The best time to visit Kerala depends on what you are looking for. Be it pristine beaches, serene backwaters, nature reserves, or art and heritage, this state offers you several mind-blowing experiences depending on the season.
The winter months of October to February bring cool weather and clear skies making it the perfect time to explore the coastal cities and beaches. December to February offers a buzzing tourist season ideal for exploring contemporary art, festivals, and the backwaters.
September on the other hand, the monsoon season, is a great time to visit the lush green forests and nature reserves.
Here’s a handy guide on the best time to visit Kerala.
Best Time to Visit Kerala with Family in Only a Week
When it comes to the best time to visit Kerala with family it can be difficult to know where to start. With beaches, divine food, and a host of art and culture, this Southern Indian state has so much to offer travelers.
Kerala also boasts the same Instagram-perfect views, be it in the hilltop town of Munnar or the quaint city of Wayanad.
So, without further ado, here is the perfect itinerary and places to see around the state of Kerala that you can fit neatly into a week and have enough content on the ‘gram to last you the rest of the year:
1. Escape to Nirvana at Kasargod
If morning yoga, exploring forts and enjoying the backwaters sounds like heaven to you, then Kasargod is the perfect start to your trip. Travellers can visit the Bekal Fort, Anand Ashram, Shri Madiyan Koolam Temple, boat on the Neeleshwar backwaters, and enjoy the Malabar coast.
2. Take a Trip Back to Colonial Times at Kannur
A trip to Kannur will teach you one thing, you sleep best after a day of coastal exploration. As a part of your Kerala tour packages, this locale has a range of sightseeing opportunities like the St Angelo Fort, the sea trading port, the Arakkal Museum, and the Kannur Lighthouse.
3. Explore the Coffee Plantations of Wayanad
Of all the coffee plantation towns, Wayanad is said to be the most beautiful, and for good reason. This city offers several offbeat sites like the Lakidi viewpoint, Tushargiri Waterfall, Pookode Lake, and local markets filled with coffee, tea, spices, and hiking trails.
4. Walk with Wild Elephants at Kabini and Periyar
Kabini offers the Nagarhole National Park and is a longer drive away from the National Nature Reserve of Periyar. At Periyar, this nature reserve is home to several endangered species of animals and offers lake trips and safaris.
One of the best places to visit in India, Kabini allows travelers to explore the Banasura Dam, and the Nagarhole Sanctuary, to enjoy a wildlife safari and backwater boating.
5. Float by Village Life on the Alleppey Backwaters
Looking for something more relaxing? The stunning Alleppey backwaters are full of houseboats. You can relax with a delicious local meal and watch the Keralan village life float by your window.
6. Sun and Surf at Varkala
Varkala Beach offers an array of shacks and cafes along with attractions like Kalariyil Dharmikam Ashram, Kashi Art Gallery, and classic art and culture to explore. You can also roam the lanes of Kochi’s Mattancherry, famed for its 16th-century synagogue and some great shopping.
7. Take a Walk Through Lush Landscapes at Munnar
Munnar offers travelers natural wonders like Attukal Waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park, Kundala Lake boating, local markets, and more.
8. Enjoy the Thrill of India’s Longest Glass Bridge at Vagamon
India’s longest glass bridge at Vagamon is 40 meters in length and perched at a height of 3,600 feet. It offers travelers panoramic views of local attractions such as Kokkayar, Mundakkayam, and Kuttikkal.
9. Isolate Yourself in Total Luxury at Kovalam
Kovalam offers a host of sightseeing and relaxation from the old Vizhinjam lighthouse, Hawa Beach, The Azhimala Cliff viewpoint, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple, and the Neyyar Dam.
10. Indulge in Cozy Cafes and Culture in Kochi
Rated as one of the best places to visit in Kerala, Kochi offers cozy cafes, countless cuisines, creative art, and even places like Wonderla Amusement Park, Jew Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry Palace, Bolgatty Palace, Willingdon Island and Fort Kochi.
Don’t Miss the Best Safari Experience at Kabini
Looking for something to occupy the little ones? What’s better than spotting tigers, gaur, sambar, and the elusive Nilgiri Tahr on a wildlife safari? You can even see the world’s largest Asiatic elephants, black leopards, and more at Kabini.
One of the top places to visit in Kerala in December, the jungles of Kabini offer an enchanted feel from ancient trees to lakes and even places to camp out for the night and visit tribal villages.
When to go: October to March, between 6 am and 6:30 pm, is perfect for spotting big cats or enjoying a boat safari.
The best zones: Nagarhole has two zones that offer equal chances for spotting big cats. Both A and B zones house big cats and herbivores in the area.
Getting there: You can head to the Kempe Gowda International Airport, which is about a four-hour drive from Kabini. Or, you can head to the Coimbatore Airport, which is a five-hour drive from Kabini.
Tailor-made and Slow-paced Group Travel with Anubhav
It isn’t enough to know the best time to visit Kerala. You also need to make all the other arrangements. That is where Anubhav Vacations comes into the picture. You can explore Kerala at your own pace with unique Kerala itineraries, be it for 7 days or 10 days. Anubhav travel experts ensure that you always find hidden gems and offbeat locales that are rich in nature, culture, and traditions. This makes your holiday more meaningful and experiential.
Whether you are looking for the best time as a solo traveler or the best time to visit Kerala with family, Anubhav Vacations has you covered.
