Visiting Kerala for the first time? Prepare for a Trip to Kerala
Kerala is called as “God’s own Country”, a chance to visit here should be a must one in your bucket list. Kerala is -the southern most state in India, since the last 23 years, Kerala receives multiplying number of international tourist visits.
Why Kerala?
Kerala’s climate is similar to New Zealand’s. At the same State, we can experience the charming Beaches as Kerala having a coastline of approximately 590 kilometers along the Arabian Sea , the mist of -the High Range, a little Venice experience of Alleppey, -the backwaters of Kuttanad, Natural Ayurvedic treatmnet of heritage, the feeling of natural freshness and understanding the wild with Kathirmudi trekking etc.
Check the Weather before you plan a trip to Kerala
Kerala has a warm, tropical climate for most of the time. The air is humid near the western coast and cooler in the eastern hills. Understanding how the weather shifts between regions helps you decide where you have to go.
- In coastal spots like Alleppey, Kochi, Kovalam, and Varkala, the vibe is all about sunshine and humidity, tempered by the occasional sea breeze. Lightweight cotton clothing is your best bet for staying cool and comfortable.
- In hill stations such as Munnar, Wagamon, Ponmudi, and Wayanad, the air takes on a crisp chill, particularly once the sun goes down. A light jacket or a shawl is a must-have to stay cozy in the cooler mountain climate.
- In scenic spots like Kuttanad backwaters, Poovar islands, Vellayani Lake, and Amboori, the air often turns refreshingly cool once you’re out on the water at night. If you’re booking a houseboat, bringing along a thin layer will keep you perfectly cozy while lounging on deck after sunset.
Essentials to keep
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes (Kerala is hygienic by comparing with -the other states but these precautions are mandatory due to the virus outbreaks)
- Sunscreen SPF 25+ in City areas
- Mosquito repellent equipments as it is common in everyplace.
- Umbrella/Rain Jacket if you are visiting in-between June-September.
- Moisturizer and lip balm.
- Power bank (10,000 mAh or above, in the Eastern parts and forest areas, the availabilty of plugs are rare but network accessibility is guaranteed)
- Waterproof pouch for your smartphone and wallet.
- Wellington shoes for Eastern Forest regions and High Range areas as Blood drinking Leeches are common in Summer season, once it bite, you cannot identify within an hour. For Trekking and Hiking, gripped and suitable Shoes are mandaory as there are many slippery spots.
- Long range Torch light especiallyt in -the East Western Ghats as Wild animls encountering are usual
- Compass, it is good to keep in hand when travlling to -the eastern forest regions if -the Smartphnoe turn off.
Local Tips
- If you lost connection between the group memebrs while on the unknown Forest visit in the Wetsren Ghats, do not move anywhere and stay on the same place, otherwise it will become complicated for Forest department’s Rapid Response Team to find you.
- Do not bring Glass bottles, Match box etc in Forest Area.
- Keep liquid money, Kerala has full-fledged digital payment facility like UPI, Net Banking, etc but keeping liquid money below INR 1000 ($11 as of 2026) in hand for emergnecis or for local stores.
- Carry printed copies of your ID and bookings.
Packing tips:
Monsoon (June – September):
Afternoons often bring rain. Pack quick-drying clothes, waterproof footwear, a small towel, and a raincoat or umbrella. Protect your electronics in zippered pouches.
Winter (November – February):
Temperatures drop, particularly in Munnar and Thekkady. Bring a light sweater or jacket, and use moisturizer to combat dry air. Evenings on the backwaters can be chilly and breezy.
Summer (March – May):
Expect hot and sunny weather. Opt for light cotton clothing, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen. Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated while exploring.
Safer and Hygienic accomodation areas
In Trivandrum District
- Trivandrum Central
- Pattom
- Kovalam
- Kazhakoottam
- Amboori
- Neyyar Dam
- Vellayani
- Vazhuthacaud
- Veli
- Vattapara
- Kumarapuram
- Ulloor
- Sreekaryam
- Karyavattom
In Ernakulam District
- Fort Cochi
- Kadavanthra
- MG Road
In Kottayam District
- Pala
- Kottayam town
How to reach?
A foreigner do not have to go to any embassy in India if they arrive directly at a Kerala airport with a valid visa
Here’s how it works:
- They land at Kochi / Trivandrum / Calicut / Kannur
- Immigration is done at the airport itself
- Passport + visa checked
- They enter India legally and can go anywhere in Kerala
Ernalulam
- Arrive at Cochin International Airport (COK)
- A 27 miles travel required to reach Fort Kochi from Cochi Interantional Airport
- Travel West-South direction
- KSRTC Fast and Super Fast Buses are also available
- Alternatively, Apps like Uber, OLA etc are available to travel
When you reach Cochi, it will be easy to plan a travel to other destinations like Allapey, Wagamon, Munnar etc. Kottayam – Cochi is the Central part of Kerala, therefore it acts as a hub to connect both -the North and South.
Trivandrum
- Arrive at Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
- As a first time visitor, the safe and best place to stay when ariive Trivandrum is Kovalam/Trivandrum Central
- You can use the Apps like Uber/OLA to reach Trivandrum Central or Kovalam beach from Trivandrum International Airport
- Kovalam Beach: 8.26 miles from the Airport
- Trivandrum Central (Thampanoor): 3 miles from the Airport
- Varkala: 27 miles from Thampanoor (Travel to West South)
Note: In Trivandrum, it is better to reach at KSRTC Bus Station, Thampanoor for travelling conviniently using both Ordinary local to Fast Passenger Public Bus service. When you reach KSRTC Bus Station Thampanoor, you will get easy access to visist all Districts of Kerala with direct Buses.
Intercity travel in between Trivandrum, Kovalam and Varkala Cliff etc are roughly below INR 500, so do not become cheated by local taxi drivers, in such scenarios, use official Apps like Uber/OLA, it has digital paymenty facility too.
Where to Stay?
If you are looking for budget freindly accomodations, you can browse the website Zostel.com and there you wil get good accomnodation especially inside Ernakulam district, Cochi, Kadavanthra etc are also under the Ernbakulam distrct.
If you want luxurious Hotel accomodations in the Capital of Kerala, Trivandrum, you can Hyat Residency, Hycinth, Apollo Dimora etc, these Hotels are verified and provide genuine service.
Alternatively, beautiful and tourist spots engaged accomodations are available via KTDC Website (Kerala Government)
Several local accomodations are also available around the beach area which are budghet friendly and clean, for such recommendations, please comment below.
