Amala
,Amala is a small village located in the state of Kerala, India. It is known for its serene environment and traditional Kerala lifestyle, characterized by lush greenery and tranquil surroundings. The village is also notable for its proximity to various local attractions, including temples and cultural sites that reflect the rich heritage of the region.
The community is primarily engaged in agriculture and other local trades, contributing to the vibrant rural economy of Kerala.
- "kiddan" - How are you?
- "shukriya" - Thank you
- "tuhada naa ki hai" - What is your name?
- "ki haal chaal" - How are things?
- "chalo" - Let's go
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $10 - $30
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $20
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Amala's Temples
morning
:Start your day by visiting the ancient Sri Amala Temple, known for its intricate carvings. Spend some time meditating in the serene surroundings.
afternoon
:Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local eatery that serves authentic South Indian cuisine. Post-lunch, explore the nearby shops for handcrafted souvenirs.
evening
:As the sun sets, take a peaceful walk along the riverbank. Join a community gathering for traditional music and dance performances.
Nature Walk and Wildlife
morning
:Set out early for a nature walk in the nearby Amala National Park. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the fresh air.
afternoon
:Have a picnic lunch amidst nature, surrounded by lush greenery. Visit the park’s interpretation center to learn about the region’s flora and fauna.
evening
:Head back to town and relax at a local café. Enjoy dinner while watching the sunset from a scenic viewpoint.
Highlights
Good
- Rich cultural heritage with traditional rituals and festivals.
- Diverse culinary experiences, including locally sourced ingredients and unique flavors.
- Strong sense of community and hospitality among residents.
- Beautiful landscapes and natural beauty surrounding the area.
- Opportunities for local artisans and craftsmen to showcase their work.
Bad
- Limited access to modern amenities and infrastructure.
- Economic opportunities may be scarce compared to urban areas.
- Transportation can be challenging due to rural geography.
- Healthcare facilities may not be readily available or up to modern standards.
- Education resources might be limited in some parts of the area.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Trekking in the Western Ghats
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Western Ghats by embarking on a trekking adventure. Explore the lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes.
Bird Watching at Amala Wildlife Sanctuary
Visit Amala Wildlife Sanctuary for bird watching. It's home to various species of birds, making it a paradise for ornithologists and nature lovers.
Camping near the River
Set up camp next to one of the scenic rivers in Amala. Enjoy a night under the stars with activities like fishing, barbeque, and storytelling.
Cycling Tours
Take part in cycling tours through the countryside. Enjoy the fresh air and scenic routes while discovering local culture and villages.
Photography Walks
Join photography walks to capture the stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and cultural heritage of Amala. Perfect for both amateur and professional photographers.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Amala with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Amala Hills
Offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, Amala Hills is a perfect spot for capturing breathtaking sunrise and sunset photographs.
The Amala Lake
Known for its serene waters and picturesque backdrop, the Amala Lake provides a tranquil setting for stunning landscape photography.
Vantage Point
This elevated viewpoint provides an exceptional vantage for capturing the lush greenery and scenic beauty of Amala, especially during the monsoon season.
Amala Fort
The historical Amala Fort offers both a glimpse into history and beautiful vistas of the surrounding region, making it great for history buffs and photographers alike.
Botanical Gardens
These well-maintained gardens boast diverse flora and provide colorful backdrops for nature photography, with well-placed walking paths and benches.
Local Markets
The vibrant local markets offer a glimpse into the culture and life of Amala, perfect for street photography enthusiasts looking to capture local life.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Amala Biryani
A fragrant rice dish made with marinated meat, layered with spices and cooked to perfection. Popularly served at local restaurants and during festivals.
Must-Try!
Pav Bhaji
A spicy vegetable mash served with buttered bread rolls, this street food staple can be found at roadside stalls across Amala.
Daal Makhani
A creamy lentil dish slow-cooked with butter and spices, often enjoyed with naan or rice, available at many local eateries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Amala better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Amala Food Bazaar
A bustling market where vendors sell a variety of street foods, fresh produce, and local snacks. Don't miss trying the chaat and samosas here.
Street Food Stalls on MG Road
Lined with diverse food stalls, MG Road offers everything from dosa to idli to panipuri. A must-visit for authentic street flavors.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect for Elders
In Amala, as in much of India, it is important to show respect to elders. This can be done through gestures such as greeting them first, using terms of respect like 'Aunty' or 'Uncle,' and addressing them politely.
