Monsoonal Kerala: An ultimate travel guide
Pristine beaches, backwaters makes for a lovely tropical vacation destination.
‘Gods own country’ as people call it, Kerala is one of the most scenic destinations in our country. The state is blessed with an abundance of nature and you will find yourself mesmerised with its breathtaking beauty. Located in the Malabar Coast region, Kerala is a tropical state in India.
When it comes to tourism, Kerala ranks as one of the top tourist places in our country. The pristine beaches and the backwaters of Kerala are very popular all across the nation and it makes for a lovely tropical vacation destination.
Kerala Weather
The weather in Kerala is pretty pleasant all throughout the year. Although the summer months (April to May) can see a little rise in the temperature, it is not humid.
Monsoon in Kerala goes on during the months of June to August.
TIP – Check out informative sites like eKeralaTourism.net which offer in-depth guides on every part of Kerala. From weather to the best time to visit, popular attractions, hikes, lakes and natural beauty, you can find all information under one roof here.
Best Time to Visit Kerala
The months between September to March sees the most number of tourists in Kerala with pleasant and comfortable weather. With monsoon coming to an end in August, Kerala is all in its glory in the months of September and October.
Monsoon (June – August) to is a great time to visit Kerala, especially if you want to get some Ayurveda treatments. The wet months are considered as the ideal time for such treatments.
Things to do in Kerala
When it comes to exploring this majestic state, you will never run out of things to do. Let us check out some fun things that will make your Kerala trip more memorable.
Cruising in the Kerala backwaters
Kerala backwaters are definitely the most popular attraction of the state. If you haven’t taken a boat ride in the backwaters, then your trip is presumably incomplete.
While you sail in the water, you will be spellbound with the natural sceneries that you will come across.
Take an Ayurvedic treatment
Kerala has greatly preserved the ancient and traditional healing art of Ayurveda and hence a lot of Ayurvedic spas have opened up in the state.
So it is only fitting to indulge yourself in rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments like ‘Panchakarma’ or ‘Shirodhara’.
Watch the ancient martial art form – Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is a very ancient and unique martial art form that includes kicks, grappling, strikes, weapons and even healing methodologies.
A Kalaripayattu demonstration is filled with a lot of excitement and you can always catch a performance at Kathanandan Kalari Center in Thekkady.
Watch a KathakaIi performance
Kathakali is a traditional dance form that has originated in the state of Kerala. Kathakali dancers don very elaborate and vibrant costumes and with simple yet elegant dance movements, retell tales from Hindu mythology.
Spend some time with the elephants
You can hang out with the elephants, feed them ride on them and even bathe them at Elephant Junction in Tekkady.
A full-day tour includes a lot of time in the close company of these majestic mammals.
Catch a snake boat racing
Snake boat racing is a tradition that is followed si8nce long in Kerala. During the monsoon months, canoes as long as a hundred and forty feet long, row down the waterways in a spectacular show of colours.
Places to visit in Kerala
Alleppy
When it comes to the backwaters, Alleppy is considered as the backwater capital and it is rightly so.
The backwater in Alleppy is a sight that you never forget. Alleppy is set in the banks of the Vembanad Lake and the water here very steady while the natural beauty is absolutely unmatched.
Major attractions
Kuttanad backwaters
Alleppey Beach
Ambalapuzha Temple
Vembanad Lake
Best time to visit: All year round
Wayanad
Wayanad is a very scenic hill station in Kerala. The nature excursions in Wayanad is unlike any other. Go waterfall chasing or spot tropical wildlife in Muthunga Wildlife sanctuary, the natural beauty of Wayanad will captivate you totally.
Major attractions
Soochipara Falls
Sentinel Rock Falls
Kanthapara waterfalls
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Edakkal Caves
Best time to visit: All year round
Kovalam
For the beach lovers, Kovalam is the perfect beach holiday spot in Kerala. Located only a few km from Thiruvananthapuram, the Kovalam beaches are great for beach activities and relaxing.
Major attractions
Lighthouse Beach
Sanghumkham Beach
Samudra Beach
Hawah Beach
Coral Reef
Vellayani Lake
Best time to visit: September to March
Munnar
Munnar is yet another hill station in Kerala. Picturesque mountains and lush greenery make this place one of the most peaceful retreats.
There is quite a bit of tea plantation in Munnar so you can enjoy some really great tea tasting on your vacation as well.
Major attractions
Pothamedu View Point
Attukal and Cheeyapara Waterfalls
Anamudi Blossom Park
Eravikulam National Park
Best time to visit: All year round
Cochin
Cochin is a port city in Kerala that is a perfect mix of modernism and cultural ethics. The spice markets in Cochin is a must-visit and the Chinese nets in the Arabian Sea is the perfect photography shot.
A potpourri of different cultural impacts, Cochin will definitely win your heart.
Major attractions
Fort Kochi
Cherai, Vypeen and Andhakaranzhi Beach
Chinese fishing nets
Best time to visit: July to April