Kerala Tourism

Swpana Kerala holidays
http://swapnakeralaholidays.com/
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Kerala – the Gods Own Country is a perfect destination for adventure, culture and relaxation. With its
laid-back beach scene, swaying elephant rides and gentle houseboat cruises along tropical backwaters,
you'll soon see why National Geographic Traveller voted Kerala one of its ten Paradise Found' Land of
Coconuts, State of Enlightenment (National Geographic), one of the 6 destinations of the millennium
(Khaleej Times), one of the 50 must-see destinations of a lifetime (National Geographic Travel), but for
once it is also a place that justifies the hype. The glossy photos in travel magazines and online travel
guides don‟t lie – Kerala, the surreal tropical paradise, is truly enigmatic and beautiful. There are many
fascinating elements that make Kerala a good tourist spot. Of them the thick forests with coconut trees
allure many people all over the world. The hospitality shown by the keralites makes people to visit Kerala
often. The Literacy rate here is almost 100%, the only state to have all literates in India.
The state of Kerala sits in sharp contrast to the rest of India with its highest literacy rate, women
outnumbering the number of men, newspaper readership among the highest in the world, world-class
health care systems and being the most developed society in India. This petite state synonymous with
wellness is popularly referred to as the „Land of Ayurveda‟.
With the Arabian Sea in the west, Western Ghats towering 500-2700 meters in the east and a network of
44 rivers cutting across the state, it is Kerala‟s unique geographical features that make it one of the most
sought after tourist destinations in Asia. The state is divided into 14 districts, all of which offer unique
combinations of - shimmering backwaters, bio-diversity hotspots, tropical forests, golden sand beaches,
historic monuments, Wildlife Reserves et cetera. Cosmopolitan Magazine, in apt recognition of the state‟s
romantic charms, rates Kerala as one of the top 10 love nests in India.
The state stays abreast with other developed nations of the world. The proactive policies has helped
catapult the state into one of the major IT hubs of India, on par with that of Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Watch dazzling kaleidoscopic visions of a landscape painted with many shades of green unfold before
your eyes as you travel from one end of the state to the other. Kerala is, beyond the power of words to say
it, a lovely destination, or to be more precise, the loveliest of all destinations in India. Sit back and enjoy
the sights and sounds of this timeless land.
About Us
The word “Swapna ” means “Dream”, from sopna Kerala you will surely get the dreamful experience of
Kerala. We are group of young and energetic entrepreneurs involved in tour operations, holiday planning
and hospitality management. We are based out of Kerala and have our head office at Palakkad, we are

tied up with multiple hospitality partners across Kerala. We specialize in customized packages for all
categories and spectrum of travellers.
We strongly believe in the aphorism “AdithiDevoBhava” which means “Guest is God” we take pride in
serving our guest with high spirit of hospitality and ensure that we give more than his or her expectations.
Each guest is so important to us and we make sure they have a single point of contact from customising
the package to till they stay with us, thus ensuring complete peace of mind throughout the process.
Everlasting Honeymoonpackages, remarkable Holidays packages, poetic pilgrim packages, aesthetic
House boat cruise, hereditary Ayurvedic retreats, Yoga classes and Rent-A-Car service throughout the
Kerala are some of focal features of Swapna Kerala. For Swapnakerala‟s travellers are not only guests but
also friends too. Swapna Kerala never miss the chance to treat their friends in a charming atmosphere.
Today our clientele includes the idyllic family tour, the energetic adventure tours, the serene beach
packages, the ayurvedic therapeutic holidays, the corporate outings and the honeymooners special among
others. Our experience of the industry and knowledge of the terrain has helped us design end to end
itineries and packages that ensures that you do not miss out on anything that mother nature or human
hands has to offer. The scintillating natural splendor, culture, hospitality, deep routed traditions and
cuisines will leave an indelible impression on your mind and a lifetime of memories to linger on.
So join hands with us to explore “Gods own country “and savour its beautiful creations. Experience the
hospitality that we have to offer.
Destinations
Aleppey the land snake boat and canals
Aleppey is known as the Venice of the East. It is inter connected with well designed canals. Aleppey is
rich in its back water also. House boat cruises through the beautiful rivers and canals of Aleppey are
amazing. Snake Boat races in Aleppey are famous to the entire world especially Nehru Tophy Boat Race
at PunnamadaKayal. Long walking beach is one of the major attractions of Aleppey. Kuttanad , the Rice
bowl of kerala is located in Aleppey. Interestingly this land is created under the water level.
The Grassy Munnar
God‟s Own Country‟s tourist capital is Munna. Munnar is with such a greenish beauty. Traveller will feel
the signature of God in each and every corner of Munnar. Munnar is rich in its vast array of flora and
fauna, the tea plantations and grassy meadows are a visual treat, Clouds are your close companions and
waterfalls will light up your mind with their melody. Munnar is gifted with moderately cool climate for
throughout the year.

