Located along India’s southwestern coast, Kerala is often nicknamed God’s Own Country. It is due to its tranquil backwaters, stunning natural beauty, and rich tradition and culture.
December to May is the peak season for travellers from across the world. However, the monsoon months from June to October/mid-November offer a captivating charm and turn Kerala into a green paradise.
The monsoon is the best time to visit Kerala, particularly for those seeking to experience the state’s true natural beauty. Keep reading this post to know more about why you should visit Kerala during the monsoon.
1. Ayurvedic Treatments
Generally, tourists from India and other parts of the world visit Kerala to get Ayurvedic treatments and massage therapies. Ancient Ayurvedic texts state that the monsoon is the best time to undergo a variety of treatments.
The weather during this period is cool, moist, and dust-free. It helps open our skin’s pores well and makes a specialised therapy work well. After the treatment, the weather supports the healing process.
The best places to get Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala are as follows:
- Palakkad
- Kovalam
- Kochi
You can get oil massage (abhyanga), detox (panchakarma), or allied therapies in five-star hotels, spas, clinics, health centres, or even in a dedicated houseboat.
2. Onam
Participating in or witnessing the Onam festival is fantastic. As a harvest festival, Onam usually falls in late August or early September. It showcases Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through traditional folk dances like Mohini Attam and Kathakali.
This festival also features Kalaripayattu, the oldest martial arts form. It features flowers, conventional games, adorned elephants, and a feast. The whole Onam festival lasts around 10 days and includes the famous Snake Boat Race, Vallamkali, on the river Pampa.
Where to experience Onam festivities
- Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram)
- Kottayam
- Thrissur
- Kochi
3. Backwaters
A Kerala tour is incomplete without a ride through the backwaters. Kerala’s backwaters are crystal clear during the monsoon and clearly reflect trees, plants, and other features. Enjoying the backwaters of Kerala is easy on a traditional houseboat.
Hire a conventional houseboat and explore the backwaters spread over 900 kilometres. While enjoying the houseboat ride, you can enjoy South Indian cushions, witness several species of aquatic life, and relax in nature’s lap.
Rain adds to Kerala’s natural beauty with fresh, lush greenery. In your Kerala trip during the monsoon, you can celebrate or witness several beach festivals like the Alleppey Beach Festival and the Sand Art Festival.
Where to explore Kerala backwaters
- Alappuzha (Alleppey)
- Munroe Island (Kollam)
- Kumarakom
- Kuttanad
4. Lush Greenery
The first drop of rain cools down the air and resets the whole landscape in Kerala. Apart from hilly areas, plains are changed into rainforests or jungles. It happens throughout this southern state. However, Munnar holds a special place. Tea, spice, and allied plantations look like something which is not a part of India.
In addition to Munnar, the Western Ghats, which run along this southern state, are magical. The view of the entire state takes on a cinematic quality. During the monsoon, green is the most soothing colour.
Impressive Waterfalls
Kerala is home to some of India’s best waterfalls. During the monsoon, these waterfalls are at their best. Also known as the Niagara of India, the Athirappilly Falls flows from June to September each year. Further, Soochipara and Meenmutty Falls in Wayanad offer dramatic shows during the monsoon
Other waterfalls to explore and witness in Kerala are as follows:
- Vazhachal in Alleppey
- Cheeyappara Falls in Munnar
- Palaruvi Falls in Kollam
- Thusharagiri Falls in Kozhikode
- Attukad Waterfalls in Munnar
- Thomman Kuthu Falls in Idukki
5. Lush Green Hills
The entire state is extremely green during the monsoon season. However, Mattupetty is a pleasant place where you can experience the true magic of monsoons in Kerala. Located at an altitude of 1700 metres in the Idukki hills, this hill station is well known for its beautiful lake and dam. Whether you stay indoors or walk, watching this hill during a rainstorm makes your trip unforgettable.
6. Clean Beaches
Kerala’s beaches consist of rugged terrains, which are distinctive and change suddenly as you move from Kerala’s north to the South. These beaches are home to many coconut trees and are a hub for fishing. While visiting beaches in Kerala, you will enjoy the natural scenery and learn about the locals and their traditional professions.
The beaches to visit in Kerala are:
- Kovalam (three coves)
- Varkala (cliffside views & black sand)
- Alappuzha (near backwaters)
- Muzhappilangad (India’s only drive-in beach)
- Poovar (estuary meeting sea)
7. Treehouse Experience
Staying in a treehouse in Kerala during the monsoon gives you a unique experience. It allows you to listen closely to the melody of raindrops, particularly in a rain-soaked forest. Destinations like Thekkady and Wayanad offer such unique accommodation.
8. No Crowd
The monsoon season is usually an off-season for tourism in Kerala. The off-season means fewer crowds, more breathing rooms, and lower prices. Whatever part of this state you choose to visit during the monsoon season, you can easily book accommodation, transportation, and sightseeing. You will feel at home away from your home.
Conclusion
Visiting Kerala during the monsoon gives you a unique and unforgettable experience. From witnessing the famous Snake Boat Race to backwaters and tree house accommodation, you will find the monsoon in Kerala as a celebration of life. Consult a reputed tour operator, get a customised package, and explore Kerala this monsoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best places to witness Onam festivities?
Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Kottayam, Thrissur, and Kochi are the best places to witness Onam festivities.
2. What are the right places to explore Kerala’s backwaters?
Places to explore and experience Kerala’s backwaters include Alappuzha (Alleppey), Munroe Island (Kollam), Kumarakom, and Kuttanad.
3. Where can I have a treehouse experience in Kerala?
Wayanad and Thekkady are ideal places for a treehouse experience.
4. Which is known as the Niagara of India?
Athirappilly Falls is known as the Niagara of India.
5. Where can I trek or explore waterfalls in Kerala?
The best waterfalls to explore in Kerala are as follows:
- Attukad Waterfalls in Munnar
- Cheeyappara Falls in Munnar
- Palaruvi Falls in Kollam
- Thusharagiri Falls in Kozhikode
- Thomman Kuthu Falls in Idukki
- Vazhachal Waterfalls in Alleppey
