Most major Hotels, Restaurants and Shopping Malls accept Visa and Master Cards, with fewer accepting American Express. In some shops, you may get a better discount, if you pay by cash.

Anytime! Generally the tourist season in Kerala is between October and March, when it is relatively cooler. April, May and June are the warmest months and is followed by the South West Monsoon that starts in the latter half of June and continues up to early September. The Monsoon is a truly spectacular event that is eagerly awaited by all of India. The Monsoon enters the country at the southern tip of Kerala and drenches the land with heavy rains. July, August and September are considered the perfect time to experience Ayurveda, whether it is a Rejuvenation programme or a complete treatment. After the Monsoon, Kerala is at its greenest and the temperature dips a little. The Onam festival usually falls between the last few weeks of August and early September. Being on the coast, Kerala is humid, though not unbearable.

Cottons are wearable throughout the year in Kerala, but if you plan to visit the Highlands in the later months of the year, it is best to carry some warm clothing such as a Sweater or Jacket. It is a good idea to have a few pairs of shorts, if you plan going on a climbing or cycling trip. Slippers or Sandals normally suffice, but if you plan to go into forest reserves, trekking, etc than make sure you carry appropriate shoes. Sunhats, Sun Glasses, Sun Protection Creams are strongly advised. We would strongly recommend that you to carry Mosquito repellents/ creams and based on your Doctor's advise carry sufficient quantities of basic medicines and any specific ones that you may be taking at that moment. Please carry on your person a small card indicating any current medical conditions, such as High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, current medication and known allergies.

Tap water is purified and is fit for consumption. Mineral or bottled water (commonly referred to as "Bisleri", the most popular brand of bottled water) is easily available and we recommend first time International visitors to drink bottled water. Please do not drink water from slow moving or still bodies of water.

Food in Kerala varies in terms of preparation and taste as you move from the South (Trivandrum) to the North (Kasargode). The Malabar style of cooking is truly mouth watering and spicy, though a few advance words of caution to the waiter gets you a milder version. Most major restaurants offer the typical Kerala fare with Chinese, Tandoori (North Indian) and Continental variety of food.

Malayalam is the main language and can be bewildering when you hear it the first time and accents too vary as you move across the state. You will also be able to find someone nearby, who speaks fluent English. Most standard hotels have staff who speak English. Hindi too is understood by a few people.

Curios and souvenirs, with its ivory, wood and metal carvings and other handicraft such as jewellery, gold lace, bell metal-ware, embroidered cloth, dolls, fancy articles of coconut shells etc are popular.