Best Places To Visit In Kerala During Monsoon

It’s a well-known fact that Kerala is called “God’s Own Country” and rightfully so. This beauty is only doubled during the monsoon season! Traveling in Kerala while it rains is ideal since it doesn’t rain enough to stop all activities. While the greenery and the scenic beauty increase, the intervals of sunshine are just a bonus. Here are some of the best places to visit in Kerala during the monsoon, so you can kick off your Kerala bucket list!

8 Best Places To Visit In Kerala During Monsoon

1. Alleppey

Being home to a large network of backwaters, Alleppey is popularly known as “The Venice of The East”. With a huge maze of canals, lakes, lagoons, and freshwater rivers, it is a place of immense natural beauty. It also happens to be one of the oldest planned cities in India and it houses a 150-year-old lighthouse!

What really makes Alleppey special is the heart of the city – Kuttanad. What’s so special about it? Well, it’s one of the few places in the world where farming is done 2 meters below sea level! This unique farming system is now highly endangered due to flooding and increased tourism, resulting in pollution of the water bodies. So, be mindful when you visit this place and take care not to pollute the waters.

Things To Do In Alleppey In Monsoon:

1. When you visit Alleppey, you can’t avoid visiting the backwaters. Cruising through the backwaters in a traditional houseboat should be at the top of your list.
2. Attend the Nehru Trophy Boat Race which happens on the second Saturday of August every year as a part of the Onam festival. 
3. If you’re the adventurous type, kayaking in the backwaters during Kerala’s monsoon is bound to be a memorable experience for you.
4. Monsoon is also the best season for Ayurvedic treatments. Alleppey offers some of the best Ayurvedic spa retreats. This makes it the best place to escape from your everyday hustle.

How To Get There:

By Flight: The nearest airport to Alleppey is the Cochin International Airport, which is 83 km from the city. 

By Train: Alleppey Railway Station is well-connected to all the major cities of the state and the country. 

By Bus: For tourists who want to travel around the state, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses are a comfortable option. Private buses are also available which will connect you to other adjoining cities and states.

2. Ashtamudi Lake

Known as “The Gateway of Backwaters”, Ashtamudi Lake is one of the most visited backwater lakes in India. Ashtamudi literally means ‘eight braids’ and it gets this name because of the eight branches that connect to it. Situated in the Kollam district of Kerala, this lake is surrounded by lush greenery and tall coconut palms. It boasts a unique wetland ecosystem that combines both freshwater and saltwater, making it a biodiversity hotbed.

To experience the beauty of the entire lake, you have to take an 8-hour long boat ride, that’s how huge the lake is! The best thing about it is, you can enjoy a traditional lunch while on the boat ride. Depending on the tour package you choose, the boat will pick you up at a checkpoint and cover certain places before bringing you back. On request, they also arrange for you to experience activities like fishing, visiting Munroe village, etc. With such activities, you will also get to closely experience the rich biodiversity here.

Things To Do In Ashtamudi Lake In Monsoon:

1. Ashtamudi Lake offers a lot of activities like kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching, which can be best enjoyed during the monsoon season.
2. The lake is famous for its traditional houseboats, which are made from locally sourced materials like bamboo and coir.
3. Ashtamudi houses several small islands that you can explore by boat. Munroe Island, which is located in the middle of the lake, is the most visited island. It was developed for agriculture by Colonel Monroe during the Colonial period. You can explore the island in a canoe and experience the life of the locals.

How To Get There:

By Flight: The nearest airport from Kollam is Trivandrum International Airport, which is around 81 km. You can take buses or private taxis that are readily available at the airport to reach your destination. 

By Train: Kollam Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Ashtamudi Lake. You can further take government or private transport to reach the lake and you’ll reach it in roughly 2 hours. 

By Bus: The lake is also very well connected to a number of tourist destinations via road. You can take the KSRTC or private buses, taxis, or autos within the city to reach the lakeside.

3. Munnar

Also called the “Kashmir of South India”, words fall short when describing the charming beauty of this hill station. The green hills and the tea plantations stretching across as far as you can see make it a sought-after destination. Combine it with monsoon showers, and you’ll be treating yourself to a breathtaking view. Soak in the fragrant aroma while you stroll through the tea plantations. And the best part? You can experience the joy of having a cup of top-notch tea from the altitudes!

Things To Do In Munnar In Monsoon:

1. Explore the lush green plantations and witness the process of picking and making tea. The monsoon season is guaranteed to add a pleasant touch to the whole experience.
2. Munnar houses a lot of waterfalls and during the monsoons, they come alive with beautiful cascading water. You shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit places like Attukad Waterfalls, Lakkam Waterfalls, or Nyayamakad Waterfalls.
3. Visiting the Mattupetty Dam during the monsoon season is guaranteed to offer a stunning view of the place and its surrounding reservoir. You can enjoy a boat ride on the reservoir and immerse yourself in the tranquil setting.

