Posted by: Seclude Dec 07, 2025

What to See in Marari: Guide to Kerala's Peaceful Beach Village

Marari doesn’t overwhelm with attractions like tourist towns do. Instead, this fishing village-turned-quiet beach destination gives space for you to notice all sorts of little details: fishing nets drying under morning sunshine; coconut palms leaning toward the ocean; hearing silence once traffic has subsided – these and many more await discovery here!

Location

Marari Beach in Kerala’s Alappuzha District lies 15 kilometres northeast of Alleppey. Named for Mararikulam village nearby, its golden-sand shores stretch for kilometers before meeting up with Arabian Sea under skies that range from light morning blues to dramatic sunset hues – so much can be discovered simply by looking around! What you experience depends less on ticking off sights but rather what kind of view you choose to see here.

This guide highlights all that makes Marari worth experiencing, from its attractions, experiences, and moments, to staying with Seclude for tranquil coastal stays like those found near Marari’s tranquil shores.

Marari Beach

Overview

Marari Beach serves as the foundation of everything else at Marari. While developed beaches often boast vendors every few metres, this coastline remains relatively undisturbed; instead there are fisher villages along its northern sections, resorts/guesthouses on its southern stretches, as well as long open expanses extending between.

Early Morning Experience

Arrive on the beach around 6 am to discover cool sand still underfoot, where fishermen have already set to work by launching boats before dawn and hauling nets or fixing equipment in familiar patterns with cross-legged sitting positions and hands moving simultaneously across familiar patterns on repair equipment.

Early morning is typically quiet on the sea. Small waves roll in with predictable timing. Water colour ranges from grey-blue to lighter hues as the sun rises; offering ideal walking conditions before heat builds and crowds arrive.

Swimming Conditions

The Arabian Sea can surprise visitors who expect gentle lapping. Currents run strong during certain times, particularly from June through September when monsoon swells arrive and waves may even reach considerable height on otherwise peaceful days.

Stay in the water during daylight hours and at a depth you are comfortable managing, taking note of where locals enter; their knowledge will show which sections offer safety. If the waves appear rough, sitting by the shore and letting foam wash over your feet works just as effectively.

Sunset Views

Evening transforms the beach. Between 5 pm and 7 pm (depending on season), skies begin their daily display of colour with clouds turning pink then orange then deep red while reflecting across the sea creating what can only be described as another sunset in its waters.

Fishing boats returning to shore become silhouetted against this landscape of boats, water, sky and clouds – almost creating the impression that these scenes could only happen organically every evening weather permits.

Village Life Around Mararikulam

What to do in Marari
Fishing villages surrounding Mararikulam Beach reveal daily rhythms unchanged for generations, providing an authentic glimpse of Kerala culture unaffected by tourist infrastructure. Walking or cycling through these settlements gives an authentic insight into life away from tourists’ gaze.

Small Fish Markets

Local fishing boats land their catch at local beaches where small markets operate nearby. Trading times depend on tides and fishing schedules; most activity peaks around mid to late morning when fishermen sort their catch directly on the sand or basic wooden structures nearby.

As visitors explore, they’ll encounter unfamiliar varieties: pomfret, mackerel, various-sized prawns and occasionally even squid are often on sale here; women usually take care in selling to local buyers while children play nearby; this economic exchange gives you insight into how coastal communities function.

Traditional Coir Making at Marari

Traditional coir-making units operate throughout Marari, continuing a centuries-old craft practiced throughout Kerala. Coir comes from coconut husks processed through labor-intensive methods of soaking, beating and spinning into rope or matting forms.

Some units welcome visitors who ask politely. You might see workers sitting on simple platforms with hands moving at speed through fibres – repetitive work that requires skill developed over years to finish product sold for making mats, rope and other products.

Village Walks

Simply exploring Mararikulam and nearby settlements reveals layers not visible from the beachfront. Narrow lanes wind between houses painted in faded pastel hues. Chickens scratch in yards. Women hang laundry between coconut trees. And small shops sell essentials like rice, kerosene fuel and biscuits.

Most residents tend not to notice tourists passing by, though children might wave or stare with interest as tourists pass. When stopped to observe someone working they might offer explanations based on language barriers allowing.

