9 Must-Visit Places in Kerala from August to October

Planning a trip to Kerala in August, September and October? You should know the must-visit places in Kerala, so you don’t miss out on the magnificent sights. 

Kerala is just amazing to visit at any time of year, but it’s a different experience during the post-monsoon season. Let’s dive in to know about the 9 must-visit destinations in Kerala from August to October.

Top 9 Places to Visit in Kerala

Kerala is also known as God’s own country, with an abundance of serene places. The temperature in Kerala from August to October ranges from 20 to 31 degrees Celsius. Here are the top 9 places to visit in Kerala for a retreat in August, September or October.

Kochi (Cochin)

Cochin is the most loved place in Kerala, with its natural sights, historical sites, relaxing spots, and modern attractions. It has something for everyone, including honeymoon travellers, family and friends trips. 

August to October in Cochin marks the transition from the heavy monsoon to the post-monsoon. The temperature remains around 28-24 degrees Celsius, favourable for sightseeing.

Key Attractions in Cochin

There is a lot to explore in Cochin for visitors; some of the best tourist attractions are mentioned below:

• Bolgatty Palace: Built by the Dutch in 1744, it is now a hotel. The general public can visit there to experience the magnificent buildings.
• Hill Palace Museum: One of Kerala’s largest museums, used as the residential palace of the Kochi Maharajas, spread over 52 52-acre complex.
• Mattancherry Palace, popularly known as the Dutch Palace, is included on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 
• Fort Kochi: A Prominent tourist destination, it is a colonial heritage with a peaceful atmosphere.
• Jewish Synagogue & Jew Town: Historic place of worship for Jews, built with a blend of colonial, Jewish and Kerala architecture.
• Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary: It is a tidal wetland in Kerala, popularly known as the green lung. 

Things to do in Cochin

• Chinese Fishing Nets: When in Cochin, enjoy the waterfront and see the fishing activity, which is charming at dawn and dusk.
• Relaxing at the Beach: There are beautiful beaches in Cochin. Visitors should relax on Cherai Beach and enjoy their leisure time.
• Watch Kathakali: Visit the local centre for a Vibrant cultural dance of Kerala.

Guruvayur 

Guruvayur is a famous pilgrimage destination in Kerala, centred around the Guruvayur Temple. It is also known as the ‘Dwarka of the South’. It is known for its rich history and for the large number of tourists who visit the temple to worship Lord Krishna.

Key Attractions in Guruvayur 

• Guruvayur Krishna Temple: One of the famous temples in South India dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Guruvayurappan. Temple has one ritual for Thulabharam, where people weigh themselves against offerings.
• Chamundeswari Temple: A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Durga, beautifully built, with carved pillars all along. 
• Mammiyur Mhadeva Temple: One of the oldest Shiva temples in Kerala, most visited by tourists and devotees. Temple features beautiful wall carvings.
• Sree Parthasarathy Temple: It is one of the temples made in a chariot-like design. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna’s role as Arjuna’s charioteer in the Mahabharata.

Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala is a must-visit place if you are planning to visit here between August and October. The weather is on the cooler side, with temperatures remaining around 24-28 degrees. It is best for sightseeing and beach relaxation. Although it is post-monsoon, visitors should expect occasional rainfall.

Key Attractions in Thiruvananthapuram

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple:  – It’s one of the wealthiest temples and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple blends Kerala and Dravidian architecture.

• Kanakakunnu Palace: It is a state-owned venue for cultural events and is worth visiting for its beautiful architecture.

• Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary: It is 38 km from Trivandrum and is best for family and friends. The sanctuary offers an opportunity to explore the wildlife.

• Poovar Island: It is an hour’s drive from Trivandrum and 31 km away. It is where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea, offering a retreat in natural surroundings.

Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

• Temple Hopping – There are many temples in Thiruvananthapuram for visitors to awe at. The most famous temples of Kerala are – Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, and Attukal Bhagavathy Temple.
• Backwaters Cruise – Kerala is also known as the Venice of the East for its backwater cruise. Enjoy the serene adventure in Poovar and Veli, overlooking the lush greenery and paddy fields.
• Hiking and Mountain climbing – Kerala offers places where tourists looking for adventure can hike or climb from stunning cliffs overlooking the ocean.
• Beaches – Surfing, Parasailing, and other water sports, along with sitting at leisure on the beach.

Munnar

If you want a pleasant, peaceful vacation amid bountiful nature, visiting Munnar is ideal between August and October. The gorgeous hill station comes alive even more with bright green hues during this time of year. 

Also, it’s the ideal time to admire the true beauty of the waterfalls in Munnar that gush down in all their majestic glory and zest.

For a spectacular view of Tea plantations and the Muthirappuzhayar River in the hills near Munnar, Kerala, do you want a pleasant, peaceful vacation amidst bountiful nature? Visit Munnar between August and October. 

The gorgeous hill station comes alive even more with bright green hues during this time of year. Also, it’s the ideal time to admire the true beauty of the waterfalls in Munnar that gush down in all their majestic glory and zest.

