FAQ |
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01. |
How to book a tour
to Kerala ? |
Firstly we suggest you to visit
our website, on which various tours of Kerala are
mentioned. Then select one of the
tour. If you intend to make any changes like
having a day more or less then in that case you
need to inform us so that we make your itinerary
accordingly. You can use our online tour booking
form or send us an e mail at:
info@indovacations.net.
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02. |
If I do not want
the tour as mentioned in the website how do I make my
own tour ? |
If you don’t want those tours
which are mentioned on the website then in such a
case you need to fill up the “Enquiry Form”
mentioned on our website. In this form you have to
specify the places you want to visit, date of
arrival and departure, number of people who are
traveling, the hotel category and any other
special choice. After having these details from
your end we will plan a tour for you and contact
you very next day with all the details.
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03. |
I am visiting Kerala for the first time how should I
prepare myself ? |
For the general information
please visit the page
“About Kerala”. You
may also put up your questions to us regarding any
matter if you do not find the answers on our
website. Apart from that we suggest you to do some
background reading before visiting Kerala, so that
your visit becomes a great experience. During your
tour we will also provide you a tourist Guide at
the different cities in the language of your
choice who will let you know anything you want to
know about Kerala. |
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04. |
How advance should be my travel booking ?
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Your travel bookings should be
made 8 months well in advance, especially if you
are traveling between December to June and October
to March (high tourist season). As Travel
infrastructure in Kerala has its limitation in
comparison to the high season demand therefore we
highly recommend to book your tour in advance.
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05. |
How to experience Kerala at it's best ? |
While planning your trip we
suggest you to consider the festivals which would
be taking place in Kerala during your trip. Upon
receiving the information from you we will combine
your trip with the Festivals in Kerala which will
make your trip a great experience. |
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06. |
Can I buy an Air Ticket through you also ?
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Yes, you can buy an Air Ticket
through us but to be fair we advice you to book
your air ticket in your country as air tickets are
normally expensive if booked in Kerala in India to
be sent to your country. However even if Air
tickets are cheaper here and you happen to change
your schedule in that case it is better to have
the tickets issued at the port of departure. After
having booked your Air tickets you can inform us
the arrival time and the flight Number to enable
us to pick you up from the airport to start with
the tour. |
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07. |
How will I be picked up from the Airport or Railway
Station in Kerala ? |
You will be picked up from the
airport or railway station in Kerala whereever you
arrive by Kerala Tourism Travel representative.
Our representative will be holding a name board
with your name written on it at the arrival hall
of the airport or railway station. If you are
coming as a group then the name of the group will
be mentioned on the name board. On that name board
the arrival date, time, place and flight or train
number will also be mentioned. You are requested
not to leave the airport or railway station until
you meet our representative. If by chance you were
not able to find each other then you would also be
provided the mobile and telephone number of the
representative so that you can find each other at
the particular location at the airport. |
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08. |
Can I book the hotels only with you and not the complete
tour ? |
Yes, Kerala Tours is having
special rates with many hotels all over the
Kerala. We are sure that we will be able to offer
you the hotels for your budget in the destination
wanted by you. As far as the hotels are concerned
we have hotels of every category in Kerala. Do
inform us what kind of hotels you are looking for.
We also make arrangements for big conferences and
incentive spa and Ayurveda Packages. Some of the
hotels in Kerala also organize theme evenings
where centuries old art forms like Kathakali and
Mohiniyattam are performed as well as explained.
For more information on the hotels email us at
info@indovacations.net
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09. |
What to you recommend about hotel reservations. What
else should I keep in mind while staying at the hotels
in Kerala ?
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It is advisable to reserve well
in advance for the hotels in Kerala. All the
hotels have air-conditioning and private baths and
offer all the modern amenities like phone,
computer, and fax machines. Pay your hotel bill
either in cash (rupees) or with a credit card. If
you are paying in cash, have with you the receipt
of your foreign money into rupees. The hotel clerk
may ask to see this to make sure that you haven’t
changed money on the black market. Kerala Tourism
Travel is specialized in hotel bookings which are
very good value for your money. Contact us with
dates, destinations and wished categories and our
Team would be glad to help you. |
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10. |
If I only want to take the vehicle during my tour and
not the complete tour, then what do you suggest ? |
If
you want to make arrangements only for the
transport then we provide any type of vehicle you
require for your tour. With the vehicle you would
be provided one experienced and reliable English
speaking driver. The car would be at your disposal
throughout the tour. The cost of the vehicle
includes all the expenses, fuel, driver’s fees,
toll taxes and parking.
