Best Places To Visit In Kerala In January 2020

A wide-view shot of a multi-ethnic group of friends standing next to the Munnar tea plantations in Kerala
A wide-view shot of a multi-ethnic group of friends standing next to the Munnar tea plantations in Kerala

Dotted with luscious greenery, swaying green coconut trees, glittering emerald green paddy fields, sparkling backwaters, free-flowing gorgeous rivers, spectacular waterfalls, dense forests and jungles with wild inhabitants, breathtaking blue hills, and lush valleys, Kerala is an environmentally friendly paradise, so captivating than you can ever imagine. Its spellbinding natural beauty, rich culture and heartwarming hospitality are always admired by the world, making it an incredible place to explore and experience.

Kerala looks even more stunning and mind-blowing during the winter month of January. The weather in Kerala during January is pleasant, sunny and warm making it perfect for sightseeing and exploring. Being one of the peak seasons, a visit to Kerala in January is full of fabulous experiences with countless fun-filled activities to enjoy, a lot of adventurous sports to give you an adrenaline rush, festivals to feast your senses, and myriads of tourist attractions to discover the cultural heritage, astounding beauty, remarkable history and grandeur of the place.

To ease your January travel plans, we have picked the Best Places in Kerala to visit in January 2020. Find out!

Alleppey:

Flaunting its hypnotizing beauty and boundless network of dazzling backwaters, Alleppey – the “Venice of the East” tops the list of best places to visit in Kerala in January 2020. A wonderful place to connect with nature, full of picturesque palm-fringed landscape, sprawling backwaters, magical paddy fields, virgin beaches, tranquil lagoons, and gorgeous lakes. The venue of the world-renowned Nehru Trophy Boat Race and home to India’s first Coir Industry, extraordinary temples and amazing museums add to the pride of Alleppey.

A beautiful view of Alleppey backwaters with houseboat

A visit to Alleppey is never complete without a houseboat ride through its scintillating backwaters, tasting the authentic Kerala Sadya and Alleppey special seafood delicacies, and exploring the typical village life of Alleppey. In the mesmerizing climate in January, rejuvenate yourself with traditional Ayurveda massages at Alleppey. While you are here in January, you can attend Arthunkal Perunnal (the Feast of St. Sebastian – 20/01/2020) of the renowned St. Andrews Basilica in Arthunkal.  

Weather in January:

The weather is mild and pleasant in Alleppey during the month of January.

Popular Tourist Attractions:

Backwaters of Alleppey, Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach, Andhakaranazhi Beach, Kuttanad, Alleppey Lighthouse, Pathiramanal Island, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Krishnapuram Palace, Vembanad Lake, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, St. Mary Forane Church, Edathua Church, St. Andrew’s Basilica at Arthunkal, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Karumadikuttan, Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Bay Island Driftwood Museum.

Things to do: 

Houseboat Cruise, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rafting, Birdwatching, Sightseeing, Ayurveda Massage, Bicycle Tour, Village Tour, Shopping.

Munnar:

The most beautiful and visually delightful Munnar hill station is a very special tourist spot that has stolen the hearts of millions of travel enthusiasts since time immemorial. It is indeed an awesome place to visit in Kerala in January 2020 that radiates an unambiguous charm and extraordinary beauty that allures everyone visiting Munnar and its pleasantly mild climate during the month makes sightseeing comfortable and thoroughly enjoyable.

An amazing view of Munnar Tea estate in Munnar hills

The spectacular views of low-flying clouds, gorgeous tea plantations, misty valleys, and rolling hills make it a quaint little heaven. It was once the erstwhile summer resort of the British Government in South India and the highest tea plantations in the worldKolukkumalai Tea Estate, the highest peak in South IndiaAnamudi are in Munnar. This lovely hill station is admired as the most enchanting honeymoon destinations in Kerala and also a haven for nature lovers, photographers, adventure seekers, bird watchers as well as wildlife enthusiasts.

Weather in January:

Weather in Munnar in the month of January is pleasant, mild and relatively dry.

Popular Tourist Attractions:

Pothamedu View Point, Attukal Waterfalls, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Kundala Lake, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi, Cheeyapara Waterfalls, Marayoor Dolmens, Indo-Swiss Dairy Farm, Lock Hart Gap, Lakkam Waterfalls, Rose Gardens, Life of Pie Church, Meesapulimala, Echo Point, Photo Point, Chokramudi Peak, Carmelagiri Elephant Park, Trekking Point, Wonder Valley Adventure Park, Hydel Park, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Tata Tea Museum.

