11 Best Places to Visit in Kerala in December for a Captivating Travel Experience

Kerala has always been successful in impressing tourists with its ethereal charm and charismatic aura. As soon as you come here, the swaying dance of the tall palms and the luring smell of delicious coconut cuisines will call you. This place is known as God’s Own Country for a reason! The serene backwaters, small eco-friendly houses, and markets selling handmade goods will keep you occupied. On the flip side, you have commercial cities with malls, gathering places and lush green parks. Kerala is also popular as one of India’s many states with traces of its commendable cultural history. If you are considering coming to this splendid place during the winter holidays, consider yourself lucky! We have a list of the 11 best places to visit in Kerala in December. 

Be it the magnificent fortifications or relaxing hill stations, you will find everything in Kerala. Check out the best places to visit in Kerala in December that you like the most and set out on a journey that will refresh your mind and soul.

Also Read: Munroe Island in Kerala: a Serenade of Backwaters and Delight

Best Places to Visit in Kerala in December – The Wait is Over! 

1 – Alleppey Backwaters

December is the peak winter time in Kerala. The atmosphere is soothing and very welcoming. Amidst the drifting mist and silent breezes, exploring Alleppey backwaters will be a brilliant idea. This is one of the best places to visit in Kerala in December. Fishing enthusiasts can also try their hand in traditional Chinese net fishing and whatever you grab is yours to take home.  The rippling tunes of the water are the only sounds you’ll hear around you. With paddy fields and fresh vegetation lining your path, it is glorious to explore Alleppey in December. The boats on these famous backwaters also serve traditional Kerala food in a banana leaf! Do not miss out on that experience. 

Things To Do in December in Kerala: Kumarakaon Bird Sanctuary, Houseboat Trips, Punnamada Lake, Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach. 

2 – Kumarakom

Kumarakom is the best place to visit in Kerala in December if you want to be away from the metropolitan setup and enjoy nature. You can drive on roads lined by towering palms on either side. The weather will be pleasant so the last month of the year is ideal for sightseeing and exploring the place. If you want to explore the mangrove forests without worrying about the scorching sun in Kumarakom, December is the perfect time to drop by. The avian lovers will be happy to know that several migratory birds come to Kumarakom in the winter season. Visiting Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary will be a worthwhile experience seeing how you can capture the splendid photographs of the winged friends. Also, you can spend some quality time near the famous Kumarakom beach. 

Things To Do in December in Kerala: Kumarakom Village Heritage Walks, Kumarakom Beach Visit, Boatrides on Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal Island.

3 – Wayanad

Wayanad is one of the most beautiful and best places to visit in Kerala in December. The high points of Wayanad are at an impressive elevation of 2000 meters above sea level. The place is surrounded by lush greenery and the colour appears much brighter after the monsoon showers end. Winter is the perfect time to be in Wayanad if you enjoy the cosy atmosphere. Also, December is the time when the residents celebrate the ‘Karthigai’ festival or the celebration to welcome the Karthika month. Diyas will be lit outside the house and in temples. It is a very calming atmosphere with a lot of spiritual energy. You can explore the trekking trails, camping sites, and nature in the mornings and spend time in temples after sunset to celebrate ‘Karthigai’.

Things To Do in December in Kerala: Visit – Lakkidi View Point, Meenmutty Falls, Heart Lake, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Edakkal Caves. 

4 – Munnar

Munnar is the most sought-after tourist destination in the country and also one of the best places in Kerala to visit in December. The hill station has several tea plantations, exotic wild plants and flora. The weather is always relaxing, and the viewpoints are stunning. Munnar was once the summer retreat spot of the Britishers. Well, once you visit this terrific place, you’ll know why the English Lords wanted to come here to spend their summers. 

Things To Do in December in Kerala: Visit Chokramudi Peak, Cycling at Blossom Park, Explore the Tea Museum, Lakkom Waterfalls, and Picnic by Kundala Lake. 

You May Also Like to Read: the Best Time to Visit Munnar: Winter, Summer or Monsoon Seasons

5 – Thekkady

Thekkady is undoubtedly one of the most mesmerising locations in the state of Kerala. This place is known for its impressive wildlife and you can spot the majestic animals in their natural habitat. Lions, Elephants, Bison, and Boars are most commonly spotted here. The residents and animals co-exist together and neither parties interfere with the living conditions of the other. Thekkady also has aromatic spice plantations. Before heading back home, buy yourself some quality cloves, pepper, and cardamom. Adventure lovers will enjoy the interesting trekking route that starts from Mozhiyar and moves toward Gavi. 

Things To Do in December in Kerala: Visit Elephant Junction, Periyar National Park, Go on Jeep Safari, explore Spice Plantations.

If you are planning to come to Thekkady, book your affordable stay at Hotels in Thekkady to have a comfortable accommodation experience. 

6 – Kovalam

Kovalam is a splendid village and the best places to visit in Kerala in December. This is the perfect place to see turquoise waters on gorgeous beaches with yellow sand. The atmosphere is very pleasant in the month of December and the natural colours look more distinct than usual. The leaves are brighter, the sunset shows hues of pink, orange and purple, and the sea waves are calmer and pleasant. The party lovers will enjoy coming to Kovalam in December. The beaches usually have carnivals where people dance and sing to their heart’s desire. It is a very energetic atmosphere in the lap of nature. Local food is lip-smackingly good and you can club it with local alcoholic beverages like ‘Kallu’ (Palm wine made from the tree sap – Toddy).

