Travel Guide to Kerala

Location

On the southernmost tip of India, the state of Kerala sits on the south-western coast of the Indian peninsula, bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and the steep Western Ghats to the east.

Shopping

There are several large shopping complexes in Trivandrum including the Pazhavangadi, Puthenchanthai and Cantonment, along with a curio shop at Gram Udyog Bhavan. These sell a range of modern, local and traditional goods. Local handicrafts include ivory carvings, brocaded fabrics, Keralan ceramics and pottery, jewellery, sandalwood figurines, spices, straw pictures and Aranmula Kannadi mirrors.

Geography

The state of Kerala stretches 344 miles along the south-western coast of the Indian peninsula and ranges from a width of 20 miles in the north and south to 75 miles in the centre. The entire state is criss-crossed by 44 rivers, which form a pattern of shimmering backwaters and are fed by the two annual monsoons. The Keralan landscape varies between mountainous ghats and cooler hill stations to the humid, tropical coast. Glorious white sand beaches stretch for miles along the shore and are lined by verdant vegetation and exotic flora. For administrational purposes, Kerala state is divided into fourteen districts.

History

The existence of Kerala is recorded in Ashokan and Sanskrit texts as early as the third century BC. The earliest inhabitants are known to have been Pulayas, Kuravas and Vetas who were later enslaved by migratory tribes from the north. During the Christian era, the Chera dynasty thrived and is believed to have traded with the Roman Empire from their port at Kodungallur. At this time, the influence of Buddhism and Jainism surged. The riches and strength of the Chera dynasty, achieved through trade with the Arab and Chinese lands, attracted the neighbouring Chola Empire, who invaded and maintained over one hundred years of warfare against the Chera. The Chera dynasty was finally defeated in the 12th century and moved south to establish a new capital at Quilon. In 1498, the Portuguese became the first Europeans to reach the Keralan shore and trade with the Europeans began. The short-lived peace between the Keralan ruler Zamorin and the Portuguese trader Vasa da Gama was destroyed when da Gama attacked the coast and set up a trading post at Cochin. From here the Portuguese dominated trade with the Middle East. The Portuguese were eventually overtaken by the French and Dutch and by the 1600’s, an independent territory which had been set up on the Malabar Coast, fell to the British in 1792. In 1947, Kerala achieved independence from British rule and in 1957 it was the first state in the world to democratically elect a communist government.

Basic Information

Language
Malayalam is the official language but English is widely spoken.

Currency
Indian Rupee (Rs), divided into 100 paise. Coins have values of 10, 25 and 50 paise, and 1, 2 and 5 rupees. Notes have values of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees.

Electricity
230-240 volts AC 50 Hz. Several plug types are in use. Plugs with three large round pins are most common but you should take a multiple adaptor with you.

Banks
Generally open Monday to Friday 10.00 a. m.-14.00 p. m. Saturdays 10.00 a. m.-12.00 p. m.

Driving
Traffic drives on the left. Although car hire is available, it is much more common to hire a chauffeur with your car which will usually work out the same, if not cheaper, than renting the car alone.

Time difference
GMT + 5.5

Tipping
10% is usual in hotels and restaurants, while for other services you’ll find a few rupees are always appreciated.

The term ‘tipping’ is not widely known in India, although the term ‘Baksheesh’ – basically bribery – is used not so much to award good service as to generally getting things done.

Water
Bottled mineral water is recommended

Visas
British passport holders do need a visa. You’ll need a standard tourist visa for the whole of your stay. Visas must be obtained from the High Commission of India in London.

Tourist info
www.keralatourism.org
www.keralatourism.com

What makes it so special?

The absolutely stunning scenery and landscape. The vibrant colourful festivals. Fantastic beaches. Year round perfect weather. Numerous Ayurvedic health resorts.

Where to visit?

Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram)
In Kerala’s far south, this district is the capital of the region and home to Kovalam’s stunning beaches. Trivandrum city centre offers several scenic and historically important sights including the Chalai Bazaar, the Fort Area – home to the Padmanabha Swamy Temple and Ananthavilasam Palace, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, Ponmudi Hill Station, Kuthiramalika Palace and the Napier Museum. The region also offers many unique and picturesque spots to stop for picnics, along with a unique cultural heritage to explore.
Kovalam’s four crescent beaches are world-renowned and offer the opportunity to not only top up your tan in the beautiful bay and swim in the warm waters off shore, but to enjoy Ayurvedic body toning massages, catamaran cruises and cultural programmes. There are several shopping complexes and numerous Ayurvedic health, massage and yoga centres.

Head out to Veli Tourist Village on the shores of the Veli lagoon for watersports including safari boat trips, speed boat rides and pedal boats. Close to the Village is Shankhumugham Beach, famed for it’s giant mermaid statue, a restaurant shaped like a starfish and stunning sunset views.

Varkala is not only a beach resort and spa but also an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. The beautiful coastline climbs up to high cliffs and mineral springs. Close by is the Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple – dedicated to Vishnu and famed for its mural paintings and stone carvings, and the Nature Care Centre. Also close to Varkala is Anjengo, a beautiful natural setting with historic significance – it was here that the East India company based its first trade settlement in Kerala. The beautiful beach and stunning setting attract many visitors.

Most popular tours

Canoe trips on the Thiruvallam
Backwater tours
Tea plantations
Rice boat cruises
Catamaran rides
Fishing