By daniel bruhl Kerala, often known as “God’s Own Country,” is a beautiful tropical region in southern India. Although it’s a great place to visit at any time of the year, there’s something truly magical about experiencing Kerala during the rainy season. The monsoon season completely transforms the landscape, making everything green, bringing waterfalls to life, and filling up the backwaters. If you’re thinking about visiting, here are some fantastic places to visit in Kerala during the rainy season.
Backwaters of Alleppey
Houseboat Experience: During the rainy season, a trip to Alleppey’s backwaters is highly recommended. With each raindrop, the flow of lakes, lagoons, and canals becomes more alive. A houseboat vacation will provide you with an amazing and peaceful experience as you float along the tranquil waters, surrounded by picturesque villages and dense trees.
Scenic Beauty: During the monsoon season, the beautiful scenery becomes even more vibrant with lush coconut trees, green paddy fields, and thriving aquatic life. It’s the perfect time for photography and just relaxing in the picturesque surroundings.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to enjoy the backwaters is from June to September. The heavy but intermittent rains allow for a peaceful and pleasant houseboat cruise.
Munnar’s Tea Gardens
Lush Greenery: The endless tea gardens of Munnar, which is in the Western Ghats, are its most famous thing. These gardens turn gorgeous green during the monsoon season, adding to the amazing view.
Misty Hill: The hills are frequently wrapped in mist, which gives them a dreamy and romantic vibe. Taking a stroll through the tea gardens and taking in the crisp, cool air is really refreshing.
Popular Attractions: In addition to tea gardens, Munnar offers attractions like the Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, and Mattupetty Dam. Each spot has its charm, enhanced by the monsoon rains.
Athirappilly Waterfalls
The Niagara of India: Athirappilly Waterfalls, often referred to as the Niagara of India, is a spectacular sight during the rainy season. The waterfalls swell with the rain, creating a thundering roar and a breathtaking view.
Monsoon Majesty: The surrounding forest becomes lush and vibrant, making the area around the falls perfect for nature walks and photography. The monsoon transforms Athirappilly into a majestic spectacle.
Nearby Attractions: While visiting Athirappilly, you can also explore nearby spots like Vazhachal Falls and the Sholayar Dam, each offering stunning views and experiences.
Wayanad
Chembra Peak: Wayanad, with its mist-covered mountains and dense forests, is a monsoon paradise. Chembra Peak is a popular trekking destination, and the heart-shaped lake at the top is a sight to behold, especially during the rainy season.
Edakkal Caves: The Edakkal Caves, with their ancient petroglyphs, become even more intriguing amidst the monsoon mist. The trek to the caves is exhilarating, with the rain adding to the adventure.
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Wayanad is home to several wildlife sanctuaries, including the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The monsoon is an excellent time for wildlife spotting, as animals come out to enjoy the rain-soaked forest.
Kumarakom
Bird Sanctuary: Kumarakom is a peaceful backwater destination, and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers. The monsoon attracts a variety of migratory birds, making it a perfect time for bird-watching.
Backwater Resorts: Staying at a backwater resort in Kumarakom during the monsoon is an experience of its own. The serene environment, combined with the soothing sound of rain, creates an idyllic retreat.
Best Activities: Activities like boating, fishing, and Ayurvedic treatments are popular in Kumarakom. The monsoon enhances these experiences, making them more enjoyable and memorable.
Thekkady
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Thekkady is famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is particularly beautiful during the monsoon. The rain rejuvenates the forest, and the Periyar Lake becomes even more scenic.
Spice Plantations: Touring the spice plantations in Thekkady during the monsoon is a fragrant and educational experience. The fresh, rain-washed greenery and the rich aroma of spices are invigorating.
Boating in the Lake: Boating on the Periyar Lake offers a chance to spot wildlife like elephants, deer, and various bird species. The misty surroundings and occasional rain showers make the experience magical.
