Travel Kerala - www.todayskerala.com

Kerala is a small narrow strip of land lying between Arabian sea in the west and the Western Ghats in the east at the southern tip of Indian Peninsula. Legend has it that Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu lifted Kerala clean out of the ocean bed.More...

Local folklore has it that Kerala was 'reclaimed' from the sea by the warrior sage Parasuraman by a throw of his battle - axe. Whatever the truth behind the legend, the fact remains that Kerala is a land with a huge necklace of canals, lagoons, lakes and rivers. This peculiar landscape has had a distinct impact on the life style of the people who live along the banks of these backwaters. Kerala's uniqueness lies in its backwaters - found nowhere else in the world.More...

The forest of the Western Ghats are punctuated with large and small waterfalls that roar, gurgle and splash down the mountain side. Almost all these scintillating cascades are the venues for picnics and excursions round the year. Some of the main waterfalls in Kerala are. More...

The hill stations in Kerala offers some of the best spectacular views of the nature. All of Kerala's hill stations are invitingly cool and green. There are plenty to feast your sore eyes and sore minds, They range from lush green plantations to evergreen forest; placid lakes to wild waterfalls, melodious birds to ferocious animals and challenging rocks to inviting green hills. Following are the main hill stations in Kerala. More...

Attukal is a Hindu pilgrim center in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, one of the ancient temples of South India, is popularly described as Sabarimala of the Women. More...

A magnificent wooden palace of the 16th century, Padmanabhapuram Palace lies at the land's end of mainland India. An enticing piece to any lover of art and architecture, this old palace of the erstwhile Travancore (1550 to 1750 AD) Rajas, is a fine specimen of Kerala's indigenous style of architecture. The antique interiors are replete with intricate rosewood carvings and sculptured decor. More...

The Shenduruny forest - declared a wildlife sanctury in 1984 - gets uts name from an endemic species of tree called Chenkuruny (Gluta travancoria). In the central region of this moist, mixed deciduous forest, spread over a hilly terrain of over 100 sq. km, is a 26 sq. km artificial lake formed by the Parappar dam built across the Shenduruny and Kulathupuzha rivers.More...

Kerala is known for its beautiful beaches and extensive backwaters, and is one of the major tourist attractions in India. Golden beaches, green shores, gentle waves and white surf soothe your mind and body. You are as free as a wave on the sea in this free zone. The palm-fringed beaches of Kerala are famous for the tender waves and clean blue waters.More...

These texts suggest that Monsoon is the best time to revitalize the body. During this season, pores of the skin permit maximum absorption of Ayurvedic medicines and oils. Experts in this field say the geographical specialties of Kerala also add to the Monsoon magic. From the first week of June, when Monsoon normally hits the region, Kerala starts receiving perpendicular sunrays. This unique situation with sun on one side and rain on the other side is, no doubt, the most ideal for Ayurvedic therapy.More...

Yoga is an authentic time tested system to attain peace of mind and physical well - being. It is now a globally acclaimed system for body and mind rejuvenation. Children, youth and even elderly people can savour the fruits from the evergreen versatile tree of Yoga.More...

Kerala Travel Tips

Carry your camera and Binoculars- The beautiful places you share with your family or partner at Kerala needs to be frozen in time. Your camera is therefore a must. Binoculars are most important if you are planning to hit the wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.

Carry tanning cream and sun guard lotions -The beaches in Kerala are marvelous getaways for tourists. But the bright omnipresent sun is ready to give you a perfect tan. Use the sun as you prefer. Get a tan, or get away from it.

Try out authentic Kerala Cuisine - All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Kerala fare..

Sail out on a local Fishing Boat - If you want the rustic experience, abandon the resort yacht and sail hire a local fisherman to take you out o the seas.

Coconut Water - The coconuts in Kerala are mind blowing. The sweetness of their water puts sugar syrup to shame. Remember that.

Clothes- wear soft cotton clothing on the beaches. For the hill stations carry light warm clothing as the nights can get chilly. Winters bring cold nights on the Western Ghats.

Houseboats- the best way to explore the Backwaters is on a houseboat.

Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala is celebrated during August-September. The famous boat races take place on the 5 th day of Onam usually in the first week of September. Those interested to witness the races are advised to visit during his time.

Shopping - in Kerala you can shop for coir articles since that is a prominent industry in Kerala. Trinkets made of wood, sandalwood, buffalo horn make perfect souvenirs for your loved ones back home. If you are an ayurveda therapy buff you can buy medicines and massage oils from kerala.

Visas : We request you to carry your visa for entry to India/Kerala on your holiday. For clarification please contact the Indian High Commission. For visa extention conact Office of the Commissioner of Police, Thiruvananthapuram. Ph: 0471-2320579

Language & Literature

Money: There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks: Banks are open for transaction from 1000-1400 hrs except Saturdays(1000-1200 hrs).

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

Currency: Indian Rupee, Conversion rates as on 8th April 2005: US Dollar = Rs 42.95
* pound Sterling = Rs. 80.55, Euro = Rs. 55.05

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

Best time to visit: High Season: December - May Monsoon Rejuvenation Programmes: June - November

Drugs: Heavy penalties including imprisonment for possession of narcotic drugs.

Nudity: Nudity is not allowed anywhere in Kerala.

Demonstrativeness in public: Hugging/kissing in public is not accepted in the State.

Ayurveda: Go only to those Ayurveda centres that are classified/approved by the Department of Tpurism.

Water: Tap water is purified and quite safe to drink. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Bottled water is also available.

Emergency numbers: Police control room: 100 Fire stations: 101 Ambulance: 102

Temples: Some temples do not permit entry of non-HIndus. Strict dress codes are followed in most of the temples. Foot wear is banned inside the temple premises.

Entry to wildlife sanctuaries, contact:
The chief conservator of Forests, Thiruvananthapuram 695 014
Ph: ++91-471-2322217

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