Table of Contents
Introduction
Festivals are the bridges between tradition and togetherness and Onam in Kerala is the grandest of all!
When people say sun-drenched beaches, serene backwaters, spicy plantations, etc, Kerala comes to mind. But do you know there is something more captivating than this, the ten-day carnival of Onam? It is celebrated in the midst of the monsoon. This year, Onam will be celebrated on 5 September 2025. Kerala is prominently called “God’s Own Country.” Onam is known to be the harvest festival in Kerala. It unites people from different cultures and traditions. Onam is celebrated to honour the legendary King Mahabali. The reign of King Mahabali is remembered as the Golden Era in the history of Kerala.
The homecoming of the king transformed Onam into the festival of love, joy, and gratitude. Traditionally, Onam is observed for 10 days during the Malayalam months, that is, between August to September. In 2025, Onam will be celebrated from August 30 to September 8 2025. Onam captures the essence of Kerala’s cultural and spiritual identity. It can be an unmatchable experience for travellers. Those people who are planning a trip to Kerala during this festive season, this blog will be an ultimate guide for them.
In this blog, Tour Babari will assist the travellers to understand the origins, traditions, major events, and the best way to experience Onam in Kerala. From an enchanting cultural performance to a breathtaking Sadhya feast, Onam will be an immersive journey into Kerala’s soul.
Best Places to Experience Onam in Kerala
Kochi (Cochin)
During Onam, Kochi is transformed into a magnificent canvas displaying art, dance, and celebratory festivity in every nook and cranny. The city takes on a lively and celebratory atmosphere with its Pookalam contests and Kathakali shows. In addition to its culturally rich parades, which vividly depict the customs. While wandering Fort Kochi, traveller will notice the old buildings embellished with blossoms and lights. For calming the celebratory mood, a boat ride across the backwaters is recommended embracing the natural beauty of Kerala and its highly anticipated festival.
Time, Budget, Travel Tips
Time Needed: 2 to 3 days
Budget: Mid-range accomodation cost around INR 2500 to 4000 per night.
Travel Tips: Take a boat ride in Fort Kochi for enjoying Kerala’s Backwaters along the Onam celebrations.
Thrissur
Thrissur is known to be the cultural capital of Kerala. Onam celebrations are the heartbeat of Thrissur. The prominence of this location resides in Pulikali that is tiger dance. It is primarily performed while painted in bright hues of mimic tigers. Traveller can find the dynamic yet beautiful displays of traditional art forms, music, and dance that highlight cultural pride of Kerala. Thrissur is energetic, chaotic, and unforgettable location where traveller looks for capturing moments are soothing the soul.
Time, Budget, Travel Tips
Time needed: 1 to 2 days
Budget: In Thrissur, the travellers can get stays at INR 2000 per night
Travel Tips: The traveller should enjoy it with open arms and capture the timeless events for long-lasting memories.
Alappuzha
Alappuzha, known as the “Venice of the East. ” It is focal point of Kerala’s legendary snake boat races during Onam. Witnessing massive boats rowed in perfect rhythm across shimmering waters is an electrifying sight. Beyond the races, a stay in a traditional houseboat on the serene backwaters adds magic to the celebrations. While enjoying authentic Onam feasts on deck while floating past lush villages Alleppey offers both adrenaline and tranquility in one breathtaking festival experience to the traveller.
Time, Budget, Travel Tips
Time Needed: Approximately 2 days are needed to explore Alappuzha.
Budget: Houseboats can cost around INR 8,000 to INR 16,000 per night.
Travel Tips: Book houseboats early for September 2025
Trivandrum
Trivandrum is the capital city, that shines during the festivities as it combines the grand celebrations of Onam with a spiritual touch. A central attraction is the regal procession, complete with gold-clad elephants and richly attired participants. The city streets are alive with art, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide, as classical and folk dances, music, and drama keep the theatres and halls abuzz. Attending Onam at the renowned Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple deepens the spiritual dimension of the celebration. Trivandrum’s blend of ceremonies, performances, and displays captures the majestic elegance of the festival.
Time, Budget, Travel Tips
Time: The traveller would need 2 to 3 days for exploring Triavndrum.
Budget: Mid range hotels are available in INR 3,500 to INR 6,000 per night.
