Kerala in December – A Complete Guide on Places to Visit and Things to Do

Have a look at some specific benefits of visiting Kerala in December:

• The weather in Kerala is just perfect

The weather is extremely pleasant in December. The cold temperatures and the warm sunshine create a perfect environment for enjoying sightseeing as well as other activities. The monsoon disappears by the month of December. So the rains are almost non-existent. Even if they do occur, you can be sure that they will be mild. But rain is never going to play spoilsport for your holiday. The nights can get cold. Make sure to cover yourself with a blanket and you’ll enjoy the best sleep.

• All tourist attractions are open

Since the weather is perfect for tourism and there are no rains, all tourist spots are open for visiting during the month of December. At other times of the year, some tourist spots may be closed because of inclement weather or landslides. And because of such conditions, there may be roadblocks and water clogging. Even if some spots are open, visiting them may not be recommended because you will not be able to get a good experience. But in December, there is no such danger. All tourist spots are open and they all offer the best experience.

• An ideal time for trekking

All trekking spots are open during the month of December. The weather is perfect for great trekking experience. While trekking can be an exhausting experience in other seasons because of the heat, that is not the case in December. And since there are no rains, the trails are not slippery and there is no danger of leeches. So during December, you can have the best trekking experience as you absorb the natural beauty around you.

Kerala in December – List of Best Places to Visit

Because of the diverse topography, interesting culture and wonderful natural beauty, the state of Kerala has become a popular tourist destination. It welcomes visitors from all around the world. When it comes to tourism, Kerala is so popular that it finds a place among the top 100 holiday destinations in the world. But if you want to find out why Kerala is called “God’s Own Country”. you need to visit the place.

Have a look at some of the best destinations to visit in Kerala

Cochin and Fort Cochin

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A typical Kerala trips start and end at Cochin. Cochin is an urban city, but it is also known for its archaic charm. The sightseeing attractions feature great natural beauty and have historical significance. Very famous among the tourist attractions are the Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace. All of the tourist attractions in Cochin are open for visiting during this season. So you have a wide variety of options to make a good itinerary.

Do not miss going to Fort Cochin during your visit. It features beautiful museums, palaces and buildings. Since the weather is ideal, you can explore Fort Cochin through a cycling tour.

The most famous attractions you can visit in Cochin are:

• Indo-Portuguese museum
• Paradesi Synagogue
• Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
• Jew Town
• Mattancherry Palace
• Tomb of Vasco-da-Gama

Activities to do in December: All tourist spots are open for visiting. So you can experience Cochin to full by visiting the museums, palaces and historic sites. Try the cycling tour of Fort Cochin if you are able to. Do not miss the Chinese Fishing Nets.

Munnar

Pic Courtesy: ClearTrip

Because of the chilly weather, the hill station of Munnar takes on a misty charm during the month of December. You will have the feeling of being amidst the clouds when you walk through the tea gardens and drive on the winding roads. These magnificent views will not be there during any other season. Munnar has many unique attractions like lakes, viewpoints, dams and waterfalls. All of them are open for visiting.

Look at some of the best locations to visit during your Munnar visit,

• Mattupetty Dam & Echo Point
• Rajamala- Eravikulam National Park
• Top Station
• Tea Plantations
• Marayoor & Chinnar
• Kundala Lake

Activities to do in December: We recommend you to try everything you possibly can. Visit the viewpoints, enjoy boating in the lakes and see the glory of the dams and waterfalls.

Thekkady

Pic Courtesy: TripSavvy

Thekkady, a beautiful town in Kerala, is famous because of the aromatic spice gardens, serene lakes and exotic wildlife. Periyar Lake is probably the most prominent attraction in the town. It offers an unforgettable boating experience which allows you to absorb the beauty around you. The lake, forest and wildlife make for a spectacular environment. During the boat ride, it is quite likely that you will see animals coming from the forest to sip water from the lake. It is an unforgettable sight.

Some of the best destinations to visit in Thekkady are:

• Periyar National Park and Lake
• Anakkara
• Chellakovil Viewpoint
• Vandiperiyar
• Parauthumpara
• Ramakkalmedu

Activities to plan in December: Boating at Periyar Lake is undoubtedly a must-try activity. You can never regret trying it. The weather is ideal for nature walks, trekking, camping and border hiking. There is no danger of leeches or slippery trails. The tiger trail at the Periyar Tiger Reserve is one activity you can try if you are an adventurer. Check out the full activity list at Thekkady here.