Kochi the queen of Arabian Sea
The National Geographic Channel recommended Kochi as the “50 must see destinations in life time”. It
reveals this queen‟s potential in tourism. Vasco de Gama died and buried in the land of Fort Kochi. Later
his body was carried to his home land. The Jews, the Portuguese, the Dutches and so many others‟s
cultures were flourished here in the land of Kochi. Kochi is the gate way to the back waters of Kerala.
The memorable Thekkady
Thekkady is the dream destination to every tourist who visits India. India‟s most fabulous natural wildlife
sanctuary is located here. Wild animal can be seen very close through boating. Snctuary can be reached
through nature walk or through boating. The area of sanctuary is 77 Sq.Kms. Out of which 140
Sq.Kmsare totally thick and green forest. 120 year old Mullaperiyar Dam is here which is constructed by
using “Surki”.
The serene beach Kovalam
Kovalam is considered as the safest beach in the world. For a certain extent Kovalam is Kerala‟s pride.
Every tourist can take bath here without fear. Endless sight of coconut trees is a memorable experience to
the guests. The coastline of Koavalam extended up 17 km. So many shops are here to offer the tourists all
the type of good and services. In 1930s itself the Europeans discovered the calibre of Kovalam as a beach
tourist destination in South India.
Kumarakom with Back water
Kumarakom is equal to back water. All the guests who wish experience back water cruise is must to see
Kumarakom. It is very near to Kottayam Town. So every body can here very easily. Famous bird
sanctuary is also situated here. Kayal (river) is very much blessed here with its wild beauty.
Lord Padmanabhan‟s Trivandrum (thiruvananthapuram)
Once upon a time the legendary Mahatma Gandhi called this city as Ever Green city of India. The land of
Lord Padmanabhan keeps this appreciation till now. Still now it is considered as the one of the 10
greenest cities in India. The richest temple in the world, Sri padmanabhaSwamy Temple is in the hear of
this city.
The scenic Kanyakumary

The scenic Kanyakumary is located in the tip Indian peninsula. It is a pilgrimage centre also. The sunrise
and the sunset are can be seen at one place at Kanyakumary. The sunrise can be viewed throughout the
year, but the sunset is viewed only from October 15 to March 15. But from MuruganKundram can watch
the sunrise and sunset through out the year. The serene beach filled with multicoloured sand is very
charming.
Silent Valley National Park
The SilentValley National Park, with an area of 90 sq.kms, is situated in the north eastern corner of the
district.It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the
south.The river Kundhi descends from the Nilgiri hills above, a altitude of 2000 meters traverses the
entire length of the valleys and rushes down to the plains through a deep gorge.RiverKunthi never turns
brown, it is crystal clear, perennial and wild.TheSilentValley National Park, is probably one of the most
magnificent gift of nature to mankind, a unique preserve of tropical rain forests in all its pristine glory
with an almost unbroken ecological history.Thanks largely to its difficult terrain and remoteness the
extent of degradation is minimum comparison with other sanctuaries. There is a huge wild tree of
Kattualyingvariety.It is hollow within and can hide at least 12 people in it.
Wayanad
Wayanad district stands on the southern tip of the Deccan plateau and its chief glory is the majestic
rugged terrain of the Western Ghats, with lofty ridges interspersed with dense forest, tangled jungles and
deep valleys. Quite a large area of the district is covered by forest but the continued and indiscriminate
exploitation of the natural resources point towards an imminent
Thenmala
Thenmala is a tourist place near Punalur town, Kollam district in Kerala. Thenmala is the first planned
eco-tourism destination in India. The Thenmala dam was built across Kallada River. Thenmala is famous
for being the shooting location in Malayalam and Tamil movies.
Thenmala attracts foreign and domestic tourists with a host of attractions. Boating on the lake, a rope
bridge, trekking, mountaineering, biking and a musical fountain.Thenmala is approachable both from
Trivandrum and Punalur by road. The waterfall called Palaruvi is a prime attraction nearby. Also nearby
is a deer rehabilitation center where visitors can see deer in a forest setting and have a peep into a
traditional tree house used by forest dwellers to escape harm from wild animals. Other places near
Thenmala are Kulathupuzha, Anchal, Punalur, Kamukumchery and Shenkottah in

