December Treks in Kerala: Christmas to New Year

December treks in Kerala are some of the most rewarding of the year. The northeast monsoon usually eases off as the month goes on, mornings in the hills turn cool and clear, and this year the calendar helps too: Christmas Day and New Year’s Day both fall on a Friday, giving you two back-to-back long weekends. This guide covers which trails suit December, how the season’s weather and crowds affect your plans, what to pack, and how to book before the popular dates fill up.

Why December Works for Trekking in Kerala

Kerala gets two monsoons. The southwest monsoon withdrew and the northeast monsoon set in on 15 October this year, according to Onmanorama’s report on the IMD announcement. The northeast monsoon brings most of its rain in October and November, often as afternoon and evening thunderstorms rather than the steady downpours of June and July. By December, rain usually becomes less frequent, although southern districts can still get the odd heavy spell.

For trekkers, that means:

• Greener grasslands than you’ll see in March or April, because the hills are still fresh from two monsoons.
• Clearer summit views on most mornings, especially in Munnar and Wayanad.
• Cold nights at altitude, so high-range camps such as Meesapulimala need proper warm layers.
• Fewer leeches than in the monsoon months, though damp forest stretches can still have them.

If you want the full month-by-month picture, read our guide to the best time to trek in Kerala.

The Two Long Weekends: Plan Around These Dates

• Christmas weekend: Friday 25 December to Sunday 27 December 2026.
• New Year weekend: Thursday 31 December (New Year’s Eve) to Sunday 3 January 2027. New Year’s Day is a Friday, so if you get it off or take one day of leave, you have a three- or four-day break.

Both weekends are peak travel time in Munnar, Wayanad and Vagamon. Homestays, jeep operators and forest-run treks with daily caps tend to fill up early, and the ghat roads are busy. If you want a particular trek on a particular date, book a few weeks ahead rather than a few days.

Sabarimala Season and Road Traffic

The Sabarimala Mandala–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season overlaps with December. This season the temple opens on 16 November 2026, Mandala Pooja falls on 27 December 2026 and Makaravilakku on 14 January 2027. Expect heavier traffic around Pathanamthitta and on routes towards Kumily and the Idukki high ranges, particularly around the Mandala Pooja weekend. Leave early, allow extra driving time and avoid tight connections.

Best December Treks in Kerala by Region

Here are the trails that make the most of December conditions, grouped so you can match them to where you are starting from and how many days you have.

Munnar High Ranges (Idukki): Cold Mornings and Big Views

Meesapulimala (about 2,640 m) is the classic winter trek near Munnar. It crosses rolling grassland and shola forest, and an overnight camp gives you a sunrise above the clouds. In December the nights are cold enough to need a fleece, a warm jacket and a beanie. Read our Meesapulimala trek guide for the route, permits and camping, or see the Meesapulimala trekking and camping trip.

Chokramudi (about 2,195 m) is a moderate 3–4 hour trek off the Munnar–Bodimettu road, through tea estates, shola and high grassland. It works well as a one-day option if you can’t get camping slots. See the Chokramudi trek page.

Kolukkumalai is less of a trek and more of an early start: a 4×4 jeep from Suryanelli followed by a short walk to a sunrise viewpoint. December is one of the most reliable months for that sea-of-clouds view. Details are on our Kolukkumalai sunrise trek page.

Wayanad: Grassland Ridges and Forest Summits

Chembra Peak near Meppadi is Wayanad’s best-known trek. Access to the summit has been restricted in recent seasons, with trekking allowed up to the heart-shaped lake. Even so, the grassland climb and the views over the district are well worth it on a clear December morning.

Brahmagiri Peak (1,608 m, 12–13 km round trip) is the tougher choice: dense forest followed by shola-grassland on the upper slopes, inside Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary near Thirunelli. It suits fit trekkers, and our Brahmagiri trek runs as a 2D/1N trip. Banasura Hills is a moderate full-day option from Kozhikode with views over Banasura Sagar. For more choices, see our list of the best treks in Wayanad.