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11. |
Which Vaccination is required before visiting Kerala in
India ? |
Before visiting Kerala in
India, the Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is
required if a tourist is coming from the Yellow
Fever endemic countries. This certificate conforms
to the International Health Regulation. The
citizens and travelers coming from the United
States, Canada or United Kingdom, do not require
any vaccination certificate or inoculations. It is
highly recommended to get a precautionary measure
vaccination against Hepatitis B, if you plan to
stay longer in Kerala. To avoid Malaria and
Dengue, carry mosquito repellents, nets or take a
course of anti Malaria tablets. |
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12. |
How do I get medication in Kerala in case of necessity ? |
It is advised that you bring
your own medicines. Most of the medications in
Kerala are available but you may not find it under
the same brand name as in your own country. If
necessarily of consulting a doctor be assure that
we will assist you in this matter. Private
hospitals with high standard and qualified doctors
are available in Kerala in India. |
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13. |
How can I come in contact with local people during our
travel in Kerala ? |
Indians are hospitable and
friendly people, Do not consider staring at you as
unfriendly. Most of the Indians have not been
abroad and therefore foreign tourists are for them
a subject of curiosity. Most of the people to whom
you will talk will be friendly. Always speak to
the people you feel like talking too. Avoid people
who are too eager to help you or want you to buy
something from them. If you want to enrich your
visit to Kerala by visiting the South Indian
Family or want to stay with the family, ask the
team of Kerala Tourism Travel. We will be happy to
make these arrangements for you. |
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14. |
What is the best time to visit Kerala ? |
The best time to visit Kerala
is from December to May. During monsoons, the
Ayurveda rejuvenation programme can be taken up
from June to November. |
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15. |
Are the Visa and passports required before visiting
Kerala ? |
All foreign nationals,
including children, require a visa and passport
before visiting Kerala. For visiting Kerala,
please consult the concerned embassies in your
area. For clarifications, please contact the
Indian High Commission. |
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16. |
Which currency is used in Kerala ? |
The units of Indian currency
are the Rupee and Paisa (100 Paisa equal 1 Rupee).
Paper money is in denominations of Rupees 1, 2, 5,
10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. Coins are in
denominations of Rupees 1, 2 and 5. There are no
restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or
travelers’ checks that can be brought by the
tourists in Kerala. However a Declaration form
need to be filled (only for the amount which is
more than USD 10,000) on the arrival at the Indian
airport. By filling up this form you can also get
your money exchanged back in the original currency
without any problem. The Money should be exchanged
only through authorized money changers. You may
ask our guides and they will tell you the right
center or place to get the money exchanged. Please
note that no Indian currency can be imported or
exported, except for travelers checks. Travelers
checks can be changed into rupees at any bank in
India. Be aware that it can take several hours to
cash travelers checks in small towns. Try to deal
with large banks in large cities. Don’t accept
large denomination notes, because they will be
difficult to change, and don’t accept damaged or
torn notes, because merchants will refuse them,
especially in small towns. Keep a supply of small
change. Very often taxi drivers and vendors will
say that they don’t have change. |
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17. |
Can I pay in Euro, US Dollars or through credit cards in
Kerala ? |
All the major currencies
including Euro, US Dollars and Pounds are accepted
in Kerala. All the major credit cards like Visa,
Master Card and American Express are also accepted
in the main hotels, restaurants and shopping
centres in Kerala. |
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18. |
What are the timings of the post office and other
administrative offices in Kerala ? |
The post offices and banks are
open from 1000 to 1630 hrs from Monday to Friday
and from 0930 to 1230 hrs on Saturdays. The
administrative offices are open from Monday to
Friday from 0930 to 1700 hrs and 0930 to 1230 hrs
on Saturdays. All the offices and banks are closed
on holidays. |
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19. |
Is there any thing important while visiting temples and
mosques in Kerala ? |
Do remember to remove your
shoes and sandals while visiting temple, mosques
and churches. Also some temples do not allow
leather shoes, belts or handbags in their
premises. When visiting temples, women should
cover their body with short or long sleeves tops
and a long skirt or pants. Women should not wear
sleeveless dresses or blouses. They need not cover
their face or head. Men should wear long pants and
a short-sleeved shirt. The people go to the temple
to worship, doing offerings on the statues of the
gods and receiving a blessing – sometimes a mark
on the forehead. It is customary to leave a small
amount of money for the priest after receiving a
blessing. Hindu custom dictates that women should
not go into temples if they are menstruating. Also
be alert for signs indicating that non-Hindus may
not visit the inner sanctum of the temple and may
see only its outer precincts. If there is no sign,
ask a priest. If you are visiting a temple and are
offered a portion of sweet or fresh coconut or
banana, it’s prasad or sacred food, offered to the
gods. Since it’s a great honor to be offered,
never refuse it, rather accept it and eat it. If
you don’t want it, take it and give it to someone
else. In Muslim mosques, do remember that men and
women sit in separate areas. You need to cover
your head while visiting the main chamber in the
mosque. It is compulsory for both men and women to
cover their head when visiting Sikh Gurudwaras.
