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Visas |
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Carry your visa for entry to India/Kerala on your holiday. For further clarifications, contact the Indian High Commission. For visa extension, contact Office of the Commissioner of Police, Thiruvananthapuram. Ph: 0471-2320579. |
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Emergency numbers |
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Police control room: 100 Fire station: 101 Ambulance: 101
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Time |
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(Hours fast (+), slow (-) on IST) USA: -10.30, Germany: - 4.30, Canada: - 10.30, France: - 4.30, Australia: + 4.30, Spain: -4.30, UAE: - 1.30
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Water |
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Even though tap water is purified, it is better to drink bottled drinking water or drinking water from houses/restaurants. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.
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Temple codes |
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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.
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Nudity |
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Nudity is not allowed in any Kerala beach.
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Footwear in houses |
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Visitors to most Kerala houses leave their footwear outside before entering the house |
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Ayurvedic treatment |
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If you wish to undergo Ayurvedic treatment, it is very important to ensure that you go to an authorised centre.
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Demonstrativeness in public |
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Behaviour demonstrating affection in public like hugging or kissing is not an accepted practice in Kerala.
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Wildlife sanctuaries |
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To visit a wildlife sanctuary, prior permission has to be taken from the concerned authority of the sanctuary. For further enquiries, contact: The Chief Conservator of Forests, Thiruvananthapuram 695014.
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Money |
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There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.
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Banks |
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Banks are open for transaction from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs on all days except Sundays (10.00 to 12.00 hrs).
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Best time to visit |
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High season: October to April - Monsoon. Rejuvenation programmes: May to September
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Travel wear |
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Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, etc..
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Credit cards |
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Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centres honour major credit cards. |
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Currency |
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Indian Rupee (INR)
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Drugs |
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Heavy punishments including imprisonment are imposed for possession of narcotic drugs.
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Food |
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All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Kerala fare.
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