Money
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.
Banks
Banks are open for transaction from 10:00 - 15:30 hrs on weekdays 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: September-May
Monsoon Rejuvenation programmes: June-August
Travel Kit
Cotton outfits; hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc.
Drugs
Heavy penalties 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
Police Helpline
While traveling on Highways: 9846100100
While traveling in Trains: 9846200100
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 authority concerned of the sanctuary.
For further enquiries, contact: The Chief Conservator of Forests, Thiruvananthapuram 695 014, Tel: + 91 471 2322217
Official website
To know more about Kerala, visit the website of the Government of Kerala www.kerala.gov.in
