Things To Do
in Manimala
Manimala is a quiet riverside town in Kottayam district of Kerala, known for its lush paddy fields, rubber plantations and the slow flow of the Manimala River that shapes local life. The town offers an authentic glimpse of Kerala village life with small markets, churches and temples clustered along narrow lanes. It’s a good base for short backwater trips, birdwatching and day visits to nearby hill stations and pilgrimage sites.
Visitors should expect relaxed rhythms, friendly locals and limited tourist infrastructure — ideal for travelers who appreciate low-key, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day visiting the charming temples of Manimala, such as the revered St. Thomas Church. Enjoy the serenity and architecture, immersing yourself in local culture and spirituality. A peaceful morning walk around the temple grounds offers a refreshing experience while soaking in the early sunlight.
After lunch, visit the nearby Pamba River, where you can take a leisurely boat ride. Enjoy the lush surroundings as you glide across the water, ensuring a photograph-worthy moment. Interact with local fishermen to learn about their lifestyle and gain insight into the region's folklore.
As dusk settles, head to a local eatery to savor traditional Kerala cuisine. Taste the flavors of the region while mingling with locals, who are known for their hospitality. Wrap up the day enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps catching a glimpse of a cultural performance.
Begin your day early with a guided trek through the scenic landscapes that surround Manimala. The fresh morning air and chirping birds will invigorate your senses as you hike through pine forests and lush hills. Don't forget to keep an eye out for local wildlife, which adds to the excitement of your adventure.
Find a scenic spot for a picnic lunch amidst nature and take the opportunity to appreciate the stunning views. After your meal, continue your trek, visiting hidden waterfalls and serene lakes, ideal for a quick dip or reflection. Capture striking photographs of the diverse flora and fauna unique to this region.
Return from your trek and enjoy a quiet evening at your accommodation or a local café. Engage with fellow travelers or locals to share stories and experiences from your day. As the sun sets, consider a stroll in the nearby fields to appreciate the vibrant colors of the sunset.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-5 |
| ☕Tea/Coffee at a tea shop | $0.30-1 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.20-0.80 |
| 🛺Auto-rickshaw short ride | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $20-45 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Lush countryside, river scenery and authentic village life.
- Close to Kerala backwaters and hill stations — good base for nature trips.
- Low tourist crowds and a relaxed, slow-paced atmosphere.
- Affordable food and local hospitality.
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few formal accommodations.
- Very quiet nightlife and few entertainment options after dark.
- Heavy monsoon rains can disrupt travel and outdoor plans.
- Signage and English-language information may be limited.
- "Namaskaram" - Hello / Greetings
- "Nanni" - Thank you
- "Evide?" - Where?
- "Itu enthu daivam?" - What is this?
- "Sahayam venam" - I need help
- "Kshamikkanam" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Shubha rathri" - Good night
Places to Visit in Manimala
Visit one of these nice places.
Captures daily life: fishermen, small boats, reflections at sunrise/sunset and lush greenery along the banks.
Expansive green fields and orderly rubber rows provide wide landscape shots and rural textures, best in early morning or after rain.
Vibrant colors of spices, vegetables and local vendors make for lively street and market photography.
Architectural details, ritual scenes and festival moments offer cultural and portrait opportunities (ask before photographing people).
Quiet waterways and coconut-lined banks are excellent for reflections and intimate nature compositions.
Food in Manimala
Manimala Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed rice flour cylinders (puttu) served with a thick black chickpea (kadala) curry — a common breakfast available at tea shops and small restaurants.
Must-Try!
Fresh river or backwater fish cooked in a spicy, tangy coconut-based gravy — try at family-run eateries or during special lunches.
Soft, lacy rice pancakes (appam) paired with mild coconut milk-based vegetable or meat stew — popular for breakfast or dinner.
Traditional multi-dish vegetarian banquet served on a banana leaf — occasional in homestays, temples or festivals, featuring many small curries, pickles and payasam.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market selling fresh vegetables, spices, fish and local snacks; great for buying fresh coconut, banana chips, turmeric and pepper. Try boiled tapioca, pazham pori (banana fritters) and fresh-cut seasonal fruits from roadside stalls.
Small riverside fish-selling points where you can see and buy fresh catch — vendors may cook simple fish preparations nearby or recommend local eateries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples, churches or family homes — cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering places of worship and many homes.
A simple 'Namaskaram' or a nod is polite. Show deference to elders and seek permission before photographing people, especially during religious rituals.
If invited for a meal, it’s polite to wash hands before and after; in traditional settings food may be eaten with the right hand. Accepting small amounts and complimenting the host is appreciated.
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon in rural areas. Keep voices moderate and be mindful of local religious sensitivities.
Safety
Tipping in Manimala
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For small services (porters, housekeeping) a small tip in local currency (INR) is typical; in restaurants, if a service charge isn’t included, 5–10% is common in larger places. For drivers and guides, rounding up or a modest tip is customary.
Cash (INR) is widely used in Manimala for markets, tea shops and small vendors. Mobile payments and UPI apps (PhonePe, Google Pay, BHIM) are very popular across Kerala and accepted by many shops. Credit/debit cards may work at larger hotels or restaurants, but carry cash for rural transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to May can be hot and humid with temperatures rising; daytime exploration can be tiring so plan early mornings and late afternoons. Stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and expect occasional thunderstorms.
June to September brings heavy rains and lush landscapes — spectacular for photography but watch for flooded roads and disrupted transport. Some outdoor activities like hill treks or long boat trips may be limited; carry waterproof gear.
October and November offer pleasant weather, clearer skies and vibrant greenery — a good time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
December to February is the coolest period with comfortable days and cooler nights — ideal for travel, village walks and hill excursions; pack a light jacket for early mornings and evenings.
Manimala at Night
Hiking in Manimala
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rolling meadows, pine forests and easy-to-moderate trails — a couple of hours’ drive from Manimala and great for short hikes, photography and cooler temperatures.
Hilly terrain with tea estates and viewpoints; trails vary from gentle walks to more challenging treks, suitable for a day trip when roads are clear.
Short, accessible walks along the Manimala River, through paddy fields and rubber plantations — ideal for birdwatching and relaxed hikes close to town.
Airports
How to reach Manimala by plane.
The nearest major international airport (Nedumbassery), roughly 1.5–3 hours’ drive depending on traffic — common entry point for visitors to central Kerala; taxis and buses connect to Kottayam district.
Located farther south, it’s an alternative for some travelers but is a longer drive (several hours). Useful if combining travel to southern Kerala destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population are Malayalam-speaking locals involved in agriculture, trade and small businesses; high literacy and strong community ties characterize daily life.
A mix of Christian (including Syrian Christian) and Hindu communities lives peacefully side-by-side, with churches and temples both central to social life and festivals.
A smaller Muslim population contributes to the cultural and culinary diversity of the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is very popular at the grassroots level in Kerala; local youth and village teams often play in open grounds.
Cricket is widely played informally in streets, schools and fields — a common social sport across India.
Traditional boat race culture in Kerala is regionally significant — while major races happen elsewhere, local boat traditions and smaller events may occur on rivers and backwaters.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Manimala.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available — Kerala offers many vegetable curries, dosa, idli, appam and sadhya items. Specify 'no ghee' or 'no onion/garlic' if needed for dietary or religious reasons; restaurants usually accommodate.
Many dishes are coconut-based and can be vegan, but confirm dairy (ghee, milk) in preparations. Ask about fish-based broths or coconut milk use in curries.
Rice-based diet makes gluten-free eating easier (rice, dosa, appam, puttu). Confirm batter and snack ingredients for hidden wheat in some fried items.
Coconut and mustard are common — always inform hosts or restaurants about allergies. Carry translations of allergies in Malayalam for clarity.