Travel Tips

A trip to Kerala can be absolutely wonderful. But there are certain things that you need to take care of before or on your way to this exquisite land. Just to make you trip more enjoyable, it is better you follow these travel tips:

Best time to visit - Kerala does not have very harsh weather conditions. That is all the more reason for visitors to come here during any time of the year. Summers and winters are pleasant with very slight variations in temperature. Thus, Kerala can be visited any time of the year. Currency - the currency used in Kerala is the Indian Rupee, and there are various money exchanges throughout the state, where you can exchange your local money according to current exchange rates.

Visas and documents

All required documentation for travel is the sole responsibility of the traveler. Each client must have a valid passport to enter INDIA. All persons are responsible for obtaining information about entry requirements and the documentation necessary to enter INDIA and those countries to which they are traveling. Visa requirements do change without notice and vary by nationality. Please visit the page "www.indianembassy.org" or "www.indianembassy.org/consular/visa_guide.htm" for Visa requirements. Visa information is based on various publicly available sources and should be used as guidelines only. True Guide Asia advises the customer to consult the nearest Indian Embassy for the updated information.

Health and care

Try out authentic Kerala Cuisine - The spices of Kerala make a lip smacking table. Do not miss it.

Sail out on a local Fishing Boat - If you want the rustic experience, abandon the resort yacht and sail hire a local fisherman to take you out o the seas.

Clothes - wear soft cotton clothing on the beaches. For the hill stations carry light warm clothing as the nights can get chilly. Winters bring cold nights on the Western Ghats.

Houseboats - the best way to explore the Backwaters is on a houseboat.

Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala is celebrated during August-September. The famous boat races take place on the 5 th day of Onam usually in the first week of September. Those interested to witness the races are advised to visit during his time.

Shopping - in Kerala you can shop for coir articles since that is a prominent industry in Kerala. Trinkets made of wood, sandalwood, buffalo horn make perfect souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Also in the offing are shops of international brands, malls, shopping centres and more to give you the complete shopping experience. If you are an ayurveda therapy buff you can buy medicines and massage oils from kerala.

Money - There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks - Banks are open for transaction from 10:00 - 14:00 hrs on week days and from 10:00 - 12:00 hrs on saturdays.

Credit cards - Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centres honour major credit cards.

Time - (Hours fast (+), slow (-) on IST) USA: -10.30, Germany: - 4.30, Canada: - 10.30, France: - 4.30, Australia: + 4.30, Spain: -4.30, UAE: - 1.30, uk:-5:30

Best time to visit - High season: December - May / Monsoon Rejuvenation programmes: June - November

Travel Kit - Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc.

Drugs - Heavy penalities including imprisonment for possession of narcotic drugs.

Ayurveda - Go only to those Ayurveda centres that are classified/approved by the Department of Tourism

Food - All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Kerala fare.

Water - Tap water is purified and quite safe to drink. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Bottled water is also available.

Emergency numbers - Police control room: 100 / Fire station: 101 / Ambulance: 101