What to know about a November Vacation in South India

Photo by: Kerala Tourism

Are you considering a November vacation in South India? You may want to explore important factors like weather, prices, crowds and special events. This article should be able to help you decide if November is a time you would like to plan your South India Holiday.
 

What is the weather like in South India in November?

South India in November is the heart of the peak tourism season for Goa, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu with all the destinations offering a perfect time to travel to. Basically the temperature never reaches the extremes hovering in 20s to 30s.

Climate is awesome, light passing shower in the evenings, lot of events. Perfect time to travel

We do recommend that you bring a rain-proof jacket or umbrella so that a passing shower won’t interfere with your plans. The below graphic will give you an idea of the weather throughout the year. 

 

Vacation Prices & Crowds for South India in November

November is among the most popular months of travel to Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Travellers from across the globe and domestic travellers love this month to travel to South India. It is also a period of celebrations like Diwali and temple festivals making for an active time in this part of the world.

November is the heart of the tourism season, prices are slightly above average

As per our analysis of the cycle of Kerala resort/hotel rates, November prices are slightly above average but this time is certainly worth the visit because of the activities, cultural exposure and climate being at its best.

 

With the exception of the 10 days related to Diwali week, we have observed that the airfares to South India in November tend to be normal. If you are seriously considering November, we suggest that you begin monitoring fares 2 to 5 months ahead of visit.
 

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

The spirit of Diwali spreads through entire India and it is celebrated in different styles in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Besides Diwali there are other events to keep you engaged this November in South India.

Tamil Nadu in November

Karthigai Deepam

This the biggest festival in the Annamalayar temple. A huge lamp is lit in a cauldron, containing 3 tons of ghee at the top of the Annamalai hills. This is an intense spiritual experience for the locals and visitors alike.

Venue: Annamalayar temple

Location: Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

Estimate date: mid November

Kerala in November

Kalpathi Chariot Festival

With its music, colour and confluence of culture, Kalpathi Ratholsavam is the biggest tradition of the Malabar region. The event features 3 intricately carved and decorated chariots pulled through ancient Brahmin village settlements and Vedic chants being recited all the way till sunset.

Venue: Sree Viswanatha Swami Temple

Location: Kalpathi, Palakkad, Kerala

Estimate date: mid November

Thripurnitura Temple Festival

This is among the bigger temple festivals in Kerala. Besides the elephant processions a lot of programmes involving folk arts of kerala and classical arts of South India are organised during the festival.

Venue: Poornathrayesha Temple

Location: Near Outskirts of Kochi city

Estimate date: End October – Early November depending on local calendar

President’s Trophy Boat race

This is a very popular boat race which commemorates the birth of Kerala state. It is relatively new but receives good participation every year. The event is conducted in a beautiful stretch of the Kollam backwaters.

Venue: Ashtamudi Lake

Location: Ashtamudi, Kollam, Kerala

Estimate date: 1st November

Chembai Sangeetholsavam

It is an annual Carnatic Music festival held in Guruvayoor in which about 2000-2500 musicians participate every year.

Location: Guruvayoor, Kerala

Estimate date: 12-15 days upto Ekadasi (Late Nov – mid Dec)

Theyyam Season in North Kerala

Theyyam, also known as Kaliyattam is a popular ritual art form of North Kerala (Malabar). The performance happens interior villages in the open grounds near temples. This art form is noted for its elaborate headgear, music, mimes and dance which has its origin in tribal culture. Over 400 theyyams are performed over the season in Malabar and some temples like Parassinikadavu Muthappan temple in Kannur has Theyyam performed daily.

Venue: Open air temple premises in interior villages

Location: Kannur, Kasaragod (North Kerala or Malabar)

Estimate date: Specific dates Nov – April (Refer Theyyam Calendar)

Karnataka in November

Hampi Festival

The magnificent ruined city of Hampi, Karnataka, once the capital of the powerful Vijayanagar Empire, comes alive during the three-day festival of dance and music. The attempt is to recreate the grandeur of the bygone era by lighting up the entire area.

Location: Humpi, Karnataka

Estimate date: First week of November

Have you been to South India in November? 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, July, August, September, Octoberand December.