There is never a disappointing season in Kerala. While some months are more popular than others with visitors there is plenty to see and do throughout the year.

While visitors used to avoid the monsoons of the state, more and more people are discovering that it is a viable season to travel in and are rewarded with lush greenery, waterfalls at their best, local events and festivals and reduced prices.

Here are a few great opportunities that Kerala in monsoon season offers to travellers:

Onam
August marks the time of the year when Kerala is in the midst of festival frenzy. Onam, the most important festival of the state is celebrated in the end of the month. The streets are a hive of activity and colour with celebrations. Markets are abuzz with the annual rush of buying new clothes while houses are cleaned out and decorated for the auspicious occasion.

This is a great time to understand the culture and social fabric of the state. The date for Onam celebrations in 2012 is 29th August. Photographers in particular will find plenty to point their lens at during the vibrant and enthusiastic celebrations!

Snake Boat Race
The second most important festival of the season is the Nehru Snake Boat Race. This is held on the second Saturday of every August and is the most eminent battle on the Punnamada Lake in Alleppey.

About 110 oarsmen take to battle it out for the most prestigious sports trophy in the state. Teams for villages vie for the trophy amidst stands of cheering crowds. This is another great photo opportunity for visitors.

Watching the rain
By the time monsoon is midway through its annual tirade, the state transforms into a large lush copse. The greens emerge even more beautiful on the banks of the backwaters and the higher regions of tea and coffee estates. Protected from the elements from your canopy covered boat drift along the backwaters without the high season traffic jams and see the jungle come alive around you.

This is a great time to relax in homestays based in coffee or tea estates. While Wayanad makes for a great monsoon getaway with it’s vibrant greens and thundering waterfalls, tea is abundant in Munnar. Watch the rains descend while you sip a warm beverage from the confines of your balcony.

Ayurvedic Treatments
During the off-peak season elaborate Ayurvedic treatments can be booked with great discounts. If you planning on taking an extensive stay over treatments or courses, this is the best time. The cooler weather aids in the opening of skin pores which will give you further benefits from your treatments.

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Many thanks to the photographers who share their images under the Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source.