Kerala is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. Visitors from all parts of the globe plan trips to this God’s Own Country throughout the year. Snuggled in between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, the paradise is blessed with treasure of incredible beaches, hill stations, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantations, tea gardens, temples, etc. All these allures are worthy of visit. People who are visiting for the first time are left in awe and people who have already visited are drawn again and again.
Here are 15 Travel tips for a safe and memorable holiday in Kerala.
1. Weather in Kerala
Kerala enjoys an equable weather throughout the year. Because of being close to the sea the weather is warm and humid but pleasant. The peak tourist season starts from October to the end of February. September to March is considered a good time to plan holidays. June to September is the official rainy season. It is ideal time to enjoy the lush verdant beauty at its best. April to May is the dry season with occasional evening showers. Throughout the year there are wonderful reasons for a vacation in the coastal paradise, just keep a check on the weather.
2. Accommodation
Kerala is one of those tourist destinations that cater to all kinds of visitors. There are options of 5 star luxury resorts, budget hotels, Ayurvedic and Spa hotels, basic homestays, hostels and wildlife camps. Accommodations are easily available according to your budget, need and preferences. For a better experience choose a mix and match of luxury and heritage stays. The amenities offered are pleasing and finest in their class. Prior bookings are easily available online. Before you begin your tour make all necessary reservations. It always advisable to book with well-known approved Kerala Tour Operators as the experienced planners offer cheaper bookings than booking directly with hotels. Most of the holiday packages comes with accommodation and transportation at a conclusive cost lesser than prices for direct bookings.
[ Check-out the best hotels and resorts in Kerala ]
3. Sightseeing
Kerala is equipped with all requisite pleasures for holidays. The must visit sights are the beaches, hill stations, backwaters, temples, wildlife sanctuaries, etc. On a tour to Kerala one should not miss out on anything. Go for an itinerary that covers the major attractions of the state. Holiday plans should generally have 5-7 days so that a leisurely comprehensive sightseeing can be enjoyed. If you go for holiday packages they design plans which include stay, travel plans and all kinds of holiday arrangements without hassles.
4. Ayurvedic Treatments
Tourists flock at Kerala for the treasure of Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapies. The state is the hub of 5000 years of the ancient science of healing and wellness. A lot of fake and misguiding Ayurvedic and Spa Centres have sprung up in recent years. Green Leaf Certifications are the highest mark of genuine healing centres in the state. A certified Ayurvedic practitioner must be consulted if you are interested in any treatments. Also check out the luxury resorts which have some of the finest spas of Ayurveda as well as other healing and rejuvenating therapies. The expert masseurs weave magic through their fingertips. From complete detoxification, weight loss, stress management to other specialized healing therapies, avail the best of natural treatments in Kerala.
[ Also read the Top 5 Ayurveda Resorts in Kerala ]
5. Shopping
Holidays in Kerala are incomplete without shopping. The state is famous for spices, tea, coffee, textiles, gold ornaments and other handicrafts. In cities like Cochin, Trivandrum and Thrissur the popular shopping delights are mirrors, wooden boats, Chinese fishing net models, elephants made out of wood etc. Traditional settu mundu and kasavu sarees are ideal souvenirs in clothes. Unlike rest of India, there is very little scope for bargaining. Almost all the shops have fixed prices. Bring home remembrances from your holiday in Kerala.
[ Read more on what to shop in Kerala ]
6. Food
Food is the pride of Kerala. The gastronomy is delicious. Be the fresh catch of the sea and rivers or the produce of the paddy fields, coconuts, bananas, tea or spices, relish the fresh natural tastes. Cuisine of Kerala comprise varieties of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights. You should try out Sadya, Appam, Uppuma, Idli, masala dosa, Appams, Puttu etc. Kerala’s delicious fare has been rated among the best breakfast in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine. Get a taste of traditional cuisine on your holiday. There are many restaurants catering to Continental, Chinese and Indian fares. Not only can you eat your heart’s fill but can also learn the art of culinary.
