1. Thrissur
If you want to experience the vibrant cultural side of Onam, Thrissur should be high on your list.
Known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala, Thrissur becomes especially lively during the Onam season. The city is famous for Pulikali, a colourful folk performance in which artists paint themselves like tigers and dance to the rhythm of traditional percussion instruments.
Pulikali is traditionally performed during the Onam season, with the main celebrations taking place around Swaraj Ground in Thrissur. It is one of the most distinctive cultural experiences you can witness during Onam.
Apart from Pulikali, visitors can explore attractions such as Vadakkunnathan Temple, Shakthan Thampuran Palace and other cultural landmarks around the city.
Best Onam experience: Pulikali, cultural performances and festive atmosphere.
2. Kochi
Kochi is a great choice for travellers who want to combine Onam celebrations with history, food and heritage experiences.
The city and its surrounding areas offer a mix of traditional celebrations and modern cultural events. Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and the historic neighbourhoods provide plenty to explore between festival activities.
One of the important places associated with Onam celebrations near Kochi is Thrikkakara Temple, where traditional festivities are held during the Onam season.
You can also spend time exploring Fort Kochi, enjoying Kerala cuisine and experiencing the city's distinctive blend of cultures with Fragrant Nature Kochi
Best Onam experience: Traditional celebrations, cultural programmes, local food and heritage walks.
3. Thiruvananthapuram
For travellers looking for organised cultural programmes and a lively festive atmosphere, Thiruvananthapuram is an excellent destination during Onam.As Kerala's capital city, Thiruvananthapuram hosts a variety of cultural activities and public celebrations during the festival season. The city also offers easy access to some of Kerala's most popular attractions.
Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, explore the city's museums and heritage sites, and enjoy traditional Kerala food during your stay.
The city is particularly suitable for travellers who want to combine the Onam experience with sightseeing and cultural exploration.
Best Onam experience:Cultural programmes, traditional food, heritage and city celebrations.
4. Alappuzha
No list of the best places to visit in Kerala during Onam would be complete without Alappuzha.Often called the gateway to Kerala's backwaters, Alappuzha is one of the best places to experience the connection between Onam and Kerala's traditional boat-racing culture.
The Onam season brings excitement to the backwaters, with Vallam Kali, or traditional boat races, taking place at different locations across Kerala. The long snake boats, teams of rowers and rhythmic boat songs create an unforgettable atmosphere. Kerala Tourism identifies Vallam Kali as one of the highlights of the Onam season.
A houseboat cruise through the backwaters can make the experience even more special. You can enjoy Kerala's landscapes, villages and waterways while staying close to the heart of the state's traditional lifestyle.
Best Onam experience:Snake boat races, backwater cruises and traditional Kerala cuisine.
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5. Aranmula
Located in Pathanamthitta district, Aranmula is another excellent destination for experiencing Kerala's traditional boat-racing culture.The Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali is one of the well-known boat-race events associated with the Onam season. The race takes place on the Pamba River and brings together traditional snake boats and local communities.
Unlike a typical tourist attraction, Aranmula offers an opportunity to experience Kerala's traditions in a more local and cultural setting.
The village is also known for the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple and the famous Aranmula Kannadi, a traditional handmade metal mirror.
Best Onam experience: Aranmula boat race, village life and traditional crafts.
6. Kumarakom
If your ideal Onam holiday includes peaceful backwaters, greenery and a relaxed stay, Kumarakom is a wonderful option.Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom offers a quieter way to enjoy Kerala during the festive season. You can combine a comfortable resort stay with backwater cruises, village experiences and seasonal celebrations.
The Onam season also brings boat-racing events to the backwater regions around Kumarakom. Kerala Tourism's festival listings have included Kumarakom among the locations for Onam-season boat races.
Kumarakom is particularly suitable for couples, families and travellers who want to enjoy the festive atmosphere without spending the entire trip in crowded city centres.
Best Onam experience: Backwaters, resort stays, local food and a relaxed festive holiday.
7. Munnar
Onam is not only about festivals and boat races. It can also be a great time to explore Kerala's beautiful hill country.Munnar is an excellent choice for travellers who want to combine an Onam holiday with cool mountain landscapes, tea plantations and nature.
The monsoon season gives the hills a fresh green appearance, making the journey especially scenic. You can explore tea estates, viewpoints and waterfalls, or simply enjoy a peaceful stay surrounded by nature.
Munnar is also a good option if you prefer a more relaxed holiday after experiencing the busier Onam celebrations in central Kerala.
Best Onam experience: Scenic drives, tea plantations, waterfalls and a peaceful hill-station stay.
For travellers looking for a comfortable stay surrounded by nature, Fragrant Nature Munnar can be considered as part of a Kerala holiday itinerary.
8. Kollam
Kollam offers another interesting way to experience Onam, particularly for travellers interested in backwaters, traditional boat races and local culture.The city's location along the Ashtamudi backwaters makes it an attractive destination during the festive season. The surrounding waterways, villages and lush landscapes provide a quieter alternative to some of Kerala's busier tourist destinations.
Kollam is also a good base for exploring nearby attractions and experiencing Kerala's traditional food and lifestyle.
For a more relaxed Onam holiday, you can combine sightseeing with a backwater cruise and a traditional Kerala meal.
Best Onam experience: Ashtamudi backwaters, local culture and traditional cuisine.
Fragrant Nature's presence in Kollam also makes the destination a natural fit for travellers looking to combine a festive Kerala experience with a comfortable stay.
9. Kottayam
Kottayam is another destination worth considering if you want to explore Kerala's backwaters, rural landscapes and traditional celebrations during Onam.The region is surrounded by waterways, paddy fields, churches, temples and villages, giving visitors a chance to experience a different side of Kerala.
During the Onam season, local celebrations and boat-racing events add to the festive atmosphere. The destination is also well placed for exploring nearby Kumarakom and the Vembanad Lake region.
Kottayam works particularly well for travellers who prefer a combination of culture, nature and slower-paced experiences.
Best Onam experience:Rural Kerala, backwaters, boat races and local celebrations.
10. Kannur
For travellers who want to explore a less conventional side of Kerala during the festive season, Kannur is worth considering.Located in northern Kerala, Kannur is known for its beaches, traditional arts, handloom culture and rich heritage. While the most widely recognised Onam celebrations may be associated with central and southern Kerala, Kannur gives you the opportunity to explore Kerala's northern culture as part of a longer festive-season trip.
You can visit beaches, explore traditional villages and experience the region's distinctive food and cultural traditions.
Best Onam experience: Northern Kerala culture, beaches, local food and heritage.
