Mararikulam– Kerala Travel Guide
Mararikulam, an enchanting beach village where time stands still and allows you to unravel the miraculous beauty of nature in every forms! Be it the vast open sea or its never-ending waves, the shimmering charm of the golden sands or the picturesque settings that complements each other, everything in Mararikulam imbibes life into the visitors’ souls!
Located only 12km from Alleppey and around 60km from Kochi, this beach village is still deep rooted to the fishing culture of Kerala. On a usual visit here, visitors would find the local men busy with their fishing nets and preparing for their next fishing excursions. Women, on the other hand, can be found busy with their household. Locals in Mararikulam are extremely friendly and greets everyone as one them.
A much sought after destination for the beach lovers, Mararikulam is the home to the prismatic Mararikulam Beach. Visited by thousands and millions of beachgoers, this beach is known for its magical charm, serene ambience and varied leisure options. Stippled with swaying evergreen coconut groves, this village also offers exciting backwater cruise options. Visitors to Mararikulam can hire houseboats and embark on these exhilarating cruises to have a tryst with the alluring backwaters of Kerala!
How to Reach Mararikulam
1By Road:
In addition to Kochi and Alleppey, Mararikulam is also well-connected with the other corners of Kerala. Visitors from almost all across the state can reach Mararikulam by road. Visitors travelling from nearby states: Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, can also reach this wonderful beach village easily via regular buses or private transport options.
2By Train:
Ernakulam Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Mararikulam by train. This station offers a well-connected corridor to trains from major corners in India. However, upon arrival at the station, visitors can either board the state-run or private buses, or hire local cabs or taxi services to reach Mararikulam by road.
3By Air:
Cochin International Airport, which is almost 30km away from the beach village, is the closest option to reach Mararikulam by air. From the airport, it would take around one extra hour to reach Mararikulam by road via buses or local cabs.
Best Time to Visit Mararikulam:
Winter (November – February) – Best Time: If you want to enjoy the swaying beauty and charm of Mararikulam, you must visit this quaint hamlet during the winters. Temperature remains much below the average range; you can expect brighter and sunny days and pleasant climatic conditions with much visibility in the ambience. Owing to the low temperature range, you can explore the vicinity without any difficulties and make it for a memorable tour.
Monsoon (June – October) – Good Time: Mararikulam welcomes the monsoon showers with the advent of June. Continuing till the end of October, this is the time when the entire village starts shedding off its existing look and starts wearing a new and vibrant look. With visibility getting extended and temperature being naturally controlled, this season serves as a wonderful time to hit the Marari Beach and get rejuvenated with soothing Ayurveda massages and therapies.
Summer (March – May) – Not So Good Time: You can visit Mararikulam only if you are used to higher range of temperature. During these three months, temperature can reach up to 36 degrees; with 28 degrees as the lower average. However, if you beach type of person, you would find summer as an ideal time to visit Mararikulam and spend some pleasant moments at the beachside.
Places to Visit Mararikulam:
Marari Beach: A perfect beach escapade in Mararikulam, this pristine beach is known for its serene outlook and soul-soothing ambience. While the golden sands across this beach incite liveliness, its untouched beauty works as a wonder for the tired souls!
Alappuzha Beach: Nestled amidst plenitude of alluring water bodies; Arabian Sea on one side and several lakes, alluring rivers and blue lagoons on the other, Alappuzha Beach boasts of its pristine beauty and bucolic charm. Located in Alleppey, the ‘Backwater Capital of Kerala’, this beach also offers an ample of exciting tourist activities.
Cherthala: Located only 12km from Mararikulam, this pictorial town is more of a relaxed tourist destination in Kerala. A revered religious centre in the entire state, Cherthala is a home to several pious Hindu temples and a number of churches.
Thumpolly Beach: One of the closest beaches to Mararikulam, Thumpolly Beach is among the most spectacular virgin beaches in Kerala. A natural treasure trove, this beach attracts a large number of local and migratory birds throughout the year.
Aroor: If you are a seafood lover, Aroor is the place that can make your taste buds greedier! A sleepy suburb adjacent to Kochi city, this town is a major exporter of seafood in the entire country.
Dutch Palace: This historic palace was built by the Portuguese in 1555. Located in Mattancherry, Dutch Palace is considered as a masterpiece; its intricate detailing, flamboyant decors, wood works, and artefacts make it a must visit tourist attraction in Mararikulam.
Chinese Fishing Nets: A major tourist attraction centre in Kochi, these traditional fishing nets are as old as the history of the city. Visit these Chinese nets to revisit history and come face-to-face with Kochi’s colourful cultures.
Mararikulam Shiva Temple: With Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi as the main deities, this pious establishment is an important worshipping centre among the Hindus. Famed for its marvellous architecture, this temple truly deserves a visit while you are in Mararikulam.
Kokkamangalam Apostle St. Thomas Pilgrim Centre: The Kokkamangalam Apostle St. Thomas Pilgrim Centre is a devout pilgrimage for the Christianity followers. A remarkable site in Mararikulam, this shrine is believed to be built by the Christian community itself.
Arthunkal: Only 8km away from Cherthala, Arthunkal also serves as a prominent pilgrimage among the Christians. Set amidst a scenic locale, one can also enjoy amazing views of the beachside from this church.
Poochakkal: Drive around 14km from Cherthala, you will reach this picturesque town, which is a part of a small islet. This tiny little town is an ultimate example of how all religions and beliefs can thrive together.
St. Francis Church: One of the highest visited tourist attractions in Kochi, this is the oldest European church in India. Built in 1503, it was once the final resting ground of Vasco da Gama, the renowned Portuguese explorer.
Things to Do in Mararikulam:
Beach Visits: Mararikulam is a destination that can easily put other beach destinations to shame! Located within a proximity to several impressive beaches, this hamlet is an ideal destination to go for beach tours and get indulged in exciting beach activities.
Heritage Walks: Being a fishing village, Mararikulam offers enough of opportunities to its visitors to get acquainted with the rustic cultures of Kerala. Visit this hamlet and participate in the heritage walks to come across its rich heritage and vivid cultures.
Religious Tours: Dotted with religious establishments of different faiths, Mararikulam is also an abode of many renowned and sacred places. Whether a Hindu, Christian or Muslim, visitors would find a unique sense of devotion in this quaint village.
Backwater Cruises: The backwaters around Mararikulam are ideal to embark on exciting backwater cruises. The traditional Kettuvallams around this place would keep you engrossed with their lively offerings and would make your cruise more fun-packed.
Hotels around Mararikulam:
Budget hotels, beach resorts, luxury stays, homestays; Mararikulam have them all! Visitors can easily select their preferred stay in and around this fishing village. However, if travelling during the peak season, visitors should think about advance booking as the village experiences a huge rush during this period.
