Table of Contents
- Why Visit Kerala in March
- Kerala Weather in March
- Top Destinations to Visit
- Festivals and Events in March
- Best Things To Do in March
- Suggested Itineraries
- Where to Stay
- What to Pack for Kerala in March
- Travel Tips & Safety
- Budget & Costs
- Getting There & Getting Around
- Responsible Travel in Kerala
- FAQs About Visiting Kerala in March
- Conclusion
Why Visit Kerala in March
March is one of the best shoulder-season months to explore Kerala. Days are warm and mostly dry before the summer peak, the backwaters are tranquil, wildlife sightings improve as water sources shrink, and cultural calendars in many towns are full. Expect fewer crowds than the December–February rush, along with better value on stays and tours.
Kerala Weather in March
- Coast & Backwaters: 24–33°C, humid, generally sunny with occasional late-afternoon showers toward the end of the month.
- Hill Stations: 15–25°C, cooler mornings and evenings; afternoons are pleasantly warm.
- Rain: Low overall; pre-monsoon thundershowers may begin late in the month.
- Sea: Usually calm to moderate; always heed local safety flags and lifeguard advice.
- UV Index: High—sun protection is essential.
Top Destinations to Visit
Backwaters: Alappuzha & Kumarakom
Kerala’s backwaters shine in March with glassy canals and golden sunsets. Base yourself in Alappuzha (Alleppey) or Kumarakom for houseboat cruises, canoeing, and birdwatching.
Don’t miss
- Overnight houseboat cruise (choose air-conditioned rooms for comfort in the heat).
- Sunrise canoe/kayak through village canals to beat midday warmth.
- Birding at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary; look for herons, kingfishers, and seasonal migrants.
- Pathiramanal Island for quiet backwater views.
Hill Stations: Munnar & Wayanad
Tea-scented hills offset March’s coastal heat. Munnar offers rolling tea estates and panoramic drives, while Wayanad is ideal for gentle treks and waterfalls.
Highlights
- Tea estate walks and museum visits in Munnar; cloud-draped viewpoints like Top Station.
- Eravikulam National Park for Nilgiri tahr (note: the park often closes Feb–Mar/Apr for calving; check status before you go).
- Wayanad’s Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, and forest drives; early starts recommended.
Beaches: Varkala & Kovalam
Sea breezes and cliff-top cafes make Varkala a March favorite, while Kovalam offers crescent beaches and water sports.
Top beach moments
- Sunset strolls along Varkala’s North Cliff; yoga sessions at dawn.
- Swimming only in lifeguarded zones; currents can be strong.
- Seafood shacks serving the catch of the day; ask for karimeen (pearl spot) in local style.
Wildlife & Birding: Periyar, Wayanad, Thattekad
As waterholes shrink through summer, wildlife sightings pick up in March. Periyar Tiger Reserve is known for boat safaris, bamboo rafting, and guided treks. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a magnet for birders.
What to look for
- Elephants, gaur, sambar deer, and diverse birdlife around Periyar Lake.
- Endemic species like Malabar trogon and Sri Lanka frogmouth at Thattekad.
- Night walks with certified guides for nocturnal species (where permitted).
Culture Hubs: Fort Kochi, Thrissur, North Malabar
Fort Kochi blends colonial heritage with cafes, galleries, and street art; check if an edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale coincides with your dates. Thrissur and North Malabar (Kannur, Kasaragod) host dramatic temple rituals and performances through March.
Cultural picks
- Chinese fishing nets at sunset and heritage walks in Fort Kochi–Mattancherry.
- Theyyam rituals in village temples across North Malabar (respectful, non-intrusive viewing is key).
- Temple festivals (poorams/gajamelas) with percussion, pageantry, and processions—dates vary yearly.
Festivals and Events in March
Many of Kerala’s captivating festivals follow the lunar calendar, falling in February or March. Verify dates close to travel.
- Attukal Pongala (Thiruvananthapuram): A vast women-led offering ritual—one of the world’s largest gatherings of women.
- Chettikulangara Kumbha Bharani (Mavelikkara): Towering effigies and vibrant temple pageantry.
- Parippally Gajamela (Kollam): Elephant pageants and percussion (ethical note: skip events that exploit animals; enjoy music and rituals instead).
- Mahashivratri at Aluva: Night-long observances on the banks of the Periyar River.
- Theyyam Season (North Malabar): Continues through March with spectacular nighttime performances.
Best Things To Do in March
- Glide through the backwaters on a private houseboat or village canoe tour.
- Wake early for tea-estate hikes in Munnar; sip fresh-brewed chai overlooking green carpets of leaves.
- Join guided bamboo rafting or border treks in Periyar.
- Unwind with authentic Ayurveda massages (choose licensed centers; hydrate well post-therapy).
- Learn to cook Kerala classics—appam, fish molee, thoran—at a local cooking class.
- Catch a Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance in Kochi, Thekkady, or Thrissur.
- Surf or try stand-up paddle in Varkala/Kovalam with certified instructors.
Suggested Itineraries
5-Day Classic Kerala (March)
- Day 1: Arrive Kochi; Fort Kochi heritage walk and sunset at the nets.
- Day 2–3: Munnar—tea gardens, viewpoints; optional spice plantation visit.
