Travel Tips

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers’ checks a tourist may bring into India provided he makes a declaration in the Currency Declaration Form given to him/her on arrival. This will enable him not only to exchange the currency brought in, but also to take the unspent currency out of India on departure. Cash, bank notes and travelers’ checks up to US$ 10,000 or equivalent, need not be declared at the time of entry. Any money on the form of travelers’ checks, drafts, bills, checks, etc. in convertible currencies, which tourists wish to convert into Indian currency, should be exchanged only through authorized money changers and banks who will issue an en-cashment certificate that is required at the time of reconversion of any unspent money into foreign currency. Exchanging of foreign exchange other than through banks or authorized money changers is an offense under the Foreign Exchange Regulations Act 1973.

Banks are open for transaction from 10 am -3 pm except Saturdays (10 am – 12 pm) Sunday Holiday.

Main hotels, restaurants, jewelleries and shopping centres honour major credit cards.

High Season: December – May. Monsoon Rejuvenation Programmes: June – November.

Cotton outfits, hats, sun glasses, sun screen lotion etc.

All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Kerala fare.

WaterTap water is purified and quite safe to drink. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.

Heavy penalties including imprisonment for possession of narcotic drugs.

Hugging or kissing in public is not accepted in the state.

Go only to those Ayurveda centres that are classified/approved by the Department of Tourism.

Hours fast [+], slow [-] on IST

USA: -10.30	Australia: +4.30	France: -4.30	Canada: -10.30
Germany: -4.30	Spain: -4.30	UAE: -1.30

Contact: The Chief Conservator of Forests, Thiruvananthapuram 695 014, Ph: +91-471-2322217.

Some temples do not permit entry of non Hindus. Strict dress codes are followed in most of the temples. Foot wear is banned inside the temple premises.