You have a goal or purpose to visit a place in or outside your country. The purpose could be to become familiar with the history, culture, traditions, cuisine, or rural life of that place. If one has an idea about India’s rural life, village tourism is an ideal option.
In this blog post, learn about:
- Why Should You Visit a Kerala Village?
- The Things to Do in the Top 10 Villages of Kerala
Why Should You Visit a Kerala Village?
Visiting a Kerala village lets you escape the busy city life and experience a peaceful, authentic rural life. Villages in Kerala showcase serene backwaters, lush green landscapes, traditional living, and rich local culture. They also offer unique experiences, such as coir-making, canoe rides, and traditional local meals.
A trip to villages in Kerala in India offers a refreshing break from urban life and a glimpse into God’s Own Country. It is a golden opportunity to interact with friendly locals, witness nature untouched by industrialisation, and enjoy simple living amid paddy fields and coconut groves.
The Things to Do in the Top 10 Villages of Kerala
According to government data, there are 1,670 villages in Kerala. All these villages have their own significance and identity. Here are the top 10 villages with their brief descriptions and things to do there:
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Mararikulam
Located close to Alappuzha, Maraikulam is a small, sleepy village. In this village, life is slow, which is why you will love it. You can start your day here with a stroll through paddy fields and move ahead to Marari Beach. The village will steal your heart by offering:
- A quiet atmosphere
- No loud crowds or cafes
- Friendly chats with locals
- Home-cooked meals
- Endless greenery
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Kumarakom
Visiting Kumarakom means your dream of seeking beautiful villages in Kerala will come true. This village is well-known for its bird sanctuary and houseboats. In this village, your morning wake-up will occur by listening to birds’ sounds, enjoying meals, and seeing canals. The villages offer an opportunity to:
- Enjoy homestays with friendly local families
- Explore the backwaters around it
- Experience hassle-free local trips by state-run comfortable buses
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Hariharapuram
Hariharapuram, in the Thiruvanathapuram (Trivendram) district, is a must-visit village in Kerala. It is full of serenity and rustic charm. This Kerala village rests on the bank of the Edava Nadayara Lake. While visiting this village, you can enjoy or explore:
- A boat ride on the surrounding backwaters
- Fish farming
- Paddy cultivation
- Coir-making
- St Thomas Church
- Anchumoorthy Temple
- Lush-green coconut groves
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Kumbalangi
Located near Kochi, Kumbalangi is India’s first model tourism village. It offers a perfect blend of vibrant local life and serene backwaters. This village offers you a genuine experience of village life in Kerala. To make your village tour enjoyable, you can:
- Watch crab farming
- Try your hand at the finishing nets during the sunrise
- Closely watch villagers engaged in their traditional work, coir-making
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Kanthalloor
Kanthalloor, known as the Kashmir of Kerala, lies in the Idukki district. Due to its balmy, year-round cool weather, it is a serene village. It is an ideal escape from busy city life. Deep echoing valleys, lush green hills, and vast farm fields surround Kanthalloor. While exploring this village in Kerala, you can:
- Witness the cultivation of varied crops and fruits, such as plum, strawberry, and orange
- Enjoy fresh apples by plucking from trees
- Explore hidden trails
- Witness the actual life of forest dwellers
- Walk through different farm fields
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Aranmula
Visiting Aranmula will make you feel as if you are turning the pages of a living, breathing storybook. It happens due to its deep connection with rich tradition and overall appearance. This village is famous for its thrilling snake boat races and the handcrafted Aranmula Kannadi.
The ideal time to visit this Kerala village is around Onam or Vishnu. During these two festivals, Aranmula comes alive. Through its traditional feasts, colours, music, and joy, this village will steal your heart and make you visit it again.
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Cherai
Cherai is a village in Kerala where the sea meets the backwaters. Being very close to Kochi, it offers cinematic, peaceful backwaters on one side and golden beaches on the other. Here is what you can do if you are planning to visit this village in your Kerala tour:
- Watch the locals fishing
- Taste fresh seafood
- Walk along the shore
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Thazhava
Thazhava is Kerala’s lesser-known gem, located in the Kollam district. This village is an integral part of Kerala’s Responsible Tourism initiative. It means your visit to this village facilitates the livelihood of locals. In your visit to this Kerala village, you can:
- Learn about local crafts
- Explore how locals make mats and ropes with their hands
- Buy a handcrafted piece from local artisans
- Explore its canals
- Witness lush greenery around it
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Paravur
Paravur, situated in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, is a small village. It offers an authentic experience of rural life in India, particularly in this southern state. This coastal village is known for its fishing communities, richly historic temples, and stunning beaches. Here in this village, you can:
- Ride a traditional boat on the Paravur Lake
- Explore its lush green landscapes
- Familiarise yourself with its food, culture, and way of life
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Vypin
Located close to Kochi, this Kerala village is an island. It offers a glimpse of locals engaged in traditional activities, such as fishing. Vypin offers you the experience of its beautiful beaches, lush coconut groves, and simple rural life. Here, you can:
- Visit historic churches
- Watch people fishing
- Enjoy boat rides on the backwaters around the village
Conclusion
This post has covered the natural beauty of Kerala, from Mararikulam to Kanthalloor, Cherai, and Vypin. These villages of Kerala are scenic and offer a perfect blend of stories, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
Whether backwaters, rural life, cultures, or traditional crafts excite you, these Kerala villages will make your tour unforgettable. So, move ahead and plan your Kerala tour with Cholan Tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many villages are there in Kerala?
Kerala has around 1,670 villages spread across 941 gram panchayats and 78 talukas.
2. Which is the most beautiful village in Kerala?
Kerala is home to many beautiful villages. However, Kollengode is the Kerala village you’ll like most for its clear backwaters and lush greenery.
3. Can I visit a village in Kerala in June?
Kerala has humid, hot weather in June, which can be uncomfortable. However, its villages like Kanthalloor and Hariharapuram are cooler than cities.
4. Which Kerala village has a higher literacy rate?
Pothanikkad in the Ernakulam district has a 100% literacy rate.
5. Why should I visit a village in Kerala?
You should visit a Kerala village to experience authentic rural life. Villages in Kerala showcase lush green landscapes, serene backwaters, rich local culture, and traditional ways of life.
