What to know about a July Vacation in South India

Photo by: Vythri Resort

When should you plan a visit to South India? Is July a good month for a Kerala vacation? We’ll explore all the important factors – weather, special events, hotel prices and crowds. This should help you decide if July suits your needs and desires for a South India vacation.
 

What is the weather like in South India in July?

July is the continuation of the monsoon season in South India. The landscape remains at its natural best. The rains start really sinking in and the coastal belts of Karnataka, Goa (850 mm) and Kerala (700 mm). The temperature will come down making for a moist, cool and humid time in South India.

The monsoon rains are a bit unpredictable, cool and humid times in South India

The rains are unpredictable and do cause minor inconveniences. However sightseeing is possible as it does not rain throughout the day. The below graphic will give you an idea of the weather throughout the year. 

 

Vacation Prices & Crowds for South India in July

July is also a relatively crowd-free time to travel into Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa or Karnataka. Towards the end of the month after the holy month of Ramadan, travellers from the Arab Nations flock to Kerala to experience the monsoons in all its glory. This is time will see crowds at all the destinations. If you are traveling to Kerala after Ramadan, kindly ensure you plan well in advance as rooms at all premium properties get filled in 2 months in advance. 

The rates are the cheapest, but post Ramadan week is very popular with travellers from the Middle East

As per our analysis of the cycle of Kerala resort/hotel rates, July is an excellent month to save on accommodations. In fact, it is one of the cheapest times of the year as you can see from the below graphic. However, as the Arab travel season starts by end of June, you can expect a small hike from average fares. 

 

As per our observation, the airfare rates for July travel to South India tend to be less.
 

Are there any special events, festivals or reasons to go to South India in July?

For locals, July is a month of religious significance. For Islam believers it is the holy month where they fast and for Hindus it is the month for reading the Ramayana and related religious activities. For travellers, besides ayurveda there are some activities to look forward too.

Goa in July

Dudhsagar Trek

Come the monsoons and the Dudhsagar trek is the biggest attraction for adventure lovers. Trek your way along the rail line with forest canopy and rail way tunnels. The Dudhsagar waterfalls set in the dense forest is among the most exquisite sights. A lot of opportunities for adventure lovers and shutterbugs here.

Best time: July-Oct

Kerala in July

Aanayootu or Elephant feeding

This is a ritualistic feeding ceremony in the premises of the temple in Thrissur. Thousands of people join in and feed the elephants as an offering.

Venue: Vadakumnathan Temple

Location: Thrissur, Kerala

Estimate date: End June – mid July depending on local calendar

Champakulam Boat Race

The Champakulam Moolam Boat race is the oldest boat race in Kerala. The event kicks off with boats decorated with colourful parasols, exotic water floats and performing artists, more like re-enacting a historic installation of the temple idol.

Venue: Pamba Riverside

Location: Chempakulam, Alleppey

Estimate date: End June – mid July depending on local calendar

Karnataka in July

Jog Falls

Sharavathi River Valley and Jog Falls is one of the most stunning places during the monsoons. It is the second highest plunge waterfall in India (830 feet). Plan this place as part of your Karnataka-Goa tour this monsoon.

Have you been to South India in July? How was your experience? If there is something that we have missed or needs updates, feel free to drop a comment. Our intention is to provide the most useful/updated resources for travel planning in this part of the world. Join the conversation with your suggestions for travellers in our comments section below.

This article is part of our month-by-month analysis to help you determine the best times to visit Kerala and South India in general. Check out these links for the other months covered in this series here: January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November and December.