The month of August is the best time to make plans for Kerala. It’s spectacular! It’s the end of monsoon here and there are only some light showers. The entire environment looks rejuvenated and totally justifies its name ‘God’s Own Country’. The fields are green, sky is blue and water is pristine. Festivals, Ayurveda, wildlife, trekking, and relaxation, all give you enough reasons for a trip to Kerala. Though, the entire state, from the lush Western Ghats to the blissful beaches along the Arabian Sea, from the verdant forest to the thriving cities is beautiful, we have selected the very best.
We present a list of the 12 best places to visit in Kerala in August:
1. Alleppey
Alleppey the favored town of Kerala backwaters is first on the list of places in Kerala to not miss in August. The backwater town is so blessed with beauty that it is named as India’s Own Venice. Though it’s the backwaters and Ayurveda that has given the town international recognition, the star highlight of a trip to Kerala in August is, ‘The Nehru Trophy boat race’. A snake boat is an annual event organized at the Punnamada Lake in Alleppey.
The event is power-packed, attended by huge crowds cheering for their favorite teams. The sight of rhythmic rowing of 90-100 rowers in a 100-foot long boat is amazing. With the high energy and enthusiasm, the lyrics of vanchippattu (boat-song) is contagious, you would feel charged. This boat race is conducted on the second Saturday of August every year, and in 2017 it will happen on August 12th.
2. Athirapally Waterfalls, Thrissur
Waterfalls in Kerala are a beautiful spectacle, especially in August and the magnificent Athirapally waterfalls is a beauty to marvel. This is one of the best places to visit in Kerala in August. Located 1000 feet above sea level at the Chalakudy River, Athirapally is the biggest waterfall in Kerala. The falls come down from a height of 80 feet through several parallel streams
Enjoy spectacular views of the Sholayar hills and the Western Ghats in about 10-15 minutes trek. Rainbows are also a common sight. The surrounding environs of the waterfalls is a biodiversity hotspot, blessed with 85 species of fish living, different species like the Indian grey hornbill, lion-tailed macaque, Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, etc.
[Suggested Read: 10 Must-Visit Gorgeous Waterfalls in Kerala]
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3. Vagamon, Kottayam
A little off the tourist maps, Vagamon is one of the most beautiful places in Kerala. The hill station is set at a height of 1100 feet. Known for three rolling green hills, Kurismala, Murugan and Thangal, Vagamon is undoubtedly picturesque. Blessed with pleasant and cool weather all around the year, the town enjoys beauty, adventure and amazing experiences.
If you wish to take part in adventure activities with your partner, then, Vagamon is the place for you. There are many tourist spots to explore, including Ayyampara, Five Rocks, Poonjar Palace and the Illikal Peak. Tandem Paragliding, visiting the Murugan Mala, Thangal Para, etc. are a few things you must try. Away from bustling cities and schedules, spend a few days of bliss here and especially in August.
[You may also read Top 10 Hill Stations in Kerala]
4. Kumarakom Backwaters
One of the most beautiful places in India and the gem of the state, Kumarakom is next on our list of top places to visit in Kerala in August. Settled on the shores of Lake Vembanad, the town has high-end resorts known for Ayurveda and amazing backwater cruise on houseboats of every category. The stunning setting is soothing for your senses, and add to it the blessings of the ancient Ayurveda, enjoy the vacation of your dreams. And to the delight of visitors, there are also some great monsoon packages.
Indulge in pursuits like bird-watching at the bird sanctuary, boat rides, traditional dining, watching traditional boat-building, cycling around nearby plantations, and the best of all Ayurveda treatments that not only cure diseases and ailments but promotes health.
[Also read 7 Most Beautiful Backwaters Destinations in Kerala]
5. Mattupetty, Munnar
Munnar has been titled among the most romantic places on Earth and its key attraction is Mattupetty. For your Kerala trip in August, you must include the town in your itinerary. It is mostly known for the scenic lake, dam and lush hills in the backdrop.
Around 13 km from Munnar, Mattupetty is as blissful. The pleasures of the town are on the lake, where you can try speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats which are available on hire. Other nearby places of interest include the picturesque Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake. Also include a visit to the dairy farm, run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Unique and one of its kind it houses several varieties of high-yielding cattle. Also read about Top 10 Things to do in Munnar for a memorable holiday in the lap of nature.
