Travel influencer Aakanksha Monga discovered an inspiring story during her Kerala trip when she visited Marottichal, a village in Thrissur known for its unique chess culture. What began as a tea shop owner's passion for chess eventually helped transform a community battling alcohol addiction. Today, the village holds an Asian record for 1,000 people playing chess simultaneously, making it one of Kerala's most remarkable and heartwarming travel destinations.
Written By Jayveer Singh | Updated: 14 July 2026 14:00 IST