Manarcad Perunnal Festival in Kerala

The Vembanad Lake, located 16km from Kottayam town, is an enchanting picnic spot and a perfect back water tourist destination. The lake bordered by Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts is one of the longest and largest lake in Kerala having a length and width of 83.72km. and 14.48km respectively.

Interesting things to Visit

Vembanad Lake:

Kumarakom:

Kumarakom is situated about 10 kms. from Kottayam. This idyllic rich green, sleepy little sub-tropical paradise is located on the banks of the Vembanad lake and interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals. Th There are several resorts here which provides perfect accommodation and special entertainment opportunities like Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming. Kumarakom is also wellknown for its famous bird sanctuary.

Pathiramanal:

This is an tiny beautiful island is located at the Vembanad Lake. The island is home for hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The name Pathiramanal has the meaning ‘The Sand of Midnight’ and it lies in between Kumarakom and Thannermukkom. The place is accessible only by boat. The island Pathiramanal is an ideal location for poets, means tranquil lovers. It is a small island that is easily reachable using the water route. The journey to reach the island is an exhilarating one. Both sides of the lake have breath-taking beauty that would remain etched in the mind of the tourists.

St Mary’s Forane Church:

This 9th century church located at Athirumpuzha, near Kottayam is has an extraordinary filigree work on the rusty fold altar and this church encloses a unique crucifix which depicts Jesus Christ without a single wound.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
Kaduthuruthy, Kottayam
Kerala.

Ponkunnam Police Station
NH 220, Ponkunnam
Kottayam, Kerala.

Perumbavoor Police Station
Perumbavoor, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Bharath Hospital
Azad Lane, Near Thirunakkara Temple
Kottayam, Kerala 686001
Tel : 0481 2582947.

Kottayam Medical College
Arpookara, Kottayam
Kerala
Tel : 0481 2597284.

Government Hospital
Kottayam, Kottayam
Kerala State
Tel :0481 2462550.

Mary’s Hospital
Manarcad, Kottayam
Ph 0481 2372161 2370177.

Mar Baselius Medical Mission Hospital
Kothamangalam
Ph 0485 2822203 - 2822207.

Location info

Address: Manarkad, Near Kottaym town, Kottayam district, Kerala, India.
District: Kottayam district
Nearest City: Idukki, Manarkad, Cheeranchira and Kottayam.
Best time to visit: Semptember.

Things to do at Manarcad Perunnal

You can take part in eight day prayer and in the procession, also see muthukkudas (ornate silken parasols).

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Manarcad Perunnal

Manarcad Perunna takes place according to the Malayalam calendar. The best time to witness this festival is during its scheduled dates, which vary annually. Most Kerala festivals occur between November and May (the dry season). Check the official dates from Kerala Tourism before planning your visit.

How to reach Manarcad Perunnal

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Most temple festivals start in the morning with flag-hoisting ceremonies and continue through the evening with processions, cultural programs, and fireworks. Night processions typically start around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and continue past midnight.

Entry fee & tickets

Most festival events are free to attend and watch. Processions and temple grounds can be accessed without charge. Special seating for fireworks viewing may cost INR 100–500. Some cultural performances during festivals may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

Major festivals last 8–10 days. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours per day watching key events. The main procession day requires 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Very large crowds gather at Manarcad Perunna — keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets. Arrive early for a good viewing position of processions. Follow the instructions of festival volunteers and police. Keep children close and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Carry water and stay hydrated. Avoid bringing large bags or valuables to crowded festival grounds.

Things to carry

Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (crowds can be very large, seating may not be available), drinking water in a reusable bottle, a hat or cap, sunscreen and umbrella for day events, a light snack, earplugs (processions can be very loud with drums and fireworks), a camera (zoom lens recommended for procession shots), a power bank, and a small bag that can be secured against pickpockets.

Nearby visiting places

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Kathakali Centre, St. Francis Church

Nearest airport, railway & bus

History of Manarcad Perunnal

Manarcad Perunna is one of Kerala’s vibrant festivals that showcase the state’s rich cultural and religious diversity. Kerala’s festivals are renowned for their spectacular processions featuring caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam), colourful umbrellas, and fireworks. Many festivals are temple-related and follow the Malayalam calendar, creating a year-round cycle of celebrations that are an integral part of Kerala’s cultural identity. The festival reflects the unique syncretic traditions of Kerala where communities of all faiths participate in each other’s celebrations.

Frequently asked questions

When does this festival take place? — Most Kerala festivals follow the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Dates vary annually — check the Kerala Tourism website or local sources for exact dates for your travel period. Is the festival free to attend? — Yes, all processions and public events are free. Special seating areas for fireworks or cultural programmes may have ticketed entry. How crowded is it? — Very crowded during major festivals. Large events like Thrissur Pooram attract hundreds of thousands of people. Arrive early, keep belongings secure, and establish meeting points. What should I wear? — Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds. Modest dress is appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes.