| Travel Tips to visit Kerala |
To have a memorable holiday, proper planning and care should be taken in all aspects that are linked with your trip. Travel tips will help you to enjoy your holiday and make your trip a blissful one, so that you can cherish your unforgettable memories in Kerala. Before undertaking your plan to Kerala, India, one needs to follow some simple guidelines that are framed by the Indian government. These travel tips will surely help you to make your journey a pleasing and impressive one.
Pre departure tips
Checkups and shots: It is advised to take Optical, Dental and general medical checkup before departure to India and it would also be good to take some standard recommendation shots against common diseases just as a precaution.
Visa and travel insurance: Ensure that your visa is valid for travel schedule to India and some extra time just in case of change of plan or other exigencies.
Jet Lag: It is important to prepare your internal body clock for your trip to do away with the discomfort that can be caused due to jet lag. India’s time zone is GMT/UTC + 5.30. It would be ideal to eat and sleep on Indian time as soon as you embark on your journey to reset your body clock to Indian time.
Travel Kit Includes
Clothing & Accessories: India with its large geographical compass has regions with different climates, so the clothing should suit your destination. Generally the cottons are recommended along with sunglasses, hats, sunscreen lotions, mosquito repellants and light sandals along with other things that make you comfortable. Travelling to the higher altitudes (Himalayas or other popular hill stations) would be ideal with woolen outfits.
Money: Any of the freely convertible currencies can be converted to Indian Rupee at counters in Airports, Banks and other exchange counters. Foreign exchange of any form including foreign currency, traveler’s cheque, drafts drawn on banks in India can be brought to India without any limit. If the gross amount brought in exceeds $10,000 or it equivalent, it needs to be notified with the Indian customs authorities on a currency declaration form on arrival. The processing can be done at the Seaport/ Airport.
Credit cards: Most of the hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and resorts accept major credit cards.
Medicines & Medical history: Please do carry your required dose of medicines and prescriptions on your journey. For those availing Ayurvedic treatment, it is advised that you carry your medical history with you to make the treatments more effective.
Voltage converters: In India the voltage range is in between 220-240 Volts and 2 and 3 round plugs are widely used. Voltage converters/ Adapters are easily available in India but it is good is if you already have one.
Tips for a safe stay in India
Temple Code: Some temples do not permit entry to non – Hindus. In most of the temples, there is strict dress codes which should be followed. Footwear is banned inside the temple premises. So beware of all rules before entering a temple premises
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Ayurvedic Treatment: Tourists most often come to Kerala to enjoy Ayurvedic massages. However due to its popularity, many unauthentic Ayurveda centers have propped up around the country. So, proper care must be taken in choosing only Green leaf certified Ayurvedic centers for treatments. It is always better to consult your Tour planner for finding the center best suited for the type of treatment you require.
Drinking water: Here the tap water is purified and quite safe to drink or you can ask for water in houses, they are also safe. But it is not advisable to drink water from streams, lakes or dams. Bottled mineral water is also available in all shops. As a tropical country, Kerala is hot and humid so drink a lot of water. It is advised to drink natural juice from tender coconut.
Foreigners’ registration office: Foreigners to be on safe side are requested to register and submit their itinerary at Foreigners Registration Office- FRO. Likewise it’s absolutely important to carry passport copies all the time, as after Mumbai attacks, police security is very strict. While in trains or buses, don’t interact with strangers. Don’t consume or eat anything which they offer. However, interactions with families are considered to be safer.
Dishabille & Smoking: Nudity in any form is disapproved. So nudity is not allowed in any Kerala beach. Also women are advised not to walk in swimsuits or too revealing costumes. Smoking is prohibited in public places. According to the government laws, there are heavy penalties including imprisonment for possessing narcotic drugs.
Consumption of Alcohol: Though Kerala ranks highest in alcohol consumption, consuming alcohol in public is frowned upon. Even Wine or beer consumption is also considered as liquor in Kerala, which too is condemned in public. However privately it can be consumed. Women consuming alcohol is socially disliked. However this choice is limited only in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.
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