BEST TIME TO VISIT KERALA:

A SPECIAL FOCUS ON BEKAL'S WEATHER

The best time to visit Bekal depends on the kind of holiday you are planning, as each season brings different landscapes, activities and experiences. Kerala's year splits into three seasons, and each one lends its own character to Bekal.

• Winter (November to February) is the peak holiday season. Temperatures stay comfortable, usually between 18°C and 30°C, making it ideal for beach outings and sightseeing. Outdoor activities are most enjoyable. This is the season families and photographers tend to favour most.
• Monsoon (June to September) shows Kerala at its greenest. The rain brings the coastline to life, and the surrounding hills are washed in deep green. If you're searching for the best hotels to stay in Bekal during monsoon, Gateway Bekal offers the perfect setting to experience the season's beauty.
• Summer (March to May) brings a quieter side of Bekal. Days are sunny and warm, though sea breezes keep the coast from feeling oppressive. Early mornings and evenings are the best time to be outdoors, when the heat softens and the light turns golden over the water.

Bekal rewards visitors no matter the month, though certain experiences suit certain seasons better. Here is a closer look at what to plan for and when.

• Bekal Fort and its ramparts are the obvious starting point for any visit and one of the largest, best-preserved forts in Kerala. Its keyhole-shaped design overlooks the Arabian Sea, offering sweeping coastal views. Winter mornings bring the clearest skies, while sunset visits are ideal year-round. In summer, early mornings are the most comfortable time to explore.

Backwater cruises along the Bekal and Valiyaparamba stretch show a completely different side of the region, gliding past coconut groves, small fishing hamlets and quiet canals on a traditional houseboat. From June to September, the monsoon season transforms the backwaters with greener landscapes and a cooler, refreshing setting.

The Nityanandashram Caves, a set of rock-cut caves and an ashram, offer a tranquil retreat away from the coast. The cooler months are ideal for exploring the gardens and temple grounds, while the shaded caves provide a welcome respite even during summer.

Birdwatching around the backwaters and Valiyaparamba wetlands picks up from November through February, when migratory birds pass through the winter skies. Early mornings offer the best sightings.

Sunset views from Bekal Fort are spectacular year-round. Winter offers the clearest skies and vibrant colours, while monsoon sunsets, with rain clouds parting over the Arabian Sea, create a dramatic spectacle.

North Kerala's calendar is filled with festivals that add an extra layer to a Bekal trip.

• Theyyam, a centuries-old ritual performance, takes place from October through May. Dancers in elaborate costumes and vivid face paint create an experience unlike any other in India.
• Onam, Kerala's biggest harvest festival, is celebrated with vibrant flower carpets, exciting boat races and grand feasts across the state.
• Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, usually falls in mid-April, when families come together for the traditional Vishukkani ritual and a festive vegetarian meal.
• Temple festivals also add colour to the calendar. The Ananthapura Lake Temple and Madhur Temple celebrate their annual festival in March and April.

Bekal is more peaceful than many of Kerala's better-known beach destinations, and that is part of its appeal. It fuses heritage, beaches and backwaters within a small area, making every visit feel varied and rewarding. Staying at Gateway Bekal places you close to the region's top attractions and lets you experience the best of the destination in every season.

However you time your visit, Bekal has a way of showing you a different side of itself each season. Gateway Bekal sits along the backwaters close to the Arabian Sea, offering a peaceful base with comfortable rooms and suites, regional dining and wellness experiences.

Whether you visit in winter, monsoon, or summer, our luxury resort in Kerala is the perfect retreat for experiencing Bekal at its best.

Plan your visit to Bekal today! Visit the website to reserve a stay.