Keralites Embrace Leisure Travel During Onam Festivities

Thiruvananthapuram, India Aug 25, 2026 ALN: Preetha Cheerambathel, 56, wore the look of quiet contentment that comes from fulfilling a long-cherished wish as she stepped out after partaking in the famed Vallasadya — the grand ritual feast associated with Onam — at the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple in Pathanamthitta district. This temple is not only a significant religious site but also a cultural landmark in , known for its stunning architecture and vibrant festivals that draw thousands of devotees and tourists alike.

The feast was part of a budget pilgrimage package run by KSRTC, covering five temples linked to the mythical Pandavas across Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts. The Pandavas, central figures in the Indian epic Mahabharata, are deeply rooted in the cultural consciousness of the region, making these temples popular pilgrimage sites during the festival season. Preetha and her husband Sidharthan from Punnayurkulam in Thrissur had long wanted to experience the Vallasadya. Last year, however, they missed out as the nearest KSRTC depot at Ponnani did not operate a trip under the package.

“So when it was announced this time, we grabbed the opportunity. We gathered a group of friends and relatives to join us, and the experience was thoroughly enjoyable,” says Preetha, a regular patron of KSRTC’s budget tourism packages tailored to fulfill the travel dreams of commoners. This increasing interest in budget travel options reflects a broader trend among Keralites who are keen on exploring their rich cultural heritage without straining their finances.

And the cash-strapped KSRTC is not complaining, as it taps into the Onam season, which is fast emerging as a favourite travel season for Keralites. The state-run transport corporation has been instrumental in promoting local tourism, offering affordable travel options that cater to families and groups looking to celebrate the festival in unique ways.

“We have scheduled 350 trips under the Temple package during this Onam season, which is a 50% increase from the previous season. Already, 200 trips have been operated from depots across the State, and services will continue until the Vallasadya concludes next month. Alongside Munnar and Gavi, this has become one of our most popular packages,” says R. Udayakumar, chief traffic manager, KSRTC Budget Tourism. Munnar, known for its tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes, and Gavi, famous for its eco-tourism initiatives, are both significant draws for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life during the festive season.

Yet, not all travellers are looking for domestic experiences. Overseas packages are also witnessing soaring demand during the festive season. “Onam is the second busiest travel season after the summer holidays, thanks to school vacations and bonuses for the salaried class. Vietnam has now emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations, overtaking the once-popular Singapore–Malaysia–Thailand circuit, offering rich experiences at affordable rates. Europe too remains a strong draw, as we are handling multiple groups in both circuits,” says Benny Panikulangara, a veteran of three decades in the tourism industry. This shift in travel preferences highlights the evolving landscape of tourism, where Keralites are increasingly exploring diverse international destinations, seeking unique cultural experiences that extend beyond traditional holiday packages.

Clint K. John, who runs a hospitality business and travels frequently during Onam, observes that the festival has transformed what was once a lean period for inbound tourism into a lively season. The influx of domestic and international tourists during this time boosts local economies and creates opportunities for small businesses. John notes that ’s reputation as a literate, safe destination - especially for women - amplified by social media posts from domestic and international visitors, has only added to the appeal, making it a preferred choice for those looking to experience the festival's vibrant culture.

Tapping Boat Races

K. Rajkumar, CEO of Travel Mart, could not agree more. “There is immense potential to develop Onam into a distinct cultural tourism season, separate from the domestic and international seasons that begin in October and November respectively. The tourism department can harness the popularity of boat races, our unique tourism product, by locking the Champions Boat League schedule at least a year in advance. Races are held across 12 venues starting with the Nehru Trophy in Alappuzha and ending with the President’s Trophy in Kollam. This would allow tour operators to include the races in brochures for targeted marketing of both national and international tourists,” he says. The boat races, particularly the Nehru Trophy, are a highlight of the Onam festivities, attracting large crowds and showcasing the traditional art of boat racing, which is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of .

However, not everyone is travelling this Onam. For K. Amina, who has been organising women-only tours for nine years, this is the first Onam she has had to cancel plans. The war in West Asia driving airfares sky-high derailed her Onam itinerary. A Thailand trip had to be scrapped after ticket prices soared to ₹45,000, compared to just over ₹26,000 for Bali last Onam. This stark increase in travel costs is a reflection of broader economic trends affecting global travel, including rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions that have disrupted air travel routes.

“Many airlines cancelled group bookings, forcing us to rebook at inflated rates, which wrecked our entire budget,” Amina rues. Her experience underscores the challenges faced by many in the travel industry, particularly those catering to niche markets such as women-only tours. The combination of increased costs and uncertainty in travel plans can deter potential travellers, highlighting the need for greater flexibility and support from the industry to adapt to changing circumstances.

As Onam continues to be celebrated, it remains a significant period for both domestic and international travel, reflecting the unique cultural identity of and the evolving preferences of its people. The festival not only promotes local tourism but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions while embracing new opportunities in the travel sector.