Kerala in July – A Complete Guide on Places to Visit and Things to Do
Although the month of June is the wettest month in Kerala, the month of July doesn’t fall far behind. During this month, the chance of rainfall is between 80% and 90%. Because of the rain, the tropical land of Kerala takes on an exquisite scenic charm. Many tourists may wonder if they can really have a good time holidaying in Kerala this month. But if you plan well, you can enjoy experiences which you cannot have during other months of the year.
Have a look at some specific benefits of visiting Kerala in July:
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Cheap tariff at hotels and resorts
The month of July is not a peak holiday season in Kerala. So hotels and resorts will offer rooms at very reasonable prices. But their facilities and amenities still remain the same. So tourists can enjoy great luxury without having to burn a hole in their pockets. If a traveller is getting value for money during his holiday, what more would he want!
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An ideal time for Ayurveda is the monsoon season
During the monsoon season in Kerala, there is little or no dust in the atmosphere. And the pores of the skin are wide open because of the weather condition. Because of this and other significant reasons, experts claim that the monsoon season in Kerala is an ideal time for Ayurveda. The body has the most impact of therapy during this season. The locals of Kerala believe that the month of Karkidakam in the Malayalam Calendar is the perfect month for Ayurveda. According to the Gregorian Calendar, Karkidakam begins somewhere in the middle of July every year.
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Kerala backwaters’ picturesque beauty
It is true that the backwaters in Kerala are scenic and serene throughout the year. But during the monsoon, their charm is something else altogether. You can enjoy an unforgettable experience of the magical beauty of these backwaters by taking a houseboat cruise. Sometimes if there is only a slight drizzle, canoe rides are also a great experience. No amount of words can actually describe the beauty you will see during your visit to Kerala backwaters during the monsoon.
Kerala in July – List of Best Places to Visit
The diverse topography, colourful culture, natural beauty and exquisite views make Kerala a favourite holiday destination for many travellers from all around the world. Kerala actually is one among the top 100 destinations in the world. It has the name “God’s own country”. Only a visit to Kerala will tell you why.
Have a look at some of the best destinations to visit in Kerala
Cochin and Fort Cochin
Pic Courtesy: Holidify
Ideally, a tour of Kerala would start and end at Cochin. The city is famous for its wide variety of sightseeing attractions which include historic places as well as sites showing natural beauty. Some of the most famous attractions are Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace. Since many of the sightseeing attractions in Cochin are indoor, you can enjoy visiting them even in the rains. But outdoor sightseeing would obviously be difficult.
Do not miss going to Fort Cochin during your visit. It features interesting museums, palaces and buildings. If there is only a slight drizzle, try to take a cycling tour of Fort Cochin.
The most famous attractions you can visit in Cochin are:
- Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
- Jew Town
- Indo-Portuguese museum
- Paradesi Synagogue
- Mattancherry Palace
- Tomb of Vasco-da-Gama
Activities to do in July:Â You can enjoy outdoor sightseeing only when it’s not raining. But even if it does rain, you can enjoy visiting museums, palaces and malls. You can also enjoy cultural shows and eat local food at restaurants.
Munnar
Pic Courtesy: ClearTrip
The hill station of Munnar has a completely unique charm during the monsoon. The showers make the tea gardens shimmer gloriously. And the serene lakes of Munnar turn magical because of the rains. You can simply enjoy the view or take a closed-top boat ride. During monsoon, the climate in Munnar is misty and there are clouds everywhere. So the views are simply magnificent. And there are so many sites in Munnar which offer you an opportunity of standing amidst the clouds.
Look at some of the best locations to visit during your Munnar visit,
- Top Station
- Tea Plantations
- Marayoor & Chinnar
- Kundala Lake
- Mattupetty Dam & Echo Point
- Rajamala- Eravikulam National Park
Activities to do in July: July would be a great time to visit the dams and waterfalls in Munnar. Because of the rains, they will be in their full glory. So make sure to visit the Mattupetty Dam, Attukal Waterfalls and Chinnakanal Waterfalls. The lakes will also enjoy a great environment during the monsoon. So visit Kundala Lake and enjoy a closed-top boat ride. The Pothamedu Viewpoint and Photo Point are also known for their exquisite views during the monsoon.
