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

There are many benefits of visiting Kerala in October:

• All tourist attractions are open

Kerala’s has an unbelievable variety of destinations, attractions and activities. So whether you are a nature lover, an adventurer, a history buff or a culture enthusiast, you will love your holiday in Kerala. The month of October becomes becomes the most ideal time to visit Kerala because all the attractions are open. At other times of the year, some attractions may not be open either because of the heat or because of the rains. But this is not the case in October. All the attractions are not just open but also worth visiting because the weather is simply beautiful.

• Excellent weather conditions

No frequent rains or scorching heat or humidity to worry about. The month of October brings the most beautiful weather conditions to Kerala. Throughout the state, the weather is cool and pleasant. Sometimes there may be rain but they will not be too heavy. The hill stations get cooler but getting cozy under a blanket and having restful sleep is the best feeling ever, isn’t it? At any holiday destination, good weather enhances a holiday experience and that’s what happens in October.

• Endless number of activities to be enjoyed

In the month of October, the activities you can enjoy are almost limitless. The adventurer in you will leap with joy when you experience water sports at the beaches, canoe rides in the backwaters, trekking across verdant hills and camping in the raw environment of a forest. If you are a nature lover, you will certainly be pleased to watch and hear the birds and visit the spectacular viewpoints and waterfalls. History and culture buffs will feel a sense of satisfaction as they explore the vintage attractions of the state. There are something for everyone!

Kerala in October – List of Best Places to Visit

Because of its diverse topography, the state of Kerala has various types of tourist destinations. It has hill stations, lakes, forests, mountain slopes, backwaters and beaches. No wonder it is called God’s Own Country. Also, Kerala finds a place among the 100 most beautiful tourist destinations in the world.

Have a look at the must-visit destinations in Kerala if you are visiting this October

Cochin and Fort Cochin

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Generally, a holiday in Kerala would start from Cochin since the city has an international airport and prominent railway junctions. Although Cochin is an urban city, it features vintage attractions that history buffs would love. Some of the most famous ones are the Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace. You can visit all the major attractions in one or two days and then move to another destination in Kerala. Close to the Cochin City is Fort Cochin. Known for its historical significance, Fort Cochin is home to museums, palaces and other beautiful structures.

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 October: In the month of October, all the attractions are open for visiting. So you can explore Cochin fully 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, especially during sunset.

Munnar

Pic Courtesy: GoIbibo

Munnar become really cool and pleasant in the month of October. The hill station has a misty environment and the mist makes the hills and tea gardens have a unique charm. Walking amidst the clouds and enjoying the spectacular views is a beautiful experience. All attractions in Munnar like lakes, dams, waterfalls, and viewpoints are open for visiting.

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

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

Activities to do in October: 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

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Known for its spice plantations, dense forests and serene lakes, the town of Thekkady is a must-visit destination especially in the pleasant month of October. The most famous activity in Thekkady is boating in the Periyar Lake. It provides scene views of the surrounding region as well as an opportunity to spot wildlife. If you are an adventurer, you will enjoy camping in the forest as well as a tour of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

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 October: Boating at Periyar Lake is undoubtedly a must-try activity. The chances of spotting animals at the shore is quite high. During this season, you will also enjoy 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: MakeMyTrip

Many tourists are not aware that Alleppey is the most visited tourist destination in Kerala. Cruising through the serene backwaters in a cool and breezy environment is a memorable experience. Since there is not a lot of heat or rains, you can not only enjoy houseboat cruises but also enjoy canoe and shikkara rides. The views of the palm-fringed shores and the placid backwaters will be etched in your memory forever.

Alleppey’s best attractions are:

• Alleppey Backwaters
• Alleppey Beach
• Marari Beach

Activities to plan in October: A trip to Alleppey would be incomplete without a houseboat cruise. The panoramic views from the deck of the houseboat and the delicious Kerala food on board are sure to make this a memorable experience. The weather in October is also ideal for trying canoeing and shikkara cruises. These boating experiences will give you an authentic experience of the backwaters since you will be able to explore the shores and the narrow canals.

Kumarakom

Pic Courtesy: Iris Holidays

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Kumarakom, a scenic village on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, is home to a variety of delightful birds. Their chirping creates a joyful atmosphere and you will feel close to nature. The humble homes of the villagers and the lush greenery make the village have a charming look. At Kumarakom, you can get an up-close-and-personal experience of the village life in Kerala as you watch people going about their daily chores.  Kumarakom is also home to a bird sanctuary which house many rare birds including 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 October: Visit the bird sanctuary, enjoy backwater cruises and canoeing. Village walks and toddy shop visits are also some great experiences. The weather will suit each and every activity.

Wayanad

Image Source: Banasura Hill Resort

The hill station of Wayanad is known to have a raw environment with peaks, trekking trails and winding roads. It is part of the Western Ghats in Kerala. The month of October is one of the best months to visit Wayanad since you can enjoy all kinds of treks. Trekking in Wayanad is the most satisfying experience because you will come across beautiful terrains, dense forests, lakes, waterfalls and many spectacular view points.