Before photographing the inner chamber of sacred
temples, be sure to get permission. It is not
permitted to have the picture of main deity in
some temples. Kerala Tourism Travel Guides will assist you
more on about the behaviour and general customs
within the temple premises. |
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20. |
What should I wear while on my tour to Kerala ? |
As a Westerner, feel free to
wear anything, as long it is not very revealing
like extremely tight jeans, low-cut blouses. It is
extremely important for women to keep their legs
covered as much as possible by wearing long skirts
or pants. Shorts are never acceptable, except at
beach resorts. Be sure to wear a hat. It is
essential protection against the sun. Men should
not, however, wear turbans. Cotton outfits, hats,
sun glasses and sun screen lotion should be
carried while on your tour to Kerala. |
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21. |
What is Saree and how to wear it ? |
Saree is considered as most
elegant Indian dress for women. In Kerala, most of
the women wear a Kerala saree. It is a six feet
long piece of material of fine white cotton edged
with golden zari, tucked into a slip, pleated, and
worn over a very short blouse. The saree tends to
pull out of the slip, and the shawl part tends to
fall. This saree lends an extraordinary elegance
to the person wearing it. Each masterpiece is
specially woven on a traditional handloom. The
western women should feel free to wear saree, but
be aware that they are difficult to put on. If you
want to try wearing a saree, ask for the help of
an woman, an acquaintance, a hotel chambermaid, or
even a shopkeeper. They are usually happy to help
for arranging sarees. |
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22. |
I want to visit the wildlife sanctuaries and national
parks in Kerala. Give me some information about them ? |
The various wildlife
sanctuaries and national parks in Kerala are the
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National
Park. At the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in
Thekkady, you and your friends can ride
majestically into the scenic jungle on an
elephant. You can also watch the wildlife at close
quarters from the safety of a boat at the
Kumarakom and Periyar. Herds of wild elephants
bathing in the lake, the Indian bison digging his
horns into an unaffected tree, the cormorant
darting into the waters are a treat for the
amateur photographer. Half of the world population
of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr lives in the
Eravikulam National Park in Munnar. Friendly as
they are, you can also pat them or pose for
pictures with them. In the bird sanctuaries, you
can watch the egrets, herons, Siberian stork,
darters, teals and hundreds of other migratory
birds. The best time to visit the wildlife
sanctuaries and national parks in Kerala are from
October to March. The best time to watch the
wildlife is in the early morning and evening.
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23. |
Are there any restrictions for the Photography in Kerala
? Is there anything I need to consider while doing
photography in Kerala ? |
Kerala offers you great
photographing options and it is a great fun while
photographing in Kerala as you will have enough
sunlight most of the time. We suggest you to bring
enough films with you to catch the endless beauty
of Kerala. In some of the monuments and wildlife
sanctuaries you have to pay the fees for the
photography. Our guide will suggest you where it
is worth to photograph and where not. At some of
the locations photography is not allowed. Do not
photograph these objects otherwise your film can
be confiscated. Always take permission before
photographing people. Lower class people are
especially sensitive and suspicious as to why they
are being photographed. Never photograph airports,
railways, railway stations, big bridges, or a
military area. It’s good not to photograph Muslim
women, women bathing, cremations, slums, or
beggars. |
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24. |
How safe is traveling in Kerala ? |
Kerala is comparatively a safe
state to travel. Crime rate against foreigners
remain low. However specially to our female guests
we recommend not be alone on the road after late
evening just to be on the safer side. In case you
need any help you can call the police at 100 and
Ambulance at 102. |
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25. |
How is shopping in Kerala ? Can you provide me some tips
for safe and smart shopping in Kerala ? |
Kerala is a shoppers paradise.
There are various shopping places in Kerala.
However, we recommend you to shop from the
government approved emporiums. You can bargain
everywhere except in government craft emporiums,
government textile shops, pharmacies, bookstores,
or Western-style grocery stores. Even if a price
is written on an object, ask the price and bargain
from there. Decide what you are willing to spend
for an item. Make this your last offer in a
bargaining session. If the shop owner is willing
to sell at your price, he will sell you the item
without much argument. It is better to buy large
and expensive items, such as rugs or jewellery, only
from reputable dealers recommended by Indian
acquaintances, hotels or your guide and driver.
Most of the large stores also ship your purchase.
