TRAVEL TIPS

Visa
All visitors to India / Kerala must carry with them a valid passport. All visitors, except citizens from Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives, also need visas. (Please remember to carry your passport with you at all the time). The offices of the Indian High Commission also issue a standard six-month visa for tourists, which is convenient for visiting neighboring nations like Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Besides the originals, a copy each of your passport, travel visas, airline tickets and travel documents, including your credit cards and traveller cheques must be with you. Also keep a record of the serial numbers of your travelers cheques, and a copy of your travel insurance policy to make it easier to get replacements in case they are lost.

For visa extension, contact Office of the Commissioner of Police, Thiruvananthapuram. Ph: 0471-320555

For further details about VISA formalities, click here.

Money
The national currency is Indian Rupee (INR). Foreigners are not permitted to bring or take INR into or out of the country.

There aren’t any restrictions about the foreign currency the visitors can bring in with them for the travel purposes. However, if this amount exceeds USD 10,000, it needs to be declared on arrival and the Customs Authorities will issue a certificate. Please make it a practice to exchange your money at banks or official moneychangers.

For money transaction the banks will be functioning on all days from 10.00 to 14.00 IST except on Sundays (10.00 to 12.00 hrs). Most foreign, and many Indian banks in cities have 24-hour ATMs.

Nowadays credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants and shopping centres. The most common cards that are accepted in India are VISA, Master Card, Diner’s Club and American Express.

Click here for <<Currency Converter>>

Best time to visit
The best time to visit the country is between October and March but if you prefer to undergo ayurvedic treatment you may land here between June and September.

Behaviour in public
Showing affection in public like hugging or kissing is not considered acceptable in Kerala. Nudity is strictly prohibited in all the beaches in Kerala.

Clothing
Indians in general are conservatives and keep their bodies well covered. It should be noted that men ogle at skimpily-clad women and so it is better to avoid short skirts and the like. Cotton outfits, hats and sunglasses, are best suited for the Indian climate. Applying sunscreen lotion will also give results.

Drugs
Heavy punishments, including imprisonment, are in store for possession of narcotic drugs.

Cuisine
Restaurants in big cities offer a variety of items including pizzas. Local culinary delicacies are available in most of the hotels. For those who prefer western fare, the choice is unlimited in the classy restaurants; they serve gourmet cuisines be it Italian, Chinese, French or continental.

Accommodation
To suit every pocket wide range of accommodation possibilities are available in India; it includes deluxe rooms to rest houses.

Emergency telephone numbers
Police control room: 100, Fire station: 101, Ambulance: 101

Indian Standard Time or IST
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

Temple codes
Some temples do not permit entry to non-Hindus. Footwear is banned inside all the temples. To enter some temples men have to be bare-chested and also wear a dhoti (mundu). Women have to wear saris, half-saris or long skirts.

Ayurvedic therapy
If you would like to undergo an ayurvedic therapy in Kerala, you should do it under an expert physician or a traditional vaidhyar at an authorised center.

Healthcare
A basic first aid kit should include all personal medication, aspirin or painkillers for fevers and minor aches, tablets for nausea, antiseptic and lotions, plaster and crepe bandages, a pair of scissors, insect repellents and tweezers. It should also have antihistamines for allergies and anti-diarrhea tablets, disposable syringes and a thermometer. Most of these items are also available locally. Herbal remedies are also available. It would be advisable to consult a reliable medical practitioner before buying medicines.

No precautions like inoculations are necessary for travel to India and Kerala in particular. However, travellers are advised to consult with their healthcare provider before embarking on the journey.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the following check-ups be done before any travel:

Medical kit
Certain categories of drugs (medicinal) should be carried together with a medical attestation, signed by a physician, certifying that the traveller requires the medication for personal use.

Toilet items should also be carried in sufficient quantity for the entire visit unless their availability at the travel destination is assured by your host. These will include items for dental care, eye care including contact lenses, skin care and personal hygiene.

Mosquito repellents, nets, clothes covering the body and sprays against insects should be carried or arranged.

Most doctors in India speak English. Ask your host to help you get a doctor in a medical emergency. Some of the bigger hotels have their own doctor on call. In case of minor medical problems, a pharmacy will usually be able to help you. Most medicines can be obtained without prescription, but make sure you check the expiry date.

Water/Drinking water
Most travelers to India stick to mineral water and avoid tap water altogether. Always avoid drinking water from an unknown source. As a further precaution, you may bring water-purifying tablets.

General Travel Tips
Ensure the food you take in is thoroughly cooked. Wash fruits before eating them.

Food purchased from street vendors may upset your stomach

Discourage beggars; once you encourage them, they may continue to pester you

Don't open your luggage in a crowded place as it could attract unwanted attention. Never leave an unlocked suitcase in a hotel room. Never leave baggage unattended on airports or railway stations.

Always seek travel related advises from a recognized travel agency as it is the best way to gather relevant information.

Carry proper maps as they can prove to be very useful in the absence of signboards. These can be obtained from the State tourism offices and bookstalls. Or ask your host to arrange one for you.

Taxis (cabs)/auto-rickshaws (3 wheelers) are available from all hotels; negotiate the rate before commencing your journey. Use only authorized, properly identified taxis and buses. Avoid taxis that pick up additional passengers.

The electricity voltage used is 220 volts. You can purchase a converter at most hardware stores for appliances that do not switch to 220V.

An International Driving License, which can be obtained through the Automobile Association.

Complaints
In case of complaints against taxi or auto rickshaw for overcharging or cheating, note down the number of the vehicle and lodge a report with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic). Contact phone numbers are available in the telephone directory.