Things To Do in December in Kerala: Hawah Beach, Lighthouse for sunset views, Samudra Beach, Kurumkal Hillock. 

7 – Kochi

Unlike the towns and villages that we have discussed so far, Kochi is a gorgeous city that serves as Kerala’s commercial capital. It is the main spot for active trading and fishing with signature Chinese nets. If you like serene tranquility, then this is one of the best places to visit in Kerala in December. You will find interesting tourist places like the Kochi Fort that have traces of the past colonial influence on India. Kochi is the best place to visit in Kerala in December because of its 10-day carnival. It ends on 31st December and makes way for the New Year celebration. During the carnival, there will be bike races, swimming competitions, folk dances, colourful processions, competitions in floor painting and beach sports. The entire city glows with positive energy and a celebratory mood.

Things To Do in December in Kerala: Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Marine Drive, Santa Cruz Basilica, The Winter Carnival 21st-31st December. 

Also Read: 12 Most Happening Things to Do in Kochi That You Must Include in Your Itinerary

8 – Thrissur

Thrissur is the best place to visit in December in Kerala if you want to see the cultural and religious side of Kerala. Thrissur is the cultural capital of Kerala and you will find several beautiful temples with inscriptions, sculptures and murals here. In the month of December, the Guruvayur Ekadashi will be celebrated here. With impressive processions of decorated elephants, religious chants and prayers, Thrissur is so gorgeous that you will feel your mind and body relax amidst the festive atmosphere. Another spectacle to look forward to is the Chembai Music Festival. Almost 2000 to 2500 artists take part in this and the whole event is to promote the traditional classical music of Kerala state. You will find it so soothing when the carnatic tunes travel from the instruments to your ears.
Things To Do in December in Kerala: Visit Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur Zoo, Athirapally Waterfalls, Our Lady of Dolours Basilica, Viyyur Jail Park. 

9 – Kozhikode

Kozhikode is an emerging metropolis with great infrastructure and a constantly pleasant climate. It is one of the best places to visit in Kerala in December. It is the major trading spot for spices and that is the reason it is called as the ‘City of Spices’. If you love seafood, you must try the Fish Fry, Calamari, and Crab Masala in Kozhikode. The gravy in the curry is made with freshly harvested whole spices and coconut/coconut milk. The taste is so delicious that you will want to order them again and again. Kozhikode also has elephant processions and theyyam rituals happen during the month of December. These worshipping, religious rituals honor the Hindu Gods and teach everyone about the happiness of righteous living.

Things To Do in December in Kerala: Kozhikode Beach, Kappad Beach, Dolphin’s Point, Mananchira Square, Tali Maha Shiva Kshetram, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

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10 – Thiruvananthapuram

How can you talk about Kerala without discussing the state capital? Thiruvananthapuram is one of the best places to visit in Kerala in December! This is the perfect tourist destination that gives you a chance to escape the tiring corporate routine and indulge in recreational time. In December, the Christmas celebrations start early and people go around singing carols, partying with families and organising events. You can be a part of these occasions, explore the decorated malls or spend quality time on the beach. Thiruvananthapuram is also one of the cleanest cities in India! The Theyyam rituals are also more frequent in Thiruvananthapuram. You can see the artists painting their faces, wearing the traditional attire and headgear to perform before a crowd. Characters like ‘Pottan’ and ‘Chamundi’ will tell you stories about Hindu mythology, and the morals that we can learn from them. If you want to visit a place that is not a village but still shows you the cultural side of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is the one for you. 

Things To Do in December in Kerala: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Napier Museum, Sree Chitra Art Gallery. 

11 – Varkala

Varkala is a place to be if you want a silent and tranquil getaway to spend some time with yourself, friends or family. The peace is so therapeutic that you will consciously feel the stress and worries leave your body. The natural spring zone in Varkala Beach is the best place to visit in Kerala in December. This also has the name ‘Papanasam Beach’. It is believed that taking a dip in this natural spring will rid you of all sins – of this lifetime and the past. The water also has medicinal properties that are good for skin, and hair, and for treating bone ailments. Another of the best places to see in December is the 2000-year-old Vishnu temple which is believed to be one of the most powerful temples in South India. 

Things To Do in December in Kerala: Varkala Beach, Sivagiri Mutt, Sri Janardhanaswamy Temple, Odayam Beach, Kappil Beach, Black Sand Beach, Edava Beach. 

Also Read: Cliffs to Culture: Top 12 Varkala Tourist Places for the Perfect Getaway

Kerala is the most sought-after tourist place in South India for all the right reasons. The National Geographic Traveller also named it one of the 10 paradises in the world. From hill stations and towns to developing villages, Kerala offers you so much to explore! The state usually has an extreme atmosphere and the scorching sun makes it difficult to go around and see places. December is the perfect time to visit Kerala if you want to avoid the heat and enjoy the awe-inspiring beaches. A full-month Kerala tour can be transforming but you can also plan a good week in Kerala if you are short on time. Use the information about the best places to visit in Kerala in December to make the perfect itinerary and have fun travelling to God’s Own Country!