Thekkady
Pic Courtesy: TripSavvy
The town of Thekkady features beautiful spice gardens, serene lakes and exotic flora and fauna. Periyar Lake especially is a wonderful attraction in the town. The boating experience at the lake is ideal for all age groups. Since the boat has a roof, you don’t have to worry about the rain. During the boat ride, you will enjoy views of animals coming from the forest and drinking water from the lake. You can never forget this 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 July: Â During the monsoon, you can definitely try boating at Periyar Lake. As said earlier, the boat is closed-top; so there is no need to worry about the rains. The only problem could be that if the rains are heavy, then you may not be able to spot wild animals out in the open. If rains are not too heavy, you can enjoy nature walks and border hiking. But whether there are rains or no rains, you must be careful about the leeches during the monsoon season. And since there will be leeches, please do not try outdoor camping. Check out the full activity list at Thekkady here.
 Alleppey
Of all the destinations in Kerala, Alleppey welcomes the most number of tourists. The backwaters of Alleppey look better during the monsoon than during any other season. The wet palm trees on the shoreline, the sound of rainwater hitting the backwaters and the pleasant views together make Alleppey a must-visit destination in the monsoon. The most beautiful way to experience the beauty of Alleppey is to enjoy a houseboat cruise. It is an experience of a lifetime.
Alleppey’s best attractions are:
- Alleppey Backwaters
- Alleppey Beach
- Marari Beach
Activities to plan in July: Houseboat cruise is definitely the most popular activity in Alleppey. Monsoon is the best time to enjoy it. In a houseboat, you do not have to worry about the rains. You can just relax and enjoy the views. Apart from enjoying the views, you will also relish the delicious food they will serve you during the cruise. Since the food will have many authentic flavours of Kerala, foodies will just love it! You can also enjoy canoeing if there is only a slight drizzle. But if the rains are heavy, canoeing is impossible.
Kumarakom
The scenic backwater village of Kumarakom is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. The tiny colourful houses and lush greenery of Kumarakom make it especially picturesque. Kumarakom will offer you an excellent opportunity of exploring village life and interacting with the locals. It also offers different types of backwater cruises. A famous attraction in 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 July: Since there will be rains from time to time, you may not have a good canoeing experience. But you must try the houseboat cruise and other closed-top boat rides if any are available. Bird watching, village walks, canoe rides, and toddy shop visits are other activities which you can try. But do look for those dark clouds before planning any such activity.
Wayanad
The raw natural beauty of Wayanad makes it unique among other hill stations in Kerala. The forests, hills and wildlife have a charm that’s hard to explain. Wayanad is part of the Western Ghats. It will always be known for its amazing trekking trails. During a trek in Wayanad, you will come across some of nature’s best offerings.
Some of Wayanad’s most exciting attractions are:
- Banasura Sagar Dam
- Kuruva Island
- Chembra Peak
- Edakkal Cave
- Pookode lake
- Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
- Thirunelli Temple
Activities to plan in July: Since it is the monsoon season, make sure to visit the Banasura Dam as it will be in its full glory. It is certainly a must-visit attraction. Another interesting activity for adventurers especially is trekking. You can enjoy it if the rain is not too much. But always beware of leeches and slippery trails. You can also visit the Edakkal Caves. Another good option is closed-top boat rides in the Pookot Lake.
Athirapally
Athirapally is a magnificent destination in Kerala. The Athirapally Falls, also known as the Niagara Falls of Kerala, is the most beautiful waterfall in Kerala. With a staggering height of 80 feet, the waterfall can enthral any visitor. And the cool sprinkle of water around the waterfalls makes for such a memorable experience. You just cannot miss visiting the Athirapally falls in the monsoon.
- Vazhachal Falls
- Sholayar Dam
- Athirapally Falls
- Thumboormozhi Dam
Activities to plan in July: Make sure to visit the waterfalls of Athirapally during the monsoon. The majestic views are just incomparable. And please take a camera with you because every scene is picture-perfect.
