Local Guide

A shimmering labyrinth of canals, paddy fields, and coconut groves stretching to the horizon. Drifting through these tranquil waterways on a traditional bamboo houseboat is one of those travel experiences that stays with you long after you get home. If you have a free day before or after the festival, Alleppey is the easy answer.

Rising 1,600 meters above sea level, Munnar is a rolling wonderland of tea estates, gushing waterfalls, and cool mist that drapes the peaks every morning. If the tropical August heat of Kochi starts to get to you, this is your escape hatch. The air is different up here and so is the pace.

Varkala is where dramatic red clay cliffs stand right at the edge of golden beach along the Arabian Sea. It is geologically unusual and visually striking. The clifftop walkway is lined with cafes, yoga shalas, and small shops, all facing out over the ocean. Sunsets here are something else.

Steeped in history, Fort Kochi is a melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Chinese influences. Wander past elegant colonial bungalows, browse contemporary art galleries, and view giant Chinese fishing nets drooping over the coastal horizon.

Wagamon is one of Kerala's quieter hill retreats — less known than Munnar but every bit as beautiful. Rolling green meadows, pine forests, and misty valleys make up most of the landscape, and on a clear morning the view from the hilltops feels almost unreal. There are no big crowds here, no rush, no noise. Just cool air, open grassland, and the kind of silence that reminds you why you needed a break in the first place. If you are extending your trip and want something off the beaten path, Wagamon delivers.

Athirapilly is the largest waterfall in Kerala — a thundering curtain of water dropping 80 feet through dense tropical forest on the edge of the Sholayar ranges. You hear it before you see it, and when it comes into view it is genuinely breathtaking. The surrounding Vazhachal forest reserve is one of the last habitats of four endangered species of hornbill, so the journey there is half the experience. August is peak monsoon season, which means the falls will be at their absolute fullest and most powerful right during the festival dates.

Wonderla is one of India's best amusement and water parks, and the Kochi branch sits conveniently close to the SmartCity area. With over 50 land and water rides ranging from high-speed roller coasters to lazy wave pools, it is a great way to completely switch off after two intense days of sessions and talks. Whether you are travelling with family or just a group of attendees who want to let off some steam, Wonderla delivers a full day of fun without needing to leave the city. August means monsoon season, so the water rides feel especially good in the warm humid air.

At 2,640 metres above sea level, Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in Kerala and one of the finest trekking destinations in all of South India. The trail winds through rolling shola grasslands, dense misty forests, and rocky ridgelines with views that stretch across the Western Ghats on a clear day. The name itself means "moustache of the mountain tiger" in Malayalam — and the landscape lives up to that dramatic title. The trek typically starts from Rhodo Valley near Munnar and takes 6 to 8 hours for a full summit and return. This is a destination for attendees who want to extend their trip by a day or two and experience Kerala's wilderness at its most raw