Why It Is Worth Visiting Kerala During Monsoon? (2024)

There’s a reason why Kerala is known as God’s Own Country. Not only is it one of the most beautiful states to visit in India, but it is also blessed abundantly with nature. You can visit Kerala at any time of the year, and typically the months of December to February are the best months to visit Kerala. However, if you want to experience a truly magical time and see Kerala come alive, then the monsoon season is the ideal time to visit the state of Kerala.

There are two rainy seasons in Kerala. The first one begins in June and the second one starts in mid-October and ends in the middle of November. Unlike some of the other southern states, the monsoons in Kerala are not about incessant rains that last for days and even weeks. The typical pattern of monsoon in Kerala is that it rains for a couple of hours, followed by periods of the sun shining brightly through the wet palm fronds. This allows you to bask in the occasional golden sunshine and also enjoy the cool and exotic darkness of the monsoons in Kerala.

To really experience the best of the lush greenery and Kerala’s vibrant culture, it is best to visit the state of Kerala in the monsoons. Temperatures tend to remain between 29 to 23 degrees Celsius, which translates to mean all-around pleasant and cool weather with a lovely wind blowing throughout the day. All this and more makes it one of the best periods to escape to Kerala.

Why It Is Worth Visiting Kerala During Monsoon?

Here are some more reasons that make it worthwhile to visit Kerala during the monsoons.

1. Celebrate the Festival of Onam

The monsoon season brings with it the beautiful festival of Onam. Being in Kerala during Onam is an entirely new and mind-blowing experience.

What Is Onam All About?

Onam is the harvest festival of the state and one of the most important celebrations in entire South India. This allows you to take in the rich culture and traditions of Kerala as you experience the famous fold dances like Mohini Attam and Kathakali. You will also get to experience Kalaripayattu, which is the world’s oldest martial arts form. Onam is all about decorated elephants, traditional games, flowers, boat races, and elaborate and traditional cuisine. The festivities of Onam go on for ten days, finishing with Thiru Onam. Image Source

Where Is The Best Place To Celebrate Onam In Kerala?

If you are planning to visit Kerala during the monsoon season to check out Onam, the best places to go would be Trivandrum, Kochi, Kottayam, and Thrissur.

Onam is also the only time you get to see the famous Snake Boat Race, Vallamkali, on the Pampa River.

2. Avail Any Number Of Ayurvedic Treatments

People visit Kerala from far and wide to get the renowned traditional massages and Ayurvedic treatments done. According to the ancient concepts of Ayurveda, the best time to undertake any Ayurvedic treatments is during the monsoon season. This is because the weather is perfect for opening up the pores on the skin, increasing the effectiveness of the therapy. The moist, cool, and dust-free environment of the monsoon season makes it perfect for receiving Ayurvedic therapies.
Image Source

Furthermore, during the post-treatment period also it is important for the body to remain cool, so the salubrious monsoon climate lets you stay cool and allows your body to recuperate properly.

Where Can I Get Ayurvedic Treatments In Kerala?

Kerala is famous for its Ayurvedic treatments. In fact, there are many Ayurvedic resorts and wellness centers, and even five-star hotels that offer all types of Ayurvedic treatments. There is even an Ayurvedic houseboat if you want to get a really unique experience.

3. Beautiful, Roaring Waterfalls

The monsoon season is the perfect time to see the numerous waterfalls in Kerala in their full glory. As all the water bodies get filled to the brim with rainwater, you get to see the water come roaring down.

Here are some of the best places to explore if you want to gaze at the beauty of some of the most gorgeous waterfalls:

• Vazhachal and Athirally, located just 80 kilometers from Kochi
• Thusharagiri
• Palaruvi
• Kollam
• Kozhikode
• Thommankuth, located 74 kilometers from Kochi

While these are some of the things to do during the monsoon season, there are also many places that are best visited during the rainy season. When the skies open up, and the water bodies swell up, and the greenery becomes even greener. The beauty of these places is a breathtaking sight to behold. Here are some of the best places to visit in Kerala during the monsoons:

1. Ashtamudi Lake

Having eight channels or arms, the Ashtamudi Lake is famous for the traditional houseboats and homestays that dot the lake. This is one of the most pristine and beautiful places to visit in Kerala when it rains. You can relax and sit by the banks of the lake under the coconut trees, you can pamper yourself with soothing and aromatic Ayurvedic massages, and you can enjoy the fresh catch of the day.
Image Source

Other places to visit near the Ashtamudi Lake include the Neendakara Port, Adventure Park, Thevalli palace, and the Thekkan Guruvayoor Temple.

2. Alappuzha

Alappuzha is synonymous with the famous Keralan backwaters. This is another must-visit place in Kerala in the monsoon season. You will get to take in the green shores that come alive as the rain hits them. There is also the famous snake boat race that takes place during the first week of August every year. This is a visual delight for tourists and a once in a lifetime experience.
Image Source

Some of the closest places to visit while in Alappuzha include the Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Vembanad Lake, and Pathiramanal.

3. Kumarakom

This gem of a destination in Kerala is the perfect monsoon getaway. This enchanting backwater destination offers many options to relax and just take in the beauty all around. In fact, Kumarakom is often known as being one of the ten paradises on Earth. There are many luxury resorts located by the shores of Lake Vembanad where you can avail many facilities and also opt for all types of Ayurvedic massages and therapies.
Image Source

Some of the must-visit places in Kumarakom and its nearby areas include:

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Bay Island Driftwood Museum
• Pathiramnal
• Mango Meadows Agricultural Theme Park

4. Thekkady

If you want to see the lush green forests of Kerala come alive in the monsoon season, heading to Thekaddy is the best option to explore. This gem of a destination boasts of the Periyar Forests, which is home to the Periyar National Park, one of the greatest wildlife reserves in India.

The monsoon is the perfect time to enjoy a trip with bamboo rafting and indulge in some night patrolling of the jungle.
Image Source

Along with this, you can also check out the Suruli Falls, Mullaperiyar Dam, the Periyar National park, and the Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple.

5. Munnar

Munnar is one of the most famous hill stations of Kerala. This tea plantation heaven lets you experience a slice of paradise when you visit during the monsoon season. Opt for taking long walks through mist-covered tea plantations or visit the famous Attukad Falls, which turns into a roaring cascade of gushing water during the monsoons.
Image Source

Munnar is also home to the highest peak in South India, the Anamudi Peak. This peak is a popular spot for trekking. Some of the other places to check out in Munnar include:

• Eravikulam National Park
• Anamudi Peak
• Tea Museum
• Mattupetty Dam