SEASONS IN KERALA

Kerala is an Indian state located on the Southwestern coast of the country. Its capital is Thiruvananthapuram. The state covers a total area of 38,863 km² and has a total population of 3.46 crores. Kerala shares its border with Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the Lakshadweep Sea. Malayalam is the local language of Kerala which is spoken by most of the people here. The state's economy is the 10^th largest in India. Kerala attracts many tourists every year because of its coconut-lines sandy beaches, hill stations, palaces, tropical greenery, lakes, waterfalls, wildlife

sanctuaries, backwaters, and Ayurvedic tourism. Kochi gets the highest number of tourists per annum in Kerala.

VARIOUS CLIMATES AND SEASONS IN KERALA

There are mainly three seasons: Summer, Manson, and Winter.

Summer Season (March to June):

• Temperature: The temperature during the summers in Kerala may vary from 29°C to 40°C.
• Weather: Due to its location in southern India, Kerala suffers from horrible heat during the summers. The weather may vary from warm to scorching, which depends on the region and elevation. The coastal areas are humid and sticky. The days are filled with the sun's baking heat while evenings and nights become cooler with the fall in the mercury levels. Therefore, the summers are not the preferable season to visit Kerala if you plan for outdoor locations.
• Significance: If you plan to visit Kerala during this season but want to avoid the heat and humidity, then the picturesque hill stations are the best locations for you. The alluring atmosphere of these jade mountains may relish you. In the mid of these natural sceneries, you may enjoy various unique adventurous activities.
• Why should you visit in summer? The summer of Kerala is trendy because of its festive season and celebrations. The magnified vision of soft blue sky and the bold green environment adds a flavor of beauty to this season. The culture, tradition, and customs of Kerala can be closely witnessed during the summer. The temples organize various programs, especially in Thrissur, Attukal, Vaikom, Sabrimala, Padmanabhaswamy, and Chinakkathoor. These temples also celebrate various festivals and occasions known for their processions, costume, dance, parades, and songs.
• Places to Visit: As stated above, summers are not a good season to visit the state. But there are some hill stations located in Kerala which can make your summer trip unforgettable. If you don't like crowded tourist destinations, then this season is for you. Some picturesque hill stations include Munnar, Vagamon, Ponmudi, and Thekkady. Apart from the beautiful views, these hill stations are famous for picnicking, trekking, hiking, and biking. The state's natural beauty can also be explored at two other high-altitude spots named Gavi and Vagamon. The boat ride in the backwaters of Alleppey is another point of tourist attraction during this season.
• Things to Know: Summer is not the season preferred by all types of tourists. It is because of the unbearable heat of Kerala. But this season is economically favorable for budget travelers. You may see a slash in the hotel and tour prices during the summers. The season can be horrible for those who are suffering from heat exhaustion and strokes.
• Travel Tips:
  • Carry light cotton clothes (prefer light-colored clothes to avoid the heat).
  • Wear comfortable footwear only (prefer the sweat-absorbing footwear).
  • Avoid tight clothes like jeans, leather jackets, etc.
  • Take SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
  • Carry a hat and sunglasses to protect you and your eyes.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and take light meals frequently. Also, add juicy fruits to your diet during the trip.

Monsoon Season (July to August and October to November):

• Temperature: In Kerala, the temperature may fluctuate between 29°C to 35°C during the monsoon season.
• Weather: During the monsoon, Kerala suffers from heavy rainfall and a high level of humidity. In some phases of the season, the weather can be uncomfortable, while in some others, it can be pleasant. It gives a new life to the fauna, glimmers nature with enchantment, and paints everything with beauty and green.
• Significance: The God of Rain blessed Kerala with a multitude of offerings. There are a lot of elegant things that can make your monsoon trip unique and memorable. The boat races, boat cruises, tour of spice and coffee plantation, eco-tourism villages, the house accommodation, and Ayurvedic spas are such activities and sports which are the point of attraction during this season. But these activities can be enjoyed to the full zeal during days of moderate rainfall.
• Why should you visit in Manson? During this season, Kerala looks more attractive and artsy. The state is a popular honeymoon destination, and the sweet drizzling makes it more romantic and colorful. This is the best season for a newlywed couple to make their honeymoon memorable. Not just the drizzling, soft showers, and heavy downpours, all moods of the monsoon can be enjoyed here. Kerala is already a green planet, but the addition of the monsoon's charm gives the state a greener and fresher look. Everything seems to be new at this time, and the state gets filled with positive vibes and a gentle smell. The chanting of jackfruit, mango, and papaya trees is also hearable in the rain. So, it would be fantastic if you try this natural phenomenon at least once a life.
• Places to Visit: Due to heavy rainfall in the monsoon, most of the outdoor activities of Kerala remain closed for tourists. But even after it, the season is worth visiting the state. During this season, the Ayurveda treatments are available at the cheapest rates. Kochi, Thekkady, and Munnar are very famous for their Ayurveda spas. Some of them are also located in Trivandrum. Other than this, you can also add the hill stations to your monsoon trip to Kerala. The freshness and eye-catching views of Munnar and Vagamon hill stations can make your trip memorable. Watching downward cascaded waterfalls, backwater boat cruises, witnessing boat races, closely exploring the spice plantation, etc., are some popular activities in Kerala during the monsoon.
• Things to Know: The state faces varying degrees of floods due to the southwest monsoon winds, which cause enough amount of precipitation in the region. Such condition is generated mainly in June to August. So you must be well aware of this while planning your itineraries. However, due to the lower number of tourists, the prices remain lower during the monsoon also. So, those who are budget travelers and seeking tranquility can prefer this season. Monsoon is an ideal season for those who are nature lovers because the gentle raindrops cover Kerala with lush green beauty.
• Travel Tips:
  • Carry light cotton clothes.
  • Wear comfortable footwear (avoid those which are made up of leather).
  • Take a hat and sunglasses with you.
  • Don't forget to carry an umbrella or a raincoat or a windcheater.
  • Also, give the place to the mosquito repellents and lotions in your packaging.
  • Pack some plastic bags to protect your gadgets from rainwater.
  • Take some extra clothes.
  • Check the openings of the locations you want to visit and don't forget to look at the weather forecast.

