Kerala Destination Guide

ABOUT KERALA:

Kerala known as 'God's Own Country' & Spice Garden of India & Land of Coconuts & Land of Trees. Kerala is a state located on the Malabar coast of Southern India. Kerala is well known state for backwaters, ayurvedic massages, wildlife sanctuaries, sprawling tea gardens, hill-stations, palm tree-lined beaches and colourful dance forms, Kerala has everything on offer to take your pick from home for family holidays , adventure.

Area: 38,863 km²             

Population: 3.48 crores

Country: India

Language: English, Gujarati,Kannada Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu

Religion:  Hinduism , Islam  and Christianity

National Airlines: GoAir, AirAsia, vistara, SpiceJet, IndiGo and Air India.

Main Airports: Cochin International Airport ,  Trivandrum International Airport , Kozhikode International Airport , Kannur International Airport

From Chennai you can travel by bus, train or flight. From Delhi, Ahmadabad or any other destinations to Kerala, you have the option of traveling by train or flight only.

BY AIR: Cochin International Airport ,  Trivandrum International Airport , Kozhikode International Airport , Kannur International Airport

BY TRAIN : There are 178 railway stations in Kerala. The 5 main Kerala railway stations are Calicut, Ernakulam Junction, Trichur, Trivandrum Central, Trivandrum Kochuveli

WHEN TO TRAVEL KERALA:

September and March :  in winter season when the Kerala has comfortable climate and pleasant weather with less humidity in backwaters, hill stations and beaches. 

The average temperature during this time ranges between 29°C to 38°C. Even in the evenings, the temperature remains a high 29°C. The state bears high temperatures during this time owing to its proximity to the ocean

June to August. Best season to visit Kerala for people who are looking for ayurvedic treatments is Monsoon season .

 In June, the temperature varies between 19 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius and this is the wettest month of the year with average rainfall being more than 350 m

Do’s:

·                     Do remember if you’re travelling to Kerala at peak seasonal times when the weather’s at it’s hottest (March to May) to bring sunscreen, mosquito spray and drink plenty of water while there.

·                     Carry a map of the places you are supposed to visit.

·                     Do some prior research before visiting any place which may give you a better idea of the spot.

·                      Wear white colored traditional clothes (Dhotis) while entering the Temples.

·                     Take necessary safety measures while trekking and rafting.

·                     Do negotiation before hiring a Houseboat as the rates are not standard.

·                     It is advisable to check the condition of the houseboat before taking the ride as these boats are constructed by wood and having a life span of about 6-10 yrs.

·                     Always include breakfast in your hotel package.

·                     People in Kerala are very particular when it comes to dressing. ... Most of the temples only permit people inside if they wear traditional dress. One who is wearing shorts or any western costume like shorts is not permitted inside

·                     While travelling, always carry mineral water to avoid any waterborne diseases.

·                     It is recommended to places to visit in Kerala between October to March.

·                     If one is travelling during monsoon; take clothes which get dry easily.

·                     Book your tour package atleast 3-4 months prior to get the best deals.

·                     Must keep a good quality camera to capture the captivating beauty (Possibly along with Tripod and additional lenses).

·                     Take light woolen clothes and sports shoes if you are planning to visit Munnar and Thekkadday as these are the hill stations and having comparative cool weather.

 

Don’ts:

 

·                     Don’t wear shoes in sacred areas (temples etc) and there is also a strict dress code in place. Also kissing in public and smoking are prohibited.  As with any country you’re not familiar with it is not recommended to travel to remote areas at night.

·                     Don't carry heavy luggage with you if you are planning to visit different places in the city.

·                     Do not carry heavy woolen clothes as Kerala witnesses a moderate climate throughout the year.

·                     Do not travel after 7 pm in Munnar and Thekkady as the city is carpeted by fog and wild animals may also come out.

·                     Don’t take pictures of any museum/antique showpieces or any other restricted areas.

·                     Do not forget to take out footwear, headgear, shoes and leather items while visiting any religious place.

·                     Do not add lunch and dinner in your hotel package, always keep it optional. If you do not like the food of the hotel, you can have at outside.

·                     Don’t enter into anybody’s home without permission while experiencing the incredible village life.

·                     Planning makes a tour even more comfortable and joyous. Kerala offers a wide array of attractive and splendid destinations; to explore these amazing places effectively, one has to do a little research and follow some guidelines. These guidelines may help you to have a better touring experience but need not to make it a thumb rule as these are only the references for a successful trip.