Tirunelvelidistrict(Tamil Nadu). Themala is 72 km from Thiruvanathapuram and 16 km from Palaruvi
Falls.
Kozhikode
The city is surrounded by a lush green country side, rivers, scenic hills, beautiful beaches, historic sites
and wildlife sanctuaries.
Travellers like Marco Polo, the Italian Nicola de Conti, the Russian Afanas and the Arab IbnBatuta
mention Calicut in their travel writings. Kozhikode is the third most populous city of Kerala State. The
city was traditionally known as the „city of spices‟ for its trade in pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and
ginger. In fact the Portuguese sailor Vasco da Gama landed in 1498 at a beach near Calicut when he came
searching for the spices of India.
Kozhikode was traditionally ruled by the powerful Zamorins. Their descendants still live in the city
AthirapillyVazhachal
The scenic beauty of Athirapilly waterfalls presents a spectacular visual extravagance to visitors. A very
popular picnic spot, Athirapilly is located close to Chalakudy in Kerala. The falls are located amidst dense
forests and the entire region looks „picture-perfect‟ in every way. Athirapilly-Vazhachal waterfalls are
situated on the edge Sholayar forest ranges, just 5 kmsapart.This sparkling cascade of silvery water, falls
from a height of approximately 80 mts to join the Chalakudy river below.
AyurvedicRetreats
Ayurveda is the science and Art of living life in a manner useful to society. It has for its objects the
preservation of health in the healthy and the restoration of health to the diseased. The word Veda in
Ayurveda has been taken by all authorities to imply that it is both a part of and addendum to the great
Vedas which have also been admitted by all savants of the West as "the oldest literature of the World". At
the beginning of the creation, it is said, Brahma, the creator of the world recollected and created the vedas
along with Ayurveda in a book form named Brahma Samhita which is not available today extends over a
thousand chapters comprising altogether 100,000 slokas. Brahma first of all taught Ayurveda to Prajapati
and who taught it to Aswanikumaras, then to Indra, after him there developed two schools of Ayurvedic
science- Athreya School of physicians and Dhanwantari School of Surgeons.

Ayurveda originated in India more than 10,000 years ago and is believed to be the oldest healing science
in existence, from which all other systems emerged. It deals elaborately with measures for healthful living
during the entire span of life and its various phases. Besides, dealing with principles for maintenance of
health, it has also developed a wide range of therapeutic measures to combat illness. These principles of
positive health and therapeutic measures relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual welfare of human
beings.
Ayurveda is a holistic system of healing which evolved among the Brahmin sages of ancient India some
3000-5000 years ago. There are several aspects of this system of medicine which distinguish it from other
approaches to health care:
1. It focuses on establishing and maintaining balance of the life energies within us, rather than focusing
on individual symptoms.
2. It recognizes the unique constitutional differences of all individuals and therefore recommends
different regimens for different types of people. Although two people may appear to have the same
outward symptoms, their energetic constitutions may be very different and therefore call for very different
remedies.
3. Ayurveda is a complete medical system which recognizes that ultimately all intelligence and wisdom
flows from one Absolute source (Paramatman). Health manifests by the grace of the Absolute acting
through the laws of Nature (Prakriti). Ayurveda assists Nature by promoting harmony between the
individual and Nature by living a life of balance according to her laws.
4. Ayurveda describes three fundamental universal energies which regulate all natural processes on both
the macrocosmic and microcosmic levels. That is, the same energies which produce effects in the various
galaxies and star systems are operating at the level of the human physiology--in your own physiology.
These three universal energies are known as the Tridosha.
5. Finally, the ancient Ayurvedic physicians realized the need for preserving the alliance of the mind and
body and offers mankind tools for remembering and nurturing the subtler aspects of our humanity.
Ayurveda seeks to heal the fragmentation and disorder of the mind-body complex and restore wholeness
and harmony to all people.
Car Rental
TOYOTA Innova (Air Conditioned)
By Toyota Japan offers best A/c and comfort in its class.Recommended for small groups or large family.
Passengers : 8 (Including Driver)