Varkala
Cliff Beaches:Varkala is famous for its stunning cliff beaches. When the big waves from the rainy season crash against the cliffs, it’s a breathtaking sight. The beaches are quiet and peaceful, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Varkala is famous for its Ayurvedic centers. The rainy season is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments because the body’s pores open up, which makes the therapies more effective.
Pilgrim Sites: Varkala is famous for the Janardhana Swamy Temple, which is a very important place for religious pilgrimages. The temple is surrounded by beautiful greenery and clean, rain-washed paths, making it a peaceful place to visit, especially during the rainy season.
Kovalam
Lighthouse Beach: The monsoon greatly improves the famous Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam, turning it even more stunning. An enjoyable stroll would be strengthened by the captivating view that the rain and waves create.
Hawa Beach: Another gorgeous location in Kovalam is Hawa Beach, sometimes referred to as Eve’s Beach. Its natural beauty is enhanced during the monsoon when there are less tourists and more quiet and peace.
Water Sports: For the brave, Kovalam offers plenty of water sports. You may still enjoy exciting activities like surfing and catamaran excursions throughout your stay, even when the weather might restrict some of them.
Bekal
Bekal Fort: During the monsoon, Bekal Fort, which stands majestically by the Arabian Sea, is a great spot to visit. The views from the fort are breathtaking, and the rain adds to its medieval beauty.
Bekal Beach: During the wet season, Bekal Beach, which sits near the fort, is less busy and immaculate. The verdant surrounds and the monsoon waves contribute to the spot’s beautiful appeal.
Luxury Resorts: Bekal has several luxury resorts that offer a comfortable and lavish stay. Enjoying the monsoon from the comfort of a resort, with spa treatments and sea views, is a memorable experience.
Vagamon
Rolling Meadows: Vagamon’s rolling meadows are a sight to behold during the monsoon. The rains turn the meadows into a lush green paradise, perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
Pine Forests: The pine forests of Vagamon are mystical in the rain. The mist and the fresh smell of pine create a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
Adventure Activities: Vagamon is also known for adventure activities like paragliding and trekking. The monsoon adds an extra layer of excitement to these activities, making them more exhilarating.
Ponmudi
Golden Peak: The hill station of Ponmudi, also called the Golden Peak, comes to life in the monsoon season. The beautiful green scenery and the relaxing drive via green lanes are magnificent.
Trekking Trails: Ponmudi offers excellent trekking trails. The rain enhances the beauty of these trails, with vibrant flora and fauna making the trek a refreshing experience.
Tea Estates: During the monsoon, Ponmudi’s tea estates are beautiful. Experiencing these estates offers a peaceful alternative to the bustle of urban life.
Kochi
Fort Kochi: Kochi, with its rich history and cultural heritage, is fascinating during the monsoon. Fort Kochi’s colonial architecture looks even more charming under the rain.
Chinese Fishing Nets: The iconic Chinese fishing nets of Kochi are a must-see. Watching them against the backdrop of a monsoon sky is a unique experience.
Historical Sites: Kochi has several historical sites, including the Mattancherry Palace and St. Francis Church. The rain-washed streets and buildings add to the city’s old-world charm.
Thrissur
Thrissur Pooram: Thrissur is famous for its cultural festivals, and the monsoon season coincides with the Thrissur Pooram. This vibrant festival is a must-see if you visit during this time.
Athirappilly Falls Proximity: Due to the nearby location to Athirappilly Falls, Thrissur is a great starting point for monsoon exploration of the falls and surrounding attractions.
Cultural Hub: Thrissur is known as the cultural capital of Kerala. The monsoon is a great time to explore its temples, museums, and cultural centers.
These are some best places to visit in Kerala during the rainy season. From the serene backwaters of Alleppey to the misty hills of Munnar and the thundering waterfalls of Athirappilly, every corner of Kerala comes alive with the rains. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or someone looking for a peaceful retreat, Kerala has something to offer during the rainy season. So pack your bags, embrace the monsoon, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through God’s Own Country.
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