds and informal street games are common.
Seasonal and regional long-boat races are culturally significant events in Kerala, celebrated during festival seasons in riverine communities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Vellikulangara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian cooking is widely available—ask for a 'vegetarian thali' or 'sadhya' at homestays and restaurants; always confirm no ghee or fish-based gravies if strictly vegetarian.
Vegan options exist (rice, vegetable curries, coconut-based dishes) but confirm dairy in dishes like yogurt-based sides or sweets; plain steamed rice and vegetable stews are usually safe.
Many Kerala staples (rice, dosa, appam, puttu) are rice-based and naturally gluten-free; avoid wheat-based parotta and check for cross-contamination in street stalls.
Coconut and mustard are common ingredients—carry translation cards for allergies and communicate clearly at small eateries that may not understand complex restrictions.