Explore Kerala in Monsoon: Your Ultimate Trip Planning Guide

Kerala is one of the most beautiful places in India that you can visit anytime of the year. However, the monsoon is the best time to visit Kerala as it enhances the beauty of the place. Unlike other places in India, Kerala experiences two rainy seasons, the first starts in June and the second in October and ends around November.  

Also, Kerala rains are quite unique. During monsoon, you can see thick cover of greenery everywhere and the swaying palms and coconut trees seem like they are dancing to the tunes of the rain.  Monsoon is also a great time to visit Kerala to see and experience the various festival celebrations and the colourful culture. If you are planning monsoon travel in Kerala, here are is a useful travel guide for you.

Why monsoon is the best time to visit Kerala? 

• See and take part in the Onam celebrations 

It is a delight to be in Kerala during Onam festival. One of the most important festivals for the Malayalee community in India, Onam is a harvest festival. During the festival, you can enjoy seeing the celebrations and experience the rich culture and traditions through folk dances like Mohini Attam, Kathakali, and one of the oldest art forms in the world – Kalaripayattu. The festive celebrations last for about 10 days, and you can enjoy an elaborate feast, called Sadhya, on all these days.  

• Witness the snake boat race 

The famous snake boat race is one of the most spectacular sights you will ever see. It is held during the monsoon season in different parts of the state. But, the most popular race is the Nehru Trophy, which is held in Alleppey on the serene Punnamada Lake.  

The oarsmen engaging in a fierce battle to come first; the loud chants, the spectators cheering for their favourite team is an experience that you will never forget.

• Best time to get ayurvedic massage 

Many people take a monsoon travel to Kerala specially to get a massage and ayurvedic treatment. The use of herbal and aroma-rich oils and the special massage techniques offer to help cure many health problems. According to the ancient traditions of Ayurveda, the monsoon season is the best time to undergo treatment. 

The moist, cool, and dust-free air enables opening the pores of the skin, making the therapy even more effective. Also, during the post-treatment period, the monsoon weather allows the body to cool down faster and recuperate. 

How to reach Kerala?

By Air: To reach Kerala by air, you can book a flight to one of the international airports in the state:

• Cochin International Airport

• Trivandrum International Airport

• Calicut International Airport

• Kannaur International Airport

These airports have regular domestic and international flights connecting Kerala to various cities in India. 

By Rail: Kerala is well-connected by rail, and you can reach the state by train through major railway expresses.The Konkan Railway line plays a vital role in connecting Kerala with various parts of the country. Major stops along the Konkan Railway line in Kerala include:

• Kollam

• Thiruvananthapuram (the capital city)

• Alappuzha (known for its backwaters)

• Kozhikode (historically significant city)

• Kottayam (famous for its rubber plantations)

• Ernakulam (commercial hub).

By Road: Kerala is well-connected to the rest of the country through a network of national highways and smaller roads. National Highways 44, 48, 49, 185 are the major highways that link Kerala to the rest of the country. 

Best places to visit in Kerala in the monsoon

• Varkala: The serene gem of South India

• Bekal Fort: Kerala’s architectural gem

• Wayanad: Must-visit for a peaceful getaway

• Alleppey: Venice of South India 

• Athirapilly Waterfalls: Nature’s spectacular delight

• Ashtamudi: Explore enchanting backwaters

• Varkala 

A coastal paradise, Varkala is known for its idyllic beaches that are lined with breezy palm trees and surrounded by red cliffs. Home of the popular Papanasam beach, it is one of the best places to visit in Kerala during monsoon. Here, you can have a great time with your family, enjoy the beautiful views around you, and tak in all the much-needed peace and quiet.  

• Bekal Fort 

A popular tourist place in Kerala, many people come here during the monsoon to enjoy the rain and get a fantastic panoramic view of the beach nearby. There is a beautiful walkway atop the fort and walking on it itself is an experience as the cool breeze and the splash of rain hits your face. It is also a great place to strike a pose and click some epic pictures. 

• Wayanad 

If you are visiting Kerala with your special someone, Wayanad is one of the most romantic places to visit during monsoon. Here, you can treat yourself to the amazing views of the valley, bathe under the waterfalls and go for a long walk in the rain-kissed coffee plantations.  The hill town of Wayanad is the best place to visit in the rainy season in Kerala. 

• Alleppey 

You don’t need a specific reason or season to visit Alleppey; anytime is a good time to travel to this beautiful place, which is synonymous with the serene backwaters. The shores replete with swaying palm and coconut trees and the blue lakes are a treat to the eyes. During monsoon, the place looks even more spectacular and reverberates with the Onam festival celebrations. 

• Athirapilly Waterfalls

Athirapilly Waterfalls, located in the Thrissur district of Kerala, is a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking beauty. It is often referred to as the ‘Niagara Falls of India’ due to its impressive cascade of water. During the monsoon season, the waterfalls become even more spectacular. 

The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to the region, rejuvenating the rivers and streams that feed the Athirapilly Waterfalls. The increased water flow during this time creates a magnificent sight as the water gushes down the rocky cliffs, creating a thunderous roar and a misty atmosphere. The surrounding lush greenery becomes even more vibrant, adding to the picturesque landscape.

• Ashtamudi 

Ashtamudi Lake, in the Kollam district of Kerala, is the second-largest lake in the state and one of the most scenic and tranquil backwater destinations in India. The lake is renowned for its natural beauty, surrounded by lush greenery, coconut groves, and traditional Kerala backwater villages. It stretches over a vast area and is fed by the Kallada River. The lake is dotted with small islands, and its waters are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, otters, and turtles.

One of the best ways to explore Ashtamudi is by taking a houseboat or a traditional Kettuvallam cruise.

Where to stay in Kerala? 

There are many stay options in Kerala, from hostels to homestays and five-star hotels. But, if you prefer staying at a premium resort, you can stay at the various resorts in Kerala by Club Mahindra. If you are visiting Alleppey to see the snake boat race, you can stay at Club Mahindra Arookutty, one of the best resorts in Alleppey. The spacious rooms, premium amenities and warm hospitality at this resort will make your stay a memorable one. 

Some more Club Mahindra resorts in Kerala are:

• Club Mahindra Thekkady 
• Club Mahindra Ashtamudi Resort in Kollam
• Club Mahindra Poovar Resort
• Club Mahindra Mount Serene Resort in Munnar
• Club Mahindra Cherai Resort in Kochi