Witness Theyyam in village temples from November to May—a ritual art form unique to North Kerala where performers become deities. It's intense, sacred, and one of the oldest living traditions of this land. This is the only region where you can experience Theyyam in all its authenticity, intensity, and cultural respect.

Built in the 17th century for coastal defence, Bekal Fort stands on a laterite cliff, surrounded by sea on three sides. Its majestic boundary walls, guard towers, and secret tunnels to the sea have stood the test of time. The song Uyire Uyire from the movie Bombay gave it national recognition.

Enjoy a tranquil houseboat ride through the Tejaswini River and into the Valiyaparamba backwaters - a route less known, but deeply rewarding. Glide past coconut groves, country boats, and riverbank homes where daily life unfolds without spectacle. A magical sunset completes the cruise, where the river meets the Arabian Sea in a quiet estuary.

Anandashram, founded in 1931 by Swami Ramdas and Mother Krishnabai, is a serene spiritual retreat dedicated to universal love and service. Situated near Kanhangad, amidst tranquil surroundings, the ashram welcomes individuals from all walks of life, offering a space for reflection and inner peace. Daily practices include chanting, meditation, and communal activities, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual growth. Visitors often find solace in its peaceful environment and the teachings of its founders.

A short drive from Aavi brings you to a small pottery village near Nileshwar where clay is hand-thrown, sun-dried, and fired in open kilns - a craft that remains simple, useful, and true to its roots.

Visit the old palaces of the Nileshwar kings, known for their wooden architecture, carved ceilings, and quiet courtyards. These spaces still carry the grace and dignity of a former royal life.

In Kunhimangalam, artisans craft traditional bronze artefacts using age-old casting techniques. Watch lamps and deities take shape in workshops where metal, fire, and memory still work side by side.

Visit shrines like Ananthapura Lake temple, Madiyan Koolom, and Madhur—each with its own unique rituals, stories, and architecture. From a resident vegetarian crocodile to awe-inspiring architecture to delightfully peculiar deities, these temples are living metaphors of timeless devotion and the legends that formed the land.

Take a 35 km journey through lush plantations, walking paths lined with pepper vines, coconut palms, and orchards. A quiet way to see how the land continues to feed the region.

Azhithala is an estuary where the Tejaswini River meets the Arabian Sea beside a long rock pier that stretches into the water. Locals come here to fish along the pier. It’s a quiet beach where the sea feels close and constant.

Paddle through the Kavvayi backwaters, weaving through spherical mangroves and shallow channels. Spot local birdlife and watch everyday life unfold along the water’s edge. The sunsets here aren’t dramatic - they’re just quietly magical.

The coast and wetlands around Aavi are home to rare species like the White-bellied Sea Eagle and Small Pratincole. Guided walks are available for those looking to explore the area’s rich birdlife and migratory patterns - ideal for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers alike.

Ranipuram is a scenic hill station in the Western Ghats near the Kerala–Karnataka border, rising just over 1,000 metres. A light hiking trail leads to the hilltop, winding through shola forests and grassland, and ends at a rock formation with sweeping views of the forested meadows around.

Madakkara Harbour is a vibrant estuarine fishing hub that plays a crucial role in the livelihood of the local community. At first light, the harbour begins to stir. Boats return after a night at sea, their decks heavy with catch. Vendors call out to buyers, auctions begin, and the air fills with the unmistakable scent of fresh seafood. From the sidelines, you glimpse a coastal life shaped entirely by the sea.

Along the Padanna–Kavvayi–Valiyaparamba backwaters, over 6,000 farmers—many in women’s groups—cultivate kallummakkaya (green mussels) on coir ropes tied to bamboo rafts. These brackish waters now produce over 7,000 tonnes annually, nearly 70% of India’s farmed mussels. The best harvests are in May and June, with fresh catch available from late April to August. Some still gather wild mussels from coastal rocks when tides permit—a traditional practice shaped by both season and tide.

In small sheds and home verandas, women sit cross-legged, rolling tobacco into tendu leaves with practiced hands. Though now in decline, beedi making still provides a livelihood in parts of rural North Kerala, especially among older women. There are no machines—just rhythm, speed, and memory. It’s repetitive, often tedious work, passed down quietly through generations. Watching it offers an unfiltered glimpse into a local craft that once sustained thousands of families.

Toddy tapping is the age-old practice of extracting sap from coconut palms. Early each morning, skilled tappers climb tall palms to collect the sweet, mildly alcoholic sap in earthen pots. Watching this traditional craft reveals both the physical skill involved and the cultural significance of toddy in Kerala’s rural life.

Local artisans in North Kerala transform coconut leaves into beautiful and functional items-baskets, hats, mats, and decorative pieces-using simple weaving techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can watch demonstrations and even try their hand at crafting, gaining appreciation for this sustainable, eco-friendly art form.

Kasaragod has a vibrant handloom tradition, particularly the iconic Kasaragod saree. This weaving heritage is shaped by the migration of skilled weaver communities from neighbouring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. These artisans settled in Kasaragod centuries ago, bringing with them unique techniques and cultural motifs that continue to define the craft today.

Poorakkali is a ritualistic dance performed by men during the nine-day Pooram festival in Bhagavathy temples (March-April). Dancers circle a tall lamp, performing synchronized movements while singing verses from Indian epics. The performance is unique because dancers themselves maintain rhythm through clapping and foot-thumping, with no separate musical instruments.

Yakshagana is a traditional folk theatre from coastal Karnataka and Kasaragod, blending dance, music, dialogue, and elaborate costumes to depict epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Performed overnight in open-air village or temple settings, it features energetic movements and live music that create a vivid, immersive experience.