Onam 2025 August Places to Visit in Kottayam & Alappuzha

Alappuzha and Kottayam don't forget to visit in August 2025 To enjoy Kerala Boat Race

August is one of the most vibrant and festive months in Kerala. From traditional boat races to the grand Onam celebrations, the state transforms into a lush, cultural canvas with travelers from across the world arriving to experience Kerala’s beauty, spirituality, cuisine, and unique monsoon charm.

This August 2025 travel calendar is designed especially for travelers planning a trip to Kerala—particularly the Kumarakom and Kottayam regions. Whether you are a nature lover, cultural explorer, honeymoon couple, or festival enthusiast, here’s your detailed guide to what to do, where to go, and what not to miss in Kerala and Kumarakom in August 2025.

📅 Why Travel to Kerala in August?

Despite the tail end of the monsoon season, August in Kerala is bursting with greenery, cool breezes, cultural celebrations, and fewer tourists than peak season. It’s also the month of Onam, Kerala’s biggest festival, and the iconic snake boat races, including the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

🌿 Key Highlights of August Travel:

• Monsoon magic: Lush backwaters, waterfalls, and plantations

• Fewer foreign tourists = better prices & peaceful travel

• Ideal for ayurveda, wellness, and romantic getaways

• Grand cultural festivals like Onam & Vallam Kali (boat races)

🏞️ August Weather in Kerala

ParameterAvg. Value (August)Temperature23°C – 30°CRainfallModerate to heavyHumidityHighBest forMonsoon lovers, Ayurveda, Culture, Photography

💡 Travel tip: Pack light cotton clothes, an umbrella, waterproof footwear, and mosquito repellent.

🌟 Major Events & Festivals in August 2025 (Kerala-wide)

Let’s look at the major events happening across Kerala this August:

🛶 1. Nehru Trophy Boat Race – August 9, 2025

• 📍 Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha

• One of India’s most famous boat races (Vallam Kali)

• Massive crowds, snake boats, vanchippattu (boat songs)

• Tickets go on sale on August 8, 2025

• Must-attend event for culture lovers and photographers

💬 Stay nearby at a peaceful riverside retreat like Kuttickattil Homestay near Kumarakom, just an hour away from Alappuzha.

🌸 2. Onam Festival – Begins August 28, 2025

• A 10-day harvest festival celebrated by all Keralites

• Houses decorated with Pookkalam (flower carpets)

• Feasts known as Onasadya served on banana leaves

• Cultural programs, traditional dances (Thiruvathira, Kathakali)

• Athachamayam procession in Thripunithura is a must-see

🗓️ Key Dates:

• Uthradam – August 29

• Thiruvonam (Main Onam day) – August 30, 2025

💦 3. Other Vallam Kali Boat Races in August

Aside from Nehru Trophy, several local races happen:

• Payippad Jalotsavam – August 21–23, 2025

  • Held near Haripad, 40 km from Kumarakom

  • Features snake boats and traditional water rituals

• Kumarakom Boat Race Trials – Early August

  • Smaller-scale event but very scenic and local

🛕 4. Temple Festivals & Religious Events

• Vaikom Temple Celebrations

  • Spiritual center 20 km from Kumarakom

  • Evening poojas and temple orchestra

• Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple Rituals

  • Evening cultural programs during monsoon season

📍 August Travel in Kumarakom – Top Things to Do

Kumarakom, a peaceful backwater village near Kottayam, is a magical place to experience Kerala’s natural and cultural charm in August.