Key Attractions in Munnar

Eravikulam National Park: It is home to Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India. Along with tranquil views, it is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and Mountain goats.

Lockhart Gap: It got its name from the heart-shaped gap between the hills. It’s a spot for scenic views and photography. Ideal place for nature walk, picnics and trekking.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary: A home to endangered species, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Indian Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Gaur (Manjampatti White Bison), Sambar, Spotted Deer, Nilgiri Tahr, and Star Tortoise. One can enjoy the jeep safari and nature trek.

Echo Point: It is situated at a distance of 15 -16 Km from Munnar, with ample opportunity to enjoy nature. Tourists can indulge in Kayaking, Boating, nature walks, and Tea Plantations. 

Things to do in Munnar

• Visit lush green tea plantations: Munnar has the most beautiful tea gardens. The lush green plantation is a treat to the eyes.
• Boating: Mattupetty Dam in Munnar offers boat rides with a view of the surrounding greenery.
• Trekking: There are beautiful mountains in Munnar where tourists can take guided tours and explore various trails. 
• Elephant park: Tourists visiting Munnar in Kerala can spot elephants in the Carmelagiri Elephant Park.

Kovlam

Visit Kovalam to soak in its unparalleled beauty. From playful beaches to serene backwaters, from age-old cave temples to historic castles and awe-inspiring art galleries, and from luxury hotels & resorts to shacks & beach cafes, Kovalam has everything to make your trip an exciting one.

Taking boat rides in Kovalam can be a memorable experience. When here between August and October, if you want to rejuvenate yourself with an Ayurveda treatment, it’s the ideal time.

Key Attractions in Kovlam

• Light House Beach: Painted red and white, it is a beautiful lighthouse at Kovlam beach, offering stunning views of the surrounding nature.
• Hawa Beach: It is the best place in Kovlam to admire the sunset and spend hours enjoying leisure time. 
• Samudra Beach: It is a perfect beach location for 
• Blueflag Beach:

Things to do in Kovlam

• Water Sports: Koval is situated on the Arabian Sea, so it offers opportunities for water sports.
• Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium: See a diverse array of marine life. Moreover, can visit the ancient rock-cut caves nearby.

• Art Gallery Visits: Situated near the Samudra Beach, visit to explore the local artists’ work of paintings, sculptures and artefacts. 

Varkala

Varkala is a unique town in Kerala, offering a stunning beach and red cliffs. The place is known as Little Goa, offering laid Back vibe. Varkala in August to October offers lush greenery as it is a post monsoon season. Plus point of visiting Varkala during this time is pleasant weather and fewer crowd. 

The weather is around 24 – 29 degree celsius however there will be occasional rain till September. Dry weather starts from October great for exploring backwaters.

Key Attractions in Varkala

• Papanasam Beach: Famous beach in Varkala for it’s spiritual significance. Additionally, a great place to enjoy the susets and sunbathing during the day.
• Janardhana Swamy Temple: 2000 year old temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This hindu temple is also known as Varkaleshwar locally. 
• Sivagiri Mutt: Founded by Sri Narayan Guru, it is one of the renowned center and a pilgrimage site. The place is also popularly known as ‘Dakshin Kashi’.
• Jatayu Earth’s Center: Featuring 200 ft long bird sculpture, having a mythological significance due to the Hindu holy book Ramayana.
• Kappil Beach & Lake: Arabian sea meets the backwaters and create a serene view and opportunity for water sports.

Things to do in Varkala

• Culture: There are numerous cultural sites to visit in Varkala. Tourists can discover the temples and high cliff mountains for spiritual energy.
• Beaches: Enjoy the water sports or sit at leasure enjoying the sunset. It is a famous site for Kayaking through tunnels exploring the mangrove forests.
• Cliffs: Offering a bohemian vibe, the cliffs of Varakala can show the memorable sunsets of your life, and vibrant cafe with all kind of savoury food.
• Yoga and Ayurveda: Tourist can enhance their stay experience by involving the Yoga classes offered by various healing centers. Moreover, include spa and massages for a rejuvenating experience.

Athirappilly

To see the majestic Athirappilly Waterfalls in its full glory, come here between August and October. You’ll surely fall in love with the breathtaking beauty of this magnificent cascade at first sight.

To see the majestic Athirappilly Waterfalls in its full glory, come here between August and October. You’ll surely fall in love with the breathtaking beauty of this magnificent cascade at first sight.

Key Attractions in Athirappilly

• Athirappilly Falls: It is one largest waterfall in Keral offering a majestic view of the waterfalling down in gust. 
• Charpa Falls: It lies between the famous Athirappilly falls and Vazhachal Falls. This small waterfall is a stopover for the tourist visiting the two waterfalls. It is a picturesque location and the water flow is at it’s best during August and September.
• Vazhachal Falls: It is a peaceful retreat surrounding nature’s beauty, ideal for nature lover’s and nature photographers.

Things to do in Athirappilly

• Jungle safari: Explore Sholayar forest to spot wildlife animals, flowers and faunas.
• Forest Treks: Athirappilly is nature loaded place and the jungle trek or walks are best for birdwatching experience including the beautiful hornbills.
• Thumboormuzhi Butterfly Garden: Vibrant spot to explore different species of butterflies and nature’s beauty.