- Day 4: Alappuzha—overnight houseboat (AC cabin recommended).
- Day 5: Disembark; return to Kochi for cafes, shopping, and departure.
7-Day Nature & Culture
- Day 1: Kochi old town and harbor cruise.
- Day 2–3: Munnar—tea museum, Top Station; check Eravikulam NP status.
- Day 4–5: Thekkady/Periyar—boat safari, bamboo rafting, spice farm.
- Day 6: Kumarakom—sunset canoe, bird sanctuary.
- Day 7: Kochi galleries and departure.
10-Day Kerala With Beach or North Malabar
- Option A (Beach): Kochi (1) → Munnar (2) → Periyar (2) → Alappuzha houseboat (1) → Varkala/Kovalam (3) → Kochi (1).
- Option B (North Kerala & Theyyam): Kochi (1) → Wayanad (2) → Kannur (2) for theyyam → Bekal/Kasaragod (2) → Kochi (1) with backwater day in between.
Where to Stay
- Backwaters: Premium houseboats with solar power and waste treatment; lakefront eco-resorts; heritage homestays.
- Hills: Tea bungalows, boutique retreats, and plantation homestays with cool evenings.
- Beaches: Cliff-top boutique hotels in Varkala; wellness resorts and mid-range stays in Kovalam.
- Wildlife: Nature lodges near Periyar or Wayanad with guided activities.
Tip: In March, air-conditioned rooms make afternoons more comfortable in the lowlands.
What to Pack for Kerala in March
- Light, breathable cotton/linen clothing; a light shawl or scarf for temples.
- Sun hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals; water shoes if kayaking.
- Insect repellent; basic meds and motion-sickness tablets for winding hill roads/boat rides.
- Swimwear (use cover-ups off the beach); compact rain jacket for late-March showers.
Travel Tips & Safety
- Beat the heat: Plan outdoor activities at dawn and late afternoon; rest or visit museums mid-day.
- Hydration: Carry water; oral rehydration salts help on active days.
- Temples: Dress modestly; some temples restrict entry to non-Hindus—check locally.
- Wildlife: Book only official guides; keep distance; no feeding. Skip elephant rides and animal shows.
- Beaches: Swim where lifeguards are present; obey flags; currents can be strong even on calm-looking days.
- Payments: UPI and cards are widely accepted; carry small cash in rural areas.
- Connectivity: Local SIMs are inexpensive; coverage is good in most tourist areas.
Budget & Costs
- Accommodation (per night): Budget INR 1,500–3,000; Mid-range INR 4,000–9,000; Luxury INR 12,000+.
- Houseboats (private, full board): INR 9,000–25,000+ for 1BR premium; AC is worthwhile in March.
- Tours & Activities: Canoe/backwater village tours INR 800–1,500; Periyar activities vary by program; guide/park fees extra.
- Food: INR 300–800 for local meals; INR 1,000–2,500 in upscale restaurants.
- Transport: Private car with driver from INR 3,000–5,500 per day depending on distance/vehicle.
March is a value month: look for stay + activity bundles and weekday rates.
Getting There & Getting Around
- Airports: Kochi (COK), Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), Kozhikode (CCJ), Kannur (CNN).
- Trains: Extensive network along the coast and into the hills; book in advance.
- Buses: KSRTC and private operators connect most towns.
- Cabs & Rideshares: Prepaid taxis, local cabs, and app-based rides in major cities.
- Self-drive vs. chauffeur: Roads can be narrow and busy; many travelers prefer a car with driver for comfort and local know-how.
Responsible Travel in Kerala
- Choose eco-certified houseboats and lodges with proper waste and water treatment.
- Carry a refillable bottle; avoid single-use plastics on boats and beaches.
- Observe rituals (theyyam, temple ceremonies) respectfully without intrusive flash photography.
- Buy local—support artisans, co-ops, and family-run eateries.
- Protect nature—stay on trails, do not disturb wildlife or coral, and pack out all trash.
FAQs About Visiting Kerala in March
Is March a good time to visit Kerala?
Yes—weather is mostly dry, wildlife viewing improves, and crowds thin after peak season. Expect warmth on the coast and pleasant hill-station temperatures.
Will it rain a lot in March?
Rainfall is generally low, with a chance of short, late-afternoon thundershowers later in the month.
Are houseboats comfortable in March?
Absolutely. Choose an AC bedroom and plan deck time at sunrise and sunset for the best experience.
Can I swim at Kerala beaches in March?
Yes, in lifeguarded zones and when flags permit. Conditions vary daily—always check local advice.
Is Eravikulam National Park open in March?
It often closes Feb–Mar/Apr for tahr calving. Check official updates before traveling.
What festivals happen in March?
Depending on the lunar calendar: Attukal Pongala, Chettikulangara Kumbha Bharani, Parippally Gajamela, Mahashivratri observances, and theyyam performances in North Malabar.
Conclusion
Kerala in March blends sunny backwaters, breezy beaches, cool green hills, and a living tapestry of festivals—without peak-season crowds. Plan early starts, savor slow afternoons, and time your days for golden-hour magic on the water or in the tea gardens. With thoughtful choices—ethical wildlife trips, eco-friendly stays, and respectful cultural encounters—your March getaway to “God’s Own Country” will be as memorable as it is mindful.