🛶 1. Backwater Cruise / Houseboat Experience

• Cruise through Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in Kerala

• Witness lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and birdlife

• Choose between day cruises or overnight luxury stays

• Local homestays like Kuttickattil Gardens offer private river boating with more affordable options than commercial houseboats

🦜 2. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

• Monsoon brings migratory birds like Siberian cranes, egrets

• Early morning nature walks with a guide recommended

• Entry fee: ₹100 for adults | Timings: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM

🏝️ 3. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls (30 min drive from Kumarakom)

• Scenic monsoon waterfall near Kottayam

• Ideal for photography, trekking, and picnics

🧘 4. Ayurvedic Spa Treatments

• August is the ideal time for ‘Monsoon Ayurveda Therapy’

• Many resorts and homestays offer:

  • Abhyangam (oil massage)

  • Panchakarma detox

  • Herbal steam baths

🌅 5. Sunset at Vembanad Lake

• The rain-washed skies and gentle lake breeze make sunsets extra special

• Many homestays have private viewing decks or small boats for sunset rides

🛏️ Where to Stay in August – Best Options Near Kumarakom & Kottayam

Due to the festival and race crowds, it’s best to avoid tourist-packed places and choose peaceful, authentic Kerala experiences.

🏡 Recommended Stay: Kuttickattil Gardens – Riverside Pool Homestay

• 📍 Arpookara, near Kumarakom – just 10 km from Bird Sanctuary

• Features:

  • Pool, river boating, fishing, kayaking

  • Couple-friendly, private rooms

  • Perfect for romantic and peaceful holidays

• Local food, Onam Sadya available on request

• Hosts can guide you to races, Onam events & Ayurvedic centers

🔗 View Kuttickattil Homestay on Google

🍛 What to Eat in Kerala During August

August is food heaven in Kerala, thanks to Onam season.

🥗 Must-Try Foods:

• Onam Sadya – a feast of 24+ dishes on a banana leaf (served in most homes & restaurants around August 30)

• Pazhampori – sweet banana fritters, great with tea

• Karimeen Pollichathu – local fish wrapped in banana leaf

• Appam with Stew – soft hoppers with mild veg/chicken stew

• Payasam – sweet dessert made with rice/milk/jaggery

💡 Many homestays, including Kuttickattil Gardens, offer homemade Onam meals during the festival days!

📸 Monsoon Photography in Kerala

August is a dream month for photographers and Instagram influencers:

• Rain-soaked green landscapes

• Misty mornings and dramatic sunsets

• Colorful festivals and traditional attire

• Reflections on backwaters and lakes

Don’t forget to carry rain covers for your camera or mobile!

🚗 Suggested Itinerary for August Travelers (5 Days)

✅ Day 1 – Arrive in Kochi → Travel to Kumarakom → Relax at homestay

✅ Day 2 – Bird Sanctuary + Local boat ride + Ayurvedic massage

✅ Day 3 – Visit Alappuzha for Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Aug 9)

✅ Day 4 – Waterfalls + Temple visit + Cultural shows

✅ Day 5 – Experience Onam Sadya + Local village walk + Check-out

✈️ How to Reach Kumarakom / Kottayam

• By Air: Nearest airport is Cochin International (COK) – ~85 km

• By Train: Nearest station is Kottayam (KTYM) – ~15 km

• By Road: Well-connected from Kochi, Alappuzha, Thekkady

Homestays like Kuttickattil Gardens offer pickup and drop services for guests.

✔️ Final Travel Tips for August

✅ Book in Advance – August is a popular travel month for locals
✅ Carry Rain Gear – Umbrella, quick-dry clothes, slippers
✅ Respect Local Traditions – Especially during Onam and temple visits
✅ Stay Hydrated – Humidity can tire you out
✅ Choose Authentic Stays – Avoid crowded resorts, opt for riverside homes for peace and real Kerala experience

🎉 Kerala in August 2025 – A Journey You’ll Never Forget

From the thunder of oars at the Nehru Trophy Boat Race to the fragrance of banana leaf feasts during Onam, August in Kerala is a deeply immersive and beautiful experience. For a perfect mix of adventure, peace, and cultural richness, Kumarakom and Kottayam serve as the ideal base.

So plan your trip now, book your stay early, and prepare for an unforgettable monsoon holiday in “God’s Own Country.”