Things to do: 

Trekking, Mountain Biking, Shikara Ride, Elephant Safari, Bird Watching, Wildlife Spotting, Tea Garden Tour, Sightseeing, Shopping.

Kumarakom:

The spellbinding beauty of emerald green backwaters and cluster of picturesque islands dotted with mangrove forests, lush green paddy fields and coconut trees make Kumarakom a gorgeous place on earth. This quaint little village is situated on the mighty Vembanad Lake, the largest Lake in Kerala and also forms the Gateway for the famous Kuttanad Backwaters. One can experience nature at its full glory when you are at Kumarakom. The place offers a wide variety of flora, exotic sightseeing, boating and fishing experiences as well.

A scenic landscape with Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala

Kumarakom is known as the Ornithologist’s paradise as it offers a safe home for local as well as migratory birds like Siberian stork, wild duck etc. A mesmerizing houseboat cruise in the delightful climate of January, enjoying the scenic beauty of backwaters and the cool air around is a wonderful experience, making Kumarakom one of the best places to visit in Kerala in January 2020. Kumarakom is also a foodies hub that serves authentic Kerala cuisines. 

Weather in January:

Kumarakom enjoys moderate weather in the month of January.

Popular Tourist Attractions:

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom Backwaters, Pathiramanal Island, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, St Mary’s Church (Kottayam Cheriapally), Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Thazhathangadi Mosque (Juma Masjid).

Things to do: 

Houseboat Cruise, Bird Watching, Trekking, Strolling, Cycling, Shopping.

Thattekad:

Awesome climate and abundant natural vistas, Thattekad is yet another amazing place to visit in Kerala in January 2020. It is home to one of the most renowned bird sanctuaries in India ‘Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary’ which is hailed as the richest bird habitat on peninsular India by revered ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali after whom the sanctuary is named. The sanctuary houses 280 rare species of water and land birds.

Black Billed Magpie bird in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

January is one of the best times when many migratory birds make their way to Thattekad and since it is breeding season (October to February) resident birds are more active. The Sanctuary is abundant with hornbills and the oriental white-eye, as well as birds like Great Black Woodpecker, Pompadour Green Pigeons, Spiderhunter, Grey-headed Bulbul, sunbird, Nilgiri Flower Pecker, etc, can also be spotted here. Hence, one of the major activities of Thattekad is birdwatching. Tourists can also enjoy activities like kayaking, boating, etc, and explore the natural beauty of the place.

 Weather in January:

The weather in Thattekad in January is usually pleasant and enjoyable.

Popular Tourist Attractions:

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Boothathankettu Dam, Nadukani, Kodanad, Malayattoor, Kalady, Wellington Island, Bolgatty, Mattancherry.

Things to do: 

Bird Watching, Kayaking, Boating, Strolling, Sightseeing, Shopping.

Vagamon:

An ultimate setting for nature lovers, honeymooners as well as adventure lovers, Vagamon is an enchanting place to visit in Kerala in January 2020. This alluring hill station is adorned with scenic green meadows, sparkling waterfalls, beautiful pine forests and spectacular tea estates. The climate is so refreshing, and the air is filled with the pleasing aroma of tea. Untouched by any modern influences and perfectly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the beautiful hill station of Vagamon offers ultimate peace and serenity where one can spend time in relaxation amidst lush greenery.

Beauty of Vagamon

With plenty of scenic vistas, Vagamon is a photographer’s and filmmaker’s delight, especially its Pine Forest (originally a man-made forest) has served as a setting for many Indian movies. Vagamon forms a supreme backpacker hangout that sets the vista for many thrilling adventurous activities. Vagamon is one of the best locations to enjoy Paragliding in Kerala. If you visit Vagamon in January, you can be a part of the International Paragliding Festival which will be held on 20th January 2020.

Weather in January:

Vagamon experiences dry warm weather in January.

Popular Tourist Attractions:

Vagamon Pine Forest, Marmala Waterfall, Thangal Para, Barren Hills, Vagamon Lake, Mundakayam Ghat, Vagamon Falls, Idukki Dam, Vagamon Meadows, Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurisumala.

