Vypin Island: The largest island in Kerala known for its beaches like Cherai Beach, historical sites including Pallipuram Fort, and coastal fishing villages. It is accessible from Kochi and offers a mix of nature, history, and beach activities.
Munroe Island: Situated in Kollam at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, it is known for its serene backwaters, quiet canals, and traditional village life with activities like coir-making and paddy farming.
Pathiramanal Island: A small wooded island on Vembanad Lake near Alappuzha, famous for birdwatching with more than 90 species of local and migratory birds; accessible by boat and ideal for nature lovers.
Poovar Island: Located in Thiruvananthapuram, this island is where lake, river, sea, and beach meet, known for floating cottages, Ayurvedic resorts, and backwater cruises.
Dharmadam Island: Near Kannur, it is known for being accessible on foot during low tide, coconut groves, and a peaceful environment suitable for short hikes and photography.
Kavvayi Islands: A lesser-known group of islands in northern Kerala near Payyanur, favored for private backwater cruises and nature tourism, offering a non-commercialized, pristine environment.
Bolgatty Island and Willingdon Island: Man-made islands in Kochi with historical significance and tourist attractions like Bolgatty Palace and Kochi Naval Museum.
Kerala's Famous food
Kerala is renowned for its rich and diverse culinary heritage, which prominently features coconut, spices, and rice as staple ingredients. Famous traditional Kerala foods include:
Puttu and Kadala Curry: A popular breakfast dish consisting of cylindrical steamed rice cakes (puttu) served with black chickpea curry (kadala) that is richly spiced and coconut-infused.
Appam with Stew: Fermented rice flour pancakes paired with a mild, creamy vegetable or meat stew cooked in coconut milk.
Meen Curry: A spicy fish curry made with coconut milk and local spices, often served with rice.
Malabar Parotta and Chicken Curry: Flaky layered flatbread served alongside spicy chicken curry, a popular street food.
Kerala Prawn Curry: A signature prawn curry from the Malabar region, cooked with spices, coconut milk, and a unique sour touch from kudampuli (brindleberry).
Karimeen Pollichathu: Pearl spot fish marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled, imparting a smoky flavor.Various vegetarian dishes such as Avial (mixed vegetable curry with coconut and curd), Thoran (vegetables with grated coconut), Olan (ash gourd and black-eyed beans in coconut milk), and Sadya—a traditional feast comprising an assortment of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf.
Mangesh N.
20 Nov 2025
