Perhaps the most daunting part of a holiday trip is the packing for the trip. The problem is exacerbated if you are a last-minute packer and going to your holiday destination for the first time. Kerala is a dream destination for any traveler. Endowed with mesmerizing topography; from the forests of Thekkady to Houseboats in Alleppey to the sun kissed beaches of Kumarakom, this tiny South Indian state has it all. Now while Kerala is well connected by road and rail, and providing International travelers with three airports to touchdown, there are a few essential things you need to pack for your trip to Kerala.
This essential packing list for Kerala trip is something you need to follow for any season you are going to visit, or the tourist spots you are going to see. Without further ado, let’s get to it.
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This seems like a no-brainer, but is the reason that many travelers find themselves at cross-roads with the law and hampers their overall trip experience. If you are a foreign traveler, your passport, visa, certificates (vaccination, immigration) etc are a necessity to carry around. If you are an Indian citizen, then it is advisable to have some form of identification on you at all times. While not mandatory, newly-wed couples are advised to pack a copy of their marriage certificate because there are hotels that require proof of marriage to allow couples to stay in their rooms.
Kerala gets rain for most part of the year, so you absolutely do not want to be caught unawares by the southwest monsoon. This is a time when Kerala rejuvenates itself, and the whole state is coated in green. While the monsoon drenched greenery is a sight to behold, the sheer intensity of rain can be difficult for travelers to deal with. Umbrellas are good unless there are strong winds along with the rain. Wearing a raincoat can provide you with the advantage of being hands-free which is especially useful if you are backpacking. Bonus tip: Umbrellas are also useful in the scorching heat during the months of January – April. Get some places to visit in Kerala during monsoon.
Mosquitoes are a menace in Kerala. This has especially to do with the monsoon as mosquitoes love the state’s lush environment. It is highly recommended that visitors to Kerala carry insect repellent cream or lotions. Sure, you can buy them at local stores in Kerala, and some hotels provide you with the same. Nonetheless, use repellents from brands that you commonly use to so that you can avoid untimely side effects.
The type of clothing you need to carry depends on the season in which you intend to visit Kerala.
During monsoon – During the rainy season, you should carry synthetic, quick-drying clothing. It is advisable to carry dark colored clothes, as you wouldn’t want white or light colored clothes to get dirty from the rain water and slush, especially when you visit tourist places in Alleppey.
During summer – Light cotton or linen clothes will be the type of material to go for when you visit Kerala during summer. The summer heat can sometimes soar up to 40 degrees Celsius, and it gets very humid. People tend to perspire during this time, so it is advisable to wear clothes that allow your body to breathe comfortably. Ensure to carry hats and sunglasses that can shield your eyes and face from direct sunlight.
For visitors who intend on entering temples, do not forget the Dhoti. It is a long white cloth with golden or colored border on the outer side. Men need to wear dhotis in most temples, although some allow pants. Women are recommended to wear sarees or long skirts. Modest clothing is the way to go when visiting religious places.
Aside from niche footwear needed for any specific activity you are going to do while in Kerala, ensure to carry footwear that is both comfortable and suitable for the season you are visiting. It can get very slippery during monsoon, even more so if you plan on visiting hills or rocky places. Water resistance footwear with good grip that protects your feet is highly recommended during the monsoon. During summer, open sandals and flip-flops, or crocs if you intend to hit the beach are recommended. What you were during summer should allow your feet to breathe and not restrict air-flow.
No packing list for Kerala trip is complete without mentioning that you should not pack your bags to the brim on a trip to Kerala. No one ever leaves this beautiful state without doing a bit of souvenir shopping. Pack some space for your bag for all the shopping that you will inevitably end up doing. It could be that souvenir you bought after that boathouse Alappuzha experience, or packets of freshly made banana chips you want to take back home.
Needless to say, Kerala is a shutterbug’s paradise. Therefore, your packing list for Kerala trip includes a camera to click photos to permanently etch the happy memories of your trip onto a digital frame. If your smartphone takes good pictures, then that should be enough. Indian power sockets have round apertures, so carry a universal adapter that converts rectangular to round. The standard voltage is 220V, so if any electronic gadget you carry uses 110V, it is a good idea to bring a converter too. Also read some of the best honeymoon destinations in Kerala.
So there’s a list of essentials that you need to carry as part of your packing list for Kerala trip. Most of the things would be necessary for a trip to any part of India, so it might help if your itinerary involves multiple states. If you forget something, you’ll be able to find most of the items at local shops in Kerala. Most important of all, keep an open mind and explore Kerala to its fullest. So what are you packing for your next Kerala trip?
To experience the real beauty of these places, ATDC offers different packages that will take you to an unforgettable, mesmerizing ride that will make you wish to for a vacation in God’s own Country again. To book Alleppey houseboats in Kerala or to know details, contact us.
