Kerala is one of the hottest tourist destinations in India and has something to offer for all kinds of travellers throughout the year. Hence, it becomes very difficult to tell you about the best time to visit Kerala as it totally depends on what you want to do and see during your trip. The climate is a hot tropical and receives rainfall from 2 monsoons.
There are mainly three seasons in Kerala:
December to February – It is a cool dry season and considered as the peak tourist season.
March to May - It is a hot, humid summer season.
May to November - There are two monsoon seasons – South-West and North-East monsoons.
These monsoons contribute to Kerala’s lush greenery. Rain is commonly received nine months of the year.
The Southwest Monsoon arrives at the end of May or starting in June. As it comes in the middle of the month of Edavam on the Malayalam Calendar hence it is called Edavappathy, If you want to enjoy the first monsoon of a year plan your visit to Kovalam in Kerala. Check out these best South India Tour options to plan your monsoon holidays. Southwest Monsoon comes to an end by the end of August so there is a break in the rain during the month of September.
The Northeast monsoon arrives by October and remains there till early December.
Tourist Places of Kerala
When we talk about Kerala Serene beauty, lush green tea plantations, backwaters, and spice plantations come into mind. Kerala has plenty of tourist places. Some of them are really incredible and visiting these places is like the memory of a lifetime.
According to National Geographic Traveller Kerala is one of the 50 Places in the World to visit at least once in a lifetime.
1) Thekkady - Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park is a protected wildlife reserve. It covers approx 925 sq km area. It is situated in the mountainous Western Ghats of Kerala. This area is a habitat of many endangered and endemic species of flora, mammals, reptiles, fishes, amphibians, and birds. Apart from viewing tiger and Indian elephants, there are other activities available like Clouds walk, Jungle patrol, bamboo rafting, jungle camp, etc.
2) Alleppey
Alleppey is famous for its backwaters. Backwaters are a network of internal canals, rivers, and lakes. International and national travellers visit this place to enjoy a houseboat cruise on the backwaters. Apart from backwaters, there are other tourist attractions available in Alleppey like temples and churches.
3) Kochi
Kochi is the cultural and economic capital of Kerala. It is the main hub of tourist activity and attracts visitors. From Chinese fishing nets to exotic spice cultivations, there’s a lot to feast your eyes upon in Kochi. This city is an amalgamation of various cultures that seek to endure even to date. There’s a surprise in every corner of Kochi, just waiting to be discovered.
4) Munnar
Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill stations and tourist places in Kerala. The view of running clouds from the top of hills is absolutely amazing in Munnar. The scenic beauty of Munnar touches your heart and rejuvenates your mind and soul. Traveller can enjoy scenic waterfalls, misty mountains, and gushing streams here.
5) Thrissur
Formerly, Thrissur was the capital of the Kingdom of Kochi, but it is considered as the cultural capital of Kerala because of its spiritual, cultural and religious aspect. Festivals celebration is the major attraction for tourists and a visit to Thrissur is incomplete without witnessing these festivals.
6) Kovalam
It is spread across approx 17 km along the coastline. Kovalam Beach is formed by three beaches - Lighthouse beach, Samudra beach, and Hawa beach. Experience shallow waters and low tidal waves and enjoy surfing, catamaran, and motorboat riding there. Hawa beach is famous for its beautiful surroundings. Lined up palm grooves give attracts visitors to Kovalam Beach. It is a heaven for those who are looking for peace and relaxation on the beachside.
7) Thiruvanthapuram
It is also known as Trivandrum and home of a unique heritage in the form of architecture, culture, and history dates back to 1000 BC. It is famous for its pristine beaches, temples, and scenic greenery. Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a 260 year old structured is the main attraction of this spiritual city. The structure of this temple is a combination of Kerala and Dravidian style of architecture.
How to reach Kerala?
By Air
Reaching Kerala by air from across the world is very much possible. It has three international airports - Thiruvananthapuram International Airport located on the southern side, Kochi International Airport in central of Kerala, and Calicut International Airport at Up Northside.
By Road
Kerala is easily accessible by road through National Highways 17, 47, and 49.
By Rail
Most of the places in and out of Kerala are interconnected by 200 Railway Stations. Direct trains to Kerala can be availed from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and other major Indian cities..
By Sea
From Kochi, there are regular ships venturing towards the Lakshadweep Islands. Within the state, the backwaters of Kerala are not only a popular means of transportation but tourist attractions as well. Presently, these internal water navigation systems are the single most popular travel product of Kerala with its public ferry services, speed-boats, and houseboats or ' Ketuvallams'.