From festivities to walk amidst nature, the options are many in Kerala, experience them all!

October is a great time to visit Kerala as the weather is pleasant, and the monsoon season has ended, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The cool and comfortable temperature allows tourists to explore the various tourist destinations in Kerala without any discomfort. Some of the popular activities that can be enjoyed during this month include:

-Cruising through the backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey in a houseboat, which offers a unique opportunity to witness the serene beauty of the place and enjoy the traditional Kerala meal, Sadya.

-Exploring the lush green tea estates in Munnar, and indulging in activities such as trekking, paragliding, and visiting the various tea estates. -Watching the breath-taking dance moves of Kathakali in Cochin, which is an excellent dance form that reveals captivating stories of the land with only appearances and stances.

-Partaking in festivals such as Kalpathy Ratholsavam, Alpashi Utsavam, and the snake festival in Alappuzha, that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. -Unwinding and letting loose in the hill station of Vagamon, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful valleys, hills, and tea gardens, and indulge in activities such as trekking and paragliding.

-Parasailing and surfing at Kovalam beach, which is a popular spot for adventure activities. -Exploring the wild at Thekkady and its Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can go for jungle safaris and trekking.

-Appreciating the peace and sanctity in Thrissur by visiting the Guruvayur Ekadasi, the Chembai music festival and the elephant parades at the temple. -Submerging in the hustle of Cochin, a city that offers a variety of activities, from Fort Kochi to the Jewish Synagogue, and many other places of interest.

Overall, October is a perfect time to visit Kerala and enjoy the natural beauty, rich culture and heritage, and a wide

1. Alappuzha and Kumarakom backwaters

Alappuzha and Kumarakom are two towns located in Kerala, known for their picturesque backwaters and houseboat experiences. The backwaters in these towns are a network of canals, lagoons, and lakes, surrounded by lush greenery and offer a unique way to explore the area. Tourists can hire a houseboat for a day or overnight and navigate through the canals and waterways of the otherwise inaccessible areas of the towns. This is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of the state and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the backwaters while relaxing on the deck of the houseboat. The houseboats are equipped with all the amenities and provide comfortable accommodation and delicious local cuisine. September is considered as a good time to visit Alappuzha and Kumarakom as the monsoon season is over, the weather is pleasant and the greenery is lush.

2. Trail through the hills of Kerala

After the backwaters, hill stations are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. October is an ideal time to visit these hills, which are a part of the Western Ghats - an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monsoon season has ended, making it safe to drive through the hills and the winding roads. Kerala has many hill stations that are frequented by local and international visitors, among them Munnar is known as the green capital of the state. The hill stations of Kerala offer a perfect combination of natural beauty, pleasant climate, charming scenery including many lakes, waterfalls, invigorating mountain air, and sprawling tea and spice farms. These make the hill stations of Kerala a paradise for travelers looking for serenity and beauty. Some of the most popular hill stations in Kerala other than Munnar are Thekkady, Nelliyampathy (Palakkad), Vagamon, Peerumedu in Idukki district, Ponmudi, Vythiri, and Lakkidi (both in Wayanad). Each of these places has its own unique charm and offer a wide range of activities for visitors, from trekking and rock climbing to bird watching and plantation tours.

3. Explore the wildlife in Kerala

October is an ideal time to explore the wildlife of Kerala. The monsoon season has ended and the weather is pleasant, making it easier to spot the animals in their natural habitat. There are many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala that offer a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors. Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Thekkady, is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Kerala. It is known for its elephant and tiger populations and offers a range of activities such as elephant safari, bamboo rafting, and nature walks. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Idukki district, is another popular destination known for its wide variety of animals and birds. Visitors can take jeep safaris, trekking, and camping trips to explore the sanctuary. Silent Valley National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary are other popular wildlife destination in Kerala. These sanctuaries offer a chance to spot a wide variety of animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, bison, and many species of birds. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as bird watching, nature walks, and jeep safari.

4. Along the pristine, clear beaches of Kerala

Indeed, Kerala is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in India and October is a great time to visit them. As the monsoon season has ended, the sea is calm, and the beaches are mostly surrounded by coconut groves and palm trees. The weather is pleasant and perfect for spending time on the beaches, enjoying the sun, and the sea. Some of the popular beaches in Kerala are Varkala, Cherai, Kovalam, Kappil, Alappuzha, Mararikulam, Fort Kochi, Bekal, and Beypore. Varkala beach is a popular tourist destination known for its cliff and the mineral water springs. The beach is clean, and the scenery is beautiful with coconut groves and palm trees. Cherai beach is known for its long stretches of golden sands, shallow waters, and the Chinese fishing nets. Kovalam beach is a famous beach destination known for its three crescent-shaped beaches, and it's a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming. Kappil beach is a secluded beach with a beautiful view of the backwaters. Alappuzha beach is popular for its lighthouse and the nearby Sea View Park. Mararikulam beach is a calm and secluded beach known for its fishing village. Fort Kochi beach is a popular spot for its Chinese fishing nets, and the nearby Mattancherry Palace. Bekal beach is known for the nearby Bekal Fort, and Beypore beach is known for its shipbuilding industry. All these beaches offer a wide range of activities such as swimming, sunbat

5.By the side of Lakkkom Waterfalls in Eravikulam National Park

The Lakkom Waterfalls, also known as Lakkom Falls, is a popular tourist attraction located in the Eravikulam National Park, in the Idukki district of Kerala. The waterfall is situated in a picturesque location surrounded by lush green forests, and is fed by the Lakkom stream.

