The Best Guide To Kerala In November In 2024
Ever thought about flying off to India’s own slice of paradise? Yep, we’re talking about Kerala in November. This is the month when the state wears its best outfit and rolls out the green carpet—literally! If you’re looking for some awesome Kerala trip packages, November is the best time to visit Kerala. We aren’t lying!
Now, the first thought after reading the above lines that would be coming to your mind would be, “Why is November so special?” Well, November has that perfect dreamy weather—not too hot, not too cold—just right for exploring all the fascinating places to visit in Kerala.
Just imagine cruising through backwaters without breaking a sweat or taking Insta-perfect snaps at tea gardens without fog photobombing your masterpiece. Trust us, November is the best time to visit Kerala, whether you’re planning a family vacation or a Kerala honeymoon.
All of this sounds exciting, right? Well, we’ve got one question for you- Are you ready to pack your bags, update your travel playlist, and take off to Kerala in November? Stay tuned as we spill the coconut water on all the must-do’s and must-see’s that’ll make your trip nothing short of magical!
Kerala In November- Your All In One Guide
Places To Visit In Kerala In November
- Munnar
- Alleppey
- Kochi
- Varkala
- Wayanad
Things To Do In Kerala In November
- Houseboat Stay
- Walk through Tea Gardens
- Jungle Safari
- Scuba Diving
- Watch A Kathakali Performance
- Spice Tour
Festivals To Attend In Kerala In November
- Kathakali Festival
- Poothan And Thira
- Vrischikolsavam
- Kalpathi Ratholsavam
- Theyyam
Weather In Kerala In November
How To Reach Kerala In November – The Complete Guide
- Book a flight or train
- Weather Check
- Choose Transport
- Plan Route
- Stay Options
- Local SIM
- Travel Light
Things To Carry To Kerala In November
- Clothes
- Umbrella/Raincoat
- Footwear
- Sunscreen & More
Places To Visit In Kerala In November
1. Munnar
Nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats, Munnar is among the most mesmerizing hill stations in Kerala. It’s a vista of undulating tea gardens, shimmering waterfalls, and misty valleys.
Why To Visit?
Experience cool and refreshing weather.
Witness the vibrant Neelakurinji bloom (once every 12 years).
Ideal for honeymooners and photography enthusiasts.
A therapeutic escape from city clamor.
Places To Visit
Eravikulam National Park
Attukal Waterfalls
Tea Museum
Things To Do
Trekking
Tea Tasting
Photography
How To Reach: The nearest airport is Cochin. From there, hire a cab or take a bus to Munnar.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Thrissur
2. Alleppey
Alleppey, with its tranquil backwaters and quaint houseboats, is where you see life move at its own pace. The sun-kissed paddy fields and labyrinthine canals make it a dreamy escape.
Why To Visit?
Perfect for a relaxing vacation.
Experience an iconic houseboat stay.
Witness Kerala at its finest in November with rich cultural festivals.
Lip-smacking local cuisine awaits.
Places To Visit
Alappuzha Beach
Vembanad Lake
Pathiramanal Island
Things To Do
Houseboating
Bird Watching
Fishing
How To Reach: Kochi Airport is the closest. Buses and taxis are easily available from there to Alleppey.
3. Kochi
Kochi is a bustling port city that stands as a testament to the various cultures that influenced Kerala. From Dutch palaces to Jewish synagogues, history breathes here.
Why To Visit?
Dive into the rich cultural tapestry of Kerala.
A haven for foodies with some of the best restaurants in Kerala.
Shopping in Kerala is best experienced here.
Experience the thrill of adventure activities in Kerala.
Places To Visit
Fort Kochi
Mattancherry Palace
Jew Town
Things To Do
Shopping
Kayaking
Heritage Walk
How To Reach: Well connected by air, train, and road. Kochi International Airport serves as the main gateway.
Suggested Read: Kerala Travel Tips
4. Varkala
Located on the edge of soaring cliffs, Varkala Beach promises a blend of serenity and thrill. It’s one of those beaches in Kerala that offers both tranquillity and vibrant beach life.
Why To Visit?
Unwind by the pristine beach.
A haven for yoga enthusiasts.
Experience the local festivals specific to Kerala in November.
The sunsets here? Heavenly!
Places To Visit
Varkala Beach
Janardanaswamy Temple
Sivagiri Mutt
Things To Do
Surfing
Meditation
Cliffside Dining
How To Reach: Thiruvananthapuram Airport is the closest. Buses and taxis ply regularly to Varkala.
5. Wayanad
One of the offbeat places in Kerala, Wayanad is a mosaic of lush forests, ancient caves, and aromatic spice plantations.
Why To Visit?
Embrace nature at its purest.
Perfect for trekking and camping.