Luggage : 3 (Incl. roof top carrier
Chevrolet Tavera (Air Conditioned)
By Chevrolet offers best A/c and comfort in its class with American look. Recommended for small
groups or large family.
Luggage : 5 (Incl. roof top carrier)
AMBASSADOR (Standard Car )(Air Conditioned) Spacious, safe and good value for money and most
popular car used by tourists
Luggage : 4 (Incl. roof top carrier
TATA INDICA (Standard Car )(Air Conditoned) Compact car from Tata's, one of the most experienced
automobile manufacturers in India.
Tempotraveler (Standard vehicle)(A/c) most popular car used by tourists, manufactured abroad by
Mercedes Benz.
TATA INDIGO (Standard Car )(Air Conditoned) Compact car from Tata's, one of the most experienced
automobile manufacturers in India.
Our Packages
3 Days 2 Night Packages
1. Cochin - Munnar - Cochin
Day 01 : Pick up from anywhere in Cochin and drive towards Munnar. Visit Kodanadu Elephant care
centre and vallara waterfalls on the way. Sightseeing till evening in Munnar. Overnight accommodation at
Munnar

Day 02: Munnar sightseeing till evening. Overnight accommodation at Munnar
Day 03: Munnar sightseeing till evening and return to Cochin
2. Cochin - Thekkady - Cochin
Day 01 :Pickup from anywhere in Cochin and drive to Thekkady. Sightseeing till evening.
Accommodation at Thekkady
Day 02: Thekkady sightseeing till evening and stay at Thekkady
Day 03: Sightseeing till afternoon and return to Cochin
3. Cochin - AthirapillyVazhachal - Munnar - Cochin
Day 01 :Pick up from anywhere in Cochin and drive towards AthirapillyVazhachal water falls. Drive to
Munnar in the afternoon and stay at Munnar
Day 02: Munnar sightseeing till evening and stay at Munnar
4. Cochin - AthirapillyVazhachal - Aleppy House Boat - Cochin
Day 01 :Pick up from anywhere in Cochin and drive towards AthirapillyVazhachal water falls till evening
and return to cochin for accommodation
Day 02: Drive towards Alleppey and check in to Houseboat. Enjoy next 21hrs in this floating villas with
all food
Day 03:Checkout from houseboat and drive back to Cochin
1.Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady- Cochin
Munnar
Day 03: Drive to Thekkady for sightseeing and stay at Thekkady
Day 04: Thekkady sightseeing till afternoon and drive to Cochin
2. Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Fort Cochin - Cochin

Day 01 :Pick up from anywhere in Cochin and drive towards Munnar. Visit Kodanadu Elephant care
Munnar
Day 04: Drive to cochin in the morning for cochin sightseeing and drop at Cochin
3. Cochin - Munnar - Aleppy House Boat - Fort Cochin - Cochin
Day 03: Drive to Alleppey and check in to Houseboat. Enjoy next 21hrs in this floating villas with all food
Day 04: Checkout from Houseboat and drive to cochin for sightseeing and drop at Cochin
1. Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Aleppy House Boat - Fort Cochin - Cochin
centre and vallara waterfalls on the way. Sightseeing till evening in Munnar. Overnight accommodation
at Munnar
Day 04: Drive to Alleppey and check in to Houseboat. Enjoy next 21hrs in this floating villas with all food
Day 05: Checkout from Houseboat and drive to cochin for sightseeing and drop at Cochin
2. Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Fort Cochin - Cochin
at Munnar
Day 03: Drive to Thekkady for sightseeing. Overnight accommodation at Thekkady
Day 04: Drive to Alleppey for sightseeing and stay at Alleppey