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 October: Trekking is a must-try activity in Wayanad, especially in the pleasant month of October. Go at least for a soft trek if you don’t enjoy the hard ones. The heart-shaped lake on the Chembra Peak is worth visiting in this season.

Athirapally

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Athirapally is home to the majestic Athirapally falls. It has water gushing at full force from a staggering height of 80 feet. The waterfall is not just great in height but also in breath. The area around the falls has a cool spray of water which creates a picturesque sight. Because of its majesty, the Athirapally falls have got the name “The Niagara Falls of Kerala”. The roar of the waterfalls can be heard from a far distance.

Athirapally’s major attractions are:

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

Activities to plan in October: Make sure to visit the waterfalls and do not forget to take a camera along with you. If possible, stay in a hotel which provides a view of these falls from the balcony. The area has other waterfalls and dams as well.

Thiruvananthapuram

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Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala. It is famous for its beaches as well as heritage sites. Some of the beaches are calm while some are bustling with activity. The city is easily accessible like Cochin because it is well-connected by air, rail and road. The city has a beautiful zoo and many colonial structures. Close to the city is a pleasant hill station which you can visit.

The top attractions in Thiruvananthapuram include:

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

 Activities to plan in October: Visit the Kovalam and Varkala beach and enjoy all the beach activities to the full. You can also make a visit to the Ponmudi hill station if you like cool places.

Kanyakumari

Located at the southern tip of the Indian Peninsula, Kanyakumari is a famous tourist destination. It is the confluence point of Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. The place became extremely popular because it offers exquisite sunrise and sunset views over the ocean. It has hotels that offer a direct view of the ocean.

There are plenty of attractions in Kanyakumari such as:

• Thiruvalluvar Statue
• Vivekananda Rock Memorial
• Kanyakumari Devi Temple

Activities to plan in October: Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, shop for large shells, souvenirs, and collectables. Do not miss the spectacular sunset.

Kerala in October- Places NOT to Visit

October is the peak season for tourism in Kerala because it has ideal weather conditions and all tourist spots are open for visiting. During this season, you can enjoy the best of every place and every activity. So you do not have to avoid any destination in Kerala in the month of October.

Kerala in October- Top Activities to Do

During the month of October, the weather is really good and all the activities are open. So there are a number of activities that you can enjoy in this month. Here are some of the best activities you can enjoy in Kerala in October.

Backwater Cruises

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Houseboats in Kerala have a traditional look as well as modern amenities. They offer exquisite views and authentic food on-board. A houseboat cruise is really famous in Kerala because it gives a rich experience of the backwaters. As the houseboat cruises at a gentle pace, you will enjoy the breezy environment and absorb the natural beauty around you. And the staff on-board will regularly serve snacks and food from the local cuisine. When you visit the backwaters in Kerala, you will have two cruise options. One is a 4-hour day cruise and the other is an overnight houseboat stay.

The backwaters in Kerala also offer canoe rides and shikkara cruises. Since weather conditions are ideal, you will enjoy these unique experiences. Canoe rides are suitable for adventurers and nature lovers. Shikkara cruises are ideal for couples.

The locations where you can get the best backwater cruises in Kerala are,

• Alleppey
• Kumarakom

Cultural Shows

Pic Courtesy: Yatra

The cultural centers in Kerala offer beautiful cultural shows, usually in the evenings. A cultural show is about an hour long. Sometimes, they last for two hours. At a cultural show in Kerala, you will get the best experience of Kerala’s culture through dances, musical performances and plays. Among the dance forms, Kathakali and Mohiniyattom are the most famous. At some cultural shows, they also have a Kalaripayattu show. It is an ancient martial art form of Kerala. Culture shows are informative as well as entertaining. You may also get a chance to see how the artists put on their elaborate makeup.

Some famous cultural centres in Kerala are:

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

Ayurveda Experiences

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Travelers from all over the globe visit Kerala especially to experience ayurvedic therapies. There are therapies that help to solve specific health issues. And there are therapies and massages that help to rejuvenate the body and mind. Ayurvedic therapies use organic ingredients and unique methods of treatment. They have no side effects. Many travelers who experience ayurvedic therapies say that it is one of the best forms of treatment.

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

• Alleppey
• Cochin
• Kottakkal
• Thiruvananthapuram
• Palakkad

Cooking Classes

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Because of the rich flavors of Kerala cuisine, many visitors fall in love with the food in Kerala. Some would even want to learn the recipes and try the recipes in their own kitchen. For such visitors, there are cooking classes in Kerala. At a typical cooking class, you will get a clear explanation of the ingredients in the recipes and the method of preparation of the Kerala delicacies. The class ends with all the students eating the food that was prepared during the class.

