No doubt Kerala is naturally beautiful. That’s the reason why many travelers across the world every year plan holidays in Kerala. Although you can visit Kerala any time of the year; and you will have a memorable trip. But visiting Kerala in Monsoon is recommended for those who wish to dive into the plush greenery and play with the clouds.
Surprisingly Kerala has a monsoon in two parts. The first part marks the month of June and the second marks mid-October to end somewhere around mid-November for monsoon travel in Kerala. Worry not! Kerala doesn’t see non-stop rains over days and weeks. So, a trip to Kerala could be comfortably planned in Monsoon as well, making it a perfect destination for a monsoon trip in Kerala.
Top Places to Visit in Rainy Season in Kerala:
Kerala is one of the best cultural and traditional places. We have listed places in Kerala during the monsoon that is the best season to visit in Kerala to enjoy nature. Whether you’re an adventurer or someone who wants to relax, you’ll find many places to visit in Kerala in monsoon that cater to all tastes.
1. Alleppey:
Plan a visit to Alleppey anytime between June to September; the monsoon is at its best this time. Have fun while watching the world-famous Snake Boat Races. Feel natural heaven on earth while cruising in the houseboat through Alappuzha Backwaters; one of the best places to visit in Kerala in rainy season.
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Places to Visit: Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, St. Mary’s Forane Church, Alleppey Lighthouse, Revi Karunakaran Museum
- Things to Do: Boating, fishing, bird watching, visiting local farms, taking boat rides through the canals
2. Ashtamudi Lake:
76 km from Trivandrum, this lake is the 2nd largest lake in Kerala. You can watch the fishermen setting up the Chinese Fishing Nets and shout out to each other here. Discovering the small rural communities around Ashtamudi Lake or treating yourself to Ayurvedic therapies at spa centers is recommended. The ambiance here showcases the heart of Kerala monsoon travel experiences.
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 day
- Places to Visit: Munroe Island, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kollam Beach
- Things to Do: Wildlife safari, Canoeing and Kayaking, Bird Watching, Houseboat Cruising
Read More: 14 Best Lesser Known Places in Kerala to Visit for Your Next Trip
3. Athirappilly Falls:
Situated 1000 ft. above sea level at the Chalakudy River in the Thrissur district, the Athirapally Falls resembles Niagara Falls. Put your cameras ready as the rainbow is a common sight here. The nearby vicinity of the waterfalls is a biodiversity hotspot. The best time to visit Athirapally Falls is between June to September.
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Places to Visit: Vazhachal Waterfalls, Thumboormuzhi Dam & Butterfly Garden
- Things to Do: Nature Walks, Boat Rides, Bird Watching
Read Also: 13 Best Adventure Sports In Kerala To Visit With Your Family
4. Wayanad:
Wayanad is another destination to visit during the monsoon time in Kerala and enjoy the greenery of the beautiful nearby places. Most couples usually visit the place and spend their valuable time. There are lots of places and activities to do like visiting a wildlife sanctuary, lake, river, hills, waterfalls, jungle trek, etc., to experience the magic of monsoon tourism in Kerala.
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Places to Visit: Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls
- Things to Do: Trekking, Wildlife Safari, Spice Plantation Tour
Read More: 18 Famous Things to Buy in Kerala
5. Bekal Fort:
This small town on the Eastern coastline of Kerala is worth visiting for the momentous Bekal Fort. The Hanuman Temple and the olden Muslim Mosque reveal the long-standing religious coherence that succeeded in the region. The wild and blissful exquisiteness of the sunset is a wonderful sight around the fort. Bekal is one of the best monsoon destinations in Kerala for history lovers and photographers alike.
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 day
- Places to Visit: Bekal Beach, Bekal Hole Aqua Park
- Things to Do: Enjoy view of the Arabian Sea and water sport activities
6. Mararikulam:
Being a beach village this place has adequate weather throughout the year. It is a paradise for nature lovers as you can discover approx. 97 species of butterflies, over 350 species of rampant plants, 3 varieties of turtles, and 10 classes of frogs. The beach is calm, clean, and composed. Truly, Mararikulam adds charm to the list of monsoon places in Kerala to relax and unwind.
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Places to Visit: Mararikulam Shiva Temple, Kakkathuruthu Island, St. Andrew’s Basilica Arthunkal, Marari Craft and Cultural Centre
- Things to Do: Ayurvedic Spa Treatment, Cycling Tour, Fishing Experience, Bird Watching
Read Also: 10 Best Lesser Known Places To Visit Near Kerala In 2023
7. Munnar Hill Station:
Widely known as the land of tea plantations; Munnar hill station will leave you speechless with the lush greenery in the monsoon. Walking across the tea gardens you can romance with your life partner or teach your kids about the plantation process. If you love trekking, then Munnar will not disappoint you. It remains one of the iconic highlights of any Kerala monsoon trip.
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Places to Visit: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Tea Museum, Echo Point, Top Station
- Things to Do: Trekking, Elephant Safari, Cycling
8. Nelliyampathy Hills:
This tiny hill station has ample of coffee, tea, and orange plantations. The Nelliyampathy range is a well-known home of the Malabar hornbill, the Indian Woodpecker, red jungle fowls, and many other species. Trekking down the Nelliyampathy is vertical, with 23 wobbling hairpin-like turns. Reaching here is easy with bus from the Palakkad KSRTC Bus Stand.
