The Kerala festival season—especially leading into Onam (late August to early September)—is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich times to visit the state. Here’s a guide to where you can go and what to see during this time:
Festivals During This Season
Onam (Main Festival)
When: Late August or early September (depends on the Malayalam calendar)
Where to experience it best:
Thrissur: Cultural programs, Pulikali (tiger dance)
Kochi/Ernakulam: Flower carpets, boat races, traditional arts
Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram): Government-organized celebrations, classical music, dance
Kottayam/Alappuzha: Snake boat races and traditional feasts (Onasadya)
Major Events & Where to Go
Snake Boat Races (Vallam Kali)
These are signature events of the festival season.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Alappuzha) – August 2025
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (Alappuzha)
Aranmula Boat Race (Pathanamthitta) – Held during Uthrittathi day
Payippad Boat Race – Kottayam district
Make sure to check race schedules locally—they depend on the lunar calendar.
Cultural Experiences
Pulikali (Tiger Dance)
Where: Thrissur
When: 4th day of Onam
Men painted like tigers dance through the streets—wild, colorful, and full of energy.
Kummattikali
Where: Palakkad, Thrissur
Masked folk dances, performed door to door, especially in rural areas.
Classical Arts Festivals
Where: Trivandrum, Thrissur, Kochi
Onam week celebrations organized by tourism departments often include Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and classical music performances.
Suggested Travel Itinerary for the Festival Season
5–7 Days Sample Itinerary
Day 1–2: Kochi
Fort Kochi for colonial heritage and Kathakali shows
Marine Drive flower carpets and Onam exhibitions
Day 3–4: Alappuzha
Witness boat races
Houseboat cruise on the backwaters
Onam sadya (feast) at a local homestay
Day 5: Thrissur
Pulikali performance
Visit Vadakkunnathan Temple
Experience local markets and flower carpets
Day 6–7: Trivandrum
Attend government Onam events
Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Beach time at Kovalam or Varkala
Don’t Miss: Onam Sadya
A grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, with over 20+ dishes including:
Avial, Sambar, Thoran, Olan, Kalan, Pachadi
Payasam (dessert)
Available in most restaurants and homestays during the season
Travel Tips
Book accommodation and train tickets early – this is a peak domestic travel season
Dress modestly at temples and during local festivities
Ask locals about village-level celebrations – some of the most authentic ones are off the beaten path
Many cultural performances are free and government-sponsored – check with Kerala Tourism websites or local tourist offices
