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       Kerala at a Glance  
 
           
 
Kerala, a State in the Republic of India, has 14 districts or administrative divisions. The major cities are Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. There are three airports in the state which provide international and domestic connections.

Here is some quick information on Kerala which will be useful for travellers visiting the State. 

 
     
  Location : Southwestern tip of India.  
    Area : 38,863 sq km.  
    Population : 31,84,1374  
    Capital : Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)  
    Language : Malayalam. English is widely spoken.  
    Religion : Hinduism, Christianity, Islam  
    Time : GMT +5:30  
    Currency : Indian Rupee  
    Climate : Tropical  
    Summer : February - May     (24 - 330C)  
    Monsoon : June - August (22 - 280C)
October - November
 
    Winter : November - January (22 - 320C)  
     
    Districts        
        Old Name  
    Thiruvananthapuram : Trivandrum  
    Kollam : Quilon  
    Alappuzha : Alleppey  
    Pathanamthitta      
    Kottayam      
    Idukki      
    Ernakulam      
    Thrissur : Trichur  
    Palakkad : Palghat  
    Malappuram      
    Wayanad      
    Kozhikode : Calicut  
    Kannur : Cannanore  
    Kasaragod      
           
    Major Cities      
        Old Name  
    Thiruvananthapuram : Trivandrum  
    Kochi : Cochin  
    Kozhikode : Calicut  
           
    Accessibility      
   


Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Tel : + 91 471 2501424

http://www.airportsindia.org.in/allAirports/thiru_general.jsp

  • Domestic flights (direct) : From / To : Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai
  • International flights (direct) : From / To : Colombo, Maldives, Dubai, Sharjah, Bahrain, Doha, Ras-al-Khaimah, Kuwait , Riyadh, Fujairah, Singapore
  • Air India Tel : + 91 471 2310310
  • Indian Airlines Tel : + 91 471 2318288
  • Jet Airways Tel : + 91 471 2500710, 2500860
  • Sri Lankan Airlines Tel : + 91 471 2471810
  • Gulf Air Tel : + 91 471 2728003, 2501206
  • Oman Airways Tel : + 91 471 2728950
  • Kuwait Airways Tel : + 91 471 2720013
  • Saudi Arabian Airlines Tel : + 91 471 2723141
  • Qatar Airways Tel : + 91 471 3919091, 3919092
  • Paramount Tel : + 91 99954 00003
  • Kingfisher Tel : + 91 471 2508822
  • Jetlite Tel : + 91 471 4010033
Cochin International Airport (CIAL), Nedumbassery Tel : + 91 484 2610113
http://www.cochin-airport.in
  • Domestic flights(direct) : From / To : Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, Agathi, Bangalore
  • International flights(direct) : From / To : Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Dhahran, Bahrain, Riyadh, Muscat
  • Air India Tel : + 91 484 2610050
  • Indian Airlines Tel : + 91 484 2371141
  • Jet Airways Tel : + 91 484 2610037
  • Saudi Arabian Airlines Tel : + 91 484 2352689
  • Singapore Airlines Tel : + 91 484 2358131
  • Kuwait Airways Tel : + 91 484 2382576
  • Sri Lankan Airlines Tel : + 91 484 2361263
  • Emirates Tel : + 91 484 40844444
  • Qatar Airways (Call centre: 0124 - 4566000)
  • Jetlite Tel : + 91 484 2611340
  • Air Deccan Tel : + 91 484 2610289
  • Paramount Tel : + 91 484 2610404

Calicut International Airport, Karipur Tel : +91 483 2710100
http://www.airportsindia.org.in/allAirports/calicut_general.jsp

  • Domestic flights (direct) : From / To : Mumbai, Chennai, Coimbatore
  • International flights (direct): From / To: Sharjah, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha , Ras-al-Khaimah, Kuwait, Riyadh, Fujairah
  • Air India Tel : + 91 483 2766669
  • Indian Airlines Tel : + 91 483 276643
  • Jet Airways Tel : + 91 483 2740052
 
           
    Police helpline      
   
 

While traveling on Highways + 91 98461 00100
While traveling in Trains + 91 98462 00100

 
           
    Code of ethics for travellers & tour operators  
           
   
Guidelines for Travellers & Tour Operators
 
 
           
           
           
 
     
     
       Climate  
 
           
 
The climate of Kerala is tropical monsoon with seasonally excessive rainfall and hot summer. Kerala doesn’t have distinct seasons. The region experiences two rainy seasons: The Southwest monsoon from June to August and the Northeast monsoon during October / November. From January to February, Kerala experiences pleasant and cool weather conditions.

