Monsoon rains are expected to make a landfall in Kerala on May 27, but the State is already experiencing a heavy downpour.
Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) has announced major plans to help visitors make the best out of this season.
Monsoon enthusiasts have a variety of options to enjoy the heavy and refreshing downpour in Kerala, be it a rain walk, road trip, fun time at the beach, boating, monsoon sports or even just a dining experience enjoying the music of the thundershowers.
Here are a few things to keep in mind to make your experience hassle-free.
Carry extra masks
At a time in which the COVID cases are going up, you will have to wear a mask whenever in public, and the rain can possibly make it wet, if the monsoon is in the mood for some windy dance.
Make sure that you have at least one extra mask with you.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and news
Kerala monsoons can be a shape-shifter out of the blue, so it is better to take maximum precaution by keeping an eye on the forecast. If possible, also check the news to see that the routes and the roads you are going to take are operating smoothly.
Avoid rush hours
Getting stuck in traffic during the rain need not be a pleasant experience. Whenever possible, avoid the peak hours to enjoy your activity or reach your destination.
Avoid risky activities
Camping, rafting, canyoning, rock-climbing and the like can be quite risky during the monsoons, unless guided by experienced professionals who are aware of the seasonal challenges while undertaking these activities.
Be sure that you are taking the help of qualified professionals and talk to them to learn about their crisis mechanisms.
Wear climate-friendly clothes and footwear
Synthetic clothes that dry easily would be the best ones to pack for a monsoon trip. Those of you who can’t handle the chilly weather may also want to pack a waterproof jacket or two. Avoid footwear that aren’t waterproof and takes long hours to dry.
Carry the essentials
The essential items would differ as per your plan, but here are a few that might help all – a strong umbrella, waterproof backpack, raincoats, waterproof covers for your digital devices, power banks for unexpected power outages, medicines, extra clothes and towels, drinking water and insect repellants.
Eat healthy
Having a hot tea from a road-side shack during the monsoon, with some lovely music in your ears is a much-romanticised monsoon idea. However, waterborne diseases spread easily during the season and so, as far as possible, it’s better to go for the healthy options in food and drinks. You might not feel thirsty, but ensure that you drink enough water.
Finding the right massage therapist
Just as the right Ayurvedic massage would help your body, a bogus one can damage your muscles, bones and more. Make sure that you do enough research to ensure that the massage therapist you go for is a qualified professional and the therapy is done in a clean, safe environment. One can also go for the famed ‘karkidaka chikitsa’ if you find the right doctor.
