Kerala’s abundant natural beauty makes it an attractive tourist destination in India. Since the monsoons are here, most people avoid travelling. December to May is the peak season for Kerala tourism. But if you want to take the offbeat path, then Kerala is an amazing monsoon holiday destination. During the monsoons, God’s own country transforms into paradise. The lush greenery, the cascading waterfalls, the serene backwaters, the cool climate and intermittent rains are a treat to the senses.
If you are game for a monsoon holiday, then here are top 5 reasons why you should visit Kerala in the Monsoons.
The Snake Boat Race
The period between July-September is the period for water sports in Kerala, with Alappuzha playing host to many Snake boat races. The Nehru Trophy boat race is held on the second Saturday of August every year on the Punnamada Lake. Approximately 100 oarsmen row a single snake boat and complete with other similar snake boats. It is a very popular event in Kerala in the monsoons, and one that shouldn’t be missed.
Ayurvedic Treatments
Monsoons are the best time to receive Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala. Kerala climate consistently hovers between 24-28 degrees in the monsoons. Kerala’s otherwise humid climate helps open the pores in the body and it absorbs the medicinal oils well, which makes Ayurvedic treatments more effective during monsoons. Ayurveda is said to be very effective in the treatment of chronic diseases; conditions such as slipped disc, spondilytis, bone and joint problems, sports injuries, back injuries, as well as stress is effectively cured with Ayurveda. Ayurveda can also be used for beauty treatments and relaxation.
Onam Festival
Onam is a ten day harvest festival of Kerala celebrated with huge pomp and joy throughout the state. Onam celebration has been passed down from centuries, and hence there are a lot of traditions that accompany this festival. This is a good time to observe Kerala culture and traditions up close. Onasadya is a meal had on the tenth day of Onam. The meal is served on a plantain leaf and there are over 26 varieties of food served! Music and dance are also an integral part of Onam Celebrations in Kerala. Traditional dance forms like Pulikali, Thiruvathira Kali, Kaikottikali, Kummattikali, Thumbi Thullal etc. are performed all over the state during Onam.
The Tree House Experience
Wayanad and Thekkady in Kerala are the places known for resorts that offer the facility to stay in tree house amidst the rain forest canopy. The experience of having filter coffee, while sitting in your tree house amidst falling rain and greenery is like no other. There are a host of things to do and experience, such as, bathing under waterfalls, going for long walks in the rain-kissed tea and coffee plantations, and trek in the mountains. This is probably the best experience of Kerala in the monsoons one can have.
Great Discounts
Since monsoons are an off season for tourism, visiting Kerala in the monsoons is very beneficial as there are huge discounts, which stays from June to August and October to November. Discounts between 30 % or 50% off on rooms and travels are common. Even Kerala’s famous backwater houseboats offer attractive deals to the visitors. Due to these heavy discounts one can get a luxury experience at reasonable rates.