Kerala in July- Places NOT to Visit
Throughout the month of July, Kerala will experience frequent showers. Sometimes the rains are very heavy, sometimes it’s just a drizzle. So some of the places in Kerala will definitely not offer the same experience as during other seasons. The beaches of Kerala are not worth visiting during the monsoon because of the strong currents. Even if you do visit them, you will not be able to enjoy beach activities, water sports, etc. So you cannot have a complete experience. Therefore, Kovalam Beach and Varkala Beach, which are usually visited by many during other seasons, are better to be avoided during the monsoon.
Kerala in July- Top Activities to Do
The state of Kerala will experience heavy rainfall during July. Still, travellers can enjoy many activities during their visit to Kerala.
Houseboat Cruises
Pic Courtesy: Booking.com
All through the year, Kerala’s backwaters offer amazing houseboat experiences. But during the monsoon, the cruise is extremely special. The rains make the backwaters look magnificent, charming and magical. From the houseboat cruise, you will enjoy such pleasant views that you will never forget them for life. Since the houseboat has a roof, travellers do not have to worry about the rain at all. 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. They also offer canoeing and other boat rides. But because of heavy rains during July, open-top boat rides are not recommended. However, if there is only a drizzle, canoeing can become a very pleasant experience.
The locations where you can get the best houseboat experiences in Kerala are,
- Alleppey
- Kumarakom
Cultural Shows
Pic Courtesy: Yatra
Kerala’s colourful culture and rich tradition are beautifully showcased in the cultural centres of Kerala. At these cultural centres, you can enjoy dance and music performances along with plays. Kathakali and Mohiniyattom are two of the most famous dance forms in Kerala. Travellers can also enjoy watching Kalaripayattu – an ancient martial art form of Kerala. Apart from giving you a taste of Kerala’s culture, these cultural centres also do their best to entertain their guests. A cultural show in Kerala usually lasts for one or two hours. And since it is an indoor activity, you can enjoy it in the rainy season also.
Some famous cultural centres in Kerala are:
- Punarjani Traditional Village
- Mudra Cultural Center
- Cochin Cultural Center
- Greenix Village
Ayurveda Experiences
Pic Courtesy: TripSavvy
The weather in Kerala during the monsoon season is an ideal time for Ayurvedic therapies according to experts. The therapies are not only effective but their impact is sped up because of the weather. The fact that during this season, our skin pores are open also helps in the effectiveness of the therapies. Many travellers come to Kerala from all around the world during the monsoon. They come either to solve a health issue or just to improve general health. Ayurvedic therapies in Kerala also help to rejuvenate and detoxify the body.
Some of the significant Ayurveda wellness centres of Kerala are located at
- Kottakkal
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Palakkad
- Alleppey
- CochinÂ
Cooking Classes
Kerala cuisine is rich in spices and flavours. Visitors, especially foreigners, fall in love with the local delicacies. Some love it so much that they’d like to learn and replicate the recipe back at home. For such travellers, Kerala offers cooking classes. At these classes, you can learn easy methods to cook some of the best dishes of Kerala cuisine. After the class, you can enjoy the delicacies which you just watched being made. The cooking classes are held indoors. So it’s a great activity for the monsoon.
Take a look at some of the best cooking classes in Kerala
Waterfall Visits
As you can imagine, all the waterfalls of Kerala are in full glory during the monsoon. One must-visit attraction is the Athirapally Falls. The majestic view and the cool sprinkle of water in the surrounding area promise an unforgettable experience. But when you visit the waterfalls, keep safety in mind. Do not get very close to the waterfalls and be careful of slippery areas. Most waterfalls in Kerala, however, are very safe to visit.
