MONSOON IN KERALA

Kerala has mainly two rainy seasons. The Southwest Monsoon that arrives in the month of June is called Edavappathy, as it comes in the middle of the month of Edavam on the Malayalam Calendar. 

Mid October witnesses the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon. In the Malayalam calendar this month is called Thulam and hence the name Thulavarsham meaning the 'The Rains in Thulam'. Now the gathering rain clouds are from the Bay of Bengal. These bearers of rain hurry to Kerala through the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats. The swirling, jostling, billowing dark messenger of life sailing on the wings of northeast winds is a breathtaking sight to behold. 

Compared to other Indian states, Kerala lies closer to the equator. Yet Kerala is bestowed with a pleasant and equable climate through out the year. This is because of the land's nearness to the sea and the presence of the fort like Western Ghats on the east. Kerala would have been a dry land because of the dry winds blowing from the north, but for the Western Ghats which prevent this wind from entering the land. Kerala receives copious rain (average 3000 mm a year )each year. The temperature in Kerala normally ranges from 28° to 32° C (82° to 90° F) on the plains but drops to about 20° C (68° F) in the highlands. The Highlands of Kerala, which is an area of major tourist attraction, enjoys a cool and invigorating climate the year-round . Owing to its diversity in geographical features, the climatic condition in Kerala is diverse. It can be divided into 4 seasons - Winter, Summer, South-West Monsoon and North-East Monsoon.

Rainy season in Kerala: 3 places in Kerala you must visit this monsoon!

1 Athirapally Falls

Athirapalli Falls are often referred to as the Niagara of India. The breathtaking waterfalls are a must-visit in Kerala. Located in Thrissur, around 90 km from Kochi, the water at Athirapalli plunges about 80 ft to join the Chalakkudy River. The picturesque destination has caught the fancy of several filmmakers too. Noted film director Mani Ratnam has shot several movies including Dil Se, Raavan and Guru at this destination

2. Kovalam Beach

Universally known as the Paradise of South India, the Kovalam beach is said to be the starting point for monsoons in India. The first touch of rains on the dry sand is a sight to cherish and several tourists from across the world visit the place during this time to live this memorable experience. The beach is a combination of three spectacular crescent beaches including the most popular Lighthouse Beach with an ancient 35-meter light house soaring towards the sky, the middle Hawah Beach and the third Samudra Beach, which is dominated by the local fishermen.

3. Alappuzha

Another way to truly enjoy monsoon in Kerala is by taking the popular houseboat rides at Alappuzha. Relaxing in a houseboat and enjoying authentic Kerala cuisine while watching the rains pouring down is a sight to enjoy. The packages for houseboats are a lot cheaper during monsoons. You might also be in for an ayurveda treatment on the boat itself for a truly relaxing experience. After all, Alappuzha isn’t called the Venice of the East for nothing.