 Alleppey

Pic Courtesy: Iris Holidays

Comparing to other destinations in Kerala, Alleppey is the most visited destination in Kerala. The serene backwaters and the palm trees seem more beautiful because of the pleasant weather and breezy environment. In order to get a rich experience of the backwaters, you must try the houseboat cruise. It feels like a once in a lifetime experience.

Alleppey’s best attractions are:

• Alleppey Backwaters
• Alleppey Beach
• Marari Beach

Activities to plan in December: Houseboat cruise is the most popular activity in Alleppey. Your trip to Kerala will be incomplete if you don’t try the houseboat cruise. But since the weather is extremely pleasant, you can even visit the beach or go for a canoe ride.

Kumarakom

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The picturesque village of Kumarakom, nestling on the banks of Vembanad Lake, has some very attractive village scenes. Colourful houses, lush greenery and the chirping of birds makes the environment exquisitely beautiful. You will be able to interact with villagers as they go about their daily chores. Very famous in the Kumarakom is the  bird sanctuary. It houses rare species of birds like wild ducks, herons, storks etc.

Some of Kumarakom’s best attractions are:

• Kumarakom Backwaters
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Vaikom Temple
• Village Life
• Paathiramanal Island

Activities to plan in December: Visit the bird sanctuary, enjoy backwater cruises and canoe rides. Even village walks and toddy shop visits will be a worthwhile experience. The weather is ideal for each and every activity.

Wayanad

The raw natural beauty of Wayanad makes it one of the most unique hill stations not only in Kerala but also in the country. What adds beauty to the hill station is the exotic wildlife, winding roads, majestic hills and dense forests. If you are an adventurer or a nature lover, you must try trekking in Wayanad. It has trails for soft treks as well as hard treks. Trekking is probably the most popular activity in Wayanad. The spectacular view make the trekking experience truly unforgettable.

Some of Wayanad’s most exciting attractions are:

• Chembra Peak
• Edakkal Cave
• Banasura Sagar Dam
• Kuruva Island
• Pookode lake
• Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
• Thirunelli Temple

Activities to plan in December: Trekking is a must-try activity in December. You will love the terrain and the views; since the weather is ideal, you will not feel tired very quickly. Apart from trekking, you can also visit the place that you see above.

Athirapally

Pic Courtesy: Iris Holidays

Athirapally, home to the “Niagara Falls of Kerala”, is one of the most majestic tourist destinations in Kerala. Although the falls are in full glory only during the monsoon season, visiting Athirapally in December is still a good idea. The falls are 80 feet high. Hearing the sound of the waterfall and feeling the cool spray in the area around can be such a pleasant experience.

Athirapally’s major attractions are:

• Athirapally Falls
• Thumboormozhi Dam
• Vazhachal Falls
• Sholayar Dam

Activities to plan in December: Visit the Athirapally Falls and take a camera along with you. The experience is simply majestic. You can even visit the other falls and dams in the area.

Thiruvananthapuram

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The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, is located in the south of Kerala. Its heritage sites and beaches attract many visitors. Since the city is well connected by road, rail, and air, you won’t have any problem travelling to and from the city. Tourists can see and experience the reminisce of Royal heritage of Travancore Kingdom and British colonial architecture. Kovalam and Varkala are two famous beaches in Kerala which attract tourist from all over the world. 

The top attractions in Thiruvananthapuram include:

• Kovalam Beach
• Varkala Beach
• Poovar Beach
• Thiruvananthapuram City
• Ponamudi Hill Station
• Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple
• Agastyarkoodam Trekking

 Activities to plan in December: The weather is perfect for enjoying water sports activities and speed boating in Kovalam and Varkala beach. You will enjoy trekking as well as visiting the hill station.

Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is a town with spectacular beauty. It is located at the tip of the Indian peninsula. It is the point where the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal merge together. The coastal destination welcomes visitors throughout the year.

There are plenty of attractions in Kanyakumari such as:

• Thiruvalluvar Statue
• Vivekananda Rock Memorial
• Kanyakumari Devi Temple

Activities to plan in December: Plan visits to the top attractions, shopping for large shells, souvenirs, and collectables. Do not miss the spectacular sunset.

Kerala in December- Places NOT to Visit

Since Kerala experiences ideal weather conditions in the month of December, all tourist attractions are open for visiting during this month. The ideal weather also makes your visit to these places very enjoyable. So you can visit any of the tourist destinations in Kerala without any issue. You do not have to avoid any destination.

Kerala in December- Top Activities to Do

The month of December, since it has ideal weather conditions, is suitable for every type of activity. Below is a list of the most interesting activities you could enjoy during December.