Delve into the mysteries of ancient civilizations.
Witness the rich flora and fauna.
Places To Visit
Edakkal Caves
Banasura Sagar Dam
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Things To Do
Trekking
Bamboo Rafting
Cave Exploration
How To Reach: Kozhikode is the nearest airport and railway station. Regular buses and taxis connect with Wayanad.
Well, before you dive any further into the blog, here’s one of the most essential Kerala travel tips before we let you pack your bags: Kerala in November is much more than just places, landscapes, views, or Insta-worthy posts.
It’s a feeling, an emotion, and a story waiting to unfold. Whether you’re looking for hill stations in Kerala or the radiant beaches in Kerala, make sure you carry an open heart and a camera!
Things To Do In Kerala In November
1. Houseboat Stay
Imagine floating on serene backwaters in a luxurious houseboat, complete with all the amenities you can dream of. Alleppey is one of the best places to offer this unique experience, giving you a floating vacation like no other.
Why To Do It
Relaxation
Privacy
Unique Experience
Places To Do It
Alleppey
Kumarakom
Kollam
2. Walking Through The Tea Gardens
Walk through the aromatic tea gardens in Munnar, a paradise for tea lovers. With the scenic beauty of endless green landscapes and hills, this experience will rejuvenate your senses.
Why To Do It
Refreshing
Scenic
Educational
Places To Do It
Munnar
3. Jungle Safari
Wildlife enthusiasts, here’s your chance to spot elephants, tigers, and a plethora of birds at Periyar National Park. Opt for a boat ride, jeep safari, or even a walking safari for different perspectives.
Why To Do It
Adventure
Wildlife
Photography
Places To Do It
Thekkady
Periyar Lake
4. Scuba Diving
Ever wanted to explore the underwater world? November is a great time for scuba diving in Kerala. Dive into the warm tropical waters of Kovalam and discover the abundant marine life there.
Why To Do It
Adventure
Exploration
Thrill
Places To Do It
Kovalam
Vizhinjam
5. Watch A Kathakali Show
Experience the rich culture of Kerala through a Kathakali performance. This traditional dance drama, laden with colourful makeup and elaborate costumes, narrates ancient epics in the most mesmerizing way.
Why To Do It
Cultural
Engaging
Unique
Places To Do It
Kochi
Trivandrum
6. Spice Tour
Indulge your senses with a spice tour in Wayanad. Walk through plantations of cardamom, pepper, and vanilla. Learn about farming methods and even get some to take home!
Why To Do It
Educational
Sensory
Culinary
Places To Do It
Wayanad
Kalpetta
Phew! That’s a whole lot of Kerala things to do in November, right? From the aromatic tea gardens to scuba diving, there’s something for every soul here.
Now that you know the best things to do in Kerala in November, make sure you tick off as many as possible from this list. Trust us; you don’t want to miss out on the fun and excitement that await.
Festivals To Attend In Kerala In November
1. Kathakali Festival
What happens when you mix dramatic storytelling with elaborate costumes and traditional music? You get Kathakali, of course! This isn’t just a dance; it’s an extravaganza of colour, emotion, and heritage, a festival that has people talking with their eyes (literally!).
Places Where It Happens:
Hold on to your hats! Kathakali performances take place across the state, but Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are where the real action is. These cities are the beating heart of Kathakali, offering the most magnificent displays.
2. Poothan And Thira
If you like masks, drums, and a whole lot of rhythm, Poothan and Thira are your jam. Celebrated to ward off evil spirits, this festival features performers in vibrant masks churning out dance moves you’ve never seen before.
Places Where It Happens:
You’ll find this festival usually in Central Kerala, in places like Thrissur and Palakkad. Trust me, you can’t miss the drums; they’ll call out to you!
3. Vrischikolsavam
Vrischikolsavam is one of those Kerala festivals that shows you what devotion looks like up close and personal. Imagine a temple festival, but imagine it ten times grander. We’re talking elephants, percussion performances, and fireworks—lots of them!
Places Where It Happens:
Head over to the Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple in Tripunithura, Kochi, to get the full experience.
4. Kalpathi Ratholsavam
Do one thing, Think of the most fantastic chariot race you can imagine, minus the gladiators. Kalpathi Ratholsavam is celebrated with temple chariots, pulled by hundreds of devotees, rumbling through the streets.
Places where It Happens:
The Kalpathi village in Palakkad is where you want to be.
5. Theyyam
Theyyam is like no other. This festival combines dance and ritual, and performers deck themselves out in dramatic costumes and striking face paint. It’s a show where the performers embody gods and heroes.
Places Where It Happens:
This gem among Kerala festivals happens primarily in the northern Kerala districts like Kannur and Kasaragod.