Dressing Modestly
Dress modestly in public places, particularly in rural areas or during visits to religious sites. For women, wearing a saree or salwar kameez is common, while men often wear kurta-pajamas. Avoid wearing revealing clothing.
Understanding Hospitality
Be prepared for hospitable behavior, as it is common for locals to offer food and drink to guests. Accepting this gesture graciously is important, but one should also be mindful about dietary restrictions and local customs regarding food.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Amala with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Amala, India, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is customary to leave a small tip for service providers in restaurants, cafes, and hotels, usually around 5-10% of the total bill. However, tipping practices can vary based on the location and the quality of service. In more upscale establishments, a service charge may already be included in the bill.
Payment
Payment methods in Amala have evolved, with cash still being widely used, especially in local markets and small businesses. However, digital payment options such as UPI (Unified Payments Interface), credit/debit cards, and mobile wallets are increasingly popular, particularly among younger generations and in urban settings. It's common for establishments to have a POS (Point of Sale) system for card payments, and many vendors now accept digital transactions for convenience.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Amala.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Winter (November to February)
This is considered the best time to visit Amala. The weather is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. It is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring local attractions without the oppressive heat.
Spring (March to April)
Spring offers a comfortable climate with gradually warming temperatures, generally ranging between 15°C to 30°C. This season is suitable for sightseeing and enjoying local festivities as nature blooms.
Summer (May to June)
Summer can be quite hot, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C. It is advisable to visit early in the morning or late in the evening for outdoor activities, and stay hydrated. Some tourists prefer indoor attractions or the cooler hill stations nearby.
Monsoon (July to October)
The monsoon season brings heavy rains with temperatures around 25°C to 30°C. While it can be a beautiful time to see lush landscapes and waterfalls, travel may be hampered by flooding, so it's important to check weather conditions before visiting.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Triund
A popular trekking destination located in the Dhauladhar range, known for its scenic views and moderate difficulty level.
Mcleodganj
Famous for its Tibetan culture and beautiful trails, Mcleodganj offers various hiking routes with stunning landscapes.
Bhagsu Waterfall
A short trek from Mcleodganj leads to the picturesque Bhagsu Waterfall, ideal for a refreshing day hike.
Kangra Valley
Various trails in Kangra Valley provide a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences, suitable for all levels of hikers.
Dharamkot
A serene village that serves as a starting point for several hikes, including the trek to Triund.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Amala through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Amala by plane.
Kochi International Airport (COK)
Located in Kochi, approximately 80 km from Amala, it is the first airport in the world to be fully powered by solar energy.
Calicut International Airport (CCJ)
Situated in Karipur, roughly 60 km from Amala, it serves both domestic and international flights, particularly to the Middle East.
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
Located in Thiruvananthapuram, about 150 km from Amala, it is one of the important airports in Kerala, serving various international destinations.
Bangalore International Airport (BLR)
Situated in Devanahalli, approximately 300 km from Amala, it is one of the busiest airports in India, with extensive international connectivity.
Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Located about 600 km away in Chennai, this airport serves a large number of international flights and is one of the major hubs in South India.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Hindu
The majority demographic group in Amala, constituting a significant percentage of the population.
Muslim
A substantial minority group with a long history in the region.
Christian
A smaller yet notable group, contributing to the cultural diversity of Amala.
Other Religions
Includes various indigenous and minority faiths present in the region.
The Soul of Amala
Discover the essence of Amala through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket
Cricket is the most popular sport in Amala, India, enjoyed by people of all ages. Many local tournaments and matches are held regularly.
Field Hockey
Field hockey has a strong following in Amala, with many people playing in schools and clubs. It is often viewed as a national passion.
Football (Soccer)
Football has been gaining popularity in Amala, especially among the youth, with several community leagues and school competitions.
Kabaddi
Kabaddi is a traditional sport in India that enjoys local enthusiasm. It is often played in villages and during festivals.
Badminton
Badminton is a popular recreational sport in Amala, with many residents participating in informal matches and local tournaments.
Athletics
Athletics, including running and track events, is promoted in schools and is a common part of local sports events.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian
A wide variety of vegetarian dishes are available in Amala due to the region's cultural preferences. Most restaurants cater extensively to vegetarian diets.
Vegan
Vegan options can be found at several cafes and restaurants that focus on fresh produce and plant-based ingredients, although checking with the chef is advisable.
Gluten-Free
While gluten-free options may not be widespread, many rice-based dishes are inherently gluten-free. Restaurants that emphasize health often have gluten-free choices.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Amala with these cultural adventures.