If you love travelling, Kerala has to be on your bucket list. January is the best time in the year to visit Kerala and we are here to tell you why. You will wake up to a cool breeze and the sound of coconut leaves rustling, distant temple bell sounds. It is a calm and beautiful time that you shouldn’t miss.
If you are waiting for the perfect time to visit, January is it. Riding houseboats, enjoying chai or hillstations, coming across local festivals, you will get to experience all of it.
Why January is the Best Month to Visit Kerala
The weather in Kerala during January is perfect. It is neither too hot nor too cold. Your days will be really pleasant. The temperatures usually range between 23°C to 32°C. The nights can get mildly cool, especially in the hills. The skies are mostly clear, which means you get perfect sunrises, stunning sunsets, and great travel photos.
You won’t face humidity at all, or rain. So, sightseeing will be really comfortable. Whether you’re exploring the beaches, forests, or tea plantations, you can explore without any hassle.
Small Tip: Carry light cotton clothes for the day, and a light jacket or shawl for the evenings. It can get chilly in Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad.
ALSO SEE-Alleppey to Munnar-Distance, Routes and Timings in Taxi, Bus and Train
Must-Visit Places in Kerala in January
Here’s a list of the places that you must visit during your time in Kerala.
1. Alleppey
January is perfect for the famous Alleppey houseboat ride. You drift through narrow canals surrounded by lush greenery and tiny villages. The water reflects the blue sky. Time slows down.
You can Spend a night on a kettuvallam (traditional houseboat) and watch life unfold along the banks. You will come acriss kids cycling, women washing clothes, priests walking to temples.
Some of the Nearby Attractions include Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary where you can Spot migratory birds like Siberian cranes. Then there’s Pathiramanal Island, which is honestly A hidden gem in Vembanad Lake. Another must visit place is Marari Beach. If you love Peaceful, clean, and scenic beaches, you will love it.
There are many things to do while you are there. You can go kayaking in narrow backwaters, try some traditional Kerala meals on the boats, take a walk across villages and try the famous toddy.
Small Tip: Book your houseboat in advance. If you want better views, go for a private one with an upper deck.
2. Munnar: Green Hills and Tea Gardens
You can also consider visiting Munnar in January. If you’re taking a long trip, you can spend one or two days in Alleppey and make a trip to Munnar.
In January, the weather in Munnar is cold and romantic. You will feel the freshness every morning, and the tea estates will look like a dream. You will find a lot of peace there.
You can spend hours just walking through tea plantations. Or wake up early to see the sunrise from Top Station. Every corner is a photo opportunity!
For your sightseeing, you can visit Eravikulam National Park, which is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. You can also go to Mattupetty Dam. It is a well known spot for picnics.nThen there’s Echo Point. This is a must visit if you’re in Munnar.
You can try teas at local factories, go trekking, set up campfires and see the best sceneries ever.
Small Tip: Munnar can get chilly at night so pack jackets and sweaters
ALSO SEE-Top 10 Places To Visit In Munnar With Family
3. Wayanad
Wayanad is in Western Ghats. If you’re a nature lover,or love to trek, or just looking to do something adventurous, then this is the place for you. January is the best time you can visit because the skies are clear, and the forests are green.
You can explore tribal villages, spice plantations, or just relax in a treehouse. FOr your sightseeing, there’s Edakkal Caves where you can see ancient petroglyphs. You can also visit Banasura Sagar Dam, which is perfect for boating and photography. Then, you can also go to Kuruva Island, which is a river island with bamboo rafts and rare plants.
For all the animal lovers, you can actually go for a Wildlife Safari in Wayanad sanctuary. If you are into trekking, there are many guided options to Chembra Peak. You can see the heart-shaped lake there! For relaxing, you can take ayurvedic massages in eco resorts.
Small Tip: Roads here can be narrow and winding. So, if possible, you should hire a local driver.
4. Thekkady
If you’re looking for adventure in nature, Thekkady is definitely a must visit for you. January is one of the best times to visit Periyar Tiger Reserve. The forest is dry, which will make it easier for you to spot wildlife like elephants, bison, and if you’re lucky, tigers as well.
Some of the nearby spots include Mangala Devi Temple and spice plantations. Before you visit the temple, do find out from locals whether it is open or you’re allowed. Visiting is seasonal. If you are interested in visiting the plantations, they include cardamom, vanilla, pepper and a lot more.