Although, for convenience and to avoid postal
delays, it is advisable to carry your purchased
items with you or book it as baggage. |
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26. |
What shopping I can do in Kerala ?
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Kerala's handicraft centres
have an extraordinary collection of wood, coir,
shell and sandalwood souvenirs, trinkets and
jewellery. Wood carved Kathakali models, Kathakali
masks, rosewood elephants, miniature models of
snake boats, baskets, trays and furniture made of
cane, coconut shell cups, vases, spoons, bead
curtains, bell metal lamps, sculptures, jewellery
boxes, incense burners, betel boxes, nut crackers,
screw pine articles, lacquerware, terracotta,
wooden toys, dolls and intricate gold jewellery
are the perfect showpieces for your drawing rooms
and ideal gifts for friends. |
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27. |
How much should I give as tipping while traveling in
Kerala ?
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Tipping is expected by most of
the people involved in the tourism in Kerala. In
big hotels service charges are included in the
bills so tipping is not necessary otherwise 10% of
the amount of the billing is normally provided as
tipping. If you are traveling with a group the
tipping can be reduced to 5% of the total bill.
For the porters in the hotels Rs.20 for a single
baggage and in the case of a group Rs.10 per
baggage is customary. For tour guides and escorts
we recommend 1 to 2 USD per day per person and
same is also for the driver accompanying you
during your Kerala tour. However the mentioned
amounts are just to give travelers an idea. There
is no “must” or “compulsion” of tipping in Kerala.
We advice you to measure the quality of services
of particular person or establishment before
thinking of tipping ! |
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28. |
Are there any restrictions on the export of articles
from Kerala ? |
The Government has put
restrictions on the export of the wild animals
from the country. It has also put ban on the
export of the articles made from the wild animals
like skins, belts, furs, ivory, rhino horns,
trophies, etc. Except peacock feathers and
handicrafts made from them and various items and
shavings of Antler, Cheetals and Sambars are not
banned, subject to conditions. Export of exotic
birds is also not allowed. However, the items
made exclusively out of imported timber are
exempted subject to conditions. Also, export of
sandalwood in any form like logs, timber, roots
bark, chip, powder, dust flakes, pulp and
charcoal, excluding finished handicrafts and
machine-finished products is prohibited. Export of
furs of domestic animals, hides and skins is also
prohibited except the Lamb fur. Antiques which
include sculpture, painting or other works of art
and craft, illustrative works of science and
religion and of historical interest which are more
than hundred years old may not be exported from
India. Manuscripts or other documents of
scientific, historical, literary or aesthetic
older than seventy five years also can not be
exported out of India. Recently Airport taxes are
being collected at the time of issuing the tickets
to India. Please always confirm with your Airline
if the taxes are to paid at the airport at the
time of departure from India. |
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29. |
I want to know more about Kerala Tourism Travel ! Why
should I book the tour through Kerala Tourism Travel ? |
Kerala Tourism Travel is a
recognized tour operator and holiday planner in
Kerala. We not only organize tours in Kerala, but
also in other parts of India, Nepal and Bhutan. We
not only organize the tours as they are printed in
the itinerary but also work out any special tailor
made itinerary in any area of the Indian
subcontinent. We also organize special Ayurveda
rejuvenation packages, Yoga training camps in
Kerala. We also organize special interest tours
for women only. Kerala Tourism Travel is
associated with a team of Tour Escorts and Guides
who are fluent in different languages having long
experience and are highly qualified and have also
spent many years abroad. To know more about Kerala
Tourism Travel and its team please refer to the "About
Us" page or email us at
info@indovacations.net
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30. |
What is the guarantee that I would be provided the
services which I asked for during my tour ? Or how safe
is my tour with Kerala Tourism Travel ? |
Kerala Tourism Travel will
provide you a guarantee in the form of certificate
which means that your traveling is safe with us.
The certificate is attested by the Notary Public.