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Places to Visit: Seetharkundu Viewpoint, Nelliyampathy Tea Gardens, Pothundi Dam, Kesavan Para Viewpoint, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Things to Do: Boating, trekking, Birdwatching, Exploring viewpoints of dams & tea estates
9. Thekkady:
Surrender yourself to the beautiful tea, cardamom, pepper, and coffee plantations near Thekkady. Spending a day with family in Periyar National Park would give you a chance to see a wide range of flora and fauna. Cruising the Periyar Lake will be a chance to witness Asian elephants, Bengal Tiger, Indian Bison, and a lot more.
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Places to Visit: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Lake, Mangala Devi Temple, Abraham’s Spice Garden, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
- Things to Do: Bamboo Rafting, Nature Walks, Elephant Rides, Spice Shopping, Ayurvedic Massage
Must Read: 10 Yummy Kerala Cuisines You Must Try In 2023 On Your Kerala Trip
10. Varkala Beach:
The water of Papanasam Beach is believed to be holy as it can cleanse the soul of sins and impurities. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is 57 km from the city, about three kilometers from Varkala Railway Station. An old temple stands on the cliff below the beach, called the Janardhanaswamy Temple, which is nearly two thousand years old.
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Places to Visit: Varkala Cliff, Janardanaswamy Temple, Edava Beach, Anjengo Fort
- Things to Do: Sunset Watching, Ayurvedic Massage, Surfing and Swimming, Yoga and Meditation
11. Ponmudi Hill:
Ponmudi, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is famous for its tea gardens, picturesque hills covered in mist and calm trails. The weather is always pleasant, so it’s the perfect spot to avoid the heat. Ponmudi is in a tropical monsoon climate and enjoys plenty of rainfall while keeping things cool there. It’s the best option for those who want to explore nature and avoid crowds.
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2-3 days
- Places to Visit: Golden Valley, Meenmutty Falls, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Ponmudi ViewPoint, Ponmudi Rock
- Things to Do: Trekking, Photography, Wildlife Spotting, Nature Walks, Camping
12. Idukki:
The monsoon season turns Idukki into a dreamy and charming destination. From June to September, the area becomes greener as the rains bring life to the hills, forests and valleys. Neelakurinji is among the colorful flowers that bloom and the powerful waterfalls like Cheeyappara and Athirappilly add to the magical view. This is a great opportunity for people who love nature and photography.
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 3-4 days
- Places to Visit: Hill View Park, Idukki Dam, Periyar National Park, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
- Things to Do: Mountain Trekking, Boating & Fishing, Elephant Rides, Wildlife Spotting
Tips for Traveling During Monsoon Season in Kerala:
- Pack essentials: Carry waterproof clothing, umbrellas, and sturdy footwear to tackle the rain-soaked terrain.
- Plan for indoor activities: Explore museums and art galleries during heavy downpours.
- Enjoy the greenery: Witness Kerala’s beauty at its peak by visiting waterfalls, tea plantations, and national parks.
- Eat healthily: Try local foods like hot tea, steaming appam, and spicy seafood.
- Be cautious on the roads: Drive carefully and stay updated on weather conditions as roads can be slippery.
- Stay informed: Check for any travel advisories, road closures, or disruptions due to the monsoon.
- Capture memories: Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and rain-washed beauty of Kerala.
Month-by-Month Guide to Kerala’s Rainy Season Hotspots:
| Month | Best Places | Highlight |
| June | Alleppey, Munnar | Snake Boat Races Begin |
| July | Athirappilly, Wayanad | Waterfalls in full flow |
| August | Thekkady, Mararikulam | Ayurveda + Onam |
| September | Idukki, Nelliyampathy | Fewer crowds, lushest landscapes |
Ready to Experience the Magic of Kerala in the Monsoon?
Experience the magnetism of Kerala during the monsoon season in 2025. From the relaxing backwaters of Alleppey to the mist-covered hills of Munnar, this article has highlighted the top 10 must-visit destinations. Immerse yourself in the lush greenery and vibrant festivals. Kerala tourism in monsoon offers a unique blend of adventure, serenity, and cultural richness that makes every visit unforgettable. Kerala awaits, offering a captivating monsoon adventure like no other.
FAQs:
Yes, but it’s best to be cautious on slippery roads and stay updated on weather reports. The rain usually comes in bursts, giving plenty of time for sightseeing.
Some must-visit spots are Alleppey for houseboat rides, Athirappilly Falls for stunning waterfalls, Munnar for tea plantations, Wayanad for trekking, and Thekkady for wildlife safaris.
You can enjoy boat cruises, trekking, wildlife safaris, Ayurvedic spa treatments, and watching waterfalls. It’s also a perfect time for photography and soaking in the vibrant green landscapes.
It depends on your interests. Popular places like Alleppey, Munnar, and Wayanad can be explored comfortably in 2-3 days each, while places like Idukki or Thekkady may need around 3-4 days.
Carry waterproof clothes, umbrellas, sturdy shoes, and quick-dry items. Also, keep a rain cover for your camera or gadgets to capture Kerala’s beauty safely.
Yes! The famous Snake Boat Races in Alleppey happen during the monsoon, showcasing Kerala’s vibrant culture and tradition.