ALSO SEE – Munnar to Thekkady Road Trip Guide-90 KM of Tea Trails to Tiger Trails
There are many fun activities to do while you’re there. You can go for bamboo rafting in the forest, nature walks, and visit tribal villages. You can also watch Kalaripayattu which is a Kerala martial art show.
Small Tip: Early morning boat safaris offer the best chances of wildlife sightings so carry your binoculars.
5. Kochi: Where Old Meets New
Kochi is just lovely in January. You will come across a lot of culture during this time. The colonial buildings of Fort Kochi wear a festive look post-New Year. You can see street art, visit heritage cafes, and the Arabian Sea.
Most of the sightseeing places you will come across are old buildings with beautiful architecture. You can visit Mattachcherry Palace or Jew Synagogues. You can buy some artifacts because the places are full of antique shops.
You can attend Kochi Muziris Biennale if it’s going on somewhere. Don’t forget to try seafood, and take a ferry ride to Vypin Island. It will be a wonderful experience for you!
Small Tip: You can walk and explore Fort Kochi so you can rent a cycle or simply stroll with a camera.
ALSO SEE- Kochi To Munnar- Taxi Fare, Distance, Travel Time & Sightseeing Tips
Festivals and Events in January
Like we mentioned, you will come across a lot of cultural experiences and festivals. Here is a guidelines of what you can expect.
1. Thaipooyam
It is celebrated in late January or early February, and honours Lord Murugan.
You’ll see colorful processions, devotees performing kavadiyattam (a dance ritual), and grand celebrations at temples like the Koorkancherry temple in Thrissur.
2. Makara Vilakku at Sabarimala
Every year, lakhs of devotees gather together at the Sabarimala temple in mid-January.
The event marks the sighting of a sacred light on the horizon. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a deeply spiritual and cultural spectacle.
3. Gramam Village Fair (Trivandrum)
This recreated traditional Kerala village comes alive with folk music, food, crafts, and dances. It is great for families and culture lovers.
Small Tip: Book your accommodations early if you plan to visit during festivals, rooms fill up quickly.
What to Eat in Kerala in January
If you are travelling, you should know about what kind of food and cuisines you can expect. And in Kerala, the only foods you should go for are the local meals and dishes. That way, you will get the full experience.
Some of the must try dishes include Sadya, which is a traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. Then there’s Kerala fish curry, beef fry and parotta for those of you who prefer non vegetarian food.
Don’t forget to try appam with stew. It is like a bowl of comfort. And for all the sweet lovers, you must try payasam.
Small Tip: Always try local restaurants, called “thattukadas.” You will get cheaper rates and it is also, tastier, and gives you a true Kerala vibe.
ALSO SEE-Top 10 Famous Food in Munnar to try with Delightful Local Tips
Local Experiences Worth Trying
So now that you know why you should visit in January, here are some experiences that you should not miss.
Stay in a Homestay
Don’t stay in hotels. Try to book a local homestay instead. These places are family-run. So you will get to experience a warm, welcoming environment.
Some of our best suggestions for homestays are Alleppey, Wayanad, Kochi, and Thekkady.
Small Tip: Always check reviews and talk to the hosts before you book. Ask if meals are included and whether they offer guided local tours.
Watch Kathakali Live
You can catch Kathakali live in Kerala. This elaborate experience of Indian culture will surely be a magical experience for you.
Try to attend a performance in the evening. Many centers let you watch the makeup session too, which starts an hour earlier. This transformation, from human to mythological character, is something you’ll never forget.
You can catch these shows in Fort Kochi’s Kerala Kathakali Centre, or in Munnar’s Punarjani Traditional Village, or in Thekkady’s Kadathanadan Kalari Centre.
Small Tip: Read the story summary before the show so you can follow what’s happening more easily.
Ayurvedic Therapies
If you didn’t know this, Kerala is the home of Ayurveda, and January, with its pleasant climate, is an ideal time to enjoy ayurvedic spas and therapies. Whether you want to detox, de-stress, or just pamper yourself, you’ll find a therapy that suits your needs.
You can either get a simple Abhyanga massage (full body oil massage) or week-long Panchakarma detox programs. You’ll be surrounded by natural herbs, calming music, and experienced therapists.
Small Tip: Avoid going to random spas. Choose only certified centers with Ayurvedic doctors on site.
Spice Market Visit
If you are in Kerala, you have to visit spice plantations or spice markets at least. You can walk through bustling spice markets filled with the rich scents of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, clove, and vanilla.