In that certificate it is specified that Kerala
Tourism Travel undertakes the guarantee that it
would provide all the services as decided
according to the mutual agreement between you and
them. |
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31. |
Where is the office of Kerala Tourism Travel located ? |
The central office of Kerala
Tourism Travel is located in Jaipur, the capital
of Rajasthan. Jaipur is located about 270 kms from
Delhi. The office is located in the Raja Park area
of Jaipur, which is the famous shopping area in
Jaipur. |
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32. |
Does your company provide any sort of insurance ? |
No, our company does not
provide any sort of medical insurance. It is
advisable that you get the insurance from your
country only. |
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33. |
How do we settle the payment? Is there an advance
deposit required ? |
We need 10% of the total tour
cost as an advance at the time of the confirmation
of the tour. This is to be sure that your booking
is genuine and we can go ahead with the
reservations. The rest of the due amount can be
paid before your arrival in Kerala. On special
request you can also make the payment after your
arrival. This can be agreed upon as per the type
of tour and the amount we have to pay in advance
to the hotels and our other associate offices for
making the reservations. |
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34. |
How can I make
the payment ? |
There are various payment
options by which you can make payment to Kerala
Tourism Travel. You can make payment by cash, bank
transfer, online credit card payment, Paypal,
Cheque, Travelers checks and demand draft. If you
have booked the tour through our associate offices
then you can make the payment to them and get the
confirmation from us. If you wish to use another
option of payment suitable to you, then we would
assist you. Please send us your queries and
specify the country of your residence. |
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35. |
What type of
information is required in order to confirm the booking
? |
In order to confirm the booking
with us we require some of the information like
a. Passport no.
b. Date of passport issue
c. Validity of passport
d. Passport issued at
e. Date of Birth
f. Your complete name as in the passport
g. Complete address
h. Your Nationality
i. Your Visa Number, if you already have the visa
j. Your telephone Number
k. Your mobile number if any
l. Your arrival Date, Airline number and time
m. Your departure date, Airline number and time
You can fill up all these information and send it
to us so that we will confirm your hotel booking.
At the time of check in at the hotel, you need to
please handover a copy of such details at the
hotel reception so that you do not have to fill up
the information forms of the hotel and it also
saves the time. |
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36. |
I want to learn
the native language of Kerala. What do you advice ? |
The main language which is
spoken in Kerala is Malayalam. If you want to
learn Malayalam which is the native language of
Kerala then we offer some special Malayalam
courses in Kerala with the help of experienced
teachers. The courses are of different time
duration that can be designed as per your interest
and availability of the teacher. The offered
Malayalam Language lessons are given by private
teachers thus making the course an individual
course for you. Our teachers have experiences in
teaching foreign students whose native language is
not Malayalam. If you want to learn Malayalam or
any other languages and want to have any further
more information then please email us at
info@indovacations.net
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37. |
Do people
understand English and other foreign languages in Kerala
?
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English is widely spoken and
understood at almost all tourist centers. But we
highly recommend you to take qualified and
government recognized guides during your
sightseeing in Kerala. We are associated with
Guides in Kerala who also speak German, French,
Spanish, Japanese, Italian or Russian. Tour guides
will help you not only in your sightseeing, but
also help you understand Kerala better and give
you useful tips for your Journey to Kerala !
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38. |
I want to visit
the tea and spice plantations in Kerala ? What do you
advice ? |
In Kerala, you can take a walk
through the green carpeted tea hills and a strong
aroma will lead you into tea factories over a
hundred years old. Here you can also taste and
pick up the finest tea in the country. Kerala is
also known as the Spice Coast of India. Kerala is
famous in the world due to total monopoly over
spices. It is a matter of pride for the tiny state
of Kerala that the bulk of this trade is still
from Kerala. Some spices that have made Kerala a
spice state are Pepper, Cardamom, Clove, Cinnamon,
Nutmeg. From Kerala, you can also buy the chest
and special gift vouchers full of exotic spices. |
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39. |
Can I drive in
Kerala ? |
Though it is permissible to
drive in Kerala but we strongly recommend you not
to drive as the condition of roads and traffic
rules do not match with Western countries. Driving
here is on the left, as in Japan, Hong Kong, and
Britain. There are cyclists, buses, trucks,
rickshaws, camels, cows, goats, pigs, countless
pedestrians on roads. Chances are more to meet
with an accident if you drive on your own. It is
always advisable to hire a driver as they are
trained and familiar with local traffic sense. For
more information on hiring a driver contact our
team of Kerala Tourism Travel. |
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40. |
What are the
different greetings used in Kerala ? |
Kerala is a land of diversity
thus you will notice that different people use
different greetings. Like, Hindus say "Namaskaram
or Namasthe", Muslims say, "Salaam al-eikum" (Sah-lahm
ah-lay-kuhm) and the Sikhs say "Sat Sri Akal" (Saht
shree ah-kahl). |
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41. |
What are the
general do’s and don’ts for greeting in Kerala ? |
The general greeting is "Namasthe"
(nah-mahs-tay) or "Namaskaram". You can do this
for "Good morning", "Good afternoon" or "Good
evening". While saying Namasthe or Namaskaram hold
your palms together at chin level and nod (never
bow) your head. In major cities, men usually shake
hands, while women use the more traditional
greeting. In general, you can shake hands with men
and can say Namaste to women. Ji is used following
a name as a sign of respect, e.g., Gandhi-ji. Note
that a Hindu may greet a man by adding "sahib"
("sir" or "master") to the name (Mr. Jones-sahib)
and woman by adding "ji" (Miss Jones-ji) as a sign
of respect. Don’t use first names unless you know
someone very well. Use "Mr.", "Mrs.", or "Miss".
