Enchanting Kerala
November in Keralam: seven Journeys Worth Making
Seven reasons to travel differently this November
November is a month of journeys in Keralam. Pilgrims gather at churches and dargahs, temple streets prepare for chariot processions, devotees head towards the hills, and the waters of Ashtamudi get ready for a race. In North Malabar, the Theyyam season brings village shrines alive with ritual and music. For travellers, this is a good time to look beyond familiar destinations and discover the traditions that give each place its character.
Here are seven experiences to plan a journey around this November.
Parumala Perunnal
Parumala, Pathanamthitta
Thousands of devotees gather at St Peter's and St Paul's Orthodox Church to commemorate St Gregorios of Parumala, popularly known as Parumala Thirumeni, the first canonised saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church. Prayers, Holy Qurbana and processions mark one of Keralam's significant Christian pilgrimages.
Visit Parumala to discover the legacy of a saint whose influence extends far beyond the church that houses his tomb. The occasion also offers an insight into the faith and traditions of the Malankara Orthodox community.
Mannarasala Ayilyam
Mannarasala, Alappuzha
In the shaded groves of Mannarasala, serpent worship remains a living tradition. The annual Ayilyam festival at Sree Nagaraja Temple draws devotees for rituals and offerings associated with the serpent deities.
Make your way to Haripad to explore one of Keralam's distinctive sacred groves. Its wooded pathways and serpent shrines offer a glimpse into an old tradition in which faith and the natural world are closely connected.
Beemapally Uroos | From November 11
Beemapally, Thiruvananthapuram
The streets around Beemapally Dargah Shareef take on a festive air during the annual Uroos, also known as the Chandanakkudam Mahotsavam. The 11-day observance commemorates Sayyidhathunissa Beema Beevi and her son, Ashaikhu Sayidushaheed Maheen Aboobaker, whose tombs lie within the dargah.
The celebrations include devotional gatherings, a ceremonial flag hoisting and the distinctive Chandanakkudam procession. Devotees carry decorated earthen pots, filled with coins and coated with sandalwood paste, as offerings.
If you are in Thiruvananthapuram this November, make a visit to Beemapally part of your itinerary. Experience the procession and discover a significant chapter of the city's religious and cultural history. Dress modestly, respect prayer spaces and follow the organisers' instructions.
To know more, Click here.
Kalpathi Ratholsavam | November 14–16
Kalpathi, Palakkad
Elaborately decorated wooden chariots move through the historic agraharam at Kalpathi during the annual festival at Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple. Devotional music fills the streets as the community comes together for one of Palakkad's best-known temple festivals.
Come for the chariot processions, then take time to explore the traditional houses and narrow lanes of the agraharam. November 16 marks the coming together of the chariots, making it a particularly memorable time to visit.
Mandala season | From November 17
Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta
As Vrischikam (November–December) arrives, the forested hills of the Western Ghats begin to fill with pilgrims heading to Sabarimala, the sacred abode of Lord Ayyappa. The Mandala season marks one of the most significant periods in Keralam's religious calendar.
Worshipped as Dharma Sastha and revered at Sabarimala as a Naishtika Brahmachari (eternal celibate), Lord Ayyappa draws devotees from across India and beyond. The pilgrimage begins with 41 days of vratham, a period of spiritual discipline involving prayer, abstinence and a simple way of life. Traditionally dressed in black or blue, devotees carry the Irumudi Kettu, a sacred bundle of offerings, as they make their way to the shrine. The observance culminates in the Mandala Pooja, followed by the Makaravilakku season in January.
From the banks of the Pamba River to the steep forest trail and the sacred eighteen steps leading to the shrine, the landscape is woven into the pilgrimage.
You may encounter pilgrims in black or blue attire on trains, buses and along the highways. Be considerate, respect their observances and give them space for their journey. Those planning a pilgrimage should check temple opening schedules, virtual queue bookings and access regulations in advance. The surrounding forests are ecologically sensitive, so avoid littering and respect wildlife.
To know more about Sabarimala and its rituals, click here.
Theyyam season | October onwards
North Malabar | Kannur and Kasaragod
In North Malabar, gods arrive to the beat of drums. The Theyyam season is underway, bringing the sacred groves and kavus of Kannur and Kasaragod alive with ritual, colour and percussion. Elaborate costumes, vivid face paintings and powerful performances give form to local legends, ancestral beliefs and folk deities. Each Theyyam has its own story, passed down through generations.
Make North Malabar part of your November itinerary. Explore its village shrines, check local Theyyam schedules and plan your visit around a performance. Some rituals take place late at night or continue into the early hours, so check timings before setting out.
Remember that Theyyam is a sacred ritual, not a staged show. Dress modestly, follow the customs of the shrine and seek permission before taking photographs. Avoid flash photography, obstructing ritual spaces or crowding performers. If a ritual involves fire, maintain a safe distance. Above all, allow the experience to unfold on its own terms.
To know more about where to see Theyyam, click here
President's Trophy Boat Race | November 21
Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam
At Ashtamudi, long snake boats bring the backwaters alive with the rhythm of oars and the energy of competing crews. The President's Trophy Boat Race celebrates the teamwork, endurance and sporting traditions that have long been part of life on Keralam's waterways.
Head to Kollam to watch the lake turn into a sporting arena. Arrive early to find a good viewing spot, then spend some time exploring the backwater settlements and the landscapes around Ashtamudi.
Make November a month of discovery
From the sacred groves of Mannarasala to the festival streets of Beemapally and Kalpathi, from the pilgrimage routes of Sabarimala to the ritual landscapes of North Malabar, November offers many ways to experience Keralam beyond its familiar attractions.
Follow the festival calendar, take the road less travelled and spend time with the places and communities behind these traditions. There is much to discover when you travel beyond the usual itinerary.
