11 Places To Visit In Kerala In December 2024!!

Elephants, coconuts, glistening backwaters, tropical beaches, and rich cultural traditions abound in Kerala’s enchanted territory. A vacation in December is ideal in “God’s Own Country” because of its pleasant and warm tropical atmosphere. Kerala’s December temperatures often fall between 32 and 23 degrees Celsius, which makes it ideal for sightseeing. As a result, Kerala’s December weather is ideal for vacation planning and visiting the state’s many destinations.

11 Best Places To Visit In Kerala In December

During your Kerala vacation, you can stay on a houseboat, explore the backwaters, taste traditional Keralan food, go on beautiful treks, see mist-filled green fields, and fish with special Chinese fishing nets. It’s also one of the greatest destinations for a December vacation because of the entire festive ambiance. So go ahead and check out Kerala’s top 20 December travel destinations.

1. Kochi

Kochi hosts the year-end carnival in December, making it one of the top destinations in Kerala. This 10-day carnival has swimming sports, beach football, fire shows, bike races, and floor drawings. During this occasion, white paper buntings are used to decorate Fort Kochi and Mattancherry Palace. On December 31, the carnival comes to a close with a magnificent procession featuring decorated elephants, bands, elaborate costumes, “Panchavadyam,” Keralan folk art, and eye-catching floats.

2. Alleppey Backwaters

Staying in a houseboat in the middle of the Alleppey backwaters is one of the greatest things to do in Kerala in December because the weather is pleasant and dry and you can take in the beautiful surroundings. Savor Keralan traditional cuisine wrapped in banana leaves, take in the opulent paddy fields beneath the river, fish using specialized Chinese nets, and take in the tranquil vistas of ducks, water lilies, and tiny churches.

A fun event to watch is the Mullackal Chiraq, a ten-day colorful celebration that takes place here in December. Additionally, the weather is ideal for visiting the Elephant Camp at Punnamada Lake and kayaking.

3. Munnar

With 80,000 kilometers of green tea estates covering the mountain slopes and misty valleys and low-lying clouds, the picturesque hill station of Munnar, encircled by the Anamalai mountain range, is a sight to see in the cold winter months.

The misty cold weather, which can drop as low as five degrees Celsius, makes a trip to Munnar in December an adventure in and of itself. Enjoy a steaming cup of tea at the TATA tea museum while admiring the stunning waterfalls that tumble down. Munnar also offers trekking routes, tea factories, and small bungalows that will transport you back to the colonial era. Munnar is one of the greatest destinations to visit in Kerala during the winter because of its calm and welcoming atmosphere.

4. Kumarakom

The palm-lined alleyways of Kumarakom, where you may remain in the middle of nature, are among the top destinations in Kerala in December. The chilly temperature at this time of year is ideal for exploring the glistening backwaters, coconut palms lining the embankments, and misty green mangrove woods.

Take a houseboat ride around Vembanad Lake during this wonderful weather and observe the migratory birds that come here from all over the nation. Some of the greatest resorts in Kumarakom are also great places to start your New Year’s festivities.

Along with a well-known beach, this lovely haven also has a 14-acre bird sanctuary. You may better enjoy the grandeur of nature by visiting Kumarakom in December, when everything is more lovely and there’s nothing better than exploring the stunning backwaters in the milder weather.

5. Wayanad

When you travel to Kerala in December, you should visit Wayanad to celebrate “Karthigai,” the festival of lights. During this well-known Malayali celebration in South India, a bonfire is built at the village temple, and earthen lamps are lit in the homes. Observe the locals returning home with a flaming torch made of palm leaves from the village campfire. With the picturesque backdrop of the Western Ghats, Wayanad’s charmingly lit homes in December are a sight to behold.

6. Thekkady

Visit Thekkady, where you may witness the splendour of nature in full bloom in December. In addition to other tourist destinations in Thekkady, Periyar National Park is a major draw. On a jungle safari, you can witness nature in all its splendour and see animals like the Great Indian tiger, tigers, sambars, gaurs, the extremely uncommon lion-tailed macaque, leopards, boars, bison, deer, and more.

Enjoying picturesque wildlife boat excursions around Thekkady Lake, where the refreshing winter breeze will captivate you, is one of the most well-liked activities in Kerala in December. In December, the Kali temples here host the contentious Garudan thookam festival, which you can also attend. The “Garudas” do a ceremonial dance during the event before being restrained by a shaft. Goddess Kali was placated by the mythological humanoid bird known as the Garuda.

7. Varkala

One of Kerala’s most picturesque locations, Varkala is made even more colorful and verdant in the winter months following the rainy season. It’s a fantastic idea to visit Varkala in December because the area’s beaches, laterite cliffs, and golden sands become more picturesque and vibrant. The chilly weather is also perfect for taking a walk on the sandy Papanasam beach. Because it is sacred and can be utilized to atone for sins, this beach is regarded as one of the must-see locations in Kerala in December. Additionally, a Sivagiri Pilgrimage honoring the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru is performed here every December.

8. Kovalam

One of the greatest locations for a spectacular New Year’s celebration is Kovalam. Fun and frolic are abundant at the beach carnivals that take place here in December. Visit these beaches in Kovalam, which offer a stunning sight during chilly winter nights, to get into the festive mood when visiting Kerala.

9. Thiruvananthapuram

Another top destination in Kerala during the winter months is Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. Thiruvananthapuram is one of Kerala’s most picturesque vacation spots and the ideal escape from the hectic pace of everyday life. This capital city, which is renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage, is also regarded as one of India’s cleanest cities.

December is the ideal time of year to visit this lovely city because of the pleasant, cool weather. The Christmas festivities in Kerala will add even more specialness to your honeymoon if you are planning one in December. During this season, there are shopping extravaganzas and a fervent celebration of Christmas. Characters like Pottan and Chamundi come to life in the Theyyam art form, which is the centerpiece of these shopping extravaganzas.

In addition, the Kerala International Film Festival takes place here in December, offering the greatest in cinema. In addition, Thiruvananthapuram’s backwaters, hill stations, and lagoons are Kerala’s top December tourist destinations.

10. Kozhikode

Investigate the first location. During your tour to Kerala, on May 27, 1498, Vasco da Gama made his first visit to India at Kappad. There are many rituals and activities that take place in Kerala in December, such as elephant parades, percussion festivals, and Theyyam rites. You can even unwind while the cool breeze blows over your face on the beaches of Kappad or Kozhikode.

11. Thrissur

Thrissur’s excellent climate and vibrant cultural festivals make it one of Kerala’s top destinations for December visitors. In December, the Guruvayur Ekadasi, which features elephant processions and Chembai music festivals, is one of the most well-liked celebrations in this area. There is a celebratory atmosphere across the entire district, which is decked out. It is a great time to visit this district since you can see how passionate the locals are about their culture.