Top Places to Visit in Kerala During Onam with a Rental Car

Onam - the festival that everyone in Kerala looks forward to. It is not just a festival. It is what blends the feelings of myth, tradition, culture, and joy into one grand celebration. Families come together, houses are adorned with pookalams (floral rangolis), and every corner of “God’s Own Country” radiates festive spirit. But what makes Onam truly special is that each region of Kerala celebrates it in its own unique way.

So, what if you are on the lookout for the best places to visit in Kerala during Onam? Well, before you go on a search mode, let us introduce you to IndusGo. Renting a car with IndusGo is the most convenient way to go. You get the flexibility to travel at your own pace and witness the festivities across cities, towns, and villages without missing a thing.

The significance of Onam

Onam is much, much more than a festival. It is the soul of Kerala. 

But what is the significance of Onam? What makes it so special? 

• It is the festival of harvest. The festival signifies abundance and prosperity. 

• It also symbolises the homecoming of King Mahabali. It is believed that the benevolent king visits his people during Onam. 

• The festival also unites people from across all religions and backgrounds. 

• It is also a means to showcase a rich heritage of art, culture and traditional games. 

In essence, during Onam, the entire Kerala is in a festive mood. 

Best Places to Celebrate Onam in Kerala

Well, Onam is the name of the game across every city and village of Kerala during the season. But, what are the Places to visit during Onam in Kerala? 

Tripunithura (Kochi, Ernakulam)

The city is known well enough for the Athachamayam procession. In fact, this procession marks the beginning of Onam festivities. 

The city hosts multiple cultural activities and events all throughout the 10 days of the Onam festival. That should make it the best place to visit during Onam. 

Key attractions

• Watch the cultural and traditional dance forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Pulikali, and Theyyam performances.

• Percussion music at Layam ground. 

• A great and grand cultural fiesta. 

Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram)

The capital city of Kerala comes to life with lights and frenzy during the week long celebrations. You can visit the palace and experience the glory of the festival to your heart's content. 

Key attractions 

• Week long merriment

• Street parades featuring Pookalam (sprout cover) contentions

• Street walks that include a motorcade that includes elephants, floats, and society performers.

• Cultural shows at Kuthiramalika Palace

• Take a peaceful break at Kovalam Beach

Thrikkakara Temple (Ernakulam)

Visiting the Thrikkakara Temple during Onam makes a huge difference in itself. It is the only temple dedicated to Vamana avatara in Kerala. In fact, it is believed that it is with the Vamana avatara and this place that the Onam festival originated. 

Key attractions 

• Pakalpooram, where the deity is taken in a procession around the temple grounds. 

• Tiruvona Sadya at the temple – Attended by almost everyone from Kerala. 

Thrissur

Thrissur is known as the social capital of Kerala. That makes it the best option for enjoying Onam celebrations. You can witness a comprehensive range of events in the city. 

Key attractions 

• The streets come alive with Pulikali (Tiger Dance) and Kummatti Kali.

• Visit Vadakkunnathan Temple and take a side trip to Athirappilly Waterfalls.

• Get drenched in colour and festive spirit

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey is known for its backwaters and boat races. It further provides you with an excellent zeal for celebrating the festivities during Onam. 

Key attractions 

• Enjoy the houseboats with pookalams and Onasadya served onboard.

• Enjoy the thrilling Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada Lake.

• Visit Pathiramanal Island for natural beauty.

Aranmula (Pathanamthitta)

Aranmula is yet another worthy location to enjoy the spirit of Onam in a very captivating and exciting way. The boat race here makes it all the more interesting.

Key attractions 

• Home of the Aranmula Snake Boat Race—a spectacle of rhythm and unity rather than competition.

• Visit the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple.

• Singing traditional boat songs. 

Palakkad

Palakkad is yet another best places to visit during Onam. It is home to a special wrestling sport called Onathallu. It takes place during Thiruvona. 

Key attractions 

• Famous for Onathallu (wrestling sport) and Kayyamkali (martial dance).

• Explore Palakkad Fort, Silent Valley National Park, and Malampuzha Dam.

Kannur

Want to enjoy the Theyyam dance in style? Kannur is the perfect choice to do that during Onam. The dance is considered to be the dance of the Gods. 

Key attractions 

• Celebrate Onam with the Theyyam ritual dance in the Malabar region.

• Relax at Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach or explore St. Angelo Fort.

Kochi

Kochi is known for being a combination of tradition and modernity. You can enjoy the essence of the nation and metropolitan Kerala. 

Key attractions 

• A perfect mix of tradition and modernity.

• Explore pookalam competitions, Onam feasts, and pageants across the city.

• Visit Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, Bolgatty Palace, and Chinese Fishing Nets.

Kollam

The historical port city of Kerala becomes more enjoyable during Onam. You can find the perfect amalgamation of the festivities with the trade and culture of Kerala. 

• Peaceful Onam celebrations with boat races at Ashtamudi Lake

• Visit Thangassery Lighthouse and Kollam Beach.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is one of the most peaceful destinations to celebrate Onam. The calm backwaters here make the destination an excellent one for enjoying the local vibes. 

Key attractions

• Serene backwaters and Vembanad Lake. 

• Spot migratory birds at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Wayanad

Move away from the bustling cities during Onam? Wayanad offers lush green landscapes, and cool weather. You ca also get an intimate glimpse into Kerala’s tribal heritage.

Key attractions 

• Celebrate Onam amidst cool climate, tea estates, and tribal communities.