Sree Mahadeva Temple

Overview

Sree Mahadeva Temple in Mararikulam stands as one of India’s oldest and most unique temples; although exact dates for it cannot be ascertained. What sets it apart architecturally from others is that deities Shiva and Parvati face each other directly for an unusual arrangement within Hindu temple design.

Architecture

This temple represents typical Kerala architecture: tiled roofs topped by sloped tiles, wooden pillars and courtyards open to sky. Brightly-hued sections mark various sections while intricate carvings depict stories from Hindu mythology. A nearby pond serves for ceremonial bathing during festivals.

Visiting Guidelines

Non-Hindus may access outer courtyards but not the inner sanctum. Dress modestly to cover shoulders and knees before entering. Shod feet must also be removed prior to entry. Photo regulations vary so please inquire first before taking pictures.

Festivals

Temples become lively hubs during major festivals. Processions, traditional music performances and ceremonies bring devotees from nearby areas. If your visit coincides with such festivals, its usual serene environment becomes quite lively indeed!

Backwater Connections

Marari’s location places it between the Arabian Sea and Kerala’s extensive backwater networks. The area sits on land with sea on one side and backwaters on the other, creating unique access to both coastal and inland water experiences.

Day Cruises

You can take day cruises on houseboats or canoes exploring life and scenery along the backwaters. These journeys differ from overnight houseboat stays popular in Alleppey proper, focusing on daytime exploration.

Routes typically follow smaller canals through villages, past churches and temples, along sections where homes front directly onto water. You’ll see paddy fields, coconut groves, temples, churches, villages, and wildlife during your cruise.

Country boats (small canoes) offer more intimate experiences than large houseboats. They move quietly through narrow waterways inaccessible to bigger vessels. Watching daily life from water level provides different perspectives: women washing clothes at canal edges, children jumping from banks, fishermen checking nets.

Canoe Rides

For travellers seeking the backwater philosophy that inspired places like Seclude’s Marari property, canoe rides through smaller channels capture that slower rhythm. A local guide paddles whilst you sit back, protected from sun by a simple canopy. These rides last one to three hours depending on route.

The silence strikes visitors first. No motor noise, just water against hull and occasional bird calls. Time feels suspended. You’re moving but without hurry, watching landscape slide past at walking pace.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Located about 15 km from Marari Beach, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary spreads across 14 acres on the banks of Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary hosts varieties of migratory and resident birds, including egrets, herons, kingfishers, darters, and cormorants.

The best time for visiting runs from November to February when thousands of birds flock to the area. Migratory species arrive from as far as Siberia, joining year-round residents in creating remarkable diversity within a compact space.

What to Expect

The sanctuary consists mainly of mangrove vegetation and wetlands. Walking trails wind through this habitat, though calling them trails oversells their development. These are basic paths, sometimes muddy, requiring comfortable walking shoes.

Early morning visits (6 am to 9 am) and late afternoon periods (3 pm to 6 pm) offer the best bird activity. Bring binoculars if you have them. Patient observation reveals more than rushing through. Sit quietly near water edges and watch behaviour unfold: herons stalking prey, kingfishers diving, cormorants drying wings.

Boat rides through the sanctuary’s water channels provide alternative viewing angles. Guides familiar with bird habits know where different species congregate at various times. Their knowledge turns a simple boat ride into education.

The sanctuary attracts serious birdwatchers with field guides and telephoto lenses, but you need no special knowledge to appreciate the experience. Simply watching birds exist in their habitat, untroubled by your presence, creates its own satisfaction.

Alleppey Lighthouse and Beach

Alleppey Beach sits 15 km north of Marari, easily reached by auto-rickshaw or taxi. The beach itself resembles Marari in character: golden sand, palm trees, fishing activity. What distinguishes it is the lighthouse.

Built in the 19th century, the lighthouse still functions, guiding ships along this coast. For a small fee, visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top. The climb requires reasonable fitness, around 100 steps up a narrow passage that gets hotter as you ascend.

From the top, views extend in all directions: coastline stretching north and south, backwaters spreading inland, Alleppey town’s buildings, and on clear days, the horizon line where sea meets sky. The perspective shows how water dominates this region, from every angle.

The beach below the lighthouse has slightly more development than Marari: a few food stalls, places renting beach chairs, and usually more people. Still, it remains relatively quiet by beach standards elsewhere in India.

