Monsoons in Kerala are ‘vere level’. The thunderstorms and torrential downpour make tourists think that it is a bad idea to visit Kerala during the monsoons. But they couldn’t be more wrong! The monsoons turn our God’s Own Country into an Emerald Paradise, with an allure that a Malayali finds hard to resist. So why sit at home and watch the rains from your balcony when you can head to some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet and witness Kerala’s majesty first hand?
Here’s our list of 10 places that you should visit in Kerala during the monsoons.
Munnar
The tea plantations of Munnar are perfect during the monsoons. You can go for long strolls as the mist rolls over the lush greenery and soak in the best that nature has to offer. You could also trek to Attukad waterfalls, that is at the peak of its thunderous glory during the monsoons, or head to Anamudi, the highest peak in South India.
Bekal
Bekal is known for its forts, hills, rivers, and beautiful beaches. The monsoons turn Bekal into more of a paradise than it is, with the Bekal Fort being one of the “must visit” destinations during the monsoons as it offers the perfect view on a rainy day. Take your camera along for you’ll capture a panorama that’ll get quite a few likes on social media!
Thekaddy
Filled with lush tropical forests, Thekaddy is a perfect destination during the monsoons. Home to the Periyar National Park, you can make your trip better by going bamboo rafting or going on a jungle night patrol. With the monsoons replenishing the water supplies of the Periyar Thekaddy lake, the whole of Thekaddy turns into a tropical paradise – providing you with an experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Ashtamudi Lake
Ashtamudi is famous for its houseboats and homestays and is one of the places you must visit during the monsoons. This one is for the nature lover who loves sitting on the shores or houseboat, gorging on the day’s catch and soaking in petrichor.
Kovalam
Spectacular beaches are what Kovalam is known for. And that’s exactly why you should head to Kovalam in the monsoons. Head to the Lighthouse beach or the Hawa beach or the Samudra beach and enjoy the wide variety of leisure options like sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, catamaran cruises, etc.
Varkala
Varkala is a coastal paradise dotted with red cliffs overlooking the Arabian sea. That should be reason enough for you to head there during the monsoons! Go to Varkala in August to visit Papanasam beach or the Varkala cliff to give your brain the peace and quiet it needs from working hard all year round.
Wayanad
Known for beautiful valleys and pristine waterfalls, Wayanad is on every travelholic’s list of favourite places. Reserve a treehouse for yourself, pack your bags, and ahead to Wayand to stay away from civilisation for a few days.
Mararikulam
If you’re someone who loves plants and animals, Mararikulam is the place for you. With over 10 species of frog, 97 species of butterflies, 3 different kinds of turtles, over 350 varieties of endemic plants, you’ll have the time of your life discovering and identifying flora and fauna that you’ve not seen before. Mararikulam is also home to the Marari beach so you can head there to chill after you’re done exploring.
Kumarakom
Another one for the nature enthusiast! Kumarakom is known for its wide range of exotic bird species found around the Vembanad lake. You’d want to head to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary around the time the monsoons subside though as that’s when you’ll be treated with the sight of local and migratory birds like the Siberian stork, Egret, Darter, Heron, and Teal.
Athirapally
Home to the largest waterfall in Kerala – the Athirapally waterfall, Athirapally is breathtaking during the rains. The forests around the waterfall are filled with unique wildlife and birds, including the Great hornbill. And as you visit the waterfalls, you might want to check out other great places in the vicinity like the Vazhachal falls and the Chalakkudi river, that are home to over 85 species of freshwater fishes.
Do you have any other places that one should visit during the monsoons? We’d love to know. Let us know in the comments section below.
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