Travel Tips: The traveller can visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple during Onam for a spirtual experience.
Kumarakom
For individuals in search of a peaceful but genuine Onam celebration, Kumarakom strikes the right note. It is circumscribed by the calm backwaters and rich greenery, the marvellous nature physically captures the essence of the celebrations. Bird sanctuaries and calm lagoons serve as stages for the traditional feasts, rituals, and floral decorations that define Onam. It is a region where one participates in Onam, programmes like these allows one to soak in the pure essence of nature which Kerala is fabulous for. Families and couples looking to leave the noise of busy towns behind will find Kumarakom perfect.
Time, Budget, Travel Tip
Time: Two days are needed to explore Kumarakom
Budget: Resorts are available at INR 6000 to INR 12,000 per night.
Travel Tips: It is the calm location for travellers who want to avoid crowds.
Prominent Things To Experience in Kerala During Onam
Sadhya Feast
The grand Sadhya feast is served on the Banana leaves. The vegetarian feast includes more than 26 dishes. It majorly includes avial, olan, thoran, sambhar, payasam, and banana chips. Many restaurants and hotels serve it during the Onam festival. Kerala’s culinary richness is reflected through the Sadhya feast.
Vallam Kali: Snake Boat Race
The thrilling experience of Onam is Vallam Kali, known to be the snake boat race. It is held in the rivers and backwaters across Kerala. The travellers can experience it in the Aranmula boat race and the Nehru Boat race in Alappuzha. During Vallam Kali, massive boats glide in perfect harmony to showcase teamwork and the thrill of competition.
Pookalam
The intricate floral carpets are decorating the homes, temples, and public spaces which is known as Pookalam. The vibrant yet iconic designs symbolizes prosperity and joy among the people of Kerala. In prominent cities of Kerala that is Kochi, Trivandrum, and Thrissur large-scale Pookalam competition held. However, the early mornings are best to admire fresh Pookalam.
Pulikali: Tiger Dance
In Thrissur, men paint themselves as tigers and hunters where they dance on the beats of traditional music. The quirky, colorful, and one most photographed event is Pulikali. The traveller should wear a comfortable shoes in Pulikali, as it involved walking through crowded streets.
Cultural Programs Kathakali
Kerala’s art comes alive during the Onam. The Kathakali dance dramas, Mohiniyattam performances, and folk songs are stages across cultural centres and temples. These performance fills the air with gracem while percussion ensembles Chenda and Melan to the celebratory moods. The artistic heritage of Kerala reflects through cultural programs.
Budget Itinerary
A trip for 5 to 7 days, with all activities planned, would cost between INR 18,000 and 45,000 per person. Accommodation ranges from homestays that charge INR 1,200 to 2,500 per night, mid-range hotels at INR 3,000 to INR 6,000 per night, to luxury resorts that charge more than 10,000 per night. Meals in Kerala are moderate, with genuine Onam Sadhya costing INR 400 to 800 per person in local eateries, and posh dining services at a premium.
Local commuting, including auto-rickshaws, cabs, or scooter rentals, would be in the range of INR 300 to 800 per day, and guided tours or cultural experiences would be in the range of INR 1,500 to 3,500 based on the inclusions. Altogether, a budget traveler can enjoy Onam in Kerala for around INR 18,000 – INR 22,000, while mid-range travelers should plan for INR 25,000 – INR 35,000, and luxury seekers may spend INR 40,000 or more for a comfortable, all-inclusive festive experience.
Let Us Embrace The Spirit of Onam in Kerala
Onam is not just a harvest festival; but it is a heartfelt call to experience Kerala when it is most alive. Every bit of the state’s heritage is celebrated in traditions, from the magnificent boat races to the artistic floral carpets, and the Onam Sadhya. To all travellers, Onam 2025 signifies an occasion to enjoy the hospitality, the sense of togetherness, and the age-old customs of the place. You will cherish the memories of strolling along the ornamented alleys, as well as the warm participation in the festivities. Tour Babari makes the travel hassle-free and seamless. Therefore, join hands with us for enjoying Onam festival in Kerala this year.
Colour, Culture, and Cuisine, Kerala Onam 2025 is waiting for You! Pack your bags join the joy with Tour Babari.
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