Weather In Kerala In November
The weather in Kerala in November is like that hug your close ones give you—warm, but not too tight. If you’re thinking of visiting, November is your golden ticket. The monsoon rain has said “goodbye,” leaving everything fresh and green, like a salad you actually want to eat!
You see, the weather in Kerala generally goes through a phase with its heavy rains and sulky clouds from June to October. But come November, it’s like the state has had its coffee and is all smiles. Expect temperatures to stay cool between 23°C to 30°C.
So, why should you care about the weather in Kerala? This is the time to explore the backwaters without a raincoat, catch some Kathakali shows, or get Ayurvedic treatments without breaking a sweat.
How To Reach Kerala In November- The Complete Guide
1. Book a flight or Train
The first step to reaching Kerala is to book your tickets. If you’re coming from another country, you’ll likely fly into airports in Kochi, Trivandrum, or Calicut. From other parts of India, you can also choose to take a train.
2. Weather Check
November is a good time to visit as it’s cooler. But it’s the start of winter, so pack some light, warm clothes.
3. Choose Transport
In Kerala, you have options like buses, taxis, and auto rickshaws to move around. Local trains are also good for short distances.
4. Plan Route
Kerala is known for its backwaters, hills, and beaches. Decide if you want to start your journey from the north (like Calicut) and move south (towards Trivandrum) or vice versa.
5. Stay Options
Book your hotels or homestays in advance. Places like Munnar, Alleppey, and Varkala get busy in November.
6. Local SIM
Get a local SIM card for easy communication and internet access. You can find shops at the airport or in the city.
7. Travel Light
Carry only what you need. A backpack and a small suitcase are usually enough.
Things To Carry To Kerala In November
November is the perfect time to enjoy Kerala’s lush landscapes and cultural festivals. But it’s important to pack smartly so you can have the best experience. Here’s a list of things you should carry to Kerala in November:
1. Clothes
Pack light cotton clothes for the daytime and a light sweater or jacket for the evening. The weather is mostly warm but can get a bit chilly at night.
2. Umbrella/Raincoat
November can have unexpected showers. Carry a small umbrella or a raincoat to stay dry.
3. Footwear
Comfortable sandals for the beach and walking shoes for sightseeing are a must. If you plan to hike, carry good-quality trekking shoes.
4. Sunscreen
The sun can be pretty strong, even in November. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen with high SPF.
5. Insect Repellent
This will come in handy, especially if you’re visiting forest areas or going on boat rides in the backwaters.
6. Water Bottle
Stay hydrated! Carry a reusable water bottle so you can fill up and sip throughout the day.
7. Camera/Phone
You’ll want to capture Kerala’s beauty. Make sure you have enough memory space and a portable charger.
8. Snacks
Pack some light snacks like granola bars or fruit to munch on while you’re exploring.
9. Travel Pillow
A small travel pillow can make those long train or bus rides much more comfortable.
10. Medicine Kit
Basics like pain relievers, antacids, and band-aids are good to have. If you have specific medications, bring them along.
11. Toiletries
Essentials like toothpaste, soap, and shampoo should be in your bag. Many places provide these, but it’s always better to be prepared.
12. Local Map
While smartphones are handy, having a paper map can be a lifesaver where there’s no network.
13. Cash
While cards are widely accepted, having some cash is useful for small shops and transport.
Wrapping up, visiting Kerala in November is truly an experience of a lifetime. From the vibrant hues of the Onam festival to the serenity of the backwaters, there’s something magical waiting for you at every turn.
The weather is just perfect—neither too hot nor too cold, ideal for exploring. Just remember to pack wisely and keep our handy list in mind. So, why wait? Come soak in the culture, the beauty, and the warmth that Kerala has to offer this November!
Frequently Asked Questions About Kerala In November
1. What is the weather like in Kerala during November?
In November, Kerala experiences a mild and pleasant climate, marking the onset of the dry season. Temperatures range from 23°C to 32°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Occasional rainfall may occur, but it’s generally less frequent than in monsoon months.
2. Are there any major festivals or events in Kerala during November?
In Kerala, November is generally a quiet month in terms of major festivals. The grand Onam festival and the famous snake boat races usually occur earlier in the year. However, local temple festivals and cultural events may still take place.
3. Is November a good time to visit Kerala for backwater experiences?
Yes, November is a good time to visit Kerala for backwater experiences. The monsoon season is over, leaving the landscape lush and green. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for houseboat stays and exploring the tranquil backwaters.
4. What are the top attractions to explore in Kerala during November?
In November, Kerala offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural richness. Must-visits include the serene backwaters of Alleppey, the tea gardens in Munnar, and the beaches in Varkala. Don’t miss the Theyyam rituals and Diwali celebrations for a taste of local culture.