International Coir Museum

Located in Alleppey town, this small museum documents coir industry history in Kerala. The museum covers traditional production methods, modern innovations, and coir’s role in local economy and culture.

Displays show different coir products: rope of various thicknesses, mats with intricate patterns, brushes, mattress filling. Exhibits explain processing stages from coconut husk to finished goods. Old photographs capture workers from past decades, revealing how little the basic techniques have changed.

The museum appeals most to visitors interested in material culture and traditional industries. It’s small enough to visit in 30 to 45 minutes. Combine it with other Alleppey attractions when making the trip from Marari.

Ayurvedic Treatments

Multiple resorts and dedicated centres around Marari offer Ayurvedic treatments. These traditional Indian wellness practices focus on balancing body systems through massage, herbal medicines, dietary guidance, and other therapies.

Treatments range from single massages lasting an hour to comprehensive programs spanning several days or weeks. Qualified practitioners conduct consultations, asking about your health history, current conditions, and wellness goals before recommending specific treatments.

Common offerings include:

Abhyanga: Full body massage using warm medicated oils, techniques designed to improve circulation and release tension.

Shirodhara: Continuous stream of warm oil poured onto the forehead, intended to calm the nervous system.

Pizhichil: Simultaneous massage whilst warm oil flows over the body, considered rejuvenating.

Herbal steam baths: Following massage, steam infused with medicinal herbs opens pores and eliminates toxins according to Ayurvedic theory.

Treatments typically take place in simple but clean rooms. Therapists work in silence or with minimal conversation, allowing you to relax completely. The experience focuses on therapeutic benefit rather than luxury spa atmosphere, though comfort remains important.

Properties like Seclude’s Marari location understand that wellness extends beyond treatment rooms and into the overall environment. The philosophy behind Seclude’s stays prioritises spaces that support natural rest and restoration, where the surroundings themselves play an active role in helping guests unwind. To complement this experience, we also provide Ayurvedic massage therapies that encourage deeper relaxation and holistic rejuvenation, allowing guests to truly settle into the rhythm of coastal living.

St. Andrew’s Basilica, Arthunkal

About 8 km from Marari, this church draws both Christian pilgrims and tourists interested in religious architecture. Built initially by Portuguese in the 16th century, the current structure dates from later periods but retains historical character.

The church honours St. Andrew and St. Sebastian. Its annual feast in January attracts thousands of pilgrims who come seeking blessings or fulfilling vows. During this time, Arthunkal transforms from sleepy fishing village into a crowded pilgrimage centre with temporary stalls, extra transport, and continuous masses.

Outside feast periods, the church maintains a peaceful atmosphere. White painted exterior catches afternoon sun brilliantly. Inside, wood carvings detail biblical scenes, and statues of saints stand in alcoves. The altar shows Portuguese Catholic influence in its design and ornamentation.

Modest dress applies: no shorts or sleeveless tops. Photography usually permitted but check current rules. Time your visit outside mass hours unless you want to observe services.

Village Cycling Routes

Renting bicycles opens exploration possibilities beyond walking distance. Flat terrain around Marari suits cycling well, though expect occasional sandy patches and uneven surfaces.

No marked cycle routes exist. Instead, you follow narrow lanes connecting villages, discovering as you go. A rough loop might include:

Start from your accommodation toward the beach, then head north or south along the coastal road. After 2 to 3 km, turn inland following lanes through coconut plantations. Pass through small villages where people sit outside homes, children play in yards, and occasional shops sell snacks and drinks.

Continue toward backwater channels, where roads sometimes run parallel to water. Cross small bridges, circle back through different villages. Total distance might cover 10 to 15 km over two to three hours including stops.

You’ll get lost at some point. Roads fork without signs. Asking directions becomes part of the experience. Point to your hotel name on a card or map, and locals gesture which way to go. Wrong turns lead to dead ends at paddy fields or someone’s compound, requiring backtracking.

Carry water, sunscreen, and phone for navigation. Early morning or late afternoon cycling avoids midday heat. The absence of tourist cycle routes means you’re riding where locals live and work, not through sanitised zones created for visitors.

What Not to Expect

Understanding what Marari lacks helps set appropriate expectations.