The most famous waterfalls in Kerala are
- Athirapally Waterfalls
- Attukal Waterfalls
- Soochipara Waterfalls
- Vazhachal Falls
- Chinnakanal Waterfalls
- Cheeyappara Waterfalls
Have a look at the top 9 things you can enjoy in Kerala during the monsoon
Kerala in July- Activities to be avoided
Travellers have to avoid some activities in Kerala because of the frequent rains. Outdoor sightseeing is always a risk because you never know when it will start pouring. Although trekking is open in July, you must be very careful with the leeches and slippery trails. But enjoying a trek during a light drizzle is quite an experience. During the monsoon, outdoor camping is not advisable at all because of the leeches. Another activity that is better to avoid during the monsoon is a beach visit and beach activities. The currents will be too strong. So you cannot enjoy water sport activities like parasailing, snorkelling, surfing, speed boating etc.
Major Events and Festivals in July
There are no significant events or festivals happening in July except the Champakulam Boat Race.
Check out the blog on the Most Popular Boat Race events in Kerala
What to Wear in July
If you’re visiting Kerala in July, try to carry quick-dry clothes since there is a possibility of rain. Leather shoes get spoiled when they get wet. So carry rubber sandals instead. If you want to enjoy a trek, carry footwear with good grip because many times the trails can be slippery. Get an umbrella on your holiday if possible.
Weather conditions in July
During July, the rains wet the tropical land of Kerala. July one of the wettest month in Kerala, with the average rainfall being more than 350 mm. But something unique about Kerala monsoon is that it does not rain continuously. Brief showers or drizzles are usually followed by bright sunshine. Rarely, however, it rains for a few days continuously, but sunshine is always around the corner. On a typical monsoon day in Kerala, you will see some 5 hours of sun. The temperature during July is generally between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Pros in visiting in July
The month of Karidakam begins in the middle of July. Locals believe that it is the best month for Ayurvedic treatments. So the biggest advantage of visiting Kerala in July is that you can enjoy relaxing and effective Ayurvedic therapies. Another beautiful thing about a Kerala holiday in July is the backwater experience. The magical environment of the backwaters during July is something to die for. The gorgeous views, pleasant sounds and the chilly breeze make the experience a complete delight.
Something else you will get during your trip in July is value for money accommodation. Since it is not the peak season, the tariff at hotels and resorts is usually low. So you can enjoy luxury and modern facilities at reasonable prices. Also, you will enjoy visiting the dams and waterfalls. As you can imagine, these spots will look their best during the monsoon season.
Cons in visiting in July
All the disadvantages of a Kerala trip in July are obviously because of the frequent rains. Outdoor sightseeing is always a risk because you can hardly guess when the dark clouds will start pouring. During the monsoon, there may be many leeches. So Outdoor Camping is not practical at all. Even while trekking, you need to be really careful of the leeches. The ocean currents will be very strong during the monsoon. So on some beaches, swimming is completely prohibited. Even if that is not the case, you can’t fully enjoy the beach experience as there will be no interesting activities on offer.
Planning Kerala Tour in July- Suggestions & Tips
- Get dark-coloured quick-dry clothes.
- Please do not get leather shoes. They will get spoiled. Get sandals instead.
- If you plan for treks, have footwear with a firm grip. Some trails are quite slippery.
- During your trek, be on the lookout for leeches. If, unfortunately, a leech latches onto you, put salt or tobacco to get rid of the leech. See more Tips to avoid Leeches.
- Have an umbrella with you and be prepared for a sudden downpour.
- The child in you might want to get drenched in the rain. But please don’t get tempted. You can get sick and the holiday might turn out to be a bad experience.
Please note that since there are frequent rains in July, outdoor sightseeing can be difficult. Beach visits may not be a great idea. But with the right places and activities in your itinerary, you can make your monsoon holiday in Kerala a memorable experience. Whatever happens, do not miss the houseboat cruise. Also, make sure to visit as many dams and waterfalls in Kerala as you can. July is not a peak season for holiday in Kerala. So you will get great accommodations at very reasonable rates. That is a complete jackpot for any traveller. I hope this blog helped you to get an overall view of Kerala in July so that you can plan your trip well. Also, please share this blog with friends who are planning to visit Kerala this July! Enjoy travelling!
