18 Things You Should Keep In Mind Before Visiting Kerala, India

[Rahul Tiwari]

If you have not been to Kerala before, it is high time you do now. Of course, going somewhere for the first time will require you to do proper research. For the perfect vacation in God’s own place, you need to have some tips. Here is the list

1. The best Kerala holiday tour packages are planned between February and May, which means that there will be plenty of time out in the sun.

2. Many temples in Kerala do not allow foreigners and non-Hindus in the temple premises. It is possible that they may be allowed in the bigger and more prominent temples like Sri Padmanabha Swamy, but you must be. Also, no footwear is allowed in the temple.

3. If you want to catch Kerala at its best, remember to visit from September to March. You can also partake of Ayurvedic treatments in the monsoon season. December and January are the peak tourist months and thus can be a tad bit more expensive than the low season which Falls between April and August. 

4. Wear cotton suits, hats, sunglasses, sunblocks, etc., and apparel that is suited to the climate and activities that you have planned. In hill stations such as Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad, blankets are available at hotels and so you should bring sweaters.

5. The foreign currency that visitors can bring is unrestricted. However, minimize the amount of precious jewelry and gold in your luggage and try to not wear them. The simpler your ensemble, the better it is.

6. Important to remain hydrated when in Kerala it can be quite warm and humid.  The heat can easily take your energy away and leave you dehydrated.  before heading out do make sure to to check the weather on your laptop or mobile.  In case you forget to take some water along with you, you can buy some from the local shops which are always stocked with bottled water.

7. Do not bring alcohol to Kerala from any other state since it can create tax related issues and  land you in trouble. Also if it is the local variety that you are after, arrack, limit your consumption. Otherwise there are many liquor shops available in the state.

8. Kerala has a really good cashless system. Most debit and credit cards are honored and banks are open from 10 AM, so you need not carry large sums of cash. The major hotels chains, restaurants and shopping centers cards and even some e-wallets. If you need more cash, visit a bank or an ATM.

9. On the beaches, listen to the lifeguard and the locals. As they know better about the environment and depth of the water around, they can tell you if it is safe to go for a swim.

10. The food in Kerala is spicy, at least moderately so. Ask has experienced a cook or chef for the experience that usual tourists have and discuss other food ingredients.

11. Book a taxi at the airport as you can find them at a reasonable cost. They are also available for rent. You can go for any type of rental, including bicycles. However, be sure to return them on time if you don’t want to pay extra charges.

12. 10% is the standard tipping amount in Kerala. Hotels, taxis, cafes, tour guides, carriers, and restaurants are other places where you might have to tip the service providers.

13. If you wish to drive on your own, you must have an international driving license, unless you are an Indian citizen.

14. In Kerala, authentic Ayurvedic treatments can be obtained. There are Green Leaf and Olive Leaf centers as decreed by the Ministry of Tourism of Kerala. Make sure you visit only those.

15. Buses and trains are among the cheapest means of transportation in Kerala. Also, you can check the time and get tickets at the station. You can also reserve your seats online and get wireless updates.

16. A court order prohibits smoking in public areas in Kerala. You will land in trouble if you smoke in the public areas.

17. The tickets booked for most attractions in Kerala is based on first come first served service. Make sure you reach your designated place on time. Also, you will find that foreigners have a different queue.

18. Well known for law and order, Kerala is quite safe. However, do not venture out late at night if you are at a remote place. Also, take a break if you are traveling at night and resume the journey the next morning.

These were a few tips that will help you on your trip to Kerala. Even the best Kerala holiday tour packages become a failure if small things about the environment of the state are not known.