Top 6 Places to Visit in Kerala During the Monsoon

If you enjoy chasing the monsoon clouds, Kerala is the best place to be in. This South Indian state is one of the wettest places in India and receives annual rainfall of 3000 mm. Not surprisingly, Kerala is a green paradise and it looks its best during the rainy season (June – September and November – December).

Here are the best places to visit in Kerala during the monsoon.

1. Ashtamudi lake

Ashtamudi lake is the gateway to the famed backwaters of Kerala. The second largest lake (16 km long) in Kerala, Ashtamudi has eight channels. That is how the lake got its name. Ashta means eight. Kollam Tourism Promotion Council organizes houseboat cruises and boat rides in the lake. The 8 hour long houseboat cruise between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most popular backwater cruises. There are lovely homestays around the lake.

Nearest railway station: Kollam Junction (about 2 km)
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (about 70 km)

2. Alappuzha

Green paddy fields and lovely backwaters beckon countless travelers to Alappuzha. Alappuzha looks enchanting throughout the year and the monsoon makes it simply irresistible. The district is also famous for its snake boat races organized every year around August. You also get an opportunity to enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine during your stay in Alappuzha.

Nearest railway station: Alappuzha
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport (about 85 km from Alappuzha Town)

3. Thekaddy

Thekkady is part of the Periyar wildlife reserve in Kerala. The lush forests are home to many wildlife species. A boat ride in the Periyar River during the rains makes the trip unforgettable. No wonder Thekkady is one of the most prominent monsoon destinations in Kerala. It is also a popular romantic destination. Jungle Night Patrol and Bamboo rafting are other attractions of a trip to Thekkady.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station (about 68 km away)
Nearest airport: Madurai, about 140 km and Cochin International Airport, about 190 km.

4. Kumarakom

Kumarakom is often called one of the ten paradises on earth. A lovely backwater location, Kumarkom is also one of the most visited places in Kerala. Backwater cruises are the biggest attraction here. There is also a bird sanctuary here. Finding accommodation is not difficult at all thanks to the numerous resorts on the banks of Lake Vembanad.

Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 13 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 94 km

5. Munnar

Lush tea estates are Munnar’s biggest claim to fame. During monsoons, the green hills look greener and deeper. No wonder, Munnar is one of the must visit tourist destinations in Kerala. Anamudi Hills, the highest peak in Kerala, is close to Munnar. There are also some scenic waterfalls in and around Munnar.

Nearest railway station: Aluva about 108 km and Angamali, about 109 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport (about 108 km via Aluva-Munnar Road)

6. Wayanad

Wayanad has several scintillating waterfalls that captivate both domestic and international travelers. During monsoons, the place gets even more beautiful. One of the biggest attractions of Wayanad are the tree houses in the midst of jungles. The lovely views of the valleys make the trip more enjoyable. Wayanad has plenty of coffee and tea plantations to enjoy long walks in the dripping weather.

Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station (about 62 km away)
Nearest airport: Kozhikode International Airport (about 65 km away)