Coffee at 6What makes a good first date
The best first dates in Kerala have a few things in common. They're in a public place with other people around. They have a natural end, so nobody has to invent an excuse to leave. And there's something to look at, so the conversation never has to carry the whole evening.
That's why early evening works so well. Around six, the heat drops, the beaches and promenades fill up, and there's still light to find each other. If it goes well, dinner is right there. If it doesn't, you're home before nine.
Kochi
Marine Drive at sunset
The walkway along the backwater is busy and well lit in the evening. Meet at one end and walk; it's easy to talk side by side.
Fort Kochi and the fishing nets
Coffee in the old lanes, then the Chinese fishing nets at dusk. There's always something to point at.
The ferry across
The public ferry from Ernakulam to Fort Kochi costs very little and gives you twenty minutes on the water. A first date and a way to get there, in one.
Mattancherry's galleries
Antique shops, spice warehouses and art spaces around Jew Town. Good for anyone who'd rather wander than sit.
More in coffee date ideas in Kochi and on the Kochi page.
Thiruvananthapuram
Shanghumugham beach
The wide beach near the airport, with the big Jalakanyaka sculpture. At sunset half the city is here.
The Museum grounds
Shady paths around the Napier Museum, busy with walkers in the morning and evening. Calm, central and easy to reach.
Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds
Lawns and wide paths made for a slow walk, with performances on some evenings.
Veli, where the lake meets the sea
Gardens, boats and a sandbar between Veli lake and the sea. A relaxed plan with lots to look at.
More in things to do with someone new in Trivandrum.
Kozhikode
Kozhikode Beach in the evening
The city's living room. Snacks, sea air, and plenty of people around.
SM Street for halwa
Mittai Theruvu, the sweet street. Share a box of Kozhikode halwa and argue about the best flavour.
Beypore
Walk out along the breakwater, then see the wooden uru boats built by hand. Better as a second date, with an afternoon to spare.
Sarovaram Biopark
Boardwalks through wetland just outside the centre. Green, quiet and good for a long talk.
More in things to do with someone new in Kozhikode.
Kottayam
Kumarakom, on Vembanad lake
The lake shore west of town, with the bird sanctuary nearby. Go before sunset and watch the light go orange over the water.
Coffee near Baker Junction
Right in the middle of town on the MC Road, easy to reach by bus from almost anywhere in the district.
Pala, by the Meenachil
A walk by the river in Pala, then something to eat in town. A good halfway point if one of you is coming from the hills.
More on the Kottayam page.
First dates that work anywhere in Kerala
Chai and pazham pori at six
A tea shop, a plate of banana fritters, and nowhere to be. The most Kerala first date there is, and it costs almost nothing.
A walk in the rain
Monsoon evenings are long and grey. Two umbrellas and a walk to somewhere warm is better than waiting for it to stop.
A new Malayalam film
Go to an early show, then talk about it over something to eat. You already have your first topic.
Five-a-side on a turf
Most Kerala towns have floodlit football turfs now. A group plan takes the pressure off and shows you who someone is fast.
Keep it small
A first date doesn't need to impress. An hour, a public place, and an easy way to make it longer if you both want to. Save the day trips to Ilaveezhapoonchira or Kovalam for once you've already met.
If you want the step-by-step version, read how to plan a good first date. And before you go, the safe dating tips take two minutes.