Known as the ‘God’s Own Country’ and for all the right reasons, Kerala is a picturesque beauty in Southern India. The lush green escapades and the serene backwaters are going to soothe your mind and soul and give you the holiday that you’ve been craving for. Winter in Kerala is considered the best season to plan a holiday and find some respite away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Unravel the shimmering backwaters, tropical beaches, rich culture, and southern temples. The warm temperatures of Kerala are the perfect conditions to escape from the freezing cold temperatures and spend time cosying up in the boathouses with your better half or your friends and family.
11 Places To Visit In Winter In Kerala In 2024
Let’s find out some of the best places to visit during winter in Kerala. Spend a blissful vacation in the company of your loved ones amidst the lush greenery and shimmering backwaters.
1. Kochi – Bustling Port City
The coastal city of Kerala is the ideal destination to spend winter in Kerala. The magnificent Fort Kochi, the Chinese fishing nets, Portuguese and Dutch-era houses, the crumbling remains of the British Raj and the stunning shoreline are an intriguing amalgamation of what makes this town so vintage and quaint. The best time to visit Kochi is in December as the year-end carnival takes place during this time. Enjoy bike races, fire displays, beach football, floor drawings and swimming competitions during this 10-day carnival.
Best Restaurants: Mary’s Kitchen, Mosaic
Places to stay: Sea Lagoon Health Resort, Radisson Blu Kochi
How to reach: Kochi has its own airport, the Cochin International Airport
Things to do: Enjoy the year-end carnival, visit Cherai Beach
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2. Munnar – Charming Hill Station
Image Credit: Bimal K for Wikimedia
The beautiful hill station of Munnar is an absolute stunner with scenic views of the lush green tea estates, the misty valleys and the slight chill in the air that you can feel up amidst the mountains of this quaint hill station. There are several trekking routes in the hill station that you can enjoy, indulge in a cup of hot tea at the TATA tea museum and witness the breathtaking waterfalls cascading down the slopes. Feel the old world charm vibe of this hill station and itch your wanderlust.
Best Restaurants: Hotel Sri Nivas, Copper Castle
Places to stay: Munnar Tea Country Resort, Tea Valley Resort
How to reach: The nearest airport from Munnar is Cochin International Airport (125km away from Munnar)
Things to do: Have hot tea at Tata Tea Museum, witness gorgeous waterfalls
3. Alleppey – Venice Of The East
Known as the ‘Venice Of The East’, Alleppey is famous for its backwaters, live your dream of living in a houseboat surrounded by serene backwaters of Alleppey. The well-ornamented snake boats are the major attraction of this place. Kerala Houseboat stays are an ideal way to live your lifestyle and the perfect opportunity to explore the scenic charm of backwaters of Kerala. Unravel the local culture and get a glimpse of the village life, take an adventure on the water and experience the true heritage of Kerala.
Best Restaurants: Harbour Restaurant, Cafe Katamaran
Places to stay: Lake Canopy, Lake Palace Resort
How to reach: Nearest airport to Alleppey are the Cochin International Airport and Trivandrum International Airport (distance of 75 km and 150 km respectively)
Things to do: Houseboat stays
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4. Wayanad – The Land Of Paddy Fields
Sprawling across the Western Ghats, Wayanad is fondly known as the ‘The Land Of Paddy Fields’ as it holds a significant beauty amidst the lush green mountains. The dense forests, paddy fields, coconut palm plantations and the narrow winding roads will captivate your mind and soul. You can explore the Meenmutty Falls or Chembra Peak, marvel at the ancient architecture of Jain temples or trek to the Edakkal caves.
Best Restaurants: Wilton Restaurant, `Jubilee Restaurant
Places to stay: LakeRose Wayand Resort, Vistara Resort
How to reach: Nearest airport is is Karipur international airport at Kozhikode (100km away from Wayand city)
Things to do: Explore the Meenmutty Falls or Chembra Peak
5. Kozhikode – Unwind On The Beaches
Explore the place where Vasco da Gama first set foot on Indian soil at Kappad. From the elephant parades to percussion events and Theyyam rituals, there are plenty of things to do and places to visit in Kozhikode. You can relax and unwind on Kozhikode or Kappad beach beaches amidst the sea breeze and breathtaking sunsets.