Houseboat Cruises

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No matter what time of the year it is, the houseboats in Kerala offer a beautiful experience. But in December, since the weather is cold and pleasant, the experience can be even more memorable. One advantage is that you do not have to go for an AC houseboat. Instead, you could always enjoy the fresh air. The houseboat, cruising at a gentle pace, will offer picturesque views all around. The houseboat usually had a traditional look but it features all the modern amenities inside. You will also enjoy the regular servings of food and snacks from the local Kerala cuisine.

The backwaters of Kerala offer two types of houseboat cruises to choose from. 1) 4-hour day cruise and 2) Overnight stay. You can also try a canoe ride and other backwater cruises. And since the weather will be cold, the experience is more enjoyable than ever.

The locations where you can get the best houseboat experiences in Kerala are,

• Alleppey
• Kumarakom

Cultural Shows

Cultural shows in Kerala wonderfully showcase the land’s culture and tradition. They do this through dance forms, musical performances and dramas. Kathakali and Mohiniyattom are two major dance forms in Kerala. Travellers can also enjoy watching Kalaripayattu – an ancient martial art form of Kerala. The show not just informative but also quite entertaining because of the skill of the various artists. A cultural show in Kerala may last for one hour and at some cultural centres, it may be for two hours. There are a number of cultural centres spread throughout Kerala. Some of the most famous ones are:

• Punarjani Traditional Village
• Cochin Cultural Center
• Greenix Village
• Mudra Cultural Center

Ayurveda Experiences

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Many foreigners visit the land of Kerala to experience the healing of Ayurveda. Because they use organic medicine and follow unique methods, ayurvedic treatments do not have any side effects and they truly work. What’s interesting is that Ayurveda does not just solve health issues but it also improves general health and rejuvenates and detoxifies the body. So even if you do not have a specific health issue, you can still experience Ayurveda for its rejuvenating effects.

Some of the significant Ayurveda wellness centres of Kerala are located at

• Alleppey
• Cochin
• Kottakkal
• Thiruvananthapuram
• Palakkad

Cooking Classes

Kerala cuisine is unique and quite rich in spices and flavours. Tourists find the look and taste of these delicacies delightful. Some of them love the dishes so much that they want to go back home and cook these recipes. If you are one of them, then you will love the cooking classes in Kerala. At the cooking class, you will hear clear explanation of the ingredients and recipes; you will also see easy methods of preparing the dishes. After the class, all the students get to taste what has been prepared. The whole experience is quite memorable. And to top it off, you even learn how to cook many new dishes which you can try in your kitchen.

Take a look at some of the best cooking classes in Kerala

Waterfall Visits

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The waterfalls in Kerala are in their full glory only during the peak monsoon season. However, a visit to the falls during the month of December will not prove to be disappointing. The atmosphere around the waterfall is pleasant and the view is much more scenic than it looks in the pictures. A big advantage of visiting the waterfalls during the non-rainy season is that you could really get close to the falls and get a better experience. Be careful, however, because some areas can be slippery.

The most famous waterfalls in Kerala are

• Athirapally Waterfalls
• Attukal Waterfalls
• Soochipara Waterfalls
• Vazhachal Falls
• Chinnakanal Waterfalls
• Cheeyappara Waterfalls

Wildlife Sanctuaries and Experiences

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The Western Ghats are home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries. Because of its amazing beauty, the Western Ghats of India has been added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The Western Ghats is ranked 8th among the world’s hottest biodiversity hot-spots. The ideal weather conditions of December create a beautiful environment for travellers to see the rich flora and fauna in the Western Ghats in Kerala.

Some of the most prominent Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala are,

• Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Eravikulam National Park
• Aanamdui Shola National Park
• Periyar Tiger reserve
• Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Silent Valley National Park
• Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

Water Sports and Beach Experiences

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The state of Kerala has a number of long beaches and each of these beaches is unique in its own way. Some are bustling with activities while others are calm and offer scenic views. So Kerala is a perfect destination for beach lovers. The month of December provides a pleasant environment so that visitors can completely enjoy the water sport activities at the beaches.

Best Place for Beach Activities in Kerala,

• Varkala
• Kovalam
• Marari
• Cherai
• Fort Cochin
• Kannur
• Calicut

Village Walks and Local Life Experiences

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You will find skilled artisans, weavers, and craftsmen in the villages of Kerala. You will get to interact with them and see them doing their work when you visit one of the villages of Kerala. As you stroll through the beautiful countryside of Kerala, you will experience the village life of Kerala in the best way. Since the weather is ideal for village walks, you must definitely put a village visit in your Kerala trip itinerary.

The most sought-after places in Kerala for village walks are, 

• Kumarakom
• Alleppey
• Munroe Island
• Fort Cochin

Photographic Walks

Pic Courtesy: Thekkady Tours

Because of its great natural beauty and scenic views, Kerala is a photographer’s delight. The photographs shot of Kerala’s panoramic locales is listed among the best ones in the world including the Nat Geo Magazines. Even if you are not a professional photographer, you can still get some amazing snapshots of your favourite places.

Kerala in December – Activities to be avoided

As mentioned earlier, since the month of December has pleasant weather conditions, you can enjoy every kind of activity in this month. So there is no activity which you specifically need to avoid. But one thing to keep in mind is that during December, Kerala’s tourist spots are most crowded. So you must plan much in advance and book your slots for activities.

Major Events and Festivals in December

Cochin Carnival

Cochin Carnival – the biggest New Year Gala in Kerala, which is organised by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is held during the last week of December and ends by New Year! This carnival is officially inaugurated with hoisting the Carnival flag at the Vasco da Gama Square. 

There will be competitions events like Beach Football, Bike Race, Boxing, Kayaking, bicycle Race, Marathon and swimming apart from the art shows, food festivals! Peace, Progress, Adventure and Environment are the motto of the event.

Pic Courtesy: Travelogy India

Besides all these events, The Statue of Pappanji makes the event most colourful.  The Papanji- the statue of the old man is burnt at midnight of 31st Dec to welcome the new year! Public party with music and dance follows this and continues till early morning:)

Ashtami at Vaikom Temple

The Vaikom Mahadeva temple is to one among the most popular Shiva temple in southern India. This temple is located at a scenic place called Vaikom in  Kottayam district.  Vaikkathappan is the name given Lord Shiva at Vikom Temple by the devotees. The twelve-day annual celebration which falls in November/ December (Malayalam month of Vrischikam) is called as Vaikathashtami. This is arguably the most popular festival in Kottayam district.

What to Wear in December

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Since the weather is extremely pleasant in December, you can wear tees and jeans or shirts of any material. Feel free to carry comfortable wear such as shorts or Capris for your tour. Women can also wear tees, frocks, dungarees, pants, and tops as per their comfort and convenience. While heading for hill-stations, you can carry some woollen clothes or a jacket. You would not need to carry hats, umbrella or sunscreen lotions during your tour in December.

Weather Conditions in December

Pic Courtesy: Twitter

During December, the weather conditions in Kerala are pleasant. The temperature is cold but since there is very less cloud cover, there is a lot of warm sunshine. So overall, the conditions are very ideal for tourism. Monsoon season is far gone. So there wont be any rains. But if by chance there is rain, it will most probably be very mild. The average temperature in Kerala during December is 27 C.

Pros in visiting in December

During the month of December, the state of Kerala has ideal weather conditions with cold temperatures complemented by warm sunshine. So the holiday experience is totally satisfying. Tourists can enjoy sightseeing and activities without feeling tired very quickly. Also, the rains close to nil during this month. Even if it does rain, rest assured that the rains will be mild. So the rain will not play spoilsport during your sightseeing. Since the weather is great, all tourist spots are open as well as safe to visit. They are also very enjoyable. The weather is also suitable for every kind of activity.

 

Cons in visiting in December

One thing to keep in mind is that Kerala is most crowded during the month of December. So you cannot expect empty beaches or viewpoints. There will always be a significant number of people at tourist spots. You can also expect long queues at many activity spots. So planning in advance is extremely important. We recommend you to start planning and booking at least three months in advance. You must consider which places to visit and at what time so that you can avoid too much crowd. Another disadvantage of visiting during the peak season is that the tariff of hotels and resorts is higher than normal. But booking in advance may help to get the best price even during this season.

Planning Kerala Tour in December- Suggestions & Tips

• Start planning your trip early, at least 3 months in advance
• Do your research and find the best local tour operator / Travel Agent.
• Book the hotels, houseboats and desired room type much in advance to get the best prices
• Book your desired activities online or seek help from the operator
• Ask the operator to reserve an experienced package handling professional chauffeur

Experience Kerala in its best weather during your visit in the month of December. It is the peak season and the crowd is most especially in December. So you must plan your itinerary and book your accommodations a few months in advance. Keep in mind that the tariff of hotels and resorts will be on the higher side. I hope this blog helped you get an overall view of Kerala in December so that you can plan your trip well. Also, please share this blog with friends who are planning to visit Kerala this December! Enjoy travelling!