Good Questions > South India

Can I travel to Kerala during the monsoon season in July–August, or should I plan my trip for another time?

I have my holidays available in July and August and I have always wanted to visit Kerala. But I’ve heard that it is monsoon season in India during this time.
Would you still recommend travelling to Kerala in the rains? Or should I wait for another season?

—Sonja Hoffmann, Germany

Good Answer:

Sonia, my answer would be a YES!
In fact, I have travelled to India during that period, and Kerala in this season has a completely different soul.
Of course, one has to travel with the right expectations. The monsoon means the weather can surprise you, and sometimes you may need to adjust a sightseeing plan if the rain decides to join you. But that is also the beauty of it.
The monuments are quieter and you get to experience an India that feels more authentic. There are fewer foreign tourists around, and conversations with locals often feel more natural because you are sharing the same moment with them. Sipping chai with them, watching the landscape or entering a temple site together feels special.
Kerala becomes incredibly green during these months. The hills become misty, the backwaters become magical, and the rain has already softened everything. It slows you down that is exactly you want a holiday should do.
Another bonus is that many hotels offer much better prices during the monsoon season. You can often experience beautiful stays at prices that are considerably lower than the peak travel months.

I would also highly recommend adding Ayurveda to your journey. The monsoon is traditionally considered one of the best periods for Ayurvedic therapies, as the climate supports deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

I had written my own experience Chasing the Monsoon in Kerala Again, the landscapes, the people, and why the rains made my journey even more memorable.

So yes, keep a little flexibility in your plans, and come ready to experience Kerala very rarely experienced.
— Amanda. F

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