What to know about a September Vacation in South India

Photo by: Kerala Tourism

September is a fantastic month to visit South India. It is an active time in Kerala and being the shoulder season, rates are less and the weather is great. In this article, we will touch upon the important factors which will help you decide on a September vacation to South India.
 

What is the weather like in South India in September?

September sees the tempering down of the monsoons all over South India. The climate is very pleasing and cool with sun coming out to make for warm days. Day time temperatures at the plains average the 29^OC while the night time temperatures dip to around 22^OC. This mildly varies as it comes to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Expect only light showers, climate is cool with the sun coming out to make for warm days

There will be a bit of rainfall but certainly not as frequent as the months of June and July. It will advisable to carry along with you an umbrella or rainproof coat as an occasional shower shouldn’t come in the way of a fantastic holiday. The below graphic will give you an idea of the weather throughout the year in Kerala.

 

Vacation Prices & Crowds for South India in September

Over the last decade we have seen as steady rise in the popularity of September as a vacation time in South India. The crowds are certainly less than the peak period and being a shoulder season the weather is also very favourable. However the festival of Onam does attract a lot of tourists who wish to experience the cultural aspects of Kerala. Moreover, the first few weeks of September will see a big inflow of Keralites from all over the world travelling to Kerala to celebrate Onam. 

This is onam time in Kerala, so good flow of local travellers. Rates are lower than average in general but a very festive time

As per our analysis of the cycle of Kerala resort/hotel rates, September is a pretty inexpensive time to visit Kerala and South India in general.

 

The flight rates for the first two weeks of September are likely to be on the higher side as there is a spike in Keralite travellers travelling to their home towns to celebrate Onam. With low demand, for the rest of the month the flight rates are likely to be below average. Just be a bit early in your planning and you can avail early-bird discounts.
 

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

For the locals, September is a month of celebrations with the rains subsiding slightly. This is a happening time in South India. Below we have listed some events you could seriously consider if you are planning a visit in September.

Goa in September

Ganesh Chathurthi

This hindu festival involves the unique tradition of worshiping clay idols of Lord Ganesha and then immersing the idols in the sea. The clay idols come in various sizes and are intricately painted. The ‘Aarti’ carried out twice a day is a unique indian spiritual experience.

Location: Goa & Mumbai

Estimate date: End August – Mid Sept

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

Karnataka in September

Mysore Dasara

This is most extravagant festival of Mysore. The 10 day long festivities are marked by illumination of the Palace, procession with elephants, performing arts, doll shows and wrestling competitions. This time attracts travellers from all over the globe to Mysore.

Location: Mysore, Madikeri and famous Karnataka cities

Estimate date: End Sept – End October

Kerala in September

Athachamayam

Athachamayam loosely translated as Royal parade on Atham day marks the beginning of the 10th day Onam festival in Kerala. There isn’t a more colourful start to celebrations with decorated elephants, 50 odd floats, musicians and traditional art forms on display.

Venue: Thripunithura pathways

Location: Outskirts of Kochi, Kerala

Estimate date: End August – Sept depending on local calendar

Payippad Boat race

This yet another spectacular boat race of Kerala which has the largest participation of snake boats after Nehru Trophy Boat Race. This event is unique as it is the only 3 day water festival in Kerala and is marked by impressive colourful water pageants.

Venue: Payippad lake

Location: Near Harippad, Alleppey, Kerala

Estimate date: End August – Sept depending on local calendar

Thiruvonam Feast

This temple is the venue behind the myth of Onam. A feast which features the famous ‘Onasadya’ is the day’s speciality. It is a one of a kind community organised activity with 10000 people participating every year.

Venue: Thrikakkara Temple

Location: Kochi, Kerala

Estimate date: End August – Sept depending on local calendar

Pulikali or Tiger Dance

In one of the quirkiest traditions of Onam, you will see hundreds of men dressed up as tigers, dancing & pouncing to the beat of drums. The street procession generates a great deal of excitement with playful tigers hiding from gun wielding hunters.

Venue: Swaraj Round

Location: Thrissur, Kerala

Estimate date: End August – Sept depending on local calendar

Champakara boat race

A lively boat race held in the very narrow channel which is part of the national water highway connecting Eroor and Champakara. It is not a big as other famous boat races but is very close to Kochi.

Venue: Champakara

Location: Outskirts of Kochi, Kerala

Estimate date: End August – Sept depending on local calendar

Aranmula Vallasadya

This is the world’s largest traditional feast with 68 dishes. To take part in the feast, boatmen come in 138 ft long snake boats (palliyodams), rowing across the river, singing traditional songs (vanchipattu)

Venue: Pampa river, Aranmula

Location: Aranmula, Pathanamthita, Kerala

Estimate date: Mid July-October on specific dates

Have you been to South India in September? 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, October, November and December.