Best Places to Visit in Kerala in December for a Perfect Holiday
Kerala in December feels like a destination that has finally exhaled after the monsoon. The air is fresher, the hills are greener, the backwaters become calmer, and the beaches are warm without being exhausting. It is one of the few places in India where you can wake up in a misty hill station, spend the afternoon cruising through palm-lined canals, and end the day watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea.
At Tag Getaways, December is one of the months we most often recommend for a Kerala holiday because the weather works beautifully across almost the entire state. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a family vacation, a trip with friends, or simply a quiet winter break, Kerala offers a different mood in every region.
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Munnar: Mist, Tea Gardens, and Sweater Weather
If Kerala had a postcard destination, it would probably be Munnar. In December, the tea plantations look freshly washed after the rains, and the mornings often begin with a layer of mist floating over the hills. Walking through a tea estate at sunrise is one of those experiences that slows you down without trying.
The cool weather makes sightseeing far more enjoyable than during the warmer months. Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Top Station are at their best in winter, and evenings are cool enough for a light sweater.
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Wayanad: Kerala’s Green Escape
For travellers who enjoy forests, waterfalls, and trekking trails, Wayanad feels wonderfully untouched. December brings clear skies and comfortable temperatures, which makes hikes to Chembra Peak and visits to Edakkal Caves much easier than in summer.
What makes Wayanad special is the feeling of being surrounded by nature everywhere you go. Spice plantations, forest roads, and occasional wildlife sightings create a quieter, slower kind of holiday.
Thekkady: Where Wildlife Meets Spice Country
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Thekkady is the place where Kerala’s forested hills meet its famous spice plantations. December is one of the best times to visit because the air is dry, visibility is better, and wildlife is more active.
A boat ride on Periyar Lake is the classic experience, but bamboo rafting and guided jungle walks offer a more immersive way to explore the reserve. Even if you do not spot a tiger, the landscape itself is worth the journey.
Alappuzha: The Backwater Experience Everyone Dreams About
No Kerala itinerary feels complete without Alappuzha. The backwaters are calm in December, and the clear winter light makes the coconut-lined canals look almost cinematic.
An overnight houseboat stay is the experience we most often recommend at Tag Getaways. The real magic happens after the daytime boats leave, when the water becomes quiet, dinner is served on board, and sunrise reflects across the lake the next morning.
Kumarakom: The Peaceful Side of the Backwaters'
If Alappuzha is lively, Kumarakom is its quieter cousin. Set along Vembanad Lake, it is ideal for travellers who want relaxation rather than activity.
Early mornings are perfect for birdwatching, especially around the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, while shikara rides through narrow waterways offer a gentler backwater experience. Many lakeside resorts also specialise in Ayurvedic wellness treatments.
Kochi: History by the Sea
Kochi is one of those cities that reveals its stories slowly. Portuguese churches, Dutch buildings, Jewish heritage streets, and Chinese fishing nets all exist within a relatively small area, making Fort Kochi wonderfully walkable in December.
The weather is mild enough for long evening walks, and the Christmas season adds a festive energy to cafés, churches, and waterfront promenades. Watching the Chinese fishing nets at sunset is still one of the city’s simplest pleasures.
Varkala: Cliffs Above the Arabian Sea
What makes Varkala unusual is not just the beach—it is the cliff that rises above it. Cafés sit along the edge overlooking the sea, and December brings clear sunsets and cool breezes that make lingering there easy.
Compared with Kovalam, Varkala feels more relaxed and less crowded. It is a wonderful place to slow down with a book, a coffee, and a view of the ocean.
Kovalam: Kerala’s Classic Beach Holiday
Kovalam remains Kerala’s most famous beach destination for good reason. Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach are all within easy reach, and December is warm enough for swimming while still being comfortable for sightseeing.
Ayurvedic spas, seafood restaurants, and festive New Year celebrations make Kovalam especially popular during the holiday season.
Athirappilly Falls: Kerala’s Most Dramatic Waterfall
A few hours from Kochi, Athirappilly Falls crashes through dense forest with a power that feels surprising even in winter. The waterfall is often called the “Niagara of India,” and the surrounding forest adds to its dramatic atmosphere.
It works perfectly as a half-day excursion if you are staying in Kochi or nearby.
Vagamon: The Offbeat Winter Retreat
Travellers looking for something less commercial should consider Vagamon. Rolling meadows, pine forests, tea-covered slopes, and cool mountain air give it a distinctly different character from Munnar.
December is ideal for paragliding, camping, or simply enjoying long walks through the hills without the crowds.
If I Were Planning a Kerala Trip in December…
For a first visit, I would choose a route that shows Kerala’s three classic landscapes:
Munnar for the hills,
Alappuzha for the backwaters,
Varkala or Kovalam for the coast.
In five to seven days, that combination gives you misty mountains, tranquil waterways, and beach sunsets—all in a single holiday.
A Few Tag Getaways Travel Tips
December is peak season in Kerala, so houseboats and hill-station hotels should be booked well in advance, especially around Christmas and New Year. Carry light cotton clothing for the coast and a light jacket for Munnar, Wayanad, or Vagamon. If you prefer quieter travel, the first half of December is usually less crowded and slightly more affordable than the holiday week.
Final Thoughts
Kerala in December is not just about pleasant weather; it is about variety. Few destinations allow you to experience cool tea gardens, wildlife forests, peaceful backwaters, historic coastal streets, and tropical beaches within the same trip.
That diversity is exactly why Kerala remains one of India’s most rewarding winter destinations.
If you’d like a customised December itinerary with hotels, houseboat stay, transfers, sightseeing, and festive-season planning included, Tag Getaways can help design the perfect Kerala holiday for your dates and budget.
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