How To Get There:

By Flight: The Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, which is about 125 km (3 hours 18 minutes) via NH85 from Munnar. 

By Train: It is also well connected to Aluva Railway Station, which is about 110 km away (3 hours 20 minutes) via NH85. Taxis and buses are easily accessible from the airport as well as the railway station.

By Bus: Munnar is very well connected by road and you can easily reach there by private vehicle, taxi, or bus. The KSRTC buses operate from all the major cities in Kerala to Munnar.

4. Kovalam

A coastal paradise in Kerala, it’s hard to resist the special breezy charm of Kovalam. It’s famous all over the world for its beautifully clean beaches, especially Hawa Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Samudra Beach. Separated by rocky outcroppings on the 17 km coastline of Kovalam, these three beaches together form a crescent shape. Because of this, it is also known as Crescent Beach! One thing you absolutely must not miss is the beautiful sunsets. The palm-decorated coastline gives the sunsets here a touch of tropical magic.

Traveling to Kovalam in the monsoon is going to be a very pocket-friendly experience. The crowd of tourists is usually dwindling during this season, so you might bag great deals on hotels!

Things To Do In Kovalam In Monsoon:

1. Enjoy leisurely walks along the beach and revel in the tranquillity in the absence of crowds. Make sure to follow the safety protocols and be cautious of strong currents during monsoons.
2. You can visit the Lighthouse Beach and climb up to the top of the Vizhinjam Lighthouse for a great view of the sea and the surroundings. This is a great spot to take pictures. 
3. Samudra Beach is famous for its shoreline fishing which you can observe during the early hours of the day.
4. If you’re someone who likes to chase sunsets, head to Hawa Beach since it’s an isolated part of Kovalam Beach with a great view.

How To Get There:

By Flight: Located approximately 15 km away, Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to Kovalam. From here, you can easily take a bus, autorickshaw, or taxi to reach Kovalam. 

By Train: The nearest railway station is the Kovalam Railway Station which is located about 2.4 km (3 min) away via NH66. From the station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kovalam.

By Bus: Kovalam is well-connected by road and you can easily reach there by bus or even a private vehicle. KSRTC buses and private buses are available from various cities in Kerala. Although you can hire a taxi, buses are more economical.

5. Thekkady

Famous for its evergreen forests, Thekkady has some amazing specialties that you shouldn’t miss out on. Here, you have the famous Periyar National Park, where you can go on boat safaris to spot elephants, tigers, and a variety of birds. The region is also known for its spice plantations, where you can take guided tours and learn about black pepper, cardamom, and other such aromatic spices.

Things To Do In Thekkady In Monsoon:

1. For adventure lovers, bamboo rafting at the Periyar River is the best way to enjoy the monsoons here. You might even come across elephants bathing in the rain showers!
2. You can witness Kathakali performances and Kalaripayattu martial arts displays at the Mudra Cultural Arts Center. Thekkady also offers tribal village visits.
3. Thekkady promotes eco-tourism and is also famous for Ayurvedic treatments. You can also take part in bamboo rafting and spice plantation tours.

How To Get There:

By Flight: The nearest airport, Madurai Airport, is 141 km away. After reaching Madurai you can hire a cab or take a bus to Thekkady. 

By Train: The nearest railway station is in Kottayam, located about 106 km. From here, you can board a KSRTC or private bus, or hire a cab to your destination. 

By Bus: Thekkady is also very well-connected to major cities by road, so you can easily hire a taxi to get here. There are also KSRTC or private buses that you can take.

6. Wayanad

Famous for its spice plantations, Wayanad is a picturesque hill station in the greenery of Kerala. The aroma of the spices that fill the air here is what makes Wayanad truly special.

Apart from spices, there are a lot of coffee and tea plantations in Wayanad. Wayanad is also famous for the exquisite handicrafts by skilled artisans that reflect the culture of this place. Wayanad is simply gorgeous during monsoons and you would barely want to stay indoors. You won’t fall short of things to do even in the downpour.

Things To Do In Wayanad In Monsoon:

1. One of the top attractions of Wayanad is Pookode, a natural freshwater lake. There is a pathway alongside the lake where you can take a walk and enjoy the beautiful view. You can also go boating here and witness a different viewpoint.
2. Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India, is another place you should visit during the monsoon in India.
3. Embark on a trekking adventure to the top of Edakkal Caves if you are feeling adventurous. These caves are famous for their prehistoric carvings dating back to 5000 BC. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Wayanad.
4. Head to Meenmutty Waterfalls, known as Kerala’s second-largest waterfall. Witness the beautiful cascading water enhanced by the monsoon rains.
5. Need some fresh forest breeze? Explore the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to a wide range of animals and birds. The monsoons can give you the unique experience of witnessing these animals in their natural habitat, with the added charm of misty forests.

How To Get There:

By Flight: Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport, located at a distance of  93 km (2 hours 58 minutes) from Wayanad. You can hire a taxi or a local bus from the airport to reach here. 

By Train: The nearest railway station is the Kozhikode Railway Station, around 86 km away from Wayanad. 

By Road: It’s well-connected to nearby cities like Kozhikode, Coimbatore, and Bangalore. You can take a bus, hire a cab, or even go by private vehicle.

7. Athirappilly Falls

The specialty of Athirappilly lies in its waterfalls. Athirappilly Waterfalls are rightfully popular as the “Niagara Falls of India” due to their impressive height. The magnificence of this place, especially during the monsoon, will mesmerize you. Plunging from a height of approximately 80 m, this waterfall also stretches across a wide area creating a lovely spectacle. Even the surroundings are rich in biodiversity, making it an ideal place to take nature walks.

Things To Do In Athirappilly In Monsoon:

1. Athirappilly in monsoon gets a fresh green makeover. This is also the best time to witness the waterfall in its full glory.
2. Dense forests surround the waterfall. You can explore the forest by taking a guided nature walk or trek and experience the beauty of the misty atmosphere and glistening leaves.
3. While you are at it, you can visit the Vazhachal Waterfalls as well, which is a short 25 minutes away from Athirappilly Waterfalls.

How To Get There:

By Flight: The nearest airport is the Kochi International Airport. You can take a taxi or bus from here to reach your destination.

By Train: Chalakudy is the nearest Railway station from Athirappilly. Located approximately 28 km, you can take a cab to the falls. 

By Road: Traveling to Athirappilly is easy since it’s well-connected to other cities in Kerala. It is only 66 km (2 hours 7 minutes) from Kochi. 

8. Kumarakom

Serene canals, peaceful lagoons, and shimmering lakes are all the specialities of Kumarakom. Famous for its bird sanctuary, Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna including migratory birds. If you are a bird enthusiast, get your binoculars and get ready to spot some feathered friends. Indulge in the local cuisine, and pamper yourself with Ayurvedic treatments – Kumarakom is a place where a lot of things await you.

Things To Do In Kumarakom In Monsoon:

1. Embrace the beauty of Kumarakom’s backwaters during the monsoon. Hop on a houseboat or a traditional canoe and cruise through the waters. You can witness the rain-kissed surroundings and enjoy the rhythmic sounds of the rain while you are at it.
2. Kumarakom is heaven for birdwatchers, and the monsoon season attracts a lot of migratory birds as well. Explore the bird sanctuary to spot various species of birds including herons, egrets, white Ibis, cuckoos, Siberian cranes, and various species of kingfishers.
3. Visit Pathiramanal Island, a small and picturesque island located in the Vembanad Lake. Enjoy a boat ride to the island and explore the natural beauty of the islands in the monsoon.

How To Get There:

By Flight: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Kumarakom, located at a distance of 85 km. From the airport, you can easily hire a cab or taxi to reach the city.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Kumarakom is the Kottayam Railway Station, located 16 km away via Kottayam-Kumarakom Road. You can hire a private cab or taxi from the station to reach your destination. 

By Road: Traveling by road is considered to be the most convenient way to get to Kumarakom. Roads connect very well to the city, and you can easily travel by a private vehicle or a hired cab to reach here.

Summing Up

If you want to visit Kerala in its full glory, then monsoon is the best time to do so. With the list of places mentioned in this article, we assure you that you won’t have a reason to stay indoors while it pours. Go out there and explore the beauty of Kerala!

FAQs

Is Kerala Good To Visit During Monsoon?

Monsoon is one of the best times to visit Kerala. Not only can you experience the beautiful charm created by the rain but you can also take part in the Onam festivities during this time. This is also the perfect time for Ayurvedic treatments.

Is It Safe To Travel In Kerala During Rainy Season?

Yes, it is safe to visit Kerala during the rainy season. Monsoon tourism is gaining popularity in Kerala so make sure you check the forecast before planning your visit. Also, avoid driving in heavy rain.

Can We Visit Alleppey In Monsoon?

Monsoon is a great time to visit Alleppey and enjoy the beauty of this town in its green-washed glory.

How To Enjoy Monsoon In Kerala?

Cruising through the backwaters, kayaking through the canals or birdwatching is one of the best ways to enjoy monsoons in Kerala. It’s also the best time for Ayurvedic Spa Services.

How Many Days Are Sufficient To Visit Munnar?

You can plan your trip to Munnar for a minimum of 3 days. It is enough time to experience the main attractions that this place has to offer.

What Are The Two Types Of Monsoons In Kerala?

The southwest monsoon that arrives in the month of June (Edavapathi) and the northeast monsoon that arrives in October (Thulavarsham) are the types of monsoons Kerala receives.

Is Wayanad Better Than Munnar?

Wayanad is a great place for adventurous souls to visit, whereas, if you enjoy lighter activities, Munnar is a better option.