Use titles such as "Professor" and "Doctor", and
use "Sir" or "Madam" with a superior/elders. Only
people of the same sex can hug one another. |
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42. |
How do Indians
welcome their guests ? |
Indians follow very traditional
style to welcome their honored guests. The
garlands of flowers are used in formal occasions,
such as in the inauguration of building or
company, in the receptions of a distinguished
visitor, or at the end of a concert. The garlands
are draped around the neck of the honored person.
If you are a receiver of a garland, wear the
flowers for a few minutes, then remove the garland
and give it to someone else or else hold on to it.
Never leave it behind, except at the foot of a
statue in a temple. |
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43. |
How can I
identify people from various religions ? |
Kerala has people from varied
religions it is sometimes difficult to tell Hindus
from Muslims from Sikhs - with so many people in
Western dress. You can identify them by their
names like; Muslims have as part of their name "Muham-med",
"Ali", "Khan" or "Hussein". Muslim women have
"Jan" or "Begum" at the end of their name. Common
Hindu names are "Krishna", "Gopal", "Vijay", "Rajendra"
and "Prakash". Religious Sikhs can be identified
by the turbans that they wear and their first name
is usually followed by "Singh" if man and "Kaur"
if woman. |
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44. |
What about the
public facilities in Kerala ? |
The
public facilities are rarely good, including all
the major cities. You will find Western style
toilets in all the standard hotels and
restaurants. Be prepared to find them not so clean
as you are used to in your country. Indian trains
usually have both Indian and Western-style
toilets. You will find public bathrooms and
toilets in hotels, restaurants, railway stations,
bus stations and some shops in big cities. There
is usually a picture on the door to indicate which
bathroom is for which sex. In some places, there
may be a row of stalls with Indian-style "squat"
toilets and one that is Western – style. But in
small cities or towns where the tourist flow is
less facilities are rather poor. Keep toilet paper
or tissues, paper soaps or liquid soaps with you
for convenience. |
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45. |
What caution
should one tourist take – when it comes to legal matter
and safety ? |
Don’t bring guns or pornography
into India. Be prepared to declare radios,
cameras, and other electronic equipment on a
special form. Customs will check to make sure that
you take those items out with you when you leave
the country. Be aware that the police can be very
arbitrary. In case of a small theft, it’s better
to forget it than to go to the police. Report any
significant theft to the police so that you can
have a statement for your insurance company. It’s
very unlikely that you will recover the stolen
goods. To minimize the possible loss of money,
never carry a large amount in cash wish you.
ATM's, are meanwhile available in all big and
small cities at the bank premises. |
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46. |
What precautions
should I take regarding my health while in India? |
Always take some toilet paper
rolls with you since toilet paper may be difficult
to obtain outside large cities. Soap, toothpaste,
and toiletries are readily available. Tampons are
more difficult to find than sanitary napkins, so
women who use tampons should bring a supply. Wash
you hand as often as you can, avoid eating
uncooked and cold food, especially from the street
vendors, drink only mineral water. One should take
care that the bottles are sealed. Never buy ice
cream from a street vendor as stomach may not like
the water or milk used in making the ice cream. At
the initial start of your tour for first few days
avoid spicy food. You can always tell the waiters
at the restaurants that you would like to have
less spicy food. Avoid mild made drinks unless for
first few days at least ! In case of any emergency
ask your guide or driver to take you to a doctor.
Indian doctors are well experienced and medicines
are easily available. |
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47. |
What is the
general meal plan in Kerala ? What kind of food is
served in the restaurants in Kerala ? |
The general meal plan in Kerala
consist of three main meals in a day with one or
two added tea-coffee breaks. The main meals are
breakfast, lunch and dinner. All standard
restaurants and hotels in Kerala offer a variety
of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian
and typical Kerala. Though the meal pattern is
same, the food served in the meals varies in
different regions of Kerala. Vallayappam, Upma,
Iddli, Puttu, Masala dosas, appams are the
different dishes in Kerala. The crisp lacy appam
is served with meat or vegetable stew. Kerala has
a wide range of crunchy snacks like Ethakka
(banana) chips, Chakka Vattal (Jackfruit chips),
Pappadam, Kuzhalappam, Achappam, Cheeda and
Churuttu. |
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48. |
What are the
special dishes one should try on the trip to Kerala ?
