With vacations around the corner, I’m sure you are looking for a place to spend your precious time. Well, no worries because there is a place known as “God’s own country” in India. Yes, I’m talking about Kerela!
Located in South India, Kerela is one of the most underrated tourist destinations in the world. You can find it all here with beaches, hill stations, backwaters, colorful festivals, and a culture that makes Kerela etched into the memories of the people.
Now, there is a lot of debate on when is the best time to visit Kerela. There is no wrong answer to this. So, in this article, I will tell you about the worst and best times to visit Kerela. We will also explore some of the cheapest things to do in Kerela so that you can get the whole experience without burning a hole in your pocket.
The Overall Best and Worst Time to Visit Kerela
The answer to this question depends on how you plan to spend your trip, your travel budget, your weather preferences, and other factors. Let’s dive in further!
Best Time to Visit
According to me, the best to visit is during the months of September to March. These months usually bring the onset of autumn and winter. It is better to plan your trip around these months because then do not have to suffer in the humid heat of this coastal region.
During these months, you will also get a chance to experience the local festivals and events. Some of the famous ones include the Thiruvathira festival and the Makara Jyothi Festival. There is live music, local delicacies, and lots of dancing.
This weather is perfect for exploring the beaches and the backwaters of this place where you can lay in the sun and enjoy water sports without the risk of heavy rain. During the early months, the weather is not too hot and not too warm allowing you to spend more time outside.
It is also the holiday season so you will find the beaches filled with tourists to the brim with tourists from all over the world. Securing a hotel room and air tickets at a feasible price can be a bit difficult. Therefore, it is advised to research and pre-book all the tickets, Air India is great option for that and make reservations beforehand.
Worst Time to Visit
In reality, there is no worse time to visit this beautiful place. However, the months from June to early September face heavy rainfall, where there are chances of getting stuck in floods and tides.
This season is also known as the wet season. Therefore, it is not the ideal time for those with adventurous spirits as the heavy rain could force you to cancel your plans for the day.
Moreover, many restaurants located near the beach are closed during these days. But if you are just looking to visit Kerela with your family and for a peaceful getaway then these months are the best. It is also the cheapest time to visit Kerela.
There are only locals and a few visitors during this time. So you can get access to beaches with fewer people and can experience a peaceful atmosphere. You won’t have to wait in line for long or stand shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists everywhere that you go.
Moreover, you can also avail of discounted hotel prices and airfare tickets making it a very viable option. The monsoon season also contributes to the lush greenery of the landscape which helps transform Kerela into a place where you can actually touch the clouds.
Least Busy Time to Visit
The least busy time to visit Kerala is generally during the start of the monsoon season. This usually begins in June and lasts until September. These months experience the heaviest rain of the year, which is why tourism is quite low during these periods.
It is recommended to regularly check the weather forecasts if you plan to visit during the wet season. Planning an itinerary may not be ideal because the weather may force you to find alternative things to do.
Kerala is relatively quiet in October and November, as tourism tends to pick up in December. You can avoid the rainy season and the peak tourist season.
Places to Visit in Kerela
Alappuzha
If you are in Kerela, then you should not miss visiting this heavenly abode called Alappuzha or Alleppey. It is also known as the “Backwater Capital of India” or the “Venice of the East”.
If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life then it is the perfect option for you. Here, you will also find birds of some rare species coming from faraway places like Siberia. For those interested in bird-watching you will find various species of birds like Little Cormorants, Indian Darter, White Ibis, Kingfishers, and many more.
If you are looking for offbeat tourist destinations in Kerela, don’t forget to visit the island of Pathiramanal. A fun fact about this place is that it is accessible only by boat.
Things to do in Alappuzha
Cruise on a Houseboat. It is considered to be one of the top things to do on the backwaters in Alappuzha. Take part in thrilling boat races, buy marine products, and spend some awesome holidays. As you navigate through the narrow canals, you will even find some churches and mosques on your way.
Mullackal Road, It is the best place to be for the shoppers. There is everything here from spices, gold jewellery, clothes, fishing equipment, and more.
The Punnamada and Vembanad lakes are a sight to behold. One can reach here through the motorboats.
Wayanad
Wayanad is a hill station that is a magical place straight out of some movie. It is a part of a forest reserve rich in wildlife and spice plantations. It is one of the most popular destinations in Kerela.
With flowing waterfalls, hilltops, and lush green tea factories, this place is just picture-perfect. Take an adventure jeep safari and go bamboo rafting on the free-flowing waters of the Anoothypuzha.