6. Mararikulam, Alleppey
The monsoon in Kerala blessed everything and also enhances the beauty of beaches, which brings us to the beautiful beach village in Alleppey District, Mararikulam. This is one of the best places in Kerala that you must include in your itinerary.
A pleasant getaway, the beach town has the stunning Marari Beach that is particularly alluring in August. Beaches are generally not the first thought for a holiday in August, which is why you should visit. There will be few people, amazing discounts and the bliss is all for you. Unwind of the Marari Beach, take up Ayurveda massages and therapies or walk to the fishing village where you get to enjoy a great time.
7. Ranipuram, Kasaragod
Depicting the essential bliss of Kerala, Ranipuram in Kasaragod is definitely one of the top best places to visit in Kerala in August. Settled 750 m above sea level, the hill town is famous for its trekking trails. Enjoy the varied vegetation- evergreen shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands on your scenic walk. Wild elephants can be seen wandering freely and calls of nature can be heard.
Since this is one of the offbeat places, your whole experience will be blissful and absolutely unique. Trek through the hills, visit the wildlife sanctuary and enjoy the blessings of nature on your visit here.
8. Marine Drive, Kochi
Kochi is the port city of Kerala and an integral part of holidays in the state. The stunning cosmopolitan city is next on your list of the best places to visit in Kerala in August. Marine Drive, the picturesque promenade which offers a captivating view of the backwaters and the Kochi Harbour is the lure. Watch the Chinese nets on the coast. Walk around and enjoy the sea breeze. Shop at the nearby malls, eat at a restaurant or café with a view, and visit The Rainbow Bridge. The rain-washed glory is every bit worth your visit.
[Check-out 15 Best Places to Visit in Kochi]
9. Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram
A short trip from Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala is a prized gem of Kerala. The beach haven is stunning. The views are awesome and it soothes your minds and souls. During the month of August, the beach town looks fresh and breath-taking. Explore the scenic beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and the rich cultural heritage. The Varkala beach or Papanasam beach has roots with ancient traditions and is said to cleanse the sins of a lifetime. Take a dip at the hot springs near the shores. And while you’re here, parasailing, windsurfing, and sunbathing are activities you must try. Spa and Ayurvedic treatments, are favorite past-times that you must indulge in.
[Here are 9 Best Places to Visit in Thiruvananthapuram]
10. Nelliyampathy Hills, Palakkad
Caressed by clouds, mists and rain, the Nelliyampathy Hills is one of the best places to visit in Palakkad. This place remains amongst the list of best places to visit in Kerala in August as it’s unexplored, pristine and relaxing. The beautiful hill station finds its first mention in the Ramayana. It’s the unmatched beauty that ultimately steals the hearts of all those who visit. Stop by at the Pothundy Reservoir, enjoy the picturesque beauty around you from the Meenampara View Point, etc. Discover the scenic trails in the town, you will be amazed.
11. Paithalmala, Kannur
Nestled in the lap of the verdant Kodagu forests, Paithalmala is a favored spot for nature lovers, photographers, trekkers and leisurely visitors. One of the top places to see in Kerala in August, this town of Kannur is a delight to explore. Trekking is one of the very famous activities at Paithalmala. The forest trails are full of adventure which starts through the thick forest followed by the plain grass land on top of the hill. August is particularly amazing to visit as the rain has recently nourished it with freshness.
[Also read Top 7 Trekking and Adventure Places in Kerala]
12. Edakkal Cave, Wayanad
The Edakkal Caves nestled in the enchanting hills of Wayanad is not just a beautiful site but one of the historic gems of Kerala. Edakkal caves are one of the prime tourist places in Wayanad. The 22 feet in width and 96 feet in length cave are covered in pre-historic inscriptions belonging to the Neolithic and Mesolithic age. Located around 1,200m after a trek up the Ambukuthi Hill, Edakkal must be a part of your itinerary. Marvel at carvings of human-shaped figures, symbols, animals and ancient inscriptions including a Tamil Brahmi script covering every area of the cave. It is also said the cave carvings have links to the Indus Valley Civilization. Visit for a lesson in history and for the beauty of surroundings amplified by rains.