Winter Season (December to February):

• Temperature: The temperature of Kerala may fluctuate from 10°C to 25°C during winter.
• Weather: Kerala is not so much cold as compared to northern India. However, the weather is simply pleasant, delightful, and cool The green charm of Kerala can be seen everywhere in this season. The humidity level also falls with the fall in temperature. The gentle chill air with the crisp and dry atmosphere makes the season more adorable. The days are pleasant, and nights are covered with fog. This is the best climate when one can visit and explore the natural and cultural beauty of the state without any weather uncertainty.
• Significance: During the winters, Kerala seems to be a land of wonder and a small dream world. The mist-coated plains of Munnar, Alleppey, Wayanad, and Kumarakom may add thrilling experience to your journey. The state gets covered with the beautiful shine of fairy lights, stars, and bobbles galore at the occasion of Christmas and New Year celebrations. Colonial churches and quaint markets of Kerala can bring you to the eternal beauty of the ancient period.
• Why should you visit in winter? Kerala is not just famous for the newlywed couple but also for those who are starting a new life and planning a destination wedding. This is the best season for such occasions. Neither the scorching heat nor heavy rainfall can ruin your plans. The winters are the best time if you genuinely want to enjoy the spice plantation, rolling hills, and meandering trails. The weather is nice and highly comfortable for traveling without any irritation of sticky humidity. As the temperature is not very low, the winter winds are rejuvenating. Most of the sites and activities are open during the winters.
• Places to Visit: This is the peak season of tourism in Kerala. It is best to visit the state during winters. Most of the activities and sights are open for tourists at this time. Also, there is nothing to worry about scorching heat, heavy rainfall, or humidity while visiting the beautiful locations of Kochi, Trivandrum, or any other city. During winters, you can explore the tea estate safari in Munnar or enjoy the backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey. The beautiful beaches are also among the top tourist attractions of this season. The wildlife Safari in Thekkady is one of the best places for nature and wildlife lovers to explore and having a soothing visit.
• Things to Know: The peak season of tourist's arrival begins in mid-December during the winters. As the charming eye beauty is scattered everywhere during this season, a large number of local as well as international travelers visit the state. This leads to inflation in the prices of accommodation, vehicles, and other things. The hotel is hardly available at this time, so that you would do pre-bookings. The large crowds, long queues, and slow service are expected at this time.
• Travel Tips:
• As Kerala gets a large number of tourists during winters, so it is advised to book the tickets and accommodation in advance to avoid any future problems.
• Winters are not glacial in Kerala, but the temperature may fall during the nights. So, long pants and full sleeves cotton clothes should be included in your luggage.
• Prefer only comfortable footwear.
• To avoid dryness, take moisturizers and lip balms.
• Don't forget to pack sweaters and scarves in your bag.
• Hat and sunglasses should be taken in this season also.
• The rain can ruin your trip in winters also. So it is advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat with your bag.

WHY VISIT KERALA?

There is nothing to surprise that a large number of tourists from North India and many other parts of the world ranked Kerala at the top of their bucket list. The state and its people always entice, excite and enrich the travelers. From the beautiful shades of the sky at the beaches to the cold but delightful weather of mountains are all available here. The Wizard of the Oz's Emerald City of Kerala is the greenery hub of the state, which has a beautiful paradise covered with thousand shades of green with a tint of forest hues. From the coasts and shores to the hills, valleys, and plains, everything is the finest here. It is the best place not only for those who like to enjoy celebrations and parties but also for those who are searching for peace and a positive environment amidst nature's symphony. Other than all of these sites, the delicious tea and sumptuous cuisine are enough to make your trip perfect.

Peak Season: The peak season in Kerala occurs from October to February, when the state gets many tourists. Many Indians and foreigners come to see the state's natural beauty during this relaxing weather and enjoy the trip to enchanting lagoons, plantations, and many more.

Shoulder Season: The shoulder season occurs from March to May when the state gets a sufficient number of tourists.

Low Season: The low season in Kerala occurs from June to September when the number of tourists is significantly less, but along with this, prices are also meager.