Day 05: Drive towards Cochin for sightseeing and drop at Cochin
3. Cochin - Aleppy House Boat - Kovalam - Trivandrum - Cochin
Day 01 :Pick up from anywhere in Cochin and drive Alleppey and check in to Houseboat. Enjoy next
21hrs in this floating villas
Day 02: Checkout from Houseboat and drive towards Kovalam beaches. Stay at Kovalam
Day 03: Trivandrum sightseeing and stay at Trivandrum/Kovalam
Day 04: Drive towards cochin in the afternoon and stay at Cochin
Day 05: Cochin sightseeing and drop at Cochin
4. Cochin - Munnar - Aleppy House Boat - Kovalam - Trivandrum - Cochin
at Munnar
Day 03: Drive to Alleppey and check in to houseboat. Enjoy next 21hrs in this floating villas
Day 04: Drive towards Kovalam beaches for sightseeing and stay at Kovalam
Day 05: Trivandrum sightseeing and drop at Cochin
1. Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Aleppy House Boat - Fort Cochin - Cochin
at Munnar
Day 04: Thekkady sightseeing and stay at Thekkady

2. Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Aleppy - Cochin
at Munnar
Day 05: Drive to Alleppey for sightseeing and stay at Aleppey
3. Cochin - Munnar - Aleppy House Boat - Kovalam - Trivandrum - Cochin
at Munnar
Day 04: Drive towards Kovalam beaches for sightseeing and stay at Kovalam
Day 05: Trivandrum sightseeing and stay at Trivandrum
1. Cochin - AthirapillyVazhachal - Munnar - Thekkady - Aleppy - Cochin
Day 01 : Pickup from anywhere in Cochin and drive towards Athirapillyvazhachal water falls. Stay at
cochin
Day 02:Drive towards Munnar. Visit Kodanadu Elephant care centre and vallara waterfalls on the way.
Sightseeing till evening in Munnar. Overnight accommodation at Munnar

Day 05: Thekkady Sightseeing and stay at Thekkady
Day 06: Drive to Alleppey for sightseeing and stay at aleppey
Day 07: Drive to cochin for sightseeing and drop at Cochin
2. Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Aleppy Houseboat - Thenmala - Palaruvi - Cochin
at Munnar
Day 05: Check out from Houseboat and drive to Palaruvi for sightseeing and stay at Thenmala
Day 06: Thenmala sightseeing and stay at Thenmala
Day 07: Drive to Cochin after sightseeing in the morning and drop at Cochin
3. Cochin - AthirapillyVazhachal - Munnar - Cochin
Day 05: Thekkady Sightseeing and stay at Thekkady
Day 06: Drive to Alleppey for sightseeing and stay at aleppey
Day 07: Drive to cochin for sightseeing and drop at Cochin
4. Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Aleppy Houseboat - Thenmala - Palaruvi - Trivandrum
at Munnar

Day 05: Check out from Houseboat and drive to Palaruvi for sightseeing and stay at Thenmala
Day 06: Thenmala sightseeing and stay at Thenmala
Day 07: Drive to Trivandrum after sightseeing in the morning and drop at Trivandrum
1. Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - AlleppeyHouseBoat - Wayanad - Cochin
at Munnar
Day 02:Munnar sightseeing till evening. Overnight accommodation at Munnar
Day 06: Check out from Houseboat and drive to Wayanad for sightseeing and stay at Wayanad
Day 07: Wayanad sightseeing and stay at Wayanad
Day 08:Drive to Cochin after sightseeing in the morning and drop at Cochin
2. Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - AlleppyHouseBoat - Alleppey Resort - Pristine Island - Cochin
at Munnar