Thrissur and Central Kerala: Easy Forest Days

If you only have a day, or you’re new to trekking, the forest trails of Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary and Peechi–Moodalmala near Thrissur are easy to moderate and close to Kochi. In December the forest is still lush and the walking is cooler than it will be by March. See the Chimmini forest trek, or browse more treks near Kochi for a one-day plan.

Thiruvananthapuram: Rainforest and Streams at Arippa

Arippa, in the foothills near Thiruvananthapuram, is a gentle 2D/1N forest trek with stream crossings, birdlife and the rare Myristica swamps. After two monsoons the streams are still flowing in December, and it makes a relaxed alternative to the busy hill stations over the holidays. See the Arippa forest trek and tribal camp.

Plan Ahead: Agasthyarkoodam Opens in January

December is also the month to get ready for Agasthyarkoodam (Agasthyamala), Kerala’s toughest regular trek. It isn’t open in December. The Forest Department runs it as a short seasonal window, with online booking through the Kerala Forest Department trekking portal. In 2026, the season ran from mid-January to 11 February, with an entry fee of ₹3,000 and a cap of 70 trekkers a day, as reported by Onmanorama. The portal currently states that trekkers must be over 14, that foreign nationals are not permitted, and that only RuPay debit cards and internet banking are accepted.

Use your December weekends as training: a Brahmagiri or Meesapulimala trek is good preparation for Agasthyarkoodam’s long days. Our Agasthyarkoodam permit guide explains the documents you’ll need.

What to Pack for a December Trek

December’s mix of cold mornings, warm afternoons and the odd shower calls for layers rather than one heavy jacket.

• Warm layer for altitude: a fleece plus a light insulated jacket for Munnar camps and pre-dawn starts.
• Rain shell or poncho: late-season showers still happen, especially in the south.
• Trekking shoes with good grip: grassland slopes stay slippery when there’s dew or mist.
• Beanie and light gloves for sunrise viewpoints.
• Sun protection: cap, sunscreen and sunglasses. Clear December days on open grassland mean strong sun.
• Water (2–3 litres), snacks and a small first-aid kit.
• Headlamp for early starts and short daylight hours.

For a checklist built around your trek, try our trek packing checklist generator. If you’re buying gear for the first time, read what to buy, borrow and skip for your first Kerala trek.

Practical Tips for Holiday-Season Treks

• Book forest-controlled treks early. Many trails have daily caps and close entry after a set time.
• Start early. December mornings are clear, but cloud often builds by late morning in the high ranges.
• Check closures before you travel. Forest and eco-tourism trails can close at short notice for wildlife movement, fire risk or heavy rain.
• Travel from Bengaluru or Chennai overnight. Overnight buses and trains to Kozhikode, Thrissur or Ernakulam leave you a full trekking day.
• Respect the no-alcohol, no-plastic rules on forest trails. They’re enforced, and our trek rules explain why.

FAQ: December Treks in Kerala

Is December a good time to trek in Kerala?

Yes. As the northeast monsoon fades, December usually brings clearer skies, cool mornings and green hills, which makes it one of the most comfortable months for trekking. Showers are still possible, particularly in southern Kerala.

How cold does Munnar get in December?

Days are mild, but nights and early mornings in the high ranges are cold, especially at camps such as Meesapulimala. Pack a fleece, a warm jacket and a beanie rather than relying on a light hoodie.

Which December trek is best for beginners?

Chimmini and Peechi–Moodalmala near Thrissur, the Arippa forest trek near Thiruvananthapuram, and the Kolukkumalai sunrise walk are all easy to moderate. Meesapulimala and Chokramudi suit beginners with reasonable fitness.

Can I do Agasthyarkoodam in December?

No. Agasthyarkoodam opens only for a short season set by the Forest Department, usually from mid-January into February. Keep an eye on the official trekking portal for the 2027 dates.

Do I need to book treks in advance for Christmas and New Year?

For popular treks and camps, yes. Both long weekends are peak season in Munnar and Wayanad, and forest-run trails have daily limits. Booking a few weeks ahead gives you the best chance of getting the dates you want.

Plan Your December Trek with KeralaTrekking

Want help choosing a trail for the Christmas or New Year weekend? Browse our Kerala treks by region, see how to book a trek, or message us on WhatsApp with your dates, starting city and fitness level, and we’ll suggest a trek that fits.