Best Restaurants: Hotel Paragon Restaurant, Hotel Rahmath
Places to stay: Grand Plaza Suites, Copper Folia
How to reach: Kozhikode has an airport of its own named Kozhikode International Airport (situated 28km away from the city centre)
Things to do: Explore the beaches and enjoy stunning sunsets
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6. Thekkady – Explore The Periyar National Park
Witness nature in all its glory in Thekkady, this place is in full bloom in winter. Explore the Periyar National Park which is a major attraction, go on jungle safaris and spot the Great Indian tiger, sambars, gaurs, leopards and more. Enjoy the wildlife boat rides along the Thekkady lake or you could also attend the Garudan festival that takes place in the Kali temples.
Best Restaurants: Grandma’s Cafe, Ebony’s Cafe
Places to stay: The Elephant Court, Monsoon Retreats Eco Stay
How to reach: Nearest airport is the Madurai Airport (136km from the city)
Things to do: Explore the Periyar National Park
7. Kovalam – Go Beach Hopping
Image Credit: Kerala tourism for Wikimedia
The beautiful resort of Kovalam is one of the preferred places to visit in Kerala in winter. Go beach hopping and explore the beautiful beaches. The most popular ones are Kovalam Beach, Light House Beach, and Hawah Beach. December is one of the best times to enjoy surfing and experience the thrill of this water activity. Go exploring the town on a scooter, which is also one of the best things to do during this time considering the pleasant weather.
Best Restaurants: German Bakery
Places to stay: Taj Green Cove Resort, The Raviz Kovalam
How to reach: The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport (15km from the city)
Things to do: Eat at a German Bakery, scooter rides, surfing, beach hopping
Related Post:Places To Visit In Kerala In December
8. Kumarakom – Enjoy The Beautiful Scenery
Image Credit: Jigyasu for Wikimedia
Due to pleasant and stunning climate, Kumarakom is one of the most visited places in Kerala in winters. It is a great time to explore the best of Kumarakom, enjoy houseboat rides and indulge in outdoor activities. Not only this, the beautiful scenery and the overall experience makes it one if the places to visit for couples during the winters. Don’t forget to visit the bird sanctuary and the Pathiramanal Island for a joyful trip.
Best Restaurants: The Waterside, Lime Tree
Places to stay: Kumarakom Lake Resort, Paradise Resorts
How to reach: Nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport (85km from the city)
Things to do: Sightseeing tour, houseboat ride
9. Idukki – Popular For Its Backwaters
Image Credit: Vipinmeppurathu10 for Wikimedia
Idukki is an enchanting hill station in Kerala. It is popularly known for its backwaters and is best visited during winters. It is a great time to explore the city and travelers can enjoy sightseeing tours, houseboat rides and even see the variety of flora and fauna in the region.
Best Restaurants: Pappens, Hotel Shayadri
Places to stay: Palette Hill View Resort, Ragamaya Resort & Spa
How to reach: Nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport (67km from the city)
Things to do: Sightseeing tour, houseboat ride
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10. Vagamon – Serene Ambiance
Image Credit: Bibinca for Wikimedia
Vagamon is a perfect destination for those seeking an escape from the hectic city life. Set in a serene ambience, this beautiful Kerala hill station is famous for its thrilling paragliding activity. It is an ideal place for adventure lovers, and the alluring beauty of the hills attracts many tourists to visit Vagamon in December for the best experience.
Best Restaurants: The Green House Restaurant, Chillax Vagamon Hotel
Places to stay: The Teadale Vagamon, Holiday Vagamon
How to reach: The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport (75km from the city)
Things to do: Paragliding and other adventurous sports
11. Silent Valley – For Nature Lovers
Image Credit: Jaseem for Wikimedia
Silent Valley National Park is yet another amazing place to visit in Kerala in winter. Located in the Nilgiri Hills, it is home to some of the most amazing species of flora and fauna. A must-visit place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the park is best visited during winter for comfortable weather conditions, high chances to spot elephants, thick grasses, and mist-covered peaks.