The summer months from March to May are marked by high temperature and humidity. March is the hottest month with a mean maximum temperature of about 33°C. During the peak of rainy season in June and July, the temperatures would hover around 28°C. Kerala is extremely humid due to the existence of Arabian Sea towards its West.

The diversity of Kerala's geographical features of the state has resulted in a corresponding diversity in climate. The High Ranges have a cool and bracing climate throughout the year, while the plains are hot and humid. 

The Southwest monsoon (June to August) is the principal rainy season, when Kerala receives about 70% of its annual rainfall. This rainfall as percentage of annual rainfall decreases from North to South. On the other hand, the relatively less Northeast monsoon rainfall as percentage of annual rainfall increases from North to South. In the local language – Malayalam, rainfall during Southwest monsoon season is known as Edavapathi while that of Northeast monsoon season is known as Thulavarsham.

The average level of annual rainfall is quite high when compared to other Indian states. 

 

 
 
     
     
       Visa  
 
           
 
Visa
 
 
Foreign Nationals desirous of coming to India are required to possess a valid passport of their country and a valid Indian Visa.

There is no provision of 'Visa on Arrival' in India and no fee is charged for immigration facilities at the airports. Foreign passengers should ensure that they are in possession of valid Indian Visa before they start their journey to India except the nationals of Nepal and Bhutan who do not require visa to enter India and nationals of Maldives who do not require visa for entry in India for a period up to 90 days (a separate Visa regime exists for diplomatic/official passport holders).

Issuing Authority
The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for issuance of Indian visas to foreign nationals for their visit for various purposes.

Types of visas
Specific Visas are granted for a variety of purposes. The different types of visa, categorised on the basis of purpose of staying in India, are Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Student Visa, Transit Visa and Conference Visa.

Tourist Visa
Tourists wishing to visit India will normally be granted tourist Visa, effective from the date of issue. Tourist Visas are non-extendible and non-convertible. Travel Agents who have to visit India frequently may be granted tourist Visa for a longer duration. For securing a tourist visa one has to submit the documents supporting the applicant’s financial standing.

How to apply?
Visas can be applied in person or by post at the High Commission of India based in the country from where the candidate intends to depart for India. Specific visas are granted for a variety of purposes.

Click here to see the list of Indian Missions abroad

Visa fees are non-refundable and subject to change without notice. The High Commission reserves the right on granting and deciding type/duration of visa irrespective of the fees tendered at the time of making application. Granting of Visa does not confer the right of entry to India and is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities.

Visa Application Form
Visa application form is available at the office of Indian Embassy in the country where the foreign national resides. Visa form for nationals of Pakistan and Bangladesh are generally different.

Requirements for Visa
Generally the following documents are required for obtaining Indian Visa. However, the requirement may vary from country to country.

1. Original passport valid for at least 6 months
2. Visa fee
3. Two passport-size photographs
4. Supporting documents, where necessary
5. Duly completed application form

Useful links
To know more about the Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs visit www.passport.nic.in

To know the contact details of Indian Missions abroad, visit the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs www.meaindia.nic.in
 
 
     
     
       Currency Coverter  
 
           
 
The currency of Kerala is the Indian Rupee. Know the latest conversion rates with the help of the currency converter. 
 
     
     
     
     
       
   
 
       
     
 
     
 

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Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala
Park View, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India - 695 033
Phone: +91-471-2321132 Fax: +91-471-2322279 Tourist Information toll free No:1-800-425-4747
Tourist Alert Service No:9846300100
Email: info@keralatourism.org , deptour@keralatourism.org
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