Annual 10-day festival at the 700-year-old Mararikulam Sree Mahadeva Temple (one of India's oldest, uniquely depicting Mahadevan and Parvathi face-to-face). Festival commences with flag hoisting 10 days before Arattu. Features traditional Kerala performing arts (Kathakali, Chakyar Koothu, Nangyar Kooth), melam music, fireworks, and caparisoned elephants. Concludes with Arattu—ritual bathing of the deity in the sea.
Why it mattersMajor Shaivite pilgrimage festival showcasing classical Kerala temple traditions and ceremonies.
Going for this? Marari Beach in February
February in Marari is the year's cleanest weather window. Rainfall under 5mm, daytime 25-32C, humidity at 60 percent — the lowest of the year. Sea at 26C, full swim conditions all day. The 4km Mararikulam beach is at its widest after monsoon recovery. Marari Beach Resort CGH at peak (₹25-50k/night, book 6-8 weeks ahead — the resort runs only 49 villas across 25 acres, deliberately constrained inventory), A Beach Sym…
See the Marari Beach February guide →
Getting there
Nearest airport
Cochin International (COK) — 90km
Nearest railway
Alleppey Railway Station — 12km
Where to stay in Marari Beach
Marari Sands Beach Resort
₹₹₹beach-resort · Mararikulam, Alappuzha district — individual cottages and villas with private gardens near Marari Beach
A premium beach resort of individual cottages and villas, each with a private outdoor garden for sunrise and sunset views, plus an Ayurvedic spa — the most resort-like alternative to the CGH Earth flagship on Marari Beach.
Marari Beach Resort — CGH Earth
₹₹₹₹eco-resort · Mararikulam, Alappuzha district — a fishing-village-inspired eco-resort on Marari Beach
CGH Earth's flagship beach eco-resort — thatched-roof villas with private pools or garden views among coconut groves and lotus ponds, on a beach National Geographic rated among the world's top hammock beaches. Cooking demos, backwater cruises and local art.
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Where to eat
Abad Turtle Beach Restaurant
Abad Turtle Beach, Mararikulam · ₹₹₹
SignatureKerala seafood and continental dishes at a beachfront resort
A reliable resort-restaurant choice for travellers who want an air-conditioned, sit-down meal rather than a beach shack. Non-residents should call ahead; request a beach-facing table.
Cafe Dolphin Marari
Mararikulam North, Marari Beach · ₹₹
SignatureFish in banana leaf and fish mango curry, eaten on the sand at sunset
A great sunset spot — arrive late afternoon for a beach table. Hospitality runs to off-menu treats like fresh coconut-milk chai; just ask. Cash and UPI.
Chakara at Marari Beach - CGH Earth
Marari Beach Resort, Mararikulam · ₹₹₹₹
SignatureMalabar and Kerala fisherfolk cooking with organic produce from the resort farm
Non-residents should reserve — the seafood grill in particular has limited seating. Ask about the organic-farm kitchen experience where you can pick vegetables and cook with the chefs. The fisherfolk-style Kerala dishes are the resort's signature.
Coffee Temple
Beach Road, Marari Beach · ₹₹
SignatureCoffee and casual grills at tables set under coconut palms near the sand
Best as a breakfast or coffee-break spot rather than a full seafood dinner. The palm-shaded tables are the seats to take. Cash and UPI.
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What else to see in Marari Beach
Marari Beach
Quiet fishing village beach 15 km north of Alleppey. Golden sands, swaying coconut palms, and fishing boats at dawn. Low-key alternative to crowded backwater resorts.