Best Restaurants: (near) Browncup Cafe
Places to stay: (near)Treetop Resort, Beech Valley Homestay Attapadi
How to reach: Nearest airport is the Coimbatore International Airport (117km from the city)
Things to do: Spot different species of plants and animals
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Weather In Winter In Kerala
Located on the Malabar Coast, with nearly 600km of Arabian Sea shoreline, Kerala observes a warm climate pretty much all year round. It is situated close to the equator and enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures fairly consistent throughout the year. The average maximum highs are between 29°C and 33°C and minimum lows range between 23°C and 25°C. The overall average daily temperature doesn’t drop below 27°C or rise above 29°C in the year. The sandy beaches and lush green inland landscapes attract tourists and travellers to this beautiful southern state year-round.
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We hope this list enticed you to plan a holiday in Kerala in winter and enjoy the lush green landscapes and serene backwaters. Kerala in winter is the ideal season to plan a holiday because of the balmy climate, which makes it easier to traverse the scenic terrain of Kerala, the God’s Own Country.
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Frequently Asked Questions Related To Winter In Kerala
How many seasons are there in Kerala?
There are three major seasons in Kerala which are Summer (February – May), Monsoon (June – August and October – November) and Winter (December – January).
Is December a good time to visit Kerala?
Yes, December is the best time to visit the backwaters of Kerala. The weather is pleasant, making it comfortable for tourists to explore beaches, backwaters and hill stations.
Which is the most beautiful place to visit in Kerala in winter?
Some of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala in winters are: 1. Munnar 2. Alleppey 3. Kochi 4. Wayanad
What is the famous food of Kerala?
Some of the most popular dishes in Kerala are: 1. Idiyappam With Curry 2. Puttu And Kadala Curry 3. Dosa Ghee Roast With Kerala Style Sambar 4. Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (Spicy Chicken Fry)
What’s the climate in Kerala in January?
January is winter time in Kerala, so the temperature range about 28 degree celsius.
What is the season in Kerala?
There are three major seasons in Kerala. Summer starts from February and stays till May. From June till August is the Monsoon season. You can again find rains in the month of October & November. Winter creeps in December and stays till January.
Which season is best for Kerala?
Peak season is from September till March. During this time the weather is cool and comfortable. There are three tourist seasons in Kerala: – Peak season – Off Season – Monsoon Season
Which place is good in Kerala?
Places you must visit when in Kerala: – Munnar –Tea Gardens – Kochi – Blend of Modern City and Heritage – Thekkady – location of the Periyar National Park, – Kumarakom & Alleppey – Serene backwater destination
Is December a good time to visit Kerala?
The best time to visit Kerala is from September to March. The weather during this period is very pleasant, making it easy & comfortable for you to explore different places. However, the best time to visit backwaters is during the winter season, which is from November till February.
How many days are enough for Kerala?
Kerala, God’s own country, has abundant locations to explore. Your visit will depend on how much time you have at hand. You could cover a few popular destinations likeKochi, Mynnar & Thekkady in 3–4 days.
Are there any airports in Kerala?
There are 4 international airports in Kerala. – Thiruvananthapuram – Kochi – Kozhikode – Kannur
What can I buy in Kerala?
Here are some of the things one must buy in Kerala – Aromatic Oils and Essence – Coconut and Coir Products – Banana Chips – Aranmula Kannadi – Handicrafts – Kasavu Mundu and Sarees – Kathakali Masks
Can we visit Munnar in December?
December to February is the best time to visit Munnar. The weather during these months is very pleasant. Tourists generally avoid visiting Munnar from June to September, which is the monsoon season.
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Being an army kid, Yashasvi has had a fair share of traveling around the country and collecting erratic experiences in her little adventure jar. Choosing to follow her heart and combining her passion into a full-time job, she has been writing blogs about travel, lifestyle, and food for 2 years.
