Looking to travel within India? If you’re a tree hugger, you should definitely plan a trip to Kerala during the monsoons. It’s one of those destinations that is a traveller’s paradise all through the year. But if you’re a fan of the monsoons and lush greenery, you might want to give the peak tourist season, that is between December through February, a skip. On a good rainy day, you’ll see endless blue skies in Kerala with a blanket of lush greenery just beneath. The emerald backwaters and pristine beaches are an absolute bonus.
If you love and romanticize the monsoons and relax at the sight of dense greenery, Kerala should be on the top of your list. The sound of rain trickling down the window panes, a cuppa chai in hand and a gorgeous lush green view make Kerala an absolute delight for nature lovers. During the monsoons, Kerala receives intermittent rainfall. There’s a burst of rain followed by bright sunny skies. The waterfalls and valleys full of dense green grass are a treat for sore eyes if you ask me. It’s no surprise why they fondly call it God’s Own Country.
The weather in Kerala can be categorized under 3 distinct seasons. Summer, Monsoons and Winter
March to May is the period where it’s the most humid in Kerala. The summers combined with the humidity make it quite an unpleasant time, especially for tourists.
May to November is the monsoon season. Kerala receives rain from the southwest and northeast monsoon making this season last a lot longer. But it’s not a continuous downpour. The rain is intermittent, it will rain for a few hours and the sun will shine
December to February is usually the season where temperatures are pleasant and there’s no rainfall. This is also the peak tourist season in Kerala.
Now that we’ve convinced you to visit Kerala, here’s a quick and handy travel guide for first-time visitors.
5 things you can do in Kerala during the monsoons:
1. Find comfort in Ayurveda
Did you know that you can also seek Ayurvedic rejuvenation in Kerala? Kerala is well known for the massage and Ayurvedic wellness centres. Ayurveda and monsoons go hand in hand. Because of the humidity, your pores open up making the Ayurvedic treatments and relaxing oil massages even more effective. The cool weather during the monsoons makes it easier for your body to cool down, heal and rejuvenate after the treatment. So if you love a good body massage, a therapeutic spa weekend in Kerala might just be what you need!
2. Admire the cascading waterfalls
There’s no better time to see waterfalls than during the monsoons. You can spend hours gazing at the marvellous beauty of this force of nature. There are a few absolutely breathtaking waterfalls in Kerala that are at their peak during the rainy season. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your partner, a day or two of exploring the waterfalls, living in a tree house and snuggling up to some amazing views of the valley sounds like a tropical dream, doesn’t it? We recommend you check out the Thommankuth, Athirapally and Vazachal waterfalls which are approximately an 80 km drive away from Kochi. If you want to spend a few days being close to nature, you can visit Wayanad and live in one of the tree houses or bathe in the waterfalls! Wayanad is about 65 km away from Calicut Railway station and Calicut International Airport.
Also Read 10 Must Visit Places In Kochi
3. Rent a houseboat
If you want the authentic Kerala backwater experience, you absolutely must rent a houseboat and spend a few days cruising down these gorgeous emerald waters. Lounge around in your floating haven, admire the dense green forests while you enjoy a scrumptious meal with your partner! Alleppey and Alappuzha are 62 km away from Kochi are known for their beautiful emerald waters and houseboats.
4. Take a walk on the beach
The Kovalam beach stretch is one of the prettiest and most popular beaches in the area. If you can afford to, try to stay at the Taj Vivanta in Kovalam. It’s a beautiful resort with an infinity pool and some absolutely gorgeous surroundings. If you’d rather visit the beach, there are so many options for recreation here too. You could just walk along the shoreline admiring the beautiful surroundings or get a massage or go on a catamaran cruise. And if you’re a fan of sunsets, this is where you need to be! Trivandrum Airport is about 10 km away from Kovalam beach.
Another absolutely stunning beach in the area is the Varkala stretch. The shoreline is lined with dense, green palm trees and some red cliffs. If you’re looking for a beach that’s less commercial and more peaceful, this is where you should be. It’s about 39 kms away from Trivandrum Airport.
5. Visit a tea plantation
Munnar is a gorgeous place to visit during the monsoons. You can take a walk in the misty tea gardens here or if you have an adventurous side, go trekking. There’s even a famous waterfall here by the name of Attukad Falls that you can head to. The views of the tea plantations in Munnar are absolutely breathtaking. On a bright sunny day, you can plan a day trip to take a tour of the tea gardens. Walk along the narrow pathways along the slopes and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lush green plantations. The heady aroma of tea and some beautiful green photos that need absolutely no filters will definitely brighten up your holiday!
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