The sizzling south of India, is an alluring spot for potential storm chasers around the world. Storm chasing revolves around a pursuit of any severe weather phenomenon. While scientific investigation remains the core of the activity, extreme adventure seekers are on the rise driven by a sense of curiosity and adrenaline highs. Witnessing the drama of the arrival of the Indian monsoon on Kerala’s shores is an unmissable experience.
Some of the best places to watch the drama of the sea and the skies are Kovalam, the cliffs of Varkala, Bekal Fort, Mararikulam, just to name a few. Go find your own special place to witness this fabulous stagecraft by Nature!
Did you know that Kerala’s lush beauty is shaped by, not one, but two monsoons. The Southwest Monsoon, or Edavappathi in the vernacular, hits the state from June to August; the Thulavarsham or Northeast Monsoon storms in during the month of October, losing its grip only in November. The Southwest monsoon, having made its dramatic entry in Kerala in June, starts galloping across India, generally by the first week of July, marking the start of the four-month-long rainy season over the country.
It’s not just the storm chasing community from around the world who would enjoy the drama of the Edavappathi and Thulavarsham, the cooling temperatures and lush landscape also herald Kerala’s new found monsoon tourist season.
But why on earth would you be here in the monsoons? For one, it's not like Cherrapunji in Meghalaya state in the northeast where you are kept indoors by the incessant downpours. Kerala’s rainy season is a tad kinder to the itinerant visitor. The sharp showers, which can last for a couple of hours, having let off all their steam hand you a gift of patches of a sunny respite, allowing you to be out and about, doing whatever you want. Temperatures vary between 29° to 23° C, at best.
Kovalam is a special spot for the Kerala fans. Its lighthouse, the pretty beaches and the alluring canvas of sea and sky offer limitless pleasure- giving moments, in company or on your own. The coastal town of Varkala offers you a lovely sojourn on India’s legendary Malabar coast. Leisurely walks along the rising cliffs edging the shoreline of the Arabian Sea are the perfect look-out haunts for watching the monsoon drama. The scattering of cafés that have embedded themselves in this picturesque vantage point add a new dimension to the entire experience.
The hills too are alive with the sound of the music of the rains. Head for Munnar for its tea estates and trekking trails. Monsoon trekking is finding many new takers now. The lovely region of Thekkady and Wayanad too are top favourites for such experiences. Stock up on leech socks and bird books for encounters with the monsoon’s avifaunal denizens of the forests and glittering lakes.
The waterfalls of Kerala come into their full glory with the plenitude of the monsoon season. Even scraggly streams falling down a hillside are transformed into magical sparkling crystal streaks in the lush verdure. The popular Athirapally Falls, 45km away from Thrissur, become a roaring torrent attracting throngs of visitors. Vazhachal Falls, 80km from Kochi, is another biggie.
At Alleppey and Kumarakom enjoy cruising adventures along the backwaters, gliding past the lush countryside in a traditional rice boat. The monsoons are the best time for an immersive spa experience. Many resorts offer traditional Ayurveda treatments and therapies. The moisture in the air adds to the efficacy of the entire experience. It’s a great time to detox in all its fulness— that means social media as well!!!!
Kochi, Trivandrum, Thrissur, and Kottayam are where you should head to savour the ultimate cultural splendour of Kerala’s Thiru Onam Festival. This harvest festival, held in the month of September, offers a full-on showcase of Kerala’s cultural allurements—from the music and dance to its culinary delights which culminate in the sumptuous Onam Sadhya. Comprising about 26-28 dishes, rounded off by accompaniments such as snacks, pickles, and desserts, and traditionally eaten off a banana leaf, this multi-course, all-veg banquet is an unmissable Onam treat for all.
Onam also means you get to witness the iconic snake boat races or ‘vallam kali', an amazing showcase of teamwork, skill, grace, beauty, and human endeavour at its competitive best. Did you know that Kerala’s iconic Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race championship has gathered a following the world over. Named after Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru it is held annually on the second Saturday of August. It draws lakhs of spectators to the venue— the famous Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha/ Alleppy., 60km away from Kochi.
Kerala’s burgeoning allurement as a monsoon destination is gathering wings, showcasing a whole new gamut of seasonal delights, even for visitors from abroad long familiar with its winter showcases.