|
Kerala offers many palatable
dishes like sambar (a lentil puree cooked with
vegetable and spices), uttappam (a rice and
coconut pancake fermented with toddy and baked in
a clay pot), payasam (a sweet made from milk and
cereals), boiled rice, hot red fish curry with
steamed tapioca or boiled rice. Along the Malabar
coast and in Vasco da Gama Square in Fort Kochi,
you can select your favourite from an inviting
display of juicy sear fish, sardines, prawns, red
snappers, etc. In Kerala, you can also taste the
Sadhya. Sadhya is the multi-course feast of rice,
12-15 vegetarian dishes, spicy pickles, crunchy
banana chips, crispy pappadams, plaintains and
payasam, the dessert. This meal is served on a
plaintain leaf and eaten with the fingers. |
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49. |
What is advisable
to eat and drink in Kerala ? |
We advice our guests to drink
bottled water, bottled drinks. The water in the
hotels can be used for cleaning the tooth and body
but avoid drinking this water. The mineral water
is available in sealed bottles which is purified
and quite safe to drink. It is not advisable to
drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or
dams. Avoid eating spicy food. It is suggested to
stick to only cooked foods and to eat fresh fruits
after removing their skin. After taking the above
precautions you will realize that Kerala has a
wonderful cuisine and rarely any other place meet
such varieties. |
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50. |
What is the
special drink of Kerala ? |
In Kerala, you can refresh
yourself with a sip of cool tender coconut, the
nature's refreshing nectar and a scoop of its soft
white flesh. The fresh Madhura Kallu (sweet toddy
extracted from the coconut palm) can also be taken
in the Kerala way with exotic Karimeen Pollichathu
(baked fresh water fish) or spicy pickles. |
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51. |
Give me general
information about local transport available in Kerala ? |
Various means of local
transport in Kerala ranges from cycle-rickshaws to
auto-rickshaws, taxis and buses. Local buses are
usually over crowded and should be avoided.
Auto-rickshaw and taxis are easily available and
can be used if necessary. You can ask at
information desks at the airport or in hotels to
get an idea of the fare. At major airports, there
are prepaid booths, where you can pay and then you
will be given a receipt to be given to the driver.
In small towns, you can look for a cycle-rickshaw,
a three-wheel bicycle with seats for two
passengers behind the driver. On a pleasant
evening, traverse the scenic mud roads of Kerala
at the unhurried pace of a bullock cart. The
tinkling bells and roll-over-from-side-to-side
motion of the cart will place you into a lazy
environment. |
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52. |
Can you tell me
something about train journey in Kerala ? As a foreign
traveler what should I do to make my rail journey in
Kerala safe and comfortable ? |
A train journey is considered
as an interesting way if you want to explore the
natural beauty and village life in Kerala. From
trains you can watch the landscape unfold like
pages of a colourful picture book, or acquaint
yourself with your fellow travelers who make
interesting profiles. Rail journey in Kerala can
be a memorable experience for you if you reserve
your seat well in advance, to avoid any
inconvenience later on. Reservations can be made
up to six months in advance. Before getting in
line to arrange for your sleeper, fill out a
sleeper reservation form, which you will find in
the counters around the reservation hall. Your
ticket will indicate your compartment and berth
seat number. Allow plenty of time before departing
to find your seat. Sleeper and seat numbers are
displayed on lists posted on the platform and
outside each carriage, along with passenger's
name. For further Information and booking contact
the team of Kerala Tourism Travel. |
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53. |
I want to spent
my honeymoon in Kerala ? What are the various options ? |
In Kerala, you can enjoy your
honeymoon amidst the sprawling tea plantations,
picture book towns, sprawling beaches, cascading
waterfalls and winding lanes of the mist clad hill
stations in Kerala. The dense tropical jungles in
the hill stations houses some of the most exotic
bird and wildlife sanctuaries in the country. In
Munnar also, you can enjoy your romantic evening
beside the crystal clear lake. Here, you can go
for a walk hand-in-hand, undisturbed or lie down
on the most comfortable of grass beds. The crystal
clear waters cascade down the mountains of Kerala,
gurgling, whispering, laughing and cleansing
everything in their way. You can also spend your
honeymoon on the Kerala's islands or lagoons and
experience special moments, spectacular sunsets,
balmy backwaters, succulent seafood at Bolgatty,
Pathiramanal, Poovar. These paradises can be
reached only by a ferry or boat. During your
honeymoon in Kerala, you can also stay in the
exotic houseboat and embark on an enchanting
journey across backwaters on a kettuvallom, fully
furnished traditional house boats. While your eyes
explore the rustic life that floats by, treat your
palate to backwater delicacies prepared by your
personal chef. |
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54. |
what is the major
source of entertainment of people in Kerala ? |
In Kerala, the people entertain
themselves with the classical dance performances,
music, plays and various cultural events which
keeps them occupied in the evening. Kathakali,
Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, Thiruvathira are the major
classical dances of Kerala. In these dances, a
story is unveiled through the eyes, fingers, feet
and myriad expressions of the artist. The Kerala's
rich repertoire of percussion music and
instruments is famous all over the world.
