Best Places to Visit in Kerala in March|Attukal-pongala-thiruvananthapuram

Best Places to Visit in Kerala in March

Picture yourself waking up to the smell of fresh cardamom in the misty spice plantations or cruising through the backwaters. At the same time, traditional fishermen set their nets in the brilliant morning light. This is how March welcomes the travellers in Kerala. Renowned for its palm-fringed beaches, tranquil backwaters, colonial heritage, vibrant Kathakali performances, and aromatic cuisine, Kerala in March offers a sweet spot that seasoned travellers treasure. Whether you’re planning romantic sunset cruises through Alleppey’s canals, family adventures in Munnar’s tea estates, or spiritual mornings at Fort Kochi’s ancient churches, Kerala’s March canvas offers the perfect backdrop for your 2025 escape.

Quick Facts

Who it’s for: Nature lovers, honeymooners, wellness seekers, families
Ideal for: Families, wellness seekers, couples, photographers
Weather: Warm & dry; 28°C to 35°C on the plains, 18°C to 25°C in the hills
Best for: Ayurveda retreats, wildlife safaris, houseboat cruises, local festivals

What’s Happening in Kerala in March 2025?

March Climate Overview

RegionTemperatureWeatherBest For
Hill Stations15-25°CCool mornings, pleasant daysTea plantation tours, trekking
Backwaters25-32°CWarm, minimal rainHouseboat cruises, kayaking
Beaches26-33°CSunny, calm seasWater sports, sunset viewing
Cities25-35°CWarm, occasional showersCultural tours, shopping

Major Festivals in Kerala During March 2025

  • Attukal Pongala (March 7, 2025) – The World’s largest gathering of women in Thiruvananthapuram

  • Theyyam Performances – Peak season in Kannur and Kasaragod temples

  • Easter Preparations – Special church services and decorations in Kochi

  • Arattupuzha Pooram (March 15-16, 2025) – Elephant procession in Thrissur

  • Kodungallur Bharani (Late March) – Ancient temple festival

Top Destinations to Visit in Kerala in March

1. Munnar

Munnar is a hill station that comes alive in March with misty mornings and blooming flora. Expect calm weather and scenic tea gardens, perfect for luxury nature stays. The city transforms into a paradise with blooming Neelakurinji flowers (though the mass blooming happens every 12 years, scattered blooms appear annually). The tea gardens are lush green after winter rains, and temperatures hover around a perfect 20°C.

Why March?

  • Ideal climate for long walks through tea estates.

  • Fewer crowds post-peak winter season.

  • An excellent time for visiting Eravikulam National Park.

Planner’s Tip:Stay at a heritage planter’s bungalow near Lockhart or book an IndianHoliday.com Munnar Tour that includes a sunrise tea garden trek and waterfall picnic.”

2. Alleppey

Alleppey’s famed backwaters shimmer under the March sun, and it is also known as the last comfortable month for houseboat cruises before Kerala’s summer heat intensifies. The canals are full, the paddy fields are golden, and you’ll spot numerous migratory birds preparing for their journey north. Houseboat cruises here are at their most pleasant.

Why March?

  • No monsoon interruptions.

  • Crisp mornings and cooler evenings on the water.

  • Village life along the canals is in full rhythm.

Booking Hack:IndianHoliday.com’s Alleppey Houseboat Package offers chef-on-board experiences and village tour extras you’ll rarely get from on-the-spot bookings.”

3. Wayanad

Wayanad in March offers crisp air and lush green hills, free from the misty chills of winter, making it ideal for adventure activities. Trek to Chembra Peak without monsoon concerns, explore Edakkal Caves when paths are dry, and enjoy clear views from Lakkidi viewpoint.

Why March?

  • Excellent visibility for hiking and sightseeing.

  • Ideal time for exploring Edakkal Caves and Banasura Dam.

  • Wildlife sightings at Wayanad Sanctuary improve with dry weather

Local Insight: The tribal festivals and organic markets that are held this time of year offer an enriching rural experience in Kerala.

Explore forests, caves, and waterfalls. Check out our Wayanad tour packages.

4. Thekkady

March is when Periyar’s wildlife truly emerges. The Park experiences peak wildlife activity as animals venture out more frequently. Also, Thekkady’s scented air and luxury eco-resorts make it a rejuvenating break. The spice gardens are in full bloom, with cardamom flowers adding splashes of white to the green landscape.

Why March?

  • High chances of spotting tigers and elephants.

  • Guided nature walks and bamboo rafting are available at their peak.

  • Ideal season for spice garden tours.

Travel Pro-Tip: IndianHoliday.com’s Thekkady Package includes early-morning forest boat rides, timed perfectly for wildlife enthusiasts.

5. Kochi

Kochi remains pleasantly warm in March, perfect for exploring on foot or by tuk-tuk. It is home to scenic attractions, making it one of the most popular destinations, and is ideal for activities such as sunbathing, boating, swimming, surfing, and parasailing. Kochi is also a shopper’s paradise, offering a variety of handicrafts, spices, textiles, and antiques. The vibrant markets of Jew Town, Broadway, and MG Road provide a diverse range of shopping options for visitors.

Why March?

  • Fort Kochi’s galleries and cafés host pre-summer events.

  • Churches prepare for Easter, adding cultural depth and significance.

  • Great shopping and heritage homestays are available.

Planner’s Suggestion:If you’re staying in Fort Kochi, IndianHoliday can help you upgrade to a spice-market-facing heritage suite with curated sunset walks.”

6. Kovalam

Looking for that perfect luxury beach experience? Kovalam’s golden sands and spa resorts await in March. The romantic beaches of Kovalam make it a popular honeymoon spot in Kerala. Additionally, you can opt for Ayurvedic treatments, sunbathing fests, and water sports. Also, March is a great time to engage in water sports like snorkelling and kayaking, as the waters are calm.

Why March?

  • Calm Arabian Sea, ideal for swimming and kayaking.

  • Luxury beach resorts run seasonal discounts.

  • Wellness travellers flock for pre-summer Panchakarma retreats.

Wellness Pick: IndianHoliday.com’s Ayurveda Tour in Kovalam includes wellness consultations and authentic treatments at certified clinics.

7. Kumarakom

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary experiences its peak season for migratory birds in March, just before they fly north. Village life is vibrant, with fishing activities, and the Vembanad Lake offers spectacular sunsets, making it perfect for luxury travellers seeking seclusion.

Why March?

  • Dry weather is excellent for birdwatching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

  • Sunset shikara rides are magical.

  • High-end lake resorts offer private plunge pools and yoga decks.

Hidden Perk: Some IndianHoliday’s curated Kumarakom stays offer complimentary canoeing and local cooking demonstrations.

Travel Tips for Visiting Kerala in March

Booking Tips

  • Book 30–45 days in advance for the best deals on houseboats and hill stays.

  • March-end offers shoulder-season pricing at some luxury properties.

What to Pack

  • Light cotton clothes and a sunhat

  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle

  • Light raincoat or umbrella (just in case coastal drizzles occur)

Budgeting Tips

  • Expect ₹3,500–₹6,000 per night for boutique luxury resorts.

  • Book multi-destination packages with IndianHoliday to reduce transfer costs and unlock curated perks.

Plan your dream vacation with expertly curated Kerala travel packages.

Ready to Experience Kerala’s March Magic?

Let IndianHoliday‘s Kerala specialists craft your perfect March getaway. With 35+ years of local expertise, we unlock experiences that independent travellers miss, from private elephant interactions to exclusive heritage property stays.

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