The state of Kerala is situated in the southernmost peninsula of India. It is one of India's favourite tourist destinations across the world. With the enchanting backwaters, many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, waterfalls, shopping markets, hills, mountains and beaches, the state has lots to offer the eye and the spirit. When travelling in Kerala you may wish to keep certain things in mind.

Money
Currency is the Indian Rupee. (IR). There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring. Banks are open for transaction from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs on all days except Sundays (10.00 to 12.00 hrs). Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centres accept major credit cards.

Best time to visit
High season: October to April.

Travel wear
Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc

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

Drugs
Heavy punishments including imprisonment are imposed for possession of narcotic drugs.

Emergency numbers
Police control room: 100
Fire station: 101
Ambulance: 101

Water
Tap 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.

Temple codes
Footwear inside the temple and entry into the sanctum sanctorum is banned in all the temples. Other customs and codes of conduct and dress in temples across the State vary from each other. Some temples do not permit entry to non-Hindus, while some do. Shirts for men and pants are banned from some temples and allowed in some others. Where they are banned, men have to be in mundus and women, in saris, half-saris or long skirts.

Nudity
Nudity is not allowed in any Kerala beach.

Footwear in houses
Visitors to most Kerala houses leave their footwear outside before entering the house.