Day 06: Check out from Houseboat and checkin to resort in Alleppey
Day 07: Drive towards pristine Island and stay at Pristine Island resorts
Day 08: Drive to Cochin after sightseeing in the morning and drop at Cochin
3. Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - AlleppeyHouseBoat – Silent Valley - Cochin
at Munnar
Day 06: Check out from Houseboat and drive to Silent Valley for sightseeing and stay at Silent Valley
Day 07: Silent Valley sightseeing and stay at Silent Valley
Day 08:Drive to Cochin after sightseeing in the morning and drop at Cochin
4.Cochin- Munnar – Thekkady – Alappuzha – Trivandrum – Kovalam – Kanyakumari – Trivandrum
Day 1: Pick up from anywhere in Cochin and drive towards Munnar. Visit Kodanadu Elephant care centre
and vallara waterfalls on the way. Sightseeing till evening in Munnar. Overnight accommodation at
Munnar
Day 2: sightseeing till evening. Overnight accommodation at International Blossom Park etcand stay.
Day 3 : Drive to Thekkady, after sightseeing stay at Thekkady.
Day 05: Drive towards Kovalam for sightseeing and stay at Kovalam

Day 06: Trivandrum sightseeing
Day 07: Drive to Kanyakumari after sightseeing stay at Kanyakumari.
Day 08: Drive to Trivandrum after sightseeing in the morning and drop at Trivandrum..
5. Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - AlleppeyHouseBoat - Wayanad - Kozhikode
at Munnar
Day 06: Check out from Houseboat and drive to Wayanad for sightseeing and stay at Wayanad
Day 07: Wayanad sightseeing and stay at Wayanad
Day 08:Drive to Kozhikode after sightseeing in the morning and drop at Kozhikode.
6. Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - AlleppeyHouseBoat – Silent Valley - Kozhikode
at Munnar
Day 06: Check out from Houseboat and drive to Silent Valley for sightseeing and stay at Silent Valley
Day 07: Silent Valley sightseeing and stay at Silent Valley
Day 08:Drive to Kozhikode after sightseeing in the morning and drop at Kozhikode

1. Cochin - Kulamavu - Munnar - Thekkady - AlleppyHouseBoat - Cochin
Day 01 : Pick up from anywhere in Cochin and drive towards Kulamavu. Stay at Kulamavu
Day 02: Drive towards Munnar for sightseeing. Overnight accommodation at Munnar
Day 04: Munnar sightseeing and stay at Munnar
Day 08: Checkout from Houseboat and drive to Cochin for Sightseeing and stay at Cochin
Day 09: Cochin Sightseeing and drop at Cochin
2. Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - AlleppeyHouseBoat - Alleppey resort - Trivandrum - Kovalam - Cochin
at Munnar
Day 06: Check out from Houseboat and checkin to resort in Alleppey
Day 07: Drive towards Kovalam for sightseeing and stay at Kovalam
Day 08: Trivandrum sightseeing

Day 09: Cochin Sightseeing and drop at Cochin
Kerala Travel Guide & Pre-Departure Tips
We have put together a couple of simple general guidelines for you to follow, to make your trip to India
a truly pleasant one. India is a land of diversities, quite different from any other country. Each state in
India has its own distinct culture, language, traditions and food habits quite different from the rest of
the states country – so it is advised that you read the following guidelines carefully to avoid any hassles
or unwanted troubles along your journey.
o Clothes & Accessories – India due to its huge geographical size does not fit a particular climate zone.
Generally speaking you must include cotton outfits, sunglasses, hats, mosquito repellant cream/lotion,
shoes/ light sandals, moisturizing lotion and sun-block lotion mandatory, while planning your trip. If you
are traveling to hill stations or the Himalayas do ensure that you carry woolen outfits with you. When in
public places, care must be exercised to ensure your clothes are within the purview of decency to avoid
unwanted attention.
o Water – Carry a bottle of mineral water with you at all times. Do ensure that the seal is not
tampered with when buying mineral water bottles. Do not drink water from public taps or road-side
vendors. If you feel like having a juice, please have it from a hygienic restaurant than from a road-side
shack.
o Transportation – Buses are the cheapest option, auto-rickshaws, cabs and trains come next in the
line. When traveling on a rickshaw or cab do ask the rates before you board the vehicle to avoid any
problems and confusions. Also it is advisable to check the rates with some authority figure beforehand.
When traveling in a train for long-distance reserve your tickets in advance, you can also get reserved
tickets for short-distance which is the best way to avoid the heavy rush in un-reserved compartments. If
you don’t get your tickets through the regular way you can get them through the “tatkal’ quota by
paying a little extra charge. Do ensure to carry toilet paper with you when you are going on a long
distance journey in train. Most of the train-stations have a pre-paid rickshaw counter, which is the best
way to avoid bargaining and squabbling with the rickshaw driver.
o In Public Places - India is a very orthodox country and doesn’t accept any show of affection in public
places especially hugging, kissing etc.
o Smoking – This may come as a surprise to many; most places in India has a strict ban on smoking in
public places. Smoking in public places is considered a punishable offence under law.

