6 reasons to go to Kerala during the monsoon Kerala is the first state to receive monsoon every year. Even though God’s Own Country remains carpeted in green, monsoon brings an unmatched vibrance to the state. In the Malayalam calendar this month is called Thulam and hence the name Thulavarsham meaning the ‘The Rains in Thulam’. Now the gathering rain clouds are from the Bay of Bengal. These bearers of rain hurry to Kerala through the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats. The swirling, jostling, billowing dark messenger of life sailing on the wings of northeast winds is a breathtaking sight to behold. Here are the 6 reasons to go to Kerala during the monsoon. Most people would think to avoid travelling during monsoon season, but there are some unexpected advantages to travelling in Kerala at that time. Ayurvedic Treatment The rainy, monsoon season is the best time to receive Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala. The cool, moist, and dust free atmosphere helps the body’s pores to open up, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy. Kerala is home to several excellent spas and wellness resorts, and there’s no better time to pamper yourself than the monsoon season. According to Ayurveda, the cool, pleasant weather is ideal for rejuvenation. Visit an Ayurvedic centre or a spa and indulge in a full-body replenishing therapy. A variety of herbs and therapeutic oils are used to nourish the aura around your body. Special Monsoon Discounts on Tour Packages If you’re looking to save money, Kerala is one of the best places in India to visit during the off-season from May to September. Most hotels and homestays offer substantial discounts (20-50%) and very attractive packages to draw tourists at this time of year. Kerala Snake Boat Races When August comes, the placid water of the Punnamada Lake becomes a track on fire. Yes it is the time of the prestigious Nehru Trophy Boat Race, where the silence of the lake is sliced by the slashing oars of the pacing boats. Held on the second Saturday of August every year, it is the most popular of all boat races in the world. Magnificent snake boats compete for the prized trophy to commemorate the visit of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India to Alappuzha. The rhythmic and the synchronized way of rowing the majestic snake boats make it a rare spectacle. People from near and far swarm the banks of Punnamada Lake to enjoy this annual water regatta. Apart from the races of chundan valloms (snake boats) and of smaller country crafts, the event has in store many fascinating moments like the ceremonial water processions, spectacular floats and decorated boats. The biggest race, called the Nehru Cup, is always held on the second Saturday of August every year. The Splash monsoon carnival and Aanayottu elephant feeding ritual also take place during July. Stay in a Kerala Houseboat A cruise on Kerala houseboat is a must thing to do, when you visit Kerala. It is usually the first thing that tourists opt for; but sometimes they just overlook this awesome experience. Floating on the waters, enjoying the lush surroundings, watching the village life of Kerala; it is simply incredible. This is how you get to experience the real pulse of Kerala. As you explore Kerala Backwaters, you will find nature entwined in all aspects of day-to-day life. Enjoy the unique ecosystem of the backwaters when you are cruising on it. Onam – the most popular festival of Kerala This ten-day harvest festival celebrates the homecoming of the mythical king Mahabali, but it’s also a good excuse to feast on some of Kerala’s most lip-smacking vegetarian fare. Traditionally served on palm leaves, the nine-course banquet is held on the last or tenth day. It’s best savoured at a local home, but you don’t manage to get an invite then most local restaurants also offer these meals. The preceding days are filled with costume parades, boat races and shopping discounts. Onam is a splendid festival held every year in Kerala. Though it is a Hindu festival, all the people of the state celebrate it at a lavish scale. It is in way the harvest festival of Kerala. This festival is held in the loving memory of the famous king, Mahabali who once ruled Kerala. Legend says he was thrust down to the bowels of the earth by Vamanan, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. But he was granted a boon by Vishnu that he can revisit his country once a year. And his annual sojourn to Kerala is celebrated as Onam festival by his beloved people Trip to Munnar This is the monsoon season in Munnar and even though many tourists avoid Munnar during the monsoons, this is a great time to visit the hill station if you’re looking for a quiet vacation. Covered with lush green foliage, monsoons in Munnar have a charm of their own. This is also a great time to enjoy discounts on hotel tariffs and enjoy Munnar all to yourself, without swarms of tourists. Also do remember to carry an umbrella or raincoat along. You must visit this exotic hill station filled with beautiful scenery and thriving tea estates. Panoramic views of the mountains and valleys, gushing waterfalls, beautiful green landscape – enjoy it all when you are in Munnar.