Things to do: 

Tandem Paragliding, Jeep Safari, Boating, Fishing, Cycling, Trekking, Mountaineering, Rock climbing Sightseeing, Shopping.

Thekkady:

Rich in biodiversity and abundance of natural vistas, Thekkady is a major crowd puller among the eco-tourism destinations in Kerala. Its charming landscape comprises of tiny streams winding through the green jungles and emerald valleys with the backdrop of an unending chain of rolling hills. Vast spice plantations adorn the hill station that grows natural spices such as tea, coffee, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, nut mace, ginger and clove.

Thekkady boat ride

This enchanting hill station, perched atop 700 meters above the sea level is one of the splendiferous wildlife reserves in India which is famed for its tiger reserve. The famous Periyar National Park is situated here which is a treasure house of tropical flora and fauna. Thekkady is one of the best places to visit in Kerala in January 2020 during which you can indulge in activities like boating, trekking and wildlife safari while spotting the exotic wildlife in the sanctuary. 

Weather in January:

The weather in Thekkady in the month of January is pleasant and sunny.

Popular Tourist Attractions:

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mangla Devi Temple, Murikkady, Kadathanadan Kalari, Ramakalmedu, Mullaperiyar Dam, Chellarkovil, Pandikuzhi, Suruli Waterfalls, Periyar Lake.

Things to do: 

Boat Cruise, Bamboo rafting, Elephant Rides, Jungle Safari, Jeep ride, Periyar Tiger Trail, border hiking, Trekking, Tribal Heritage Program, Nature Walk, Sightseeing, Shopping.

North Malabar Regions:

Nestled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, and covering the northern coastal stretch of Kerala, the North Malabar Regions of Kerala comprises of places like Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Calicut and the entire Mahe subdivision of the Union Territory of Pondicherry. A less explored yet one of the best places to visit in Kerala in January 2020, the North Malabar regions of Kerala offers an offbeat experience for the travellers. The region is a rich mix of virgin beaches, verdant forests, brilliant architecture, ancient temples, spice plantations, historic forts, traditional art forms etc.

An unidentified Theyyam artist performs at Kadannappalli Muchilot Bhagavati temple

The most popular religious and ritualistic traditional dance-drama of Kerala, Theyyam has originated in the North Malabar regions at least 1,500 years ago. More than 400 different kinds of Theyyam are performed in Kerala that unfolds the ancient culture and traditions of the state of Kerala. If you visit North Malabar regions of Kerala in the month of January, you can treat yourself with the colourful and vibrant Theyyam performances that take place in and around various temples in the North Malabar regions

Weather in January:

The weather in the North Malabar Regions of Kerala is warm and sunny in the month of January.

Popular Tourist Attractions:

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves Wayanad, St Angelo Fort Kannur, Thalassery Fort Kannur, Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach Kannur, Thikkodi Beach Calicut, Bekal Fort Kasaragod.

Things to do: 

Trekking, Hiking, Wildlife Spotting, Heritage Walk, Sightseeing, Shopping.

A Man Standing On Field Against Cloudscape During Sunset in Kerala hill station

Kerala is well-linked to major cities of the country via air, rail and road. State transport buses, private buses, taxis, cabs and autorickshaws are easily available for transportation from one place to another.

Kerala Tourism Holiday provides a range of transportation facilities including Sedans to Mini and Large Coaches with friendly as well as expert drivers to take you for sightseeing from one tourist destination to another, thus offering safe, comfy and enjoyable travel with us.

Kerala Tourism Holiday also renders Houseboat facilities with all modern amenities, comforts and security and you can choose from Deluxe or Premium Houseboats of your choice.

Golden light on a path leading to a resort near Varkala beach, Kerala

What’s more exciting than a fun-filled getaway at the very beginning of the new decade and that too to the most enchanting God’s Own Country? Get set and pack your bags for a blissful vacation at Kerala in January 2020!

Kerala Tourism Holiday offers various tour packages and customized tour packages to offer you a joyful, unforgettable and an extraordinary holiday in Kerala.

Comment below which of these Places in Kerala you’d like to visit in January 2020!

Also, let us know in the comments below any other Best Places in Kerala that you know can be visited in January 2020, other than our pick.

Enquire now and grab the best deals and offers.

Feel free to visit www.keralatourism.holiday and get the best deals for your itineraries.

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