Alleppey

This popular tourist spot, which attracts millions of visitors every year, makes our list of Must-Visit Places in Kerala from August to October for many good reasons. 

Alleppey’s gleaming backwaters, lush greenery, laid-back charm, and surreal calmness create a magical, rejuvenating ambience that you can enjoy while cruising on a houseboat, for which the place is famed. 

If it’s the Onam Festival time (20th August to 31st August), you can feast on the delicious Onasadya served on board, which makes for a yummy treat during the houseboat cruise.

Another highlight in August is the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race (August 12, 2023), the epic and most exhilarating water carnival of Kerala, which you shouldn’t miss at any cost. It’s a visual display of sports and culture that can leave everyone spellbound with awe and delight. 

Make sure to indulge in Ayurvedic treatments and massages when in Alleppey, as the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (roughly July-August) is deemed the ideal time for such rejuvenation therapies. 

Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is a must-visit, especially during Sri Krishna Jayanti or Sri Krishna Janmashtami (September 6, 2023). 

Furthermore, there is so much to explore in Alleppey – the beaches, temples and churches, museums, and a plethora of shops to enjoy a great vacation.

Key Attractions in Alleppey

• Alleppey Backwaters: A treat for the nature lovers, enjoy the surrounding village life through the house boat cruise. The houseboat passing through canals giving a sneakpeak into below sea level farming along with paddy fields.
• Thottappally Beach: Known for it’s black sand along the beach providing beautiful views for photography. It is a place where river meets sea, thereby creating a scenic landscape.
• Mararikulam Beach (Marari Beach): Calm beach offering a laidback, picturesque and tranquil environment.
• Alappuzha Lighthouse: it’s historic lighthouse painted in red and white strips. It’s worth visit for great views of beach and cliffs nearby.

Things to do in Alleppey

• Shikara rides: Hire a Shikara boat and take ride, it is one of the memorable experience. It is small sized boat to go along the canals to experience the villages nearby more closely.
• House Boat: 
• Kayaking: Houseboats in Alleppey is a worth experiences to enjoy the surrounding tranquil atmosphere. You can stay in houseboat to enjoy the local life.
• Food Walks: Walking along the streets discover the best places for food and enjoy the local droolworthy foods of Kerala.

Thekkady

Visiting Thekkady during August to October means experience ing the place in the post monsoon season. It is a famous tourist place which is less crowded before October and hence favourable to visit during that time of year. Planning a tour is budget friendly offering the most of the place without hassle.

Key Attractions in Thekkady

• Periyar National Park & Tiger Reserve: Explore the national park for wildlife spotting. It can be explored in by bamboo rafting through the Periyar lake. Additionally, take guided treks to explore the tiger trails.
• Gavi Forest: Gavi forest is located withing the Periyar National Park is an eco tourism destination offering, trekking, jungle trail, jeepsafari along with camping and boating.
• Elephant Junction: Wildlife lover’s shall explore the place and can get to feed, ride and bath elephants.

Things to do in Thekkady

• Jeep Safari: Take Jeep safari in Jungle enjoying the off roading experience. 
• Nature’s Walk: Guided walks in nature to relax and have nature’s view.
• Chellarkovil and PandiKuzhi: Enjoy the village life for it’s hilly terrain and waterfalls. Moreover, enjoy the sunset and sunrise in PandiKuzhi.
• Temple Visits: Mangla Devi, Sabarimala Ayyappa, Ganapathy Temple are some of the famous temples to visit. 

Wrapping Up!

In Kerala, between August and October, you will have a plethora of spectacular festivals, especially the Onam Festival and Navratri Festival, along with other unique celebrations to revel in.

Stunning varieties of culinary delights to discover, deals on accommodation, and the rain-washed landscapes of Kerala, with greenery brimming everywhere, offer a grand visual treat. You can expect rain during this time of the year, but it won’t spoil your trip, as it usually doesn’t last long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which are top 3 places to visit during August to October?

A1: Munnar, Varkala and Kovalam are top 3 places to visit during August to October as they offer lush greenery explore the natural places including wildlife, lakes and beaches.

Q2: Why to visit Kerala during the August to October season?

A2: Kerala is a famous tourist destination, visiting during August to October is beneficial as there is fewer crowd in that season and is budget friendly due to that reason. Moreover the place becomes lush green post monsoon a treat for the nature lovers eyes.

Q3: Which is the best place in Kerala to visit in October?

A3: October is when the rains stop and the best place to visit Kerala during that time is Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey to enjoy the mountains, beaches and backwaters.

Q4: Which is the best part of Kerala for first time travellers?

A4: For first time travellers the best place to visit is the Alleppey backwaters, Munnar for it’s high cliff, Varkala for the wildlife and cliffs.

Q5: Which is the most tranquil place in Kerala to visit for Couples?

A5: Kerala offers most romantic and tranquil places best for couples which are Alleppey for cruise experience, Wayanad for lush views of greenery and Kumarkaun for birdwatching along the lake.