India
TRAVELLING TO SOUTH INDIA: WELCOME TO KERALA
“India? Never!”
A trip to India had never really appealed to me. It sounded way too intense, too chaotic, too everything. But as the saying goes, never say never.
One of my close friends, who has been living in India for nearly 15 years, finally convinced me to change my mind. After all, if she chose to settle there, there must be something worth experiencing and discovering, right? And that’s how this trip to Kerala, in South India, finally came to happen.
Located on the southwest coast of the country, Kerala offers a softer, more tropical side of India. Between the tea-covered hills of Munnar, the serene backwaters, the beaches of Varkala, and the picturesque charm of Fort Cochin, this region is the perfect gateway for a first trip to South India—without the intense cultural shock that other big Indian cities can bring.
Kerala
Capital city
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Currency
Indian rupies (INR)
Number of inhabitants
31,8 millions
Language
Malayalam
Surface area
38 863 km²
Electricity & connectivity
230 V - Types C, D & M
ALL MY TRAVEL GUIDES TO SOUTH INDIA
Kerala
Best time to travel to Kerala
Kerala has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures all year round. However, as is often the case in the tropics, humidity and the monsoon season change everything.
☀️ From December to March, this is the best time to travel to Kerala. The weather is dry, sunny, temperatures are pleasant, and humidity remains manageable.
🌡️ April, May, and October are transition months around the monsoon, and the atmosphere becomes much more stifling. The air is saturated with humidity, and showers are frequent, especially in the late afternoon. When we were there in April, we didn’t see a single sunset: cloudy skies, dull light, and constant stickiness. Definitely not the most photogenic or pleasant period.
🌧️ From June to September, it’s monsoon season. Heavy rains, regular storms, and sometimes flooded roads. It’s not the best time to travel unless you already know India and want to experience another side of it. In that case, you must enjoy the “tropical rain all day” vibe and have a flexible itinerary!
January
24 - 30 °C
February
24 - 31 °C
March
3 - 11 °C
April
5 - 14 °C
May
8- 18 °C
June
11 - 21 °C
July
13 - 23 °C
August
13 - 23 °C
September
11 - 19 °C
October
8 - 15 °C
November
26 - 30 °C
Décember
25 - 30 °C
Useful links
for your trip to South India
on 12Go
with Get Your Guide
What is the perfect destination for a first trip to South India?
Kerala is one of the most accessible and diverse destinations in South India. Nestled between the Western Ghats mountains and the Arabian Sea, this tropical region offers a stunning variety of landscapes, without the sometimes overwhelming intensity of other Indian destinations like Mumbai or Kolkata. In some ways, it even reminded us more of countries like Thailand than the image we had of India.It is also known for its high quality of life, elevated education level (including for women), and rich culture, blending Ayurvedic traditions, classical dance performances (Kathakali), and local cuisine based on coconut milk.If you’re looking for the perfect destination for a first trip to South India, Kerala is an excellent choice!
Do I need a visa to travel to Kerala?
Yes! To travel to India, no matter the region, you need to apply for an e-visa before your departure.
Check out this article to get all the information about the e-visa and how to get it!
Is it safe to travel to Kerala?
Yes, Kerala is generally considered one of the safest states in India for travelers. It is also one of the country’s most developed regions, with a high level of education, relatively reliable healthcare, and a population that is overall welcoming and respectful.During our trip, we never felt unsafe, whether in cities, on public transportation, or in more rural areas. Of course, as everywhere, it’s recommended to stay alert and keep an eye on your valuables, but the atmosphere is quite calm.
Is it safe to travel to Kerala as a solo woman?
On this point, my answer is a bit more nuanced.
Personally, I have to admit I was grateful to have Elias by my side. Unlike destinations such as Thailand, Kerala is not a place where I would feel completely at ease traveling alone. Even though mentalities are evolving, the culture remains deeply patriarchal, and some lingering stares can be uncomfortable. We also came across many groups of young men who were a bit too bold – nothing aggressive, but not the kind of encounters I would want to handle alone.
That said, