Things To Do
in Pulimel

Steamed cylinders of rice flour (puttu) served with spiced black chickpea curry — a classic Kerala breakfast commonly found in local tea shops and family kitchens.

Must-Try!

A tangy, coconut-based fish curry flavored with tamarind and spices — best tried at homestays or small coastal-style restaurants in the region.

Lacy, fermented rice pancakes (appam) served with a mild, coconut milk-based vegetable or meat stew — common in morning and dinner menus.

A plate with rice, sambhar, rasam, several vegetable sides and chutneys — ideal for sampling multiple local flavors at once.

A bustling market day features fresh spices (pepper, cardamom), coconut, fish and seasonal vegetables. Try banana chips, roasted corn and steamed tapioca from street vendors.

Small tea stalls serve strong chai, local snacks like vada and bonda, and are great for people-watching and quick, inexpensive bites.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites — cover shoulders and knees; women may prefer saris or long skirts and men long trousers.

Remove footwear before entering homes and places of worship; follow locals’ lead and look for a shoe rack or sign.

A simple 'Namaskaram' (hello) and a smile go a long way. Use your right hand for giving/receiving items and eating.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially during religious rituals or private moments. Avoid photographing inside some temples or homes if signs prohibit it.

Tipping is modest: round up small bills for casual services, give drivers 50–200 INR for short trips and 200–500 INR for full-day drivers, and 50–200 INR to local guides depending on the tour length. In homestays, a small thank-you tip to the host is appreciated but not obligatory.

Cash (Indian Rupees) is king in villages for markets, tea shops and small vendors. Larger establishments accept cards and UPI/QR payments, and mobile network coverage is usually sufficient in towns — carry cash for rural transactions.

Short, gentle routes through rubber, cardamom and pepper plots — great for an hour or two of easy hiking and photography.

Local streams and small waterfalls accessible by short treks; best explored in the dry season to avoid slippery rocks.

If you travel slightly farther into the Western Ghats foothills, longer hikes with richer biodiversity and panoramic views are available — consider hiring a local guide for safety and navigation.

Early-morning walks in wetlands and paddy margins attract a variety of waterbirds and passerines — bring binoculars and a field guide.

Many residents belong to Hindu communities engaged in agriculture, plantation work and local trades; temples and rituals shape cultural life.

Christian communities are present with churches that play social and cultural roles; festivals and church events are part of village life.

Muslim families contribute to the cultural and commercial fabric with local mosques and cuisine influences.

A significant portion of the population works in rubber, spice, coconut and rice cultivation and associated industries.

The most popular sport across India; informal matches are common in village grounds and school fields.

Football (soccer) has a strong following in parts of Kerala with local clubs and enthusiastic participation among youth.

Common recreational sports played in open spaces and community grounds.

Traditional snake-boat racing is a cultural highlight in Kerala during festival season (Onam) in nearby water-rich areas.

Vegetarian options are widely available (thalis, dosas, idlis, vegetable curries). Ask for no ghee or clarify preparation if strictly vegetarian as kitchens may use fish-based gravies in mixed dishes.

Many dishes are plant-based (rice, vegetable curries, tapioca), but coconut milk and oil are common. Confirm absence of dairy in gravies and sweets; request oil-based cooking where possible.

Rice-based foods (puttu, appam, idli) are naturally gluten-free. Avoid wheat-based snacks like some parathas and bakery items; always ask about cross-contamination in mixed kitchens.

Coconut, peanuts and fish are common. Make allergy needs clear in advance, and carry translations of key allergens in Malayalam for homestays and markets.