Explore Kerala’s Onam Celebrations with a Relaxing Road Trip

Picture yourself cruising through verdant paddy fields and swaying coconut palms amidst the fragrance of fresh flowers in the air – that’s Kerala during Onam, full of colours and vibrancy. A road trip to Kerala for Onam celebrations will lead you to sumptuous traditional food, cultural programs, and welcoming smiles. 

Generally, Onam is celebrated between the last week of August and the first week of September. If you want to be a part of this festivity, pack your bags, book a self-drive car rental service, and set off on a trip into the very heart of God’s Own Country. In this article, let’s explore more about Onam celebration in Kerala with an exciting road trip. 

Significance and Traditions of Onam Celebrations

Every monsoon, Kerala’s landscapes turn vibrant, and the state becomes a living picture of flowers, music, and tradition. This is the time when Onam is celebrated. Onam is not just a festival, but a sincere celebration of the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali, the spirit of unity, and the prosperity of the harvest season.

Onam is celebrated between August and September in the Malayalam month of Chingam. In 2025, the 10-day festivities commence on August 26th. However, the highlight of the festival, known as Thiruvonam, is on September 5th, the day of the grand celebration. 

Onam is the biggest festival in Kerala that showcases ancient customs and cultural vibrancy. Ten days of celebrations mark the mythical return of King Mahabali to his Kingdom, whose reign is said to be the golden era of the state. For tourists, Onam is an invitation to witness some of the most exquisite heritage, hospitality, and festive environment that Kerala has to offer.

What makes a Road Trip during Onam Special?

A road trip across Kerala during the Onam festival is not about the journey itself; it is about driving right into a festival that includes the journey. As you glide through the lush green paddy fields wedged between serene backwaters and misty hills, you can look forward to a journey of tradition, cuisine, and culture as you stop at floral carpets, local feasts, and vibrant performances. Onam becomes a festival where the road is also part of the narrative.

Here are some suggested routes to discover the flavor of Onam in Kerala:

Road Trip During Onam: Route 1

Kochi → Thrissur → Palakkad → Malampuzha

1. Kochi 

You can start from Kochi, which, during Onam, bursts with colorful Pookalam competitions and fantastic floral arrangements. Fort Kochi has quite a few spectacular cultural performances, including Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. The ambiance is complemented by an overwhelming menu from Traditional restaurants, offering the special Onam Sadya, which allows you to enjoy the wholesome delights of Kerala and satisfy your taste buds.

2. Thrissur

After exploring Kochi, you can drive to Thrissur, which is another excellent place to witness the Onam celebrations. Pulikali, Kerala’s famous tiger dance, is one of the highlights here. On the fourth day of Onam, on Thrissur Swaraj Round, the whole space lights up with men painted like tigers dancing along with drums. The streets are alive with color, music, and fans of the festival, creating a festive vibe you won’t forget.

3. Palakkad 

In Palakkad, the festival of Onam is marked by vibrant temple celebrations featuring traditional performances such as Chenda Melam (drum ensembles). The district also includes delightful celebrations in its villages where locals participate in folk games and share a community dinner.

If you want to see Onathallu, Kerala’s traditional Onam wrestling competition, Palakkad is the place to be. Also known as Kayyamkali or Avittathallu, this semi-contact martial arts form is popular in North and Central Kerala. Onathallu takes place on the afternoon of Thiruvonam immediately after completing the grand Onasadya feast. Onathallu consists of two competitors grappling with each other, attempting to bring one another to the ground; the one who first does so is the winner.

4. Malampuzha

You can end this road trip at Malampuzha. The gardens in Malampuzha are richly adorned with fresh flowers during Onam, creating an inviting and colorful setting. The evenings are filled with cultural programs that contrast with the daytime activities, including lively folk dances and the traditional music of Kerala.

Road Trip During Onam: Route 2

Alleppey (Alappuzha) → Kumarakom → Kottayam → Thiruvananthapuram

5. Alappuzha 

Another fascinating road trip includes destinations like Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram. Alleppey is a destination that you can’t miss during your trip to Kerala. Here, you can celebrate Onam differently with a houseboat stay on the waters of Alleppey. You can kick back in a festive atmosphere and catch a glimpse of the rustic feel of nearby villages. As you cruise through Alleppey’s beautiful backwaters, you can indulge in an Onasadya meal as well. This is a great and unique experience that will stay with you for sure.