Top Tourist Attractions
Eddakal Caves is one of the most popular destinations in Kerala. It is located 1200m above the sea level. Locals believe that the caves are formed by the arrows of Luva and Kusha – Sons of Lord Rama.
It is recommended that you take a trek through Ambakuttu Mala which will lead you to the ancient charm of Eddakal Caves. It is popular for cave paintings which are older than 6000 BC.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is ranked 8th on the list of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kerala. You will find tons of hilly terrains and dense valleys making it a heaven for nature lovers. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Do not forget to take your camera along to take pictures of the famous Asian Elephants, stripped-necked Mongoose, Leopard Cats, vultures, and many more.
Neelimala is one of the best places to enjoy your holidays in Kerala with your family and friends. It is a picnic spot. Witness scenic views of the Meenmutti waterfall, flowers, and plants of all varieties. It is also a known spot for trekking, making it quite popular among adventure lovers. One can also capture picturesque views of the Western Ghats.
Kollam
Kollam is one of the most visited destinations in Kerela. In ancient times it was famous because of its spice trade but now it is popular for its industries like fisheries, cashews, and nut processing.
You will find many remains of the ancient temples that are built in the traditional style of architecture. If the chaos of the city overwhelms you too much then escape to the peaceful Kollam beach for a blissful experience.
Don’t miss out on the houseboat rides from Kollam to Alappuzha as it is a must-visit. It is a cluster of a total of 8 islands.
Tourist Attractions in Kollam
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum. It displays the history and the development of the police force. There are various exhibits such as guns, machines, and police arms dating back from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Thangassery, which is also known as the gold village in Kerela houses some of the oldest forts and churches from the Portuguese era. There is a Thangassery lighthouse which is the center of attraction for most people.
Thiruvalla which houses the holy Shree Vallabha Temple. A fun fact about this temple is that it is the only temple in Kerela where the Kathakali Dance is performed as a ritual offering.
Jatayu Bird Center is another tourist attraction that is famous among the people. It houses the world’s biggest bird sculpture. If you already did not know, Jatayu is the legendary bird that is mentioned in the Hindi epic Ramayana.
Thevally Palace is a unique piece of colonial architecture located on the banks of the Ashtamudi River. Inside the palace, there is a temple of the divine lord Sastha. There are various legends related to this temple describing different ways one can make their wishes true.
Munnar
Munnar is located between three rivers named Periavaru, Nallathanni, and Madupetti. It is essentially a hill station known for its scenic beauty. You enter Munnar and will spot tons of tea gardens and estates with people working to pluck those tea leaves.
Short to say, it is magical in the rainy season as you can see the fog and rainbows with your naked eye and it is a stunning visual that will remain etched in your memories forever.
Munnar is also a commercial center of the world’s largest tea gardens. It is a hub of export. If one visits Munnar, there are some places that highly interest the locals such as the Kundala Lake, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Blossom Park, and the Eravikulam National Park.
Kannur
Also known as Cannanore by the tourists, Kannur is a city that is surrounded by beaches, picnic spots, and tons of ancient temples. During the ancient era, the city was under the colonial rule. It is still visible in the way the city’s people and architecture. You can easily sense the aura of the Portuguese, the British, the Dutch, and the Mysore Sultanate.
When in Kannur, visit the St Angelo’s Fort. this historical fort has witnessed several wars and fights. The fort has a legendary past and is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India.
There is another popular place near the Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple called Snake Park. it is the only one of its kind in the state. Another interesting fact is that this is the only place where Ayurveda and Allopathy are combined to cure snake bites.
Palakkad
Palakkad is the gateway to Kerela. It is a place where you will find solace and is a real gem for nature lovers. It is located on the foothills of the Western Ghats with a scenery that will make you gasp audibly.
Palakkad is full of diverse cultures, traditions, and music. Once there, you will get to witness the traditional Malabar way of life. You must add this place to your itinerary during a trip to Kerela because it is a national treasure that cannot be found anywhere else.
Some of the notable top attractions include the ruins of Tipu Sulthan’s Fort, Jain Temple, Walayar Dam, and Silent Valley National Park.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that there is no worst or best time to visit Kerela. It all just depends on your travel preferences and budget. You can travel to Kerela during the dry season and have access to all the major activities around town. Though, you may have to pre-book the tickets.
But if you are looking for a change of environment, then visiting during the off-season will be a great choice. You will even get a discount on flight tickets and hotel rooms. Now, that we are talking about vacation places, Trivandrum in Kerela is a good choice as well. There are many great places to visit in Trivandrum.
All in all, Kerala is a great destination to spend your vacation. So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and visit this dream destination with your loved ones!