If you are interested in taking a cooking class, make sure to look at the best cooking classes in Kerala

Waterfall Visits

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Waterfalls in Kerala are usually at their best during the monsoon season. But even if you visit the waterfalls in the month of October, you will get some great views. Out of all the waterfalls in Kerala, the Athirapally waterfall is the most beautiful. This huge waterfall is 80 ft high and it offers a glorious view. The environment around the waterfall is nothing less than magnificent. Even the other waterfalls in Kerala look beautiful in October. Since they will not be in full force, you can get close to the waterfalls. But do not get too close since 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 state of Kerala has a number of wildlife sanctuaries. All of them are located in the Western Ghats region of Kerala. According to UNESCO, the Western Ghats is one of the best heritage sites in the world. Visiting a sanctuary in the pleasant month of October will prove to be a good experience. You will come across a variety of flora and fauna. So a walk through the sanctuaries is a great way to get close to nature.

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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Since Kerala is a coastal state, it has a long stretch of beautiful beaches. So Kerala is a beach lover’s paradise. You will find different types of beaches in Kerala. Some are bustling with activities while others are know for their serene environment. October is great time to experience beach activities like speed boating, parasailing, snorkeling etc.

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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When you visit a village in Kerala, you will be pleased not only by the natural beauty around but also by the humble lifestyle of the villagers. You will see quaint homes and the daily chores of villagers. Some of the villagers may be skilled artisans, weavers, and craftsmen. As you interact with them, you will be amazed to see their skills. If you are really interested in experiencing the authentic local life of Kerala, then a village walk is a must-try activity. October is a pleasant to enjoy a village walk.

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

• Kumarakom
• Alleppey
• Munroe Island
• Fort Cochin

Photographic Walks

Pic Courtesy: Thekkady Tours

The natural beauty of Kerala is worth capturing on a camera. And since the lighting in October is quite good, you can expect to get some awesome clicks. Many of the shots taken in the state of Kerala have appeared in some of the best magazines in the world. When you get to a beautiful spot in Kerala, do not forget to capture it on your camera. Kerala is paradise for photographers.

Kerala in October – Activities to be avoided

As we said it earlier, the month of October is a pleasant time to visit Kerala and enjoy all kinds of activities. Outdoor camping is one activity you might have to avoid because sometimes there may be heavy rains in the evenings. Please remember that October is a peak season for tourism in Kerala. So there may be some crowd at tourist spots. Also, you may have to wait on long queues. So as far as possible, try to book tickets online for activities.

What to Wear in October

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In the month of October, try to carry light clothes. There may be rains sometimes but at other times there is sunshine. Light clothes will be comfortable in the sun and they will dry out quickly in case you get caught in the rain. 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. If you are going to stay at a hill station, then you might need to take light woolen clothes to keep you a bit warm. Heavy woolen clothes wouldn’t be necessary.

Weather Conditions in October

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The weather is generally pleasant in the month of October. Hill stations will be cool and misty but in other areas of the state you can expect it to be slightly warmer but don’t worry, it is not unpleasant. Many times, there may be showers in the evening. And do not be surprised if you experience a thunderstorm on one of the evenings. The temperature in October is around 27 °C. We suggest you to have a weather app in your phone so that you will know whether to expect rains and then you can prepare accordingly.

Pros in visiting in October

In the month of October, the weather is suitable for tourism. You do not have to avoid any destination or activity in Kerala. All tourist attractions will be open for visiting. There may be rains in the evening but it only adds to the beauty of the state and you will enjoy the rains. But generally during the day, there are no rains. So you can plan your itinerary without having to worry about rain being a spoilsport. During the day, it is usually bright and sunny. You will get the best experience of trekking, beach activities, hill station visits, boating, backwater cruises and many more during the month of October.

Cons in visiting in October

With the month of October, the peak season for tourism begins in Kerala. So the room tariff at hotels and resorts are higher than usual. Tourist spots will be crowded and you may have to stand in long queues sometimes. Booking in advance will help to get cheaper rates and to avoid long queues. October in Kerala is known for sudden downpours in the evenings. When it rains, you may not be able to do much. It is good to have a weather app in your phone so that you can keep a tab on chances of rain. Rarely, there are even chances of a thunderstorm. For the same reason, it is suggested that you do not try outdoor camping in October.

Planning Kerala Tour in October- Suggestions & Tips

• Start planning your trip early
• Do your research and find the best local tour operator / Travel Agent
• Book the hotels, houseboats and desired room type in advance so that you can get best rates
• Book your desired activities online or seek help from the operator
• Ask the operator to reserve an experienced package handling professional chauffeur
• Come prepared both for sunshine and rains
• Keep a weather app in your phone since October is known for sudden rains
• Wear light clothes so that you will feel comfortable in the sun and it will dry out quickly in case you are caught in the rain

October, the beginning of peak holiday season in Kerala, has ideal weather conditions for tourism. You will get the best experience of all the destinations and activities that Kerala has to offer. All attractions will be open for visiting. Be prepared for a mix of sunshine and rain. Tourist spots will have crowds. Please be prepared for that as well. We hope this blog helped you to get an overall view of Kerala in October so that you can plan your trip well. Also, please share this blog with friends who are planning to visit Kerala this October! Enjoy travelling!