Picture yourself gliding through the serene backwaters of Kerala, coconut water in hand, soaking up the tropical sunshine. Kerala’s backwaters are undeniably magical, but there’s so much more to this beautiful state than houseboats and tranquil waterways. From misty hill stations and lush plantations to pristine beaches, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and thrilling outdoor adventures, Kerala has something for every kind of traveler. It’s no wonder the state is fondly known as “God’s Own Country.” This December, look beyond the backwaters and discover the many experiences that make Kerala truly unforgettable. Here’s our pick of the most entertaining things to do in Kerala to make your year-end getaway one to remember!
Awesome Things To Do In Kerala During December
1. Attend The King Of Parties In Kerala – Cochin Carnival
It feels like the head committee of the Cochin Carnival got several suggestions of fun things to include in the carnival, and instead of cherry-picking, they decided to do it all! The event is a couple of weeks long, and its schedule is jam-packed with competitions like swimming, boxing, drawing, cycling, quiz, badminton, and cross-country racing. During the evenings, the competitions are replaced with traditional music and dance performances. The carnival takes place in Fort Kochi, and its arrival changes the whole aura of the neighborhood.
The carnival goes on in full swing during its entirety and ends on 1st Jan. Right when the clock strikes 12 am on the night of 31st December, a giant effigy of an old man is burned to symbolize the burning of all that is bad, and then begins a big celebration. On the next day, a massive rally takes to the streets with music, floats, masquerades and more, giving a superb start to your New Year.
2. Get Into The Christmas Spirit In Thiruvananthapuram
Ah, the aroma of cakes, the sound of jingles, the excitement of giving and receiving gifts, and loads of good times. The arrival of December fills everyone up with the festive spirit that gets stronger with every passing day. One of the best places to experience the joyous festival of Christmas is Thiruvananthapuram. The metropolis is home to some beautiful churches like Madre De Deus Church, St. Thomas Roman Catholic Latin Church, and CSI Christ Church.
If you can, try to visit multiple churches every day cause all of them and their neighborhoods are going to be decked up and will have that special festive aura. You can also visit Connemara Market, Palayam Market, and Chalai Market for some festive shopping. Also, don’t shy away from some holiday weight. Don’t ho ho hold yourself! Eat that piece of cake, those marzipans and that pudding too.
3. Take A Close Look At Kerala’s Wild Side: Periyar National Park
It was established in 1982, and since then it has been a safe haven for hundreds of plants and animals. The park is a mix of so many different terrains; it seems as if Mother Nature was freestyling here. It is made up of wetlands, evergreen forests, montane grasslands, river ecosystems, and more!
Periyar National Park is a reserve of Bengal tigers and elephants, but you will also spot many other majestic creatures like the Nilgiri flycatcher, crimson-backed sunbird, striped coral snake, and Indian giant squirrel. You’re going to have a lot of fun exploring this park cause there are so many ways to do it.
You can sign up for various walks, hikes, camping, boating, bamboo rafting, and even night treks! Visiting here in December means you are going to get a nice chilly 20°C, so don’t forget to carry your warm clothes.
Also Read: Exploring The Hidden Backwaters Of Kerala: A Non-Tourist Route
4. Visit A Paradise In God’s Own Country: Vagamon
A sea of tea gardens, countless small waterfalls, hills that touch the sky, and a veil of mist that covers it all. This is what Vagamon is all about. This piece of heaven is a hill station located at the height of 1,200 meters above sea level in Idukki. Its pleasant climate not only attracts tourists from all over the country, but many rare species of the animal kingdom have chosen this hill station to be their abode because of it.
Taking a car out on its curvy roads made of rough terrain is a treat for everyone who enjoys driving and off-roading. Vagamon has three hills, Kurisumala, Thangal and Murugan, and each of them guarantees majestic views. Basking in the beauty of Vagamon is a rejuvenating experience, but if you’re a thrill seeker, then Vagamon is sure to quench your thirst for that sweet adrenaline rush. It offers camping and trekking, and if you want to take it up a notch, you can also sign up for daring activities like rock climbing and paragliding.
5. Experience Asia’s Biggest Art Affair: Kochi Muziris Biennale
Here’s another fun thing to do in Kerala in December! The arrival of Kochi Muziris turns the city into a mecca for artists and art lovers. It is the biggest contemporary art exhibition in the whole of Asia. Kochi Muziris takes place once every two years in the month of December, and it is so massive that it takes place at multiple heritage buildings, public spaces, and warehouse structures. You can find lots of national and international artists from a wide palette of fields exhibiting their best work.
Paintings, sculptures, performing arts, films, live musical performances, and a lot more are presented at this exhibit. Ever since it was first held in 2012, it has been providing a platform where artists, visitors of this exhibit, and art curators can simply chat or get into an in-depth discussion about art. Kochi Muziris goes on for multiple months and is filled with workshops, seminars, talks, screenings, and so much more to ensure that you have an eventful day here. You might need to check whether the year you’re visiting is the year for the Biennale.
6. Explore A Tranquil Labyrinth: Backwaters Of Alleppey
Here’s the one that you were looking for! The crown jewel of Kerala is its heavenly backwaters, and one of the best places to experience it is Alleppey. It is a district that is loved by everyone for its kilometers and kilometers of waterways where boats laze around amidst lush greenery. For this reason, it has also earned the name “Venice of the Eastern world.” This is life. Being on a small boat while taking in everything in sight and every little sound. So simple and relaxing.
The climate in December hovers between a slightly chilly 22°C and a nice and toasty 32°C. If an hour or two of backwaters isn’t enough for you, then you can stay overnight at a houseboat! They come with basic amenities and a chef too! Just imagine how beautiful the night sky will look from the houseboat. You can use the same boat to explore many of the best attractions of Alleppey and get to know the district better.
7. Visit The Wintry Delight: Wayanad
Walk through narrow paths next to the tea gardens that are surrounded by glorious mountains. That’s how you could start your mornings in Wayanad. Then you proceed to a day full of traveling from one amazing place to another. While the climate and the natural beauty of this hamlet are enough to attract tourists, it has a lot more to offer, like the famous Edakkal Caves, which were inhabited by humans back in 6,000 BC! Banasura Sagar Dam, which is India’s oldest earth dam, and Pookode Lake, Kerala’s smallest freshwater lake.
As Wayanad is situated at an altitude of 700 to 2100 meters, the weather in the month of December is a cozy 18 °C to 29 °C. This climate is great for trekking, camping, cycling, and just for long walks filled with conversations.
Summing Up
Kerala has a lot of fun activities and mesmerizing places to offer, but we’ve handpicked some of the most rewarding ones to make sure that your December getaway is truly special. You don’t even have to fit them all into your itinerary; adding just one or two of these experiences can make your trip so much more memorable. The winter months in Kerala bring pleasant weather, making December an ideal time to explore. So, pack your bags, embrace the cooler days, and get ready to experience the many charms of Kerala this winter.
