Holidays in Kerala

Places of interest

If its relaxation you are looking for then two of the best beaches in Kerala are Kovalam and Varkala. The water at Varkala beach is rich in minerals and is thought to have healing qualities. Water-sports are also available here. Kovalam still has a large fishing community and you can take a boat trip along the coast to experience the magnificent sunsets and sunrises.

A trip to Kerala’s capital Trivandrum is not to be missed. Visit the historic sites of the capital including temples, palaces and museums. The Chalai Bazzar is on a long stretch of street and here you can buy many local goods including carvings, paintings, jewellery, spices and tea.

Kochi is a stunning seaport city and has been hailed as one of the '50 greatest places of a lifetime' by National Geographic. Visit the oldest church in India, the famous Chinese fishing nets, Mattanchery Palace and the Jewish synagogues.

Activities

A holiday to Kerala is incomplete without a visit to the backwaters. See ‘the Venice of the East’ on a rice boat, a canoe or stay overnight on a house boat with your own chef, and see the beautiful surroundings and Keralan village life.

Kerala is home to several wildlife sanctuaries. The most popular is the Periyar Wildlife Reserve in the Western Ghats (Keralan hills). Take a trip here and look out for elephants, tigers, monkeys, antelopes and birds.

For further ideas to make your trip unique call our friendly knowledgable travel experts who are happy to tailor the perfect trip to suit you.

Local Customs

The main religion of India is Hinduism. Christianity, Muslim and Sikhism are widely practised.
If you are going to the beach then be sure to pack your swim suit as nudity is strictly prohibited!
Service charges are not typically included in bills and it is customary to tip waiters 5-10% of the bill.

Food & Drink

Keralan food is delicately spiced and many of the local dishes are cooked in coconut milk. Fresh seafood is a speciality and at many beachfront restaurants you can pick your fish before it is whisked off and cooked for you. European favourites are available at Lighthouse beach in Kovalam. A typical meal for two will cost £6-£8.

Nightlife

Kerala is not known for lively nightlife. Evenings in Kerala centre around quiet beachfront bars and restaurants. Most hotels will have an activities and entertainment programme.

Shopping

The markets of Kerala are not to be missed and you can find many bargain items including carvings, textiles, jewellery, leathers and spices. The weekly market at Poovar creates fantastic sights, sounds and smells and is ideal for finding unusual local goods. Kovalam is perfect for shopping for souvenirs and most of the shops are situated near the beach area.

Currency

The currency in Kerala is the Indian Rupee which is only available upon entry into India. Take US/UK Travellers Cheques and be sure to keep any encashment certificates as you will need these to exchange any leftover rupees back to sterling before you leave the country. Visa and Mastercard are also widely accepted and there are many ATM machines.

Language

Malayalam is the main language of Kerala but English is widely spoken.

Flight time

Approximately 11 hours from London.

Time difference

GMT +5 ½ hours

Transfer Times

Transfers are 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours depending on resort.

Health

For current vaccination information and general travel advice from NHS Direct please click here.

You are required to get an Indian Visa in advance of travel, for more information click here.