Oachira Travel Guide

Plan a perfect trip with our comprehensive Oachira travel guide featuring top tourist attractions, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around.


Oachira Travel Guide: Discover the Best of Oachira, Kerala

Located in Southern Travancore in the state of Kerala, Oachira is a charming destination brimming with natural beauty, tranquil surroundings, and enchanting cultural offerings. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or culture aficionado, Oachira has something to offer to all types of travelers. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through the top tourist attractions, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around Oachira.

List of Places to Visit in Oachira

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Oachira is a treasure trove of cultural attractions, reflecting the history and traditions of the region. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love exploring the following museums and historical sites:

  • Oachira Parabrahma Temple - a unique shrine dedicated to the formless Para Brahman
  • Kadapuzha Devi Temple - a revered temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali
  • Sakthikulangara Temple - a popular temple dedicated to Goddess Durga
  • Krishnapuram Palace - a 16th-century palace known for its mural paintings
  • Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple - a famous temple known for its delicious payasam (sweet pudding)
  • Alappuzha Lighthouse - a towering lighthouse with spectacular views of the Arabian Sea

Natural Attractions of Oachira: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Oachira is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, from stunning beaches to lush green landscapes. Here are some of the best outdoor activities and scenic spots to explore:

  • Oachira Beach - a secluded beach known for its serene surroundings
  • Ashtamudi Lake - a scenic lake ideal for boat rides and kayaking
  • Palaruvi Waterfalls - a stunning waterfall surrounded by dense forests
  • Munroe Island - a peaceful island with serene backwaters and lagoons
  • Varkala Beach - a picturesque beach with stunning cliffs and scenic views
  • Kollam Beach - a popular beach known for its adventurous water sports activities

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oachira

Oachira is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, and offers several hiking and biking routes that will take you through the lush green forests, scenic countryside, and quaint villages. Some of the best routes to explore are:

  • Thiruvananthapuram to Oachira - a scenic coastal route that offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea
  • Oachira to Punalur - a picturesque route that takes you through the stunning countryside
  • Munroe Island Trail - a peaceful route perfect for bird watching and nature walks
  • Ashtamudi Lake Bike Trail - a scenic bike trail that takes you through the lakes and lagoons of Ashtamudi

Best Things to Do in Oachira: Activities and Tours

Apart from sightseeing and adventure activities, Oachira offers a myriad of cultural activities and tours that will give you a glimpse of the local life and traditions. Here are some of the best things to do in Oachira:

  • Attend a Kathakali performance - a famous dance form of Kerala
  • Take a cooking class and learn to make traditional dishes like appam, puttu, and sambar
  • Go on a village tour and explore the rural life of Kerala
  • Take a backwater cruise and enjoy the scenic beauty of Ashtamudi Lake
  • Visit the local markets and shop for souvenirs and local products

Week-Long Itinerary for Oachira

If you’re planning to spend a week in Oachira, here’s a comprehensive itinerary that will ensure you make the most of your trip:

Day 1: Arrive in Oachira and spend the day exploring the local markets and temples

Day 2: Visit the Ashtamudi Lake and take a backwater cruise

Day 3: Explore the historical sites like the Krishnapuram Palace and the Alappuzha Lighthouse

Day 4: Take a hiking or biking tour and explore the scenic countryside

Day 5: Attend a Kathakali performance and learn about the local culture and traditions

Day 6: Visit the Palaruvi Waterfalls and go for a nature walk

Day 7: Relax on the Oachira Beach and enjoy the serene surroundings

Food and Drink Scene of Oachira

When it comes to food and drink, Oachira offers a delightful array of local delicacies and traditional dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages of Oachira:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Appam and stew
  • Puttu and kadala curry
  • Fish fry and curry
  • Kappa and meen curry
  • Beef fry and parotta

Local Beverages

  • Toddy - a traditional alcoholic beverage made from coconut sap
  • Sambharam - a refreshing drink made from buttermilk and spices
  • Sulaimani tea - a spicy tea with hints of ginger and cardamom

Where to Stay in Oachira: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Oachira offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, or cozy guesthouses, you’ll find plenty of options here. Some of the best places to stay in Oachira are:

  • The Raviz Resort and Spa, Ashtamudi
  • Lake Palace Resort
  • Regant Lake Palace Hotel
  • Indraprastha Beach Resorts

What to Buy in Oachira: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Oachira is famous for its handicrafts and souvenirs that reflect the local culture and traditions. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from Oachira:

  • Handmade coconut shell lamps
  • Handicrafts made from coconut shells and coir
  • Traditional bronze lamps and utensils
  • Kathakali masks and figurines
  • Spices and tea blends

Local Culture and Customs of Oachira

Oachira is a fascinating destination for cultural enthusiasts, with its unique mix of Hindu and Muslim traditions. The locals here are friendly and hospitable, and you will find a warm and welcoming culture everywhere you go. Some of the local customs and traditions to look out for are:

  • The annual Oachira Temple festival, celebrated in January or February
  • The unique temple practices of Oachira Parabrahma Temple, where devotees offer prayers to the formless Para Brahman
  • Local handicrafts and cultural performances like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam dance

Best Time to Visit Oachira

Oachira can be visited throughout the year, with the best time to visit being from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor adventures to the fullest.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oachira

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Oachira:

Do:

  • Dress modestly while visiting temples
  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Try the local delicacies and food
  • Carry a sun hat and sunscreen lotion while visiting beaches or outdoor attractions

Don’t:

  • Smoke or drink in public places
  • Use plastic bags or litter the surroundings
  • Take photographs without permission in certain areas or temples

Safety and Health

Safety in Oachira

Oachira is a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, it’s always advisable to take necessary precautions while traveling and avoid venturing out alone at night.

Health in Oachira

Oachira has a few small hospitals and clinics that offer basic services. However, it’s always advisable to carry your medications and consult a doctor in case of any health emergencies.

Getting to Oachira: Transportation Options and Logistics

Oachira is well-connected to the major cities of Kerala, with several transportation options available for travelers. Here are some of the best ways to reach Oachira:

Airports Near Oachira

The nearest airport to Oachira is the Trivandrum International Airport, located around 90 km away. From here, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Oachira.

Bus Stations Near Oachira

Oachira has a well-connected bus station that offers regular buses to other cities in Kerala. You can also take a bus from the neighboring cities of Kollam or Alappuzha to reach Oachira.

Other Options

You can also hire a taxi or a private car to reach Oachira from the major cities of Kerala.

How to Get Around in Oachira

Oachira is a small town, and best explored on foot. If you want to travel further, you can hire a bicycle, a bike, or a taxi to get around. You can also use local buses to travel to neighboring towns or attractions.

Where to Go Next from Oachira: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Oachira is surrounded by several popular destinations that are worth exploring. Here are some of the best nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Kollam: A bustling port town with several attractions like Ashtamudi Lake, Thangasseri Beach, and the Portuguese Fort
  • Alleppey: Famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises
  • Varkala: A popular beach destination with a stunning cliff and natural springs
  • Thiruvananthapuram: The capital city of Kerala, known for its rich cultural heritage, history, and landmarks like Kovalam Beach, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and the Napier Museum

Conclusion

Oachira is a marvelous destination that offers an authentic blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an exciting adventure, Oachira has it all. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your perfect trip to Oachira, Kerala. Happy travels!

''Free Food for the Poor'' at Oachira ''Free Food for the Poor'' at Oachira