Panchavadyam is an orchestra of 5 native
instruments of Suddha Maddalam, Komb, Edakka,
elathalam and Timila. This traditional temple
music accompanying elephant pageants builds up the
festive spirit and never fails to leave its
listeners entranced. Yakshagana Bombeyattu
(puppetry) is the art form of Kasaeagod. Colourful
puppets in huge headgears, elaborate facial
make-up and lud attires dancing to throbbing music
will keep you entertained. The people find these
things quite relaxing after a long days work.
Kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala, is
the oldest and most scientific in the world. In
this art, you can watch the agile bodies gleaming
in oil and armed with weapons practise their feats
- Chattam (jumping), Ottam (running), Marichil (sommersault)
to stunning perfection. |
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55. |
I want to learn
the dances of Kerala. What are the different dances of
Kerala ? |
Kathakali, Mohiniyattam,
Theyyam, Thiruvathira are the major classical
dances of Kerala. Thiruvathira, a traditional
dance performed by the women has simple steps and
a single rule that the performers should be clad
in a Kerala saree. You can also join them as they
sing and move elegantly around a ceremonial lamp (vilakku)
or a floral decoration (pookalam). Mohiniyattam or
the dance of the enchantress reflects the graceful
nature of the land. the sensuous, graceful
movements of the dancer, clad in gold and off
white costumes, will remind you of palms swaying
in the gentle breeze and sweepin waves. Kathakali,
the four centuries old classical art orm, is
usually staged at night. Elaborate costumes,
ornaments and multi-coloured facial amke up give
the artists a super human appearance which leaves
you spellbound. Theyyam is the oldest ritual art
form of Kerala. Look on in awe as Theyyam
performers invoke the temple deity Bhagavathy with
their frenzied dancing and throbbing temple music
in the countryards of the village temples. Thullal,
an exotic art form, and the rhythmic sounds of
music accompanying it will keep you in a constant
state of merriment. Humour, satire and social
criticism are its hallmarks. This art form was
formulated overnight by the renowned poet, Kunjan
Nambiar. |
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56. |
I want to take up
an Ayurveda treatment in Kerala. What are the various
Ayurveda treatments ? |
Kerala’s equable climate,
natural forest wealth of herbs and medicinal
plants, and the cool monsoon season from June to
November are best suited for Ayurveda’s curative
and restorative programmes. The Ayurvedic massage
by specially trained masseurs, medicated baths,
herbal diets, yoga and meditation can be done in
the Ayurveda resorts in Kerala that will recharge,
refresh, revitalise, replenish your health and
body. The mud therapy can be taken at the Kavil
Bhavan Yoga and Cultural Centre at Nileswaram,
Kasaragod. You can also relax your mind with yoga
at the special ashrams in Trivandrum and
Nileswaram. Sessions are conducted by spiritual
gurus and experts in the field. The Ayurveda
Resorts have the finest Ayurveda Centre with a
team of dedicated doctors and experienced men and
women therapists. Some of the treatments which are
provided in the Ayurveda Centre are Rasayana
Chikitsa, Kayakalpa Chikitsa, Body Sudation, Body
Slimming, Herbal Steam Bath, Beauty Care,
Panchakarma treatment, Dhara, Sirodhara, Pizhichil,
Najvarakizhi, Elakizhi, Shirovasthi, Kativasthi,
Snehapanam, Udwarthanam and Tharpanam and yoga and
meditation. |
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57. |
I am an
enthusiastic adventurous tourist ? What are the various
options for me in Kerala ? |
An adventure sports lover will
rarely find time to stay idle in Kerala. In
Kerala, the beaches provide with unlimited
water sports options of wind surfing, rafting,
sailing, power boating, swimming and a simple
catamaran ride. In Thekkady, you can go for the
tiger trail, which is an adventurous trek into the
dense jungles with the expert guides. you can cook
in the jungle, sleep in the tents and wake up to
the sounds of wilderness. If you are a nature
lover, then you can treat your eyes to exotic
orchids, anthuria, sandalwood trees, etc. in the
forests. One of the rare flower is the
Neelakurinji, which bathes the mountains of Munnar
in blue once every twelve years. It is expected to
bloom next in 2006 AD. |
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