What to know about a March Vacation in South India

Photo by: Adarsh Padegal/flickr/CC

Today we are taking a look at visiting South India in March. We will review the important information related to weather, prices, crowds and special events. Before we jump to details, about South India in March, we just want to say that it is a shoulder season and if you find a right flight deal don’t think twice!
 

What is the weather like in South India in March?

The weather in general is quite nice – especially if you are coming in from the chiller parts of the world this time of year. By mid-march, South India starts showing trends of summer with the higher temperatures being noted in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Kerala also starts moving towards summers and it gets a bit humid.

The summers start by mid-March, so it is generally quite nice especially if you come from chiller parts of the world

The rainfall is almost non-existent in this period in Tamil Nadu & Karnataka while Kerala keeps its suspense with some short showers. The below graphic will give you an idea of the weather throughout the year in Kerala.

 

Vacation Prices & Crowds for South India in March

March marks the end of the peak travel season to South India in general. There will be a flow of international travellers till mid-march when the climate still remains favourable. There will be normal crowds in the first half and then it will taper down. Some special festivals and events will pull in local travellers.

The foreign travel flow starts tapering by March, rates are just above average. Special events will attract local travellers

As per our analysis of the cycle of Kerala resort/hotel rates, March rates are just above average and you will get favourable rates on accommodation in the second half of the month at all destinations in South India.

 

Another big cost component for a South India vacation is the airfare and it tends to fluctuate more the hotel rates. Let us just say that we have got some real awesome flight deals to South India in the past for the month of March.

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

The month of March is largely noted for Holi – the festival of colours. While it is celebrated all over India, the celebration at Mathura in North India is the most famous. South India too has a lot up its sleeve in March, here are a few highlights:

Kerala in March

Arattupuzha Pooram

The oldest of all poorams and also termed the mother of all poorams in kerala because of its sheer magnitude and grandeur. It features the largest number of percussion artists and decorated elephants in a temple festival in India.

Venue: Arattupuzha Temple

Location: Arattupuzha, Thrissur, Kerala

Estimate date: Mid –March – early April depending on local calendar

International Paragliding festival

For adventure enthusiasts, this is an event not be missed. Every year Kerala Tourism with ASSTA organises a paragliding festival which attracts visitors from all over the globe. There are tandem rides organised for amateurs to get a feel of the gliding experience.

Location: Vagamon, Kerala

Estimate date: 10 days in March

Parippally Gajamela

Gajamela literally means festival of elephants. This event gives the opportunity witness the grand spectacle of a procession parading 50 caparisoned elephants. The parade happens on the last day of the 10 day temple festival.

Venue: Kodimoottil Bhagavathy Temple

Location: Parippally, Kollam, Kerala

Estimate date: Early March (One day)

Thirunakkara Pakalpooram

This is a wonderful elephant pageant organised as part of the ten day annual temple festival. Imagine the sight of two rows of decorated tuskers in their ceremonial attire and throngs of crowds creating a festival mood.

Venue: Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple

Location: Kottayam, Kerala

Estimate date: Mid March – Early April depending on local calendar

Peruvanam Pooram

This is an opportunity to see the traditional Kerala temple festival with elephants in traditional attire with colourful parasols. There are day and night elephant processions and musical ensembles like Panchavadyam and Pandimelam add rhythm to the procession.

Venue: Peruvanam Temple

Location: Cherpu, Thrissur, Kerala

Estimate date: Mid –March – early April depending on local calendar

Guruvayur temple festival

The temple festival here starts with a unique elephant race (Anayottam) tradition. Guruvayur temple is one the most renouned and oldest of all temples in Kerala.Numerous cultural programmes are also organised as part of the festival.

Venue: Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple

Location: Guruvayur, Thrissur

Estimate date: End February – Early March depending on local calendar

Attukal Pongala

The Pongala festival at Attukal is a Guiness record holding event for the largest single gathering of women for a religious activity (2.5 million). It is a spiritual experience which is open to all women willing to participate irrespective of religion. The offering is to cook for the goddess.

Venue: 5 km radius of Attukal Devi Temple

Location: Thiruvananthapuram

Estimate date: End February – Early March depending on local calendar

Chettikulangara Bharani

This unique festival is under consideration to be bestowed Intangible cultural heritage status by UNESCO. It presents an amazing visual treat with the ceremonious procession of dazzlingly decorated structures. It is a testimony to the aesthetic expertise of the local people.

Venue: Chettikulanagara Devi Temple

Location: Mavelikkara, Alapuzha

Estimate date: Mid February – Early March depending on local calendar

Karnataka in March

Hoysala Mahotsava

The dance festival here at the magnificent Hoysala era temples is a celebration of Indian culture and heritage. The splendid Hoysala temples with their sculptural extravaganza make the perfect venue for this cultural feast with classical dance and music.

Venue: Hoysala Temples

Location: Belur-Halebid, Karnataka

Estimate date: one day Mid March

Have you been to South India in March? How was your visit? 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, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December.