Kerala is known worldwide for its serene backwaters, misty hill stations, and cultural richness, but if there is one time when the state truly comes alive, it is during Onam. The festival is a ten-day extravaganza filled with colors, traditions, art, music, food, and festivities that showcase the very soul of “God’s Own Country.” For travelers, visiting Kerala during Onam is like stepping into a living museum of culture and heritage. With Pickuptrails – the best travel company in Kerala – you can experience Onam not as a tourist, but as part of the community, enjoying every ritual and event from an insider’s perspective.
The Legend Behind Onam: King Mahabali’s Homecoming
At the heart of Onam lies a beautiful legend. The festival celebrates the homecoming of King Mahabali, the mythical ruler of Kerala. Mahabali’s reign is remembered as a golden age where prosperity, equality, and peace thrived. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, sent Mahabali to the netherworld but granted him permission to visit his people once a year. Onam is that time when Keralites welcome their beloved king with joy, devotion, and festivities.
This story gives Onam its universal appeal — it is not just about religion but about values of unity, prosperity, and gratitude. For travelers, learning this legend while witnessing the celebrations adds emotional depth to the experience.
When and How Onam is Celebrated in Kerala
Onam usually falls in the month of Chingam (August–September), marking the harvest season in Kerala. The celebrations last ten days, beginning with Atham and ending with the grand Thiruvonam. Each day has its own significance and rituals, with traditions becoming grander as the festival progresses.
During these days, Kerala is at its most beautiful — homes are decorated, streets are bustling, and cultural programs take place across villages, towns, and cities. It is the best time for travelers to witness Kerala in its most authentic and joyous form.
Key Highlights of Onam Celebrations
Floral Carpets: The Art of Pookkalam
Every home creates a Pookkalam, an intricate floral carpet laid at the entrance to welcome King Mahabali. Fresh flowers are arranged in colorful patterns that grow larger and more elaborate each day. For visitors, watching families design Pookkalam together is heartwarming, and Pickuptrails arranges experiences where you can join locals in creating one yourself.
Onam Sadya: The Grand Feast
No Onam is complete without the Onam Sadya, a vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. A traditional Sadya can have up to 28 dishes, including sambar, avial, olan, thoran, pachadi, and payasam. It is not just a meal — it is a ritual of abundance and hospitality. With Pickuptrails, you get to savor authentic Onam Sadya either in heritage homes or at cultural festivals, ensuring you taste the true flavors of Kerala.
Vallamkali: The Thrill of Snake Boat Races
The iconic Vallamkali, or snake boat race, is one of Onam’s biggest attractions. Long, sleek boats rowed by hundreds of oarsmen race across Kerala’s backwaters in a display of teamwork, tradition, and raw energy. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alleppey is the most famous, drawing crowds from across the globe. Pickuptrails ensures you have the best seats and guided insights to truly enjoy the event.
Pulikali and Cultural Programs
Onam is also the season of Pulikali, or the tiger dance, where performers painted like tigers dance to drumbeats, creating a vibrant spectacle in the streets. Traditional dances like Thiruvathira, martial arts like Kalaripayattu, and classical performances of Kathakali and Mohiniyattam are staged everywhere during this period. Pickuptrails curates cultural evenings for travelers, so you can see multiple art forms in their most authentic setting.
Onam in Different Parts of Kerala
Onam is celebrated across Kerala, but each region has its own unique style. Kochi is known for cultural parades, decorated streets, and temple festivities. Thrissur, often called the cultural capital, hosts grand Pulikali performances. Alleppey is famous for Vallamkali, with thousands lining up along the backwaters. Trivandrum offers a mix of urban parades, Pookkalam contests, and Sadya feasts. Villages across Kerala maintain traditions in their purest form, giving travelers a glimpse of local life. Pickuptrails, being the best travel company in Kerala, combines these experiences into well-planned itineraries, ensuring you don’t miss any highlights.
Suggested Onam Travel Packages
A 3-day Onam package is ideal for travelers who want a quick taste of Kerala during the festival, covering Kochi’s Pookkalam contests, an authentic Sadya, and local cultural programs.
A 5-day Onam package takes you through Munnar’s hill stations and Thekkady’s spice plantations, along with Onam festivities like Pulikali and Thiruvathira.
For a complete cultural and scenic experience, a 7-day Onam package includes Alleppey’s boat race, Kochi’s cultural shows, Sadya experiences, and sightseeing in Kerala’s popular destinations.
If you want the ultimate holiday, a 10-day Onam tour covers Onam celebrations across multiple cities along with sightseeing in Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kovalam, and Trivandrum. With Pickuptrails, all packages are customizable, allowing you to focus on culture, food, nature, or a blend of everything.
Why Pickuptrails is the Best Travel Company in Kerala for Onam
Planning a trip during Onam can be overwhelming. Festivals mean large crowds, high demand for hotels, and limited availability of tickets for events like Vallamkali. That’s why having a trusted travel partner is crucial.
Pickuptrails, recognized as the best travel company in Kerala, ensures your Onam trip is smooth, authentic, and stress-free. From arranging Sadya feasts and cultural shows to booking houseboats and securing boat race tickets, we handle every detail. Our team of local experts knows where the real celebrations happen, and we take you beyond tourist attractions into the heart of Kerala’s traditions.
How to Book Your Onam Celebration Tour
Booking your Onam trip with Pickuptrails is simple. Contact us via WhatsApp or through our website, share your travel dates and preferences, and we’ll create a personalized itinerary for you. Within minutes, you’ll have a festival-focused travel plan with transparent pricing and flexible options. Once confirmed, we take care of everything — hotels, transport, activities, and round-the-clock assistance.
Final Thoughts
Onam is not just a festival in Kerala — it is an emotion that unites the people of the state and welcomes travelers into its warmth. From the floral beauty of Pookkalam and the joy of Pulikali to the thrill of Vallamkali and the richness of Sadya, every element of Onam tells the story of Kerala’s heritage.
With Pickuptrails – the best travel company in Kerala – you don’t just watch Onam, you live it. Whether you’re traveling for the first time or returning to Kerala, celebrating Onam here will be an unforgettable journey.
📞 Book your Onam celebration package today with Pickuptrails and step into Kerala’s grandest festival with the guidance of experts who know it best.
