Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, is a spectacular celebration marked by colorful festivities, grand feasts (Onasadya), boat races, and cultural performances. It’s the best time to visit Kerala and immerse yourself in its rich traditions.
If you’re looking for the best Onam festival tour packages, this guide covers everything—top destinations, cultural experiences, special events, and curated travel packages to make your Onam trip unforgettable.
Why Visit Kerala During Onam?
✅ Vibrant Festivities – Pookalam (floral rangoli), Pulikali (tiger dance), and Kathakali performances.
✅ Grand Onasadya Feast – A 26-dish vegetarian meal served on banana leaves.
✅ Thrilling Snake Boat Races – Witness the famous Vallamkali races in Alleppey & Punnamada Lake.
✅ Cultural Extravaganza – Traditional music, dance, and martial arts displays.
✅ Best Time for Tourism – Pleasant weather with lush greenery post-monsoon.
Best Onam Festival Tour Packages in Kerala
Here are some top Onam tour packages to experience Kerala’s grand celebration:
1. Classic Onam Cultural Tour (5 Days / 4 Nights)
📍 Destinations: Kochi – Alleppey – Kumarakom – Munnar
💰 Starting Price: ₹25,000 per person
Highlights:
✔ Onam Sadya feast at a traditional Kerala home
✔ Snake boat race experience in Alleppey
✔ Kathakali & Kalaripayattu performances
✔ Houseboat stay with Onam-themed decorations
2. Luxury Onam Getaway (7 Days / 6 Nights)
📍 Destinations: Trivandrum – Kovalam – Thekkady – Kochi
💰 Starting Price: ₹45,000 per person
Highlights:
✔ Private Onasadya dining at a 5-star resort
✔ Cultural tour of Trivandrum’s Onam celebrations
✔ Spice plantation visit in Thekkady
✔ Ayurvedic spa & wellness sessions
3. Budget-Friendly Onam Experience (4 Days / 3 Nights)
📍 Destinations: Kochi – Athirappilly – Thrissur
💰 Starting Price: ₹15,000 per person
Highlights:
✔ Thrissur’s grand Onam procession (Thripunithura Athachamayam)
✔ Visit Athirappilly Waterfalls
✔ Street food & shopping in Kochi markets
✔ Traditional Onam games (Vallamkali, Tug of War)
Best Places to Celebrate Onam in Kerala
1. Kochi – The Cultural Hub
- Fort Kochi Carnival – Parades, dances, and music
- Onam Sadya at Brunton Boatyard – Authentic feast experience
- Kathakali & Theyyam shows
2. Thrissur – The Land of Festivals
- Pulikali (Tiger Dance) – Artists painted as tigers dance to folk beats
- Athachamayam Procession – Grand cultural parade
- Thrissur Pooram-style celebrations
3. Alleppey – The Venice of the East
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race – Biggest snake boat competition
- Onam-themed houseboat cruises
- Village tours & traditional games
4. Trivandrum – The Capital City
- Onam exhibitions at Kanakakunnu Palace
- Beachside celebrations at Kovalam
- Shopping for Onam souvenirs at Chalai Market
5. Munnar – The Hill Station Retreat
- Tea garden visits with Onam decorations
- Bonfire & cultural nights in resorts
- Trekking & nature walks
Special Onam Festival Experiences
✔ Onasadya Cooking Class – Learn to make traditional dishes
✔ Pookalam Competitions – Try making floral rangolis
✔ Vallamkali (Boat Race) Participation – Cheer for your favorite team
✔ Elephant Processions (See Thrissur-style celebrations)
✔ Shopping for Onam Specials – Kasavu sarees, handicrafts, & banana chips
Best Time to Visit Kerala for Onam
📅 Onam 2025 Dates: August 20 – August 31
📅 Thiruvonam (Main Day): August 29, 2025
Ideal Travel Period:
- August 15 – September 5 (Best festive atmosphere)
- Post-Onam (September) – Fewer crowds, still lush greenery
How to Reach Kerala for Onam?
✈ By Flight:
- Mumbai/Delhi/Bangalore → Kochi/Trivandrum (2-3 hours)
- Hyderabad/Chennai → Calicut (1.5-2 hours)
🚆 By Train:
- Ernakulam (Kochi), Trivandrum, Thrissur – Well-connected from major cities
🚗 By Road:
- Bangalore → Munnar (6-7 hrs)
- Chennai → Trivandrum (12-14 hrs)
Travel Tips for Onam Festival Tour
✔ Book Early – Hotels & flights fill up quickly
✔ Dress Traditionally – Try a Kasavu Mundu/Saree
✔ Carry Cash – Many local vendors don’t accept cards
✔ Respect Customs – Remove footwear before entering temples/homes
✔ Try Local Sweets – Payasam, Unniyappam, Banana Halwa
Conclusion
Onam is the best time to experience Kerala’s culture, food, and traditions. Whether you choose a luxury retreat, a cultural tour, or a budget-friendly trip, Kerala during Onam is magical.
🎉 Book Your Onam Festival Tour Package Now & Celebrate Like a Local!
