Visa

We request you to carry your visa for entry to India/Kerala on your holiday. For clarification please contact the Indian High Commision / Embassy.

For visa registrations and extensions, contact the Commisioner of Police (in cities) and the District Superintendent of Police (in districts).

Money

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

Banks

Banks are open for transaction from 10:00 - 16:00 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

Boiled water and filtered water is quite safe to drink. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Bottled water or mineral water is also available.

Emergency numbers

Police control room: 100
Fire station: 101
Ambulance: 101

Temple codes

Some temples do not permit entry to non-Hindus. Strict dress codes are followed in most of the temples. Footwear is banned inside the temple premises

Nudity

Nudity is not allowed in any Kerala beach.

Smoking

Smoking is banned in public places

Footwear in houses

Visitors to most Kerala houses leave their footwear outside before entering the house.

Demonstrativeness in public

Behaviour demonstrating affection in public like hugging or kissing is not an accepted practice in Kerala.

Wildlife sanctuaries

To visit a wildlife sanctuary, prior permission has to be taken from the concerned authority of the sanctuary.