KERALA

Kerala, as a state, came into existance on November 1, 1956. At the time of formation, there was only 5 districts. The number of districts later increased to 14. Kasargod being the last one. The districts are divided into Taluks and again subdivided into villages for administrative convenieance. At present there are 63 Taluks and 1452 villages.With total area of 38863 sq. km. Idukki is the largest district in Kerala and Alappuzha is the smallest and is the only district in Kerala without any area under forest cover.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Money: No limitation of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks : Banks are open for transaction from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs on all days except Sundays (10.00 to 12.00 hrs).

Best time to visit : November to April

Rejuvenation programmes: May to September

Suitable dress: Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc

Credit cards : Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centres accept major credit cards.

Narcotic : Severe punishments including imprisonment are imposed for possession of narcotic drugs.

Food : Standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Kerala style.

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

Time : [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

Water : Drink bottled drinking water or drinking boiled water from houses/restaurants. It is not advisable to drink water rivers, streams, lakes or dams. Mineral/drinking water is available in sealed bottles.

Temple dress code

Footwear inside the temple and entry into the sanctum sanctorum are 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.

Ayurvedic treatment

For  Ayurvedic treatment, ensure an authorised centre.

Demonstrativeness in public

Behaviour demonstrating affection in public like hugging or kissing is not an accepted practice in Kerala.

Wildlife sanctuaries

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. Ph: ++ 91-471-2322217

KERALA DISTRICTS

Click the name of the districts