Kochi - Kochi is a thriving city on the Indian peninsula's south-west coast, in the breathtakingly gorgeous and rich state of Kerala, dubbed "God's Own Country." The epithet "Queen of the Arabian Sea" reflects its strategic importance over the centuries. Kochi is also known colloquially as the "Gateway to Kerala."
Munnar - Munnar is located at the meeting point of three mountain streams: Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. This hill station is 1,600 meters above sea level and was originally the summer retreat of the British Government in South India. This famous resort town is known for its sprawling tea plantations, picturesque villages, meandering alleys, and holiday facilities.
Thekkady - Elephants, endless chains of hills, and farms smelling of spices come to mind when you hear of the destination - Thekkady. One of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India is located in Thekkady's Periyar forest, and the area is also home to charming plantations and hill towns that offer fantastic opportunities for hikes and mountain climbs.
Alleppey - Alleppey also known as Alappuzha is the one town in Kerala that is synonymous with the backwaters for which this spectacular state is famous. There is an intricate web of waterways in Kerala, where the sea playfully teases the shore. The lagoons gently brush past villages and overhanging grass, and throw back the palms' reflection off their blue-green-blue surface.
Shopping in Kerala is as exciting as touring the mystical place. Kerala is famous for its local crafts and you will find a traditional touch in each and every craft item in Kerala. The main shopping hubs in the cities visited in this trip are as follows:
Kochi - Art and antiques are among of Kochi's most intriguing shopping alternatives. At the art galleries that dot the city, local artists exhibit and sell their work. In Fort Kochi's Jewish Quarter and emporiums, you may find handicrafts and antiques. The primary retail district in Kochi is MG Road. Around the synagogue area in Fort Kochi, you may buy spices. Additionally, keep an eye out for Chinese fishing nets, which are very common in Kochi.
Munnar - For those who prefer shopping, Munnar offers a wide selection of distinctive and locally made items. The hill station is renowned for its tea, spices, chocolates, coffee, fragrant oils, and traditional clothing, all of which make excellent presents and souvenirs.
Alleppey - The finest deal in Alleppey is its coir; the region produces enormous amounts of the material, which is used to make anything from commonplace mats to inventive pieces of art, including carpets, wall hangings, bags, hammocks, pillows, and blinds. The best shopping area in Alleppey is Mullakkal Street, which includes a multitude of stores where customers may purchase souvenirs. Spices, notably cardamom and pepper, canned seafood, and silks are other excellent purchases in Alleppey.
Thekkady - With its lush woods and emerald-green plains, Thekkady is certainly breathtaking. Thekkady is renowned as a wonderful shopping area in addition to being a slice of heaven on earth. Kumily, a significant neighborhood located 4 kilometers away, is one of Thekkady's few large shopping areas. A stroll through Thekkady's street markets would captivate you with the aroma of tea, coffee, handcrafted chocolates, etc., and would offer a cost-effective and culturally enriching shopping experience.
Money - The currency of India is Indian Rupees (INR). The currency exchange departments are present in almost every Indian city. You can also exchange your currency in 5 star and 4 star hotels, no other currency is valid except for Indian currency (INR).
Banks - Banks are open for transaction from 10:00 - 15:30 hrs on weekdays and from 10:00 - 12:00 hrs on 1st and 3rd Saturdays. 2nd and 4th Saturdays are bank holidays.
Credit Cards - Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centres honour major credit cards.
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, UK: - 5:30.
Best time to Visit -
High season: September-May
Monsoon Rejuvenation programmes: June-August
Travel Kit - Cotton outfits; hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc.
Drugs - Heavy penalties including imprisonment for possession of narcotic drugs.
Ayurveda - Go only to those Ayurveda centers that are classified/approved by the Department of Tourism.
Food - All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Kerala food.
Emergency Numbers -
Police control room: 100
Fire station: 101
Ambulance: 102, 108
Police Helpline -
While traveling on Highways (Highway Alert Number): 9846 100 100
While traveling in Trains (Railway Alert Number): 9846 200 100
Website: www.keralapolice.org
Temple Codes - Some temples do not permit entry to non-Hindus. Strict dress codes are followed in most of the temples. Footwear is banned inside the temple premises.
Festivals and Fairs - There are quite a few festivals in Kerala that are celebrated all over the state and are well attended by the local people as well as tourists.
• The Ashtamudi Craft & Art Festival is held in Kollam (End-December beginning January).
• The tourism edition of Allepey's Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race is in mid-January. (The real thing is dated for the second Saturday of August.)
• Thiruvananthapuram hosts a classical music festival over the last few days of January.
• The Ettamanur Festival at Ettamanur, near Kottayam, in (February/March) features a procession of gaily-decorated elephants.
• The Pooram Festival at Thrissur has similar attractions, and follows two months later.
• The most famous is the harvest festival, Onam, in August/September. Celebrated with feasting and festivities all over Kerala, Onam is the most important festival of the state.