Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / India / kerala
 |  | Fact File : kerala |
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| | | Kerala | | Did you know?
Kerala is known as the land of coconuts as it produces some 60% of India's crop.
Language
Malayalam.
Visas
You will need a tourist visa which costs from £30 at time of writing from the Indian High Commission, India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA. Apply in person or by post.
Getting there
There are direct flights from London to Trivandrum, Kochi and Calicut but some tour operators use gateway cities Mumbai (Bombay) or Chennai (Madras).
Flying time from London
10 hours plus, depending on route taken.
Getting around
If travelling any distance, the train is a better bet than the bus but it's advisable to book ahead. Car rental is not generally popular in Kerala, though is possible in resort areas like Varkala and Kovalaam - driving standards leave something to be desired. It's often better to hire a car with a driver. Cycling can be a good option. Organised tours are a good way to take the stress out of travelling - those to the backwater villages are usually good.
Currency
The rupee.
Costs
A moderate restaurant meal £10, a beer 35p, a roll of film (36 exp) £1.50. All costs vary.
Weather
October to March is the most popular time for tourists as it's fairly dry and cool (high 70Fs to 80Fs). In some of the popular beach resorts, facilities don't kick in until November. By April, the heat and humidity are rising, though it's still pleasant in the mountains. By May and June it can be over 100F and very humid. In the high country of the Western Ghats, night temperatures are always nippy. There are two monsoon seasons, the first (and fiercest) starting in early June and continuing through to September, the second (less wet and windy as its catching the tail end of the retreating monsoon, blowing in from the Bay of Bengal), in November and early December.
Time difference
Five-and-a-half hours ahead of GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
India is 00 91
Voltage
230-240V. Sockets are three round pins similar to Europe, but the fit with adaptors may not be exact and you may need tape to keep the plug in place.
Opening hours
In general, business hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm with many government offices taking a three-hour lunch. Banks open 10am to 2pm, post offices 9.30am to 5.30pm, and until 2pm on Saturdays.
Health - Before you go
There are no compulsory inoculations but it's advisable to have yellow fever, cholera, hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. Anti-malarial tablets are also suggested. Talk to your GP.
Health - When you are there
Dehydration is common in the tropical heat so drink plenty of water but not the tap variety - and that includes ice in your drinks. Stick to bottled water and make sure the seal is unbroken or it may have been refilled with tap water. Many of the beaches have strong undercurrents so don't swim out too far from the beach.
Warnings
You cannot bring Indian currency into the country, or take it out, so exchange it or spend it. Power cuts, either full or partial, are common. A voltage stabiliser is advisable if you're taking a laptop computer. Homosexual relations for men are illegal in India - this can lead to gay travellers being blackmailed, so be aware. Pay attention to signs forbidding photography as the military are very hot on this - it can include airports and train stations.
Emergency
Police 100, Ambulance 101.
Customs
Only use your right hand for social interaction - passing money, handling food and so on, and if you are invited to someone's home, only eat with your right hand and take off your shoes before entering the house. You should also take off footwear when entering a place of worship. Avoid public displays of affection and dress modestly to avoid causing offence.
Pets
It is not possible to take your pets on holiday to this area.
Tipping
In tourist hotels and restaurants, add 10% if it's not already included. Elsewhere, tip a few rupees - for example, hotel porters between Rs 5 and Rs 10.
Tourist office
Government of India Tourist Office, 7 Cork Street, London W1S 3LH. Tel. 020 7437 3677. 24-hour brochure line: 01233 211999.
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| | Available rental properties in kerala |
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| |  | | Luxury Villa with a pool
The property is built to a old kerala design with a centre marble courtyard open ,with a central water feature as they were 200yrs ago
|  | | GOCH Villa
GOCH is an IATA and Ministry Of Tourism, Govt. of India approved Travel Agency. The Full Service Villa in Kochi off N.H-47 Bye-Pass behind EMC & near SmartCity, Kakkanad has 3 Deluxe AC Rooms.
|  | | Deluxe a/c Villa Sleeps 6
Detached Villa is on Poovar Island with Beach and Arabian Sea to the front and the tranquil backwaters to rear With a full catering option
|  | | Logans Resort New Villa on a Island
new self catering villas at the new exclusive tranquil Logans Resorts poovar island Kerala India sleeps 4 /6 pool /resturant /shop
|  | | Poovar House .Kerala .Poovar
Luxury 5 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
jacuzzi and set in matured gardens
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Holiday Rentals in kerala |
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