6. Kumarakom

Kumakakom is one of Kerala’s tourist paradises with its picturesque greenery and one of the best hotels and resorts in the state. This can be your next stop on this route. If you are looking to experience Onam in this destination, stay the night for an authentic and immersive way to experience the festival and soak in the cultural magnificence of Onam with fabulous traditional Onam Sadya feasts, creative performances, and colorful Pookalams. 

7. Kottayam 

In Kottayam, Onam is celebrated with great fervor. The district administration, District Tourism Promotion Council, and Kottayam municipality collectively organize district events that include boat races, cultural programs, and other festivities. A major attraction is the festival at the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, which features a ten-day celebration of traditional rituals and festivities.

8. Thiruvananthapuram

The last destination on this trip can be Trivandrum, where you can enjoy the grand Onam celebration. The city is filled with lights, decorations, and a fun-filled atmosphere throughout the week. Pookalam competitions and stage shows are held across the city along with dance competitions, folk performances, and craft fairs. On Thiruvonam day, you can see the grand procession of elephants and colorful floats showcasing the rich culture of the state as part of the Onam celebration in Trivandrum. 

Onam Highlights that are a Must-Experience in Kerala

Onam is incomplete without Pookalam, Vallam Kali, Onam Sadya, and different cultural events hosted across the state:

• Pookalam (Floral Carpets):
  Pookalam is the sumptuous flower arrangements in courtyards to form a floral carpet. It represents prosperity and the welcoming of King Mahabali. Women arrange these flowers on the floor of the central entrances of their homes and temples, and decorate them with lamps. Pookalam is similar to Rangoli decoration in northern India, and Pookalam competitions are held in all parts of Kerala.  
 
• Vallam Kali (Snake Boat Races):
  Exciting boat races in which teams of rowers are thrusting in unison while crowds cheer in the backwaters of Kerala. Competitions or boat races are held for snake boats, traditional boats, and paddled longboats. People sing Vachipaatu, which is the boat song during the snake boat race, to cheer the rowers and entertain the crowd. You can see this lively event on the Pampa River in Alappuzha’s backwaters during Onam.
 
• Onam Sadya (Traditional Feast):
  Sadya, or a banquet in Malayalam, is a grand vegetarian meal served on banana leaves comprised of over 29 dishes showcasing Kerala’s diverse cuisine.
 
• Cultural Events:
  You can experience Kathakali dance dramas, Pulikali or tiger dance, and other traditional music that brings folklore to life. Thiruvathirakali is another dance form popular in Onam. Here, women perform a traditional dance on the day of Onam. Kummattikali and Onam Kali are some other forms of dance to witness during Onam. 

Travel Tips for a Road Trip to Explore Kerala’s Onam Celebrations

Best time to Visit:

• Onam is celebrated during the month of Chingam, which falls in August-September.
 
• Schedule your trip to Kerala a few days before the main day of Thiruvonam, to soak up the entire festival atmosphere.

Packing Essentials:

Pack your suitcase with:

• Good walking shoes for wandering around the festival venues.
 
• Get a camera/phone for taking pictures of the colourful moments.
 
• Rain gear (umbrella or raincoat) just in case the monsoon is still hanging around.
 
• Reusable water bottle and medicines.

Local Etiquette:

• Do not be excessively revealing when visiting temples or participating in customs.
 
• Remove your shoes when entering homes or holy places.
 
• Accept the Onam Sadya (the feast) with both hands as a mark of respect.
 
• Be polite when photographing local people- always ask first.
 
• Abide by the local traffic rules, particularly when you are near busy areas of festivals.

To Conclude 

Traveling through Kerala by road during Onam is more than just travel; it’s an unforgettable journey of stories, tastes, and traditions. With every mile, you experience the festive pulse of the state, giving you the astounding combination of visual interaction and cultural extravagance. To make your road trip hassle-free and comfortable, you can book a Revv car rental in Trivandrum to explore the best places at your own pace and experience the true colors of Onam in Kerala.