• Visit Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, and Banasura Sagar Dam.

Munnar

The city is known for rolling tea plantations and misty hills. It is a picture-perfect destination to experience Onam in a tranquil setting. 

Key attractions 

• Experience Onam in a hill station surrounded by tea gardens.

• Key attractions include Eravikulam National Park and Mattupetty Dam.

Kozhikode

The region is known as the land of spices and Malabar cuisine. Kozhikode is best suited for enjoying the different flavours of Onam celebrations. 

Key attractions 

• Known for authentic Malabar cuisine during Onam.

• Visit Tali Temple and bustling markets.

Varkala 

The city is perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is a beach town where Onam takes on a coastal charm.

Key attractions 

• Unique Onam celebrations by the cliffs and pristine beaches.

• Visit Sivagiri Mutt and Janardana Swami Temple.

Key Celebrations and Activities in Kerala

Onam is all about the cultural kaleidoscope. Each of the activities and performances here reflects Kerala’s heritage and spirit of unity. 

Here’s a closer look at the most iconic celebrations and traditions of Onam –

Pookalams

Pookalam is known as the floral Rangolis. They are created in courtyards and public spaces using fresh flowers. The colourful design offers prosperity and is seen as a welcome to King Mahabali.

Songs 

The traditional songs like Onappattukal are sung during festivities. They are set to provide a joyful mood for community gatherings. 

Thiruvathirakali 

These dance forms are performed by women in traditional attire. The dances have movements that are slow and graceful. 

Boat races

Backwaters from Kerala come alive with the thrilling snake boat races. You would find the energy, drum beats, and synchronised rowing make it an excellent option. 

Pulikali

Pulikali or Tiger Dance is quite unique to  Thrissur. The folk art has performers painting themselves as tigers and hunters. That creates a lively and playful spectacle.

Cultural Programs & Stage Shows

Across Kerala, towns and villages host Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Chakyarkoothu, and drama performances during Onam week. These shows highlight Kerala’s classical and folk art traditions.

Onasadya

Onsadya is a grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. It includes up to 26 dishes such as sambar, avial, thoran, olan, and payasam. It’s a symbol of abundance, unity, and Kerala’s hospitality.

Athachamayam Procession

This is held in Tripunithura. It is a colourful street procession marks the start of Onam. It comes with decorated elephants, floats, folk dancers, musicians, and artists participate. That makes it one of the grandest events of the festival.

Pookalam Contests 

Communities, schools, and organisations host floral carpet competitions. That should enhance the cultural experience. 

Pakalpooram

It is a special ritual at Thrikkakara Temple. The deity is taken out in a grand procession atop a decorated elephant. Cultural performances and fireworks accompany the ritual. These attract large crowds.

Kummatti Kali

It is a vibrant folk art performed mainly in central Kerala. The dancers wear colourful wooden masks and costumes made of grass. Children often join in, going door-to-door for treats, much like Halloween.

Onathallu

A traditional martial art performed mainly in Palakkad, Onathallu, involves physical sparring matches between men. It symbolises strength, discipline, and valour, often held after the grand Onasadya.

Together, these celebrations make Onam not just a festival. But, it is made a living cultural experience. That is something you can only truly witness. But, you need to be in Kerala during this time.

Mythological Origin of Onam

The joyous celebrations of Onam have a beautiful legend behind them. Kerala was once ruled by King Mahabali. He was a benevolent ruler beloved for his fairness and generosity. His reign was considered a golden era, where peace and prosperity flourished.

However, the gods grew concerned about his growing influence. To restore balance, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Vamana, a humble dwarf Brahmin. When Mahabali offered him a gift, Vamana asked for three paces of land. With two strides, Vamana covered the heavens and the earth. With the third, he gently placed his foot on Mahabali. He was sent to the netherworld.

Touched by Mahabali's devotion and humility, Vishnu permitted him to return once every year to visit his people. This annual homecoming of King Mahabali is celebrated as Onam. It is a reminder of his just reign and the values of love, equality, and prosperity.

Duration & Timing of the festivities 

Onam is a 10-day festival that falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September). 

• Atham: The first day, celebrated with pookalam designs and temple rituals.

• Uthradam & Thiruvonam: The ninth and tenth days, considered the most auspicious, are filled with feasts, prayers, and family gatherings.

• Post-Thiruvonam: Celebrations continue in some regions with community events, boat races, and cultural programs.

For visitors, this 10-day window is the perfect time to witness Kerala in its most festive, colourful, and welcoming mood.

Go Anywhere This Onam with IndusGo

Kerala transforms into a vibrant experience of culture during Onam. The best way to explore the places to celebrate Onam in Kerala is by road. Check out IndusGo’s reliable self-drive car rentals. You have the freedom to design your own festive journey. Trust us for the best places to visit during Onam. 

• Travel at your own pace without relying on public transport or rigid schedules.

• Cover multiple destinations in a single trip. For example, from Pulikali in Thrissur to the boat races in Alleppey and Aranmula.

• Choose from a wide range of vehicles. They are perfectly maintained and suited for families, groups, or solo travellers.

So, you’re watching the streets of Kochi light up with pookalam contests, or cruising on a houseboat in Kumarakom? Or are you experiencing the thrill of Vallam Kali? IndusGo provides your journey with a smooth, comfortable, and memorable experience.

This Onam, discover Kerala's traditions, colours, and celebrations with the freedom of IndusGo.