No Water Sports Infrastructure
Don’t expect jet skis, parasailing, banana boat rides, or similar activities. The beach remains uncommercialised in this way. Swimming, walking, and sitting comprise the main beach activities.

Limited Nightlife
Marari doesn’t do nightlife. Most restaurants close by 10 pm. No bars or clubs exist. Evening entertainment means watching sunset, perhaps a quiet drink at your resort, then sleep.

Few Shopping Options
Small shops in Mararikulam sell basic necessities. For proper shopping, you need to visit Alleppey.

Minimal Tourist Infrastructure
ATMs are scarce. Most restaurants serve similar menus. English signage appears inconsistently. This keeps Marari quiet but requires more self-sufficiency than heavily touristed areas demand.

Best Times for Visiting Different Attractions

Beach Walks: Early morning (6 am to 9 am) or late afternoon (4 pm to 7 pm)
Swimming: Mid-morning through early afternoon when visibility best
Village Exploration: Morning hours before heat peaks
Bird Sanctuary: Dawn or late afternoon for maximum bird activity
Backwater Cruises: Any time, though morning light photographs better
Temple Visits: Avoid midday crowds, morning or evening preferred
Cycling: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat

Combining Marari with Other Kerala Destinations

Marari’s location makes it suitable for combining with other experiences.

Marari and Alleppey Backwaters
Spend two days at Marari Beach, then continue for backwater houseboat experiences in Alleppey proper. This combination offers both coastal and inland water perspectives.

Marari and Kochi
After exploring Kochi’s colonial architecture and urban energy (75 km away), Marari provides complete contrast. The shift from city to fishing village can feel jarring initially, which is precisely the point.

Marari and Thekkady
Thekkady’s spice plantations and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (135 km away) offer hill station and forest experiences. Combined with Marari, this creates a diverse Kerala sampler.

For travellers who value quiet retreats across different landscapes, exploring Seclude’s various properties reveals how peaceful experiences manifest differently whether in Marari’s coastal setting or other natural environments.

Practical Considerations

Getting Around
Auto-rickshaws serve as primary transport. Negotiate fares beforehand or insist on meters. Bicycle rentals available through most accommodations.

Money
Carry sufficient cash. Card acceptance limited outside major resorts. Nearest reliable ATMs in Alleppey.

Language
Malayalam predominates locally. English is understood in tourist-facing businesses but not universally. A few basic Malayalam phrases help: “nanni” (thank you), “entha vila” (what cost).

Weather
Hot and humid year-round. December through March offers most comfortable conditions. Monsoon (June through September) brings heavy rain but fewer tourists and dramatic skies. Seclude’s properties embrace each season’s particular character rather than fighting it.

What to Pack
Light cotton clothing, strong sunscreen (sea reflected sun burns easily), hat, insect repellent for evening, modest clothing for temple visits, comfortable walking shoes, swimsuit.

Why Marari Works

Marari attracts specific types of travellers whilst disappointing others. Understanding which you are helps decide if it suits your needs.

This destination rewards people who can entertain themselves without constant external stimulation. If you need activities scheduled, attractions queued, and entertainment provided, Marari might feel empty.

But if you can spend morning reading under palms, afternoon walking empty beaches, evening watching fishermen land boats, and feel satisfied, then Marari offers exactly what you’re seeking.

The village hasn’t been designed for tourists. You’re visiting a place where people live and work, where tourism exists as an addition rather than foundation. This authenticity comes with rough edges: unpredictable transport, language barriers, facilities that might not meet five-star standards.

What you see in Marari depends on how you look. Rush through in a day and you’ll wonder what the fuss is about. Settle in for three or four days, allowing routines to establish and observations to accumulate, and the place reveals itself slowly.

Just as Seclude’s hospitality philosophy recognises that meaningful experiences require time and space to unfold, Marari asks patience from its visitors. What seems like nothing happening gradually becomes something: the particular quality of light at different hours, how tide changes beach shape daily, the rhythm of fishing boats departing and returning, the taste of fresh coconut water on a hot afternoon.

These small observations accumulate into memories that last longer than photos of famous monuments. You might not return with dramatic stories, but you’ll remember how it felt to slow down, to notice, to simply be somewhere without an agenda.

That’s what you see in Marari.