Experience Onam in Kerala with Club Mahindra

As the monsoon begins to ease, Kerala gets ready for Onam. For travellers, the festival offers a different way to experience God’s Own Country. Alongside the backwaters, beaches and hills, you get to see the traditions, food and everyday celebrations that give the state its distinct cultural identity.

At a Glance

What is Onam?

Onam is closely associated with the legend of King Mahabali, whose annual return to Kerala is celebrated as a time of prosperity and harmony. The festival is marked by pookkalams, the floral designs created outside homes, the grand vegetarian sadhya served on banana leaves and a host of games and cultural activities.

As one of South India's most beloved festivals, Onam offers a unique window into Kerala's cultural heart. It's a time when the state embraces age-old traditions with pride, from intricate floral pookkalams and festive attire to grand feasts shared with family and friends.

The familiar beauty of Kerala remains, but during Onam it is wrapped in an unmistakable spirit of pride, culture, and togetherness. The 10-day festival is a chance to experience the region not as a mere visitor, but as part of its most cherished tradition.

Find Your Onam Experience

Different parts of Kerala offer different settings for a festive getaway, so your choice of resort can shape the holiday.

For a backwater escape, head to Club Mahindra Ashtamudi. Traditional Kerala architecture and the tranquil shores of Ashtamudi Lake create a relaxed setting for a few days away. Club Mahindra Arookutty, meanwhile, puts you amid swaying palms, canals and paddy fields, with the Alappuzha backwaters close by.

Along the coast, Club Mahindra Cherai brings together the laid-back appeal of Cherai Beach and Kerala's backwater landscapes. At Club Mahindra Poovar, mangrove-lined backwaters, boat rides and a quieter beach make for a more laid-back coastal break.

Amidst the hills, look towards Club Mahindra Lakeview Munnar, overlooking the waters of Anayirangal Dam, or Club Mahindra Mount Serene, surrounded by Munnar's tea estates. Club Mahindra Thekkady offers another highland setting, with rain-soaked forests and spice plantations around the Western Ghats.

And if your holiday continues beyond Kerala, Club Mahindra Madikeri in neighbouring Karnataka is an easy way to extend the Western Ghats experience. Coffee estates, forest trails and Kodagu hospitality offer a different regional flavour to the trip.

Onam in a Day

Not planning a full holiday around the festival? Club Mahindra Arookutty is also hosting a special Onam Daycation from 15th August to 7th September 2026, between 10 AM and 6 PM.

• A traditional welcome: Start the day with a traditional Kerala welcome, including kasavu draping and local drinks.
• Resort activities: Make use of the swimming pool, indoor and outdoor games, and wellness activities such as yoga and Zumba.
• Pookkalam competition: Families can create their own floral designs together, bringing one of Onam's most recognisable traditions to life.
• Traditional sadhya: Enjoy an elaborate vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, featuring a variety of Kerala dishes.

Music, games and performances: The afternoon features cultural performances, chenda melam, tug of war, musical chairs and uriyadi, giving different generations plenty of ways to join in.

Orumichonam: Traditions of Togetherness

At Club Mahindra, we celebrate the season through Orumichonam, a name that brings together Orumichu (together) and Onam. Because like every great Indian festival, Onam is best experienced in the company of loved ones.

Across our resorts in Kerala, Orumichonam transforms your holiday into a vibrant celebration of local culture and togetherness. Dress up in traditional white-and-gold attire, cheer on a spirited tug of war, admire pookkalams full of petals, savour local flavours, and join in the music, laughter, and festivities unfolding around you.

Planning your Onam getaway? Follow Club Mahindra on Instagram for festive inspiration and glimpses of celebrations.