Adoor Gajamela: elephants are the star attraction in this raucous 10-day festival that centres around the Sree Parthasarathy temple. Thousands of people attend this celebration, so expect crowds.

Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple Festival: large crowd of devotees flock to Mavelikkara’s  Bhagavathy temple to watch the procession of horse and chariot floats, and the cultural performances that follow.

Theyyam Festival: the colourful ritual dance of Theyyam is one of Kerala’s most revered art forms, blending dance, music and mime in a wonderful performance. During this festival, visitors can marvel at the stunning, colorful costumes used in the special trandition.

Sree Krishnaswamy Temple Festival: Lord Krishna is the centre of attention at this important 10-day festival where elephant processions, the traditional art form of ambalapuzha vela, and other events occur at one of Kerala’s most spectacular temples.

St George’s Church Festival: this passionate 10-day festival takes place in Edathua with daily processions highlighted by the final day’s parade where devotees roll on the ground or walk on their knees to the church.

Kadammanitta Padayani: the traditional martial arts dance of padayani is a wonderful spectacle, and is performed each year at the Kadammanitta Devi temple. This art form consisting of colloquial speech unique to Kerala is a fascinating ritual which visitors to the area shouldn’t miss.

Champakulam Moolam Boat Race: the oldest and most popular of the snake boat races sees elaborate boats with up to 100 oarsmen racing against each other along Alleppey’s waterways. Observed on Moolam day, the races are held along the river Pampa.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race: the most famous water battle in Kerala is held each year on the Punnamada backwaters around Alleppey to coincide with Kerala’s important Onam harvest festival.

Onam Festival: Kerala’s biggest event is its harvest festival, with big processions and performances held in all the towns in the region honouring the birthday of sage Vamana. At this event, Mohiniattam and Krishnanaattam dances are performed.

Neelamperoor Padayani: the ancient ritual dance of padayami is backed by chenda drums, cymbals and passionate singing in this timeless art form. This wonderful spectacle makes for some superb photographs.

Champakulam Church Festival: the annual feast at this church showcases the presence of Christianity in the Kerala region. Visitors are welcome to join in the feast and take up the chance to get to known local Christian traditions.

Christmas: this global Christian event celebrating the birth of Christ is taken seriously in Alleppey, with plenty of solemn processions and special events planned at the area’s churches.