The Eravikulam National Park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and offers visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Kerala. The park is known for its variety of endemic species such as the Nilgiri Tahr and the Atlas moth, as well as a wide range of birds and butterflies.

Visitors can hike to the waterfall and enjoy the refreshing dip in the pools or simply relax on the smooth rocks while dangling their legs in. There is a small restaurant nearby where you can enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch with some fish or quail. The Park also offers guided trekking and sightseeing tours, which are a great way to explore the park and learn more about its ecology and culture.

The park is open to visitors throughout the year, but October is a great time to visit as the weather is pleasant, and the monsoon season has ended making it ideal for outdoor activities. Overall, visiting the Lakkom Waterfalls and Eravikulam National Park is a great way to experience the natural beauty, culture, and heritage of Kerala.

6.Unwind and relax at Munroe Island

Munroe Island, also known as Mundrothuruthu, is a quiet and serene island located in the backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River in Kollam district, Kerala. The island is named after the British Colonel John Munroe, who served as the Diwan of Travancore during the 19th century.

Munroe Island is a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and unwind in nature. The island is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, and it's an ideal place to explore the backwaters of Kerala, watch birds and take beautiful photographs.

The island is home to a vast number of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching. Some of the bird species found here include the darter, egret, cormorant, and kingfisher. Visitors can take a boat ride on the backwaters, explore the island and its villages, and see the traditional way of life of the locals. The island can be visited throughout the year, but October is a great time to visit as the weather is pleasant and the monsoon season has ended making it ideal for outdoor activities. Overall, Munroe Island is a great destination for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway, surrounded by nature and birdlife.

7.Appreciate a House Boat Cruise in Alleppey

Houseboat cruises in the backwaters of Alleppey are a popular way to experience the natural beauty of Kerala. The backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes that run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. The houseboats, also known as "kettuvallams," are traditionally used to transport goods, but now they are converted into comfortable floating accommodations for tourists. During the cruise, you can enjoy the picturesque views of the lush green countryside, watch local fishermen and farmers at work, and spot various species of birds and aquatic life. The houseboats are equipped with all the necessary amenities and facilities, including a dining area, a living room, and comfortable bedrooms. The best time to take a houseboat cruise in Alleppey is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and the water level is high. This allows you to explore the backwaters in all their glory and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the region. Overall, a houseboat cruise in Alleppey is an unforgettable experience that will take you on a journey through the heart of Kerala's backwaters, showcasing the natural beauty and local culture in the most authentic way.

8.Dive into the rich Hindu and Muslim history in Malappuram

Malappuram is a district in Kerala known for its rich religious diversity and cultural heritage. The district is famous for its extensive teak plantations and is home to many historical temples, mosques, and landmarks. The district is an ideal destination for visitors interested in exploring the rich history of Hinduism and Islam in Kerala. The district is home to many ancient temples, including the Thirunavaya Temple, which is one of the most important Vaishnavite temples in Kerala and is believed to have been built in the 8th century. It also houses many important Islamic monuments, including the Kondotti Jama-ath Mosque, which is one of the oldest and largest mosques in Kerala. Malappuram is a great place to explore the cultural and religious heritage of Kerala.

9.Partake in Elephant ride

Kerala, similar to Rajasthan, is renowned for its parade of elephants decorated in vibrant colours. However, even more exciting than that is taking a ride on one of the elephants in Kerala. You can explore the countryside with an elephant ride by the banks of the Bharathapuzha River, take a deep dive into the forests for an exciting wildlife safari, or even explore the many plantations of Kerala on an elephant. There are many options to choose from, depending on what you are interested in. Riding an elephant is a unique and memorable experience that visitors to Kerala should not miss.

10.Through the greens of Wayanad

Wayanad is one of the most exciting places to visit in Kerala, known for its beautiful tree houses hidden amidst the wilderness. Visitors can treat themselves to stunning valley views, bathe under waterfalls, take long walks in the rain-kissed tea and coffee farms or enjoy a cozy stay in the treehouses, and trek in the mountains. It's an ideal destination for those looking for an adventurous and unique vacation experience. The treehouses in Wayanad are set amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, offering a secluded and peaceful retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Wayanad is a great place to reconnect with nature and to enjoy the tranquillity of the forest.

Celebrate and experience the beginning of Winters in God’s own Country.