In places like Kumily near Thekkady or Mattancherry in Kochi, you’ll see rows of spice shops, smiling vendors, and bags of colorful powders stacked high. Many shops offer tastings or short spice tours. You’ll learn how spices are grown, dried, and used.
Some of our must buy suggestions are fresh cardamom pods, black pepper, dried ginger, clove, nutmeg, organic turmeric and curry powers, and many more.
Small Tip: If you want to bargain, do it politely. Carry an extra ziplock bag to avoid your luggage smelling like masala!
ALSO SEE-10 Most Famous Spice Gardens In Munnar For A Stimulating Experience!
How to Reach Kerala
Here’s a quick insight on how you can reach Kerala,
You can easily take a flight. There are for international airports in Kerala, Kochi, Trivandrum, Calicut, and Kannur. If you are coming from a major city, most of them will surely have direct flights.
Trains to Kerala are also well connected so this is also an option for you if you are looking for budget travel options. But do remember to book train tickets early or you might not get seats.
You can make it a road trip if you live nearby. National highways connect Kerala to neighboring states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. But if you are coming from other states, this might not be the best option for you.
Final Tips for Everyone
Let’s look at some final tips crafted just for you. So, whether you’re looking for budget travels or luxury, here are our tips and suggestions.
1. You need to plan and make your bookings early.
January is peak tourist season in Kerala, so budget homestays and hostels fill up fast. You should book at least 2 to 3 months in advance. This will help you get the lowest rates. You should only Look on trusted platforms like Airbnb, Hostelworld, or Booking.com. Also, check Kerala Tourism’s official site for government-run budget accommodations and eco-lodges.
2. Try to travel like you are a local there.
Use Public transport as much as possible. KSRTC buses connect every major and minor destination at very low fares. For short distances, autos are affordable too. Apps like Rome2Rio or Moovit can help you figure out bus routes in real time.
3. Like we mentioned earlier, choose homestays and not hotels.
You can also choose dormitories if you are on a tight budget. Homestays will cost you less and you get to experience homely food, clean rooms, and local insights. Most of them will include breakfast and Wi-Fi. In places like Wayanad, Munnar, and Alleppey, you’ll even find eco-homestays for under ₹1000 a night.
4. As for your meals, choose local foods and dishes.
You will not only save money but get the authentic Kerala taste. Choose Thattukadas and small eateries that serve authentic Kerala food for as low as ₹60 a meal. Stick to local dishes like fish curry, puttu kadala, idiyappam with stew. Avoid fancy restaurants in touristy areas where food is often overpriced.
Small Tip: Travel in small groups to split costs for taxis, boat rides, or guides.
Tips for Luxury Travellers:-
Here are tips for Luxury Travellers:-
- Make sure you write down a proper itinerary. You can also hire a private driver and plan a relaxed trip covering fewer places. You should avoid hopping between 6 cities in 7 days. Instead, you can spend 2 to 3 days each in Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, and a beach town like Varkala or Kovalam.
- Even if you are looking for luxury, we would suggest homestays for the authentic Kerala experience. But if you prefer otherwise, you can stay in Boutique Resorts or Wellness Retreats. Many of them offer private villas, infinity pools, organic gardens, and spa packages.
- If you are going for luxury, you have to Book Private Houseboats. Avoid the shared or budget ones. You can opt for premium, air-conditioned houseboats with upper decks, personalized chefs, and curated menus. Prices may range from ₹8000 to ₹20,000+ a night, but the privacy and experience are unmatched.
- If you are looking for luxurious activities, book private cooking classes with locals. You can join spice plantation tours led by farmers. Also, you can try exclusive backwater kayaking or wildlife photography tours. Many boutique hotels offer curated cultural packages including guided nature walks, art performances, and more.
- Apart from local places, Kerala now has several fine-dining restaurants that serve traditional cuisine with a modern twist. You can try The Rice Boat in Kochi, Malabar Junction in Fort Kochi, and The Pavillion in Kovalam. You can pair your meal with a glass of wine, enjoy a sunset view, and make the most of your evenings.
Final Thoughts
The experience in January offers a peaceful and cultural exploration. This is an experience that we’re sure you will not get anywhere else. Most places have one unique attraction but that is the beauty of Kerala. You can enjoy beaches, hills, forests, all in one. So pack your bags, charge your camera, and brace yourself for a wonderful experience.
