It’s
our responsibility to remind you about a few simple tips and guidelines for you
to remember before you touch this lovely paradise, we are sure it will make
your journey simple and comfortable in travel an undisturbed dream, The
Incredible India a land with unity and lot of colorful diversities, Unique
Culture, language, variety of cusine, National parks, Tiger reserves, Bird
sanctuaries, Breathtaking waterfalls, hill station, beaches and backwaters all
in one place. So here is our simple tips and guide lines to read n remember to
make your journey trouble free and comfortable.
Location
Nick
named as “Gods own country” Kerala is located on the southwest coast of
India.This land is gifted with Golden beaches,magical back waterss and
refreshing hill stations,being located at the southern most tip of India the
state enjoys a pleasant weather the exact location is said as Malabar Coast,
the mighty Western Ghats edges it on the coastline,Goegraphicaly Kerala is
located between 10*00 North and longitude 76*25 East.Kerala State is sharing its border with Tamilnadu on the
East and Karnataka on the North.You can see Indias finest beaches in Kerala
spread nearly 600km.Vist and Witness how God Blessed this land.
Best time to visit
The
most recommended time to visit Kerala is between September and March where you
can enjoy most agreeable climate even other wet and Hot months are not so
bad,The weather is Gentle and humidity is comparatively low. In the Hilly area
it will be near 23*C and in the plains 29*C.You can Witness Kerala’s many
exotic festivals at this time.
People
The
people in Kerala is usually friendly, known as Malayalis having Dravidian
Origin, They are Eminent
from the other Indian states with High literacy levels, Politically aware,
Health conscious, You can see the oneness between different religions, castes.
You can see people talking, discussing, making statements about anything under
the Sun. Considering the sex ratio
Women
are majority, Life expectancy levels are high. People are generally more family
oriented and Marriages are a big colorful and splendid occasion in Kerala
lifestyle worth watching for a tourist.
Language
The
language spoken by the people is Malayalam one of the oldest Dravidian
language. Kerala enjoys a dominant literacy level of 100% than any states in
India. Even a local shopkeeper or autorikshaw driver in Kerala understands
English and speak without grammar concern with tourists. The medium of
Instruction in schools is Malayalam but English is also taught so majority of
people in kerala is tourist friendly to communicate a few things in English.
Accommodation
A
Proper planning prior to travel in advance is crucial such as choosing and
booking the hotel according to your budget in the right place at right time is
advised. If enquired you will get assistance from the hotel you are staying in.
You can get information’s about nearby attractions, local festivals and also a
guide service. Home stays are always a
good option for those who want to experience the traditional kerala lifestyle
and taste.
Local Transportation
For
Budget transportation options use buses, auto-rikshaws,cabs and trains,renting
a bullet Bike is also a good option, always ask the rates before renting and
check the rates with standard authorities To avoid further confusions and
Probems.For a long distance traveling in train reserve your ticket in advance,
you can also get reserved tickets in short distance which is the best way to
avoid heave rush in unreserved compartments. In case of unavailability of
tickets you can get tickets through the “tatkal” quotaby paying a little
extra.It is adviced to carry a bottle of mineralwater,fruits and toilet papper.
Most of train stations have pre-paid rickshaw or taxi counter which is the
safest way to avoid a possible bargaining with a rickshaw or cab driver.
Food
Never
miss an opportunity to taste the traditional, authentic Kerala cuisine with
high nutritious value and unique taste such as vegetarian “Sadhya”with
delicious “payasam” krispy “Karimeen ,konchu” fry are good non-veg options . ask
about the different types of cuisines and methods’ of preparation to your local
available adviser, and get the taste of regionally prepared verities of unique
homely food
Shopping:
Kerala
being a consumer state is a shopping paradise such as Gold ornamental shops
textiles and other handicrafts, the mall lifestyles are popular in
Cochin,Trivandrum etc. you can buy mundu kasavu sarees from Hantex,kasavukada
etc. Handicrafts such as mirrors,wooden house boats,snake boats,Chinese fishing
nets,elephants,kathakali models etc.There
are many Handicrafts shop available in almost all famous towns and
tourism destinations in kerala.
Currency:
It
should be noted that Foreign exchange including foreign currency, traveler’s
cheques, drafts drawn on banks in India or letters of credit can be brought
into India without any limit. though, if the gross amount brought into India in
any form at one time exceeds USD 10,000/- or its equivalent, it is required to
be declared by the holder to the Indian customs authorities on arrival on a
Currency Declaration Form. The forms of which are available with the
airport/seaport customs department.
Clothes
India
due to its diverse climate and large geographical size doesnot fit to a
particular climate zone, but normally tourist are adviced to take cotton dress
materials,Hats,sunglasses,sun-block lotion,a mobile charger with power
reserve,a camera and bioncular is also a fair option to include. while
travelling hill stations with colder climate
Make
shure you carry some woolen outfits.In public places ensure your dressing style
are agreeable to public to avoid unwanted attention and comments.
Banking
Genrally
the working hours of nationalized banks are from 10.00 in the morning to 14.00
hrs in the afternoon. A couple of private banks are open for business between
8.00 in the morning to 8.00 in the night. There is also an lot of ATMs spread
across the metros, towns and villages of India.
Credit Cards
Almost
all reputed hotels,restaurants,Shopping malls and pubs are equipped to use all major credit cards.
Water
Take
a Good quality mineral water every time with you, when buying always ensure the
seal is not broken. Go for a soothing tender coconut from Highway side for
instant refreshment. Never drink water from public taps or road-side vendors.
If you feel like having a juice or tea, please have it from a hygienic
restaurant than from a road-side shop.
Things not do in Public Places
Being
a very orthodox country and specially villages doesn’t accept any display of
affection in public places especially hugging, kissing, nudity Drinking Smoking
etc.
Drugs
Heavy penalties including imprisonment for possession of
narcotic drugs.
Visas/Entry Requirements
Generally
every non-Indian needs a tourist visa from their embassy or consulate. There
are 3- and 6-month multiple-entry and single-entry visas (the cost is the
same), and they can no longer be issued the same day - so you must plan prior,
a valid passport is a must need. For access to certain protected and restricted
areas (e.g. sanctuaries and Islands), you will need a special permit and,
often, a guide; these are locally available.
Emergency Numbers
Emergency Numbers
Police
control room: 100; Fire Station: 101; Ambulance: 101.
About TIPPs
Usually
very low paid staffs are expect to be tipped. In hotels and restaurants, 10% is
normal. In other situations, where there is no bill, a few rupees will be ok
for them.