[ Best food to try during your Kerala trip ]
7. Transport
Kerala is a place that pampers its visitors. The transport system is one of the best in India. As you are on holiday sit back and enjoy your tour leisurely. If you plan to holiday Kerala with a tour package, transport shall be arranged. The roads are well developed so any kind of vehicle is comfortable. If you are travelling with family or a group, then you can choose a variety of cars, ATVs or SUVs depending upon your travel requirements and budget for transportation. Air conditioned and non- air conditioned options are easily available. Most drivers are fluent in English and Hindi languages. The well-trained drivers have permit to drive all over the state. Go for government authorized drivers for your tour.
8. Train and Airports
Kerala is well connected. The state has domestic and international airport as well as railway stations. Flights are well connected domestically. International connections are available to Arab countries and South Asian nations. Cochin International Airport is the busiest hub of the state. Calicut and Trivandrum International airport also offer frequent connections. For trains, Ernakulam Railway station is the well-connected railhead. There are many other options to reach Kerala via trains from all over India.
[ Read more on how to reach Kerala by air, road & train ]
9. Visa and Documentation
Kerala is a part of India, Indian citizens do not need Visa or documentation. For the foreign visitors, it is necessary to get a Visa. The Visa can be pre-booked from the nearest Indian Consulate. Remember to get the process done before 14 days of your travel. Visa can also be availed on arrival at the airport. Enquire in advance for your Visa application. Always make copies of all your travel documents so that you have a back-up provision in case the original documents get lost.
10. Permission
Kerala Tourism is one of the most ecologically aware tourism department in India. Kerala is a nature blessed region and has numerous sensitive areas. Many species of wildlife, flora, aviaries, tribals and fragile eco-systems exist here. The beauty, authenticity and serenity of some places have to be regulated in order to preserve such delicate regions. For trekking, camping and other adventures in the wilderness of forests and national parks, it is mandatory to have permission from the Forest Department. The department issues guides, equipment and other required gears.
11. Money and local currency
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring in Kerala. Banks are open for transaction from 10:00 – 15:30 hours on weekdays and on First and third Saturdays. The Second and Fourth Saturdays will be holidays. Visa or MasterCard credit and debit cards can be used almost everywhere in Kerala. Actual cash is needed to pay for food, entry into sightseeing places and local shops. You can change the money or travelers cheque in airport itself for convenience. There are abundant ATMs or all banks at most of the places in Kerala where money can be withdrawn easily.
12. Temple Codes
Kerala is endowed with a rich heritage of temples. The holy temples follow strict dress codes. It is mandatory to be covered in clothes. Shorts and any kind of clothes displaying legs are prohibited. Footwear is banned inside the temple premises. The idols are not allowed to be touched or photographed.
13. Safety Tips
Kerala is ranked the best in India for law and order. For safe holidays in Kerala it is advised not to wear heavy gold jewelry or carry huge amounts in cash. Valuable should not be displayed in public. Be cautious of crowds and take care of your luggage. While driving, wear seat belts. Follow instructions in wilderness. Do not carry any illegal stuff in your possession.
Other Tips
14. Kerala is replete with wonderful things. Do not overdo things on your tour. Try to reach your hotel to get enough time for relaxing. If you are travelling to places like Munnar and Thekkady, there can be fog on the road and it is dangerous to drive during night.
15. It is recommended by experts when you book any Kerala holiday package, take the package with breakfast only. In this way you can start the day with a meal in your hotel and can have lunch or dinner when you go for sightseeing. If you opt for a package with lunch/dinner then you would have already paid for the food and may miss the meal when out for sightseeing.
[ We have amazing Kerala Tour Packages ]
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Surely Kerala is destination where there are lot of tourist attractions such as different variety accommodation, different foods, different cultures, attractive things for shopping etc