Wall-to-wall carpets
Don’t miss the elaborate floral rugs, called Onapookkalam, that are created each morning during Onam to welcome King Maveli. These are usually displayed in the courtyards of private homes, so make friends and get an invitation to check them out!
Masked dancing
Kummattikali is the colorful mask-dance that is performed during Onam. Participants don heavily painted masks representing Hindu gods, and costumes made from woven grass and go door to door, dancing and collecting small gifts for their performance.
Save room for dessert
Payasams, a type of dessert similar to a rice pudding, are the highlight of the Onasadya. Although there are several variations on this dish, the classic payasam is made using boiled rice, milk and jaggery, a type of sugar. It can be flavored with any number of additional items, such as pistachios, raisins and cardamom.
Snake boats
The beautiful Aranmula Snake Boat races take place at Punnamada Lake in the district of Alappuzha.
Trivandrum Airport (TRV)
Fly into Trivandrum Airport, a major international airport in Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram.
Go through the official Tourism Board to plan a homestay
Since Onam is a festival that is celebrated in private homes as much as it is in public, doing a homestay is a great way to immerse yourself in the experience.