o Money - Foreign exchange including foreign currency, traveler’s cheques, drafts drawn on banks in
India or letters of credit can be brought into India without any limit. However, if the gross amount
brought into India in any form at one time exceeds USD 10,000/- or its equivalent, it is required to be
declared by the holder to the Indian customs authorities on arrival on a Currency Declaration Form. The
forms of which are available with the airport/seaport customs department.
o Banks & ATMs – The nationalized banks are open for business from 10.00 in the morning to 14.00 hrs
in the afternoon. A couple of private banks are open for business between 8.00 in the morning to 8.00
in the night. There is also an extensive number of ATMs spread across the metros, towns and villages of
India.
o Best Time to Visit –India is a land of celebrations and festivals. In the Northern parts of India Diwali,
Baisaki, Pushkar fair, Holi, KumbhMela, and Goa Carnival are some of the prominent ones. Down south,
it’s an altogether different set of celebrations - Pongal, KarthigaiDeepam, Kavadi are some of the
prominent ones. Kerala has a set of exciting festivals and events like Onam, ThrissurPooram, Boat races
to mention a few.
o Credit Cards – Most of the prominent hotels, shops and restaurants accept major credit cards.
o Drugs – Carrying or found possessing drugs is considered a grave criminal offence punishable under
law.
o Food –Do make it a point to savor some of the authentic Indian cuisines, garnished with exotic spices
and herbs, while you are here. North Indian cuisines are quite different from their Southern and Eastern
counterparts. In fact, each region has different types of cuisines and methods of cooking, quite distinct
from the other. Do make it a point to savor the regional specialties when you travel.
o Temple Codes – If you are visiting a temple, please do ensure that you understand the rules and
regulations concerning that particular temple before going in. Each temple has its own rules and codes
of conduct that must be strictly adhered to. In general, non-Hindus are barred from entering most of the
temples. Wearing footwear and particular type of clothes inside the temple premises are also strictly
banned.
o Nudity – Nowhere in India is nudity allowed in public places. Nudity is strictly banned in all the
beaches in India.
oAyurvedic Treatment – Tourists flock to Kerala for Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapies. A lot of fake
Ayurvedic centers have mushroomed across the state of the late, so care must be exercised to check the
authenticity of the place before you book your therapy. You must consult a certified Ayurvedic
practitioner before you enter into any sort of Ayurvedic treatment. To avoid any serious side effects, the
treatment must be properly customized based on your medical history and body conditions.
o Medicines – Do carry your medical prescriptions and enough medicines to make your journey hassle-
free. Also ensure that you have taken proper vaccinations and precautions before you enter the country.

o Electricity: The standard voltage of electric supply in the whole of India is between 220 – 240 Volts.
Two and three pin plugs are widely used and you will have to get a voltage converter if the devices you
carry do not accept 240 Volts at 50 Hertz. Voltage converters are easily available in the electrical stores.
The voltage converters that are adaptable to the Indian voltage are Resistor Network Converters (50-
1600 Watts), Transformers (50-1000 Watts) and Combination Converters.
Pre-departure tips
o It is advised that you have a medical/dental/optical check-up as a pre-departure precaution for the
trip. Make sure that you have any recommended shots for India – the standard recommendation is a
booster to Tetanus and TB (a hepatitis shot if you don’t have a current one).
o Ensure that your passport is valid for at least months after your arrival date in India, also check that
you have enough spare pages for visa stamps.
o India’s time zone is GMT/UTC +5.30, so chances of jet lag cannot be ignored. It is advised that you
get onto India’s time zone as soon as you leave home and try to eat and sleep on Indian time. Also, if
you reach India early in the day, try to stay awake – this will help the body’s internal clock to reset.

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