Kerala, also known as God’s Own Country, is one of the prime tourist destinations of the country. Ranging from lush green sceneries to mountains to valleys to beaches to backwaters, Kerala is all weather ideal destination for your vacation. Due to its vast diversity, Kerala has gained a lot of popularity among the tourists and become most welcoming state in India third year in row.
Are you in the mood for some sand on your toes, swaying palm trees, serene blue seas teamed with crashing waves for surfing? Kerala is the way to go. If you’re thinking coffee plantations, tea gardens, hill retreats, ayurvedic centres and yoga centres, there’s no place better other than Kerala for you to be. To top all of these, Kerala has fascinating national parks which are home to exquisite animals. The tranquil backwaters in Alleppey with houseboats, despite its crowd, will not fail to leave you mesmerized.
If you’re wondering which place and which season will be the best to visit God’s Own Country, you have come to the right guide. Considering the diverse terrain of the state, it is difficult to point at one particular season to visit the place. That’s why we have categorized places which you should visit depending on which season or month it is.
Climate of Kerala:
| Season | Temperature | Weather Type |
| October to February | 18 – 29° C | Cool and Pleasant |
| March to May | 32 – 36° C | Hot and Humid |
| June to September | 19 – 30° C | Heavy Rain |
If you are wondering Which is the best season and best month to visit Kerala? Kerala’s multitudinous landforms make sure that there is something to enjoy all throughout the year. However, the best season to visit Kerala for vacationing is the winter season, i.e., October to February month. This is the peak season of tourism in Kerala. But The monsoon season, on the other hand, will the lightest on your pocket! The hotels and health centres (Ayurveda, yoga etc.) offer irresistible discounts. The monsoon season is also called the houseboat season because the rivers overflow and offer stunning views of the region. The other advantage of the monsoon season is the lesser number of tourists.
Best places to visit in Kerala during winter:
During winter time, the coastal areas and the plains have pleasant climatic conditions. Be it going on wildlife safaris or exploring the hill stations or visiting the majestic temples or taking a stroll down beaches, the winter season is the ideal time to enjoy a vacation in Kerala. Places like Kochi and Trivandrum which have scorching heat in summer, can be explored in the pleasant winter climate.
- Wayanad
- Varkala
- Silent Valley
- Kuttikkanam
- Alleppey
- Eravikulam National Park
- Neliyampathy
- Kumarakom
- Kovalam
- Thekkady
1. Munnar
A popular hill station in South India, sometimes also called “Kashmir of the South”. Munnar is situated in the banks of 3 rivers – Periavaru, Madupetti and Nallathanni and is home to Eravikulam National Park, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and numerous tea estates. Filled with lush greeneries, Munnar is one of most sought after vacation spots in South India.
2. Wayanad
Not having its tourist base quite developed as of yet, Wayanad is the ultimate location for you to relax amidst the mountains. Situated on the lap of the Western Ghats, Wayanad is known for its rich wildlife, waterfalls and greenery. It’s exquisite flora and fauna along with the spice plantations has attracted the tourist population.
3. Varkala
Varkala aka The Pearl of the Arabian Sea is a small town in Kerala with its picturesque beaches. It is famous for its Northern Cliff right next to the Arabian sea which is house to the hippie culture and is filled with shops selling oxidized jewellery and shacks with great food and a thriving night life. The blue waters and the serenity of the place makes it nothing less than a paradise.
4. Kovalam
Known for having the only black sand beach in India, Kovalam is another idyllic coastal town with its spellbinding beaches. Sheltering a large hippie population, the city is only 13 km away from the capital of the state, i.e., Thiruvananthapuram.
5. Alleppey or Alapuzzha
Synonymous with backwaters, Alleppey is also called the Venice of the East. With more than thousands of house boats, the backwaters of Alleppey is one of the best tourist destinations in Kerala for 2-3 days tour.
6. Kochi
A perfect blend of the old world charm and modern day appeal, Kochi (former Cochin) is a great tourist spot. This port city is also called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”. It is a mixture of various cultures because of its history of being ruled the British, Portuguese and Dutch. Fort Cochin, a former hub of the spice traders, is a historic neighborhood. Suffused with history in every corner, a walk down Fort Cochin with its Jewish synagogues and Chinese fishing nets and artsy walls, this should be in every traveller’s bucket list.
7. Thekkady
Thekkady fosters the largest tiger reserve – Periyar National Park. If you are a forest-lover, Thekkady should definitely be in your bucket list. Bamboo rafting, hiking are other attractions of the place.
8. Idukki
If you are into spices, you should definitely visit Idukki. A landlocked district known for its spices, is also known as “Spice Garden of Kerala”. It is also famous for its 650ft long and 550ft high arch dam built on the Kuravan Kurathi mountain. It has not developed as a tourist destination like the other places but it holds a lot of potential.
