The Great Elephant March
Starting with grand welcome in Thrissur, the procession of 101 exquisitely decked elephants marches down the streets of Thrissur, Alappuzha and ends at Trivandrum. A display of culture and culinary are also the distinctive features of this event. The ceremonial feeding of elephants by visitors and riding of elephants make a delightful and unforgettable experience.
Period: 9th to 12th January - every year.

Kerala Gramam – A Village Fair
Travel back in time to an age when Kerala was still in its infancy. Visit an entire ancient village recreated a hamlet near the enchanting beach resort of Kovalam. Observe the traditional houses, attire, food, crafts and many more.
Period: 14th to 23rd January- every year.

Nishagandhi Dance Festival
‘Nishagandhi’, means the fragrance of the night. This annual celebration is an august gathering of the connoisseurs of find Indian classical dance forms including Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Mohiniyattam and Kathak. Do enjoy their performance at Nishagandhi open air auditorium at Trivandrum. Spread over 7 mesmerising evenings this festival is grand treat for lovers of dance and tourists alike.
Period: 21st to 27th February- every year.

Food Festival
Savour avail, pulli inji, moru curry, payasam and lot more. These tongue twisters are actually the mouth-watering delicacies of Kerala. The Flavuor Food Festival held in Trivandrum gives you a rare opportunity to relish the traditional authentic cuisines of Kerala and India.
Period: 5th to 11th April – every year.

Thrissur Pooram
In the hot months of April and May, attention shifts to Trissur for the Trissur Pooram. The Thrissur Pooram festival is mammoth spectacle with arrays of thirty caparisoned elephants. Bedecked with gold ornaments. Each elephant is ridden by three mahouts holding objects symbolizing royalty. Accompanied by beats of drums and cymbals – Chenda melam – the quintessentially Kerala music. The glittering umbrellas, fire works and the rising sounds of the traditional percussion ensemble combine in front of the vadakkunathan temple, offering a treat for the senses. Every year lakhs of people crowd to watch this piece-de-resistance of a festival.
Period: April/May – every year.

Onam
This is the most celebrated festival of Kerala. Celebrated in the month of CHINGOM, the celebration lasts for 4 days. It is a harvest festival and has a legend associated with it According to the legend MAHABALI, this harvest festival is celebrated to welcome the legendary king, Mahabali. Intricate floral decorations are made on the courtyard to welcome this king on his visit to his beloved subjects. Onam Tourist Week presents a fascinating display of various art and dance forms at 20 venues in Trivandrum and other major districts.

Onam is Kerala's most colorful festival. It celebrates the golden age of king Mahabali, the mythical ruler of Kerala.
Also thousands of people gather on the banks of the River Pamba to witness the exciting snake boat races. The festival is marked with elephant processions, Kathakali dances, lights, new clothes, fireworks and games etc., authentic traditional feasts prepared for Onam are gastronomic’s delight.
Period: August/September – every year.

Boat Races
Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the annual water carnival at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha is considered as the biggest snake boat race in the world. The colourful boat pageantry, which precedes the boat race, is a marvelous treat to the onlookers. Jawaharlal Nehru who was enthralled by the charm and gaiety of the water carnival instituted the Nehru Trophy. This boat race attracts a large number of tourists. Excitement and enthusiasm fill the air. Magnificently decorated Chundan Vallams, with raised stems resembling the hood of a cobra slit the calm backwaters. Powered by more than 150 singing and shouting oarsmen. Scores of boats take part and are cheered and jeered by thousands of enthusiastic spectators, Payippad and Aranmula villages too witness the strength and power of oarsmen who vie for a victorious finish.
Period: Oct/December – every year.

Navarathri
This festival is praise of mother Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and music. A musical concert of reputed classical singers is held every evening for nine days at Navarathri Mandapam of Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum.
Period: October/December every year.

Cochin Carnival
Ring in the New Year with great festivity and cheer at the Cochin Carnival. This week-long extravaganza presents to you colourful parades, variety programme and events to enjoy. And of course, cherish.
Period: 25th to 31st December- every year.