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 an added bonus. Here are some of the best places to visit in Kerala during the monsoon, so you can kick off your Kerala bucket list!
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:
How To Get There:
The nearest airport to Alleppey is the Cochin International Airport, which is at a distance of 75 km (2 hours 23 minutes), while the Trivandrum International Airport is at a distance of 150 km (4 hours 2 minutes) via NH66. By rail, the Alleppey Railway Station is well-connected to all the major cities of the state and the country. 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.
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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 channels 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 traditional Kerala-style lunch while on the boat ride. Depending on the tour package you choose, the boat will pick you up at a check-point and cover certain places before bringing you back. On request, they’ll 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:
How To Get There:
The nearest airport from Kollam is Trivandrum International Airport, which is around 71 km (1 hour 59 minutes) via NH66. Buses and private taxis are readily available at the airport to reach your destination. If you are traveling by train, Kollam Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Ashtamudi Lake. 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.
Munnar! No words can describe the charming beauty of this hill station. The green hills and the tea plantations stretching across as far as you can see makes it a sought-after destination. Combine it with monsoon showers, and you’ll be gifting yourself 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:
How To Get There:
The Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, which is about 125 km (3 hours 18 minutes) via NH85 from Munnar. 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.
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.
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:
How To Get There:
Located approximately 15 km (27 min) away, Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to Kovalam via NH66. From here, you can easily take a bus, autorickshaw, or taxi to reach Kovalam. 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.
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.
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:
How To Get There:
Although Thekkady does not have an airport of its own, the nearest airport is Madurai Airport located at a distance of 152 km (3 hours 22 minutes). From Madurai, you can hire a cab to get to your destination. The nearest international airport is the Cochin International Airport at a distance of 141 km (4 hours 17 minutes). The nearest railway station is in Kottayam, located about 106 km (3 hours 18 minutes) away via NH183. From here, you can board a KSRTC or private bus, or hire a cab to your destination. Thekkady is very well connected to major cities by road, so you can easily hire a taxi to get here.
Famous for its spice plantations, Wayanad is a picturesque hill station nestled in the greenery of Kerala. The aroma of the spices that fill the air here is what makes Wayanad truly special.
Apart from spices, the hills of Wayanad are dotted with coffee and tea plantations. 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:
How To Get There:
Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport, located at a distance of 93 km (2 hours 58 minutes) from Wayanad via NH766. You can hire a taxi or a local bus from the airport to reach here. Although the town is not directly connected to a railway station, Kozhikode Railway Station is around 86 km (2 hours 49 minutes) away from Wayanad via NH766. By road, it is well-connected to nearby cities like Kozhikode, Coimbatore, and Bangalore. You can take a bus, hire a cab, or even go by private vehicle.
Also Read: Experiencing The Food In Kerala
The specialty of Athirappilly lies in its waterfalls. Athirappilly waterfalls are rightfully known as the “Niagara Falls of India” due to their impressive height. You are bound to be mesmerized by the magnificence of this place, especially during the monsoon. Plunging from a height of approximately 80 km, this waterfall also stretches across a wide area creating a lovely spectacle. Even the surroundings are covered in rich biodiversity, making it an ideal place to take nature walks.
Things To Do In Athirappilly In Monsoon:
How To Get There:
Traveling to Athirappilly by road is easy since it is well-connected to other cities in Kerala. It is only 66 km (2 hours 7 minutes) from Kochi. Chalakudy is the nearest Railway station from Athirappilly, which is located at approximately 28 km (40 minutes) via Chalakudy - Anamala Road. The nearest airport is the Kochi International Airport. You can take a taxi or bus from here to reach your destination.
Serene canals, peaceful lagoons, and shimmering lakes are all the specialties 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:
How To Get There:
The nearest railway station to Kumarakom is the Kottayam Railway Station, located 16 km (32 min) away via Kottayam-Kumarakom Rd. You can hire a private cab or taxi from the station to reach your destination. Traveling by road is considered to be the most convenient way to get to Kumarakom. Roads are very well connected to the city, and you can easily travel by a private vehicle or a hired cab to reach here.
Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Kumarakom, located at a distance of 85 km (2 hours 15 minutes) via NH66. From the airport, you can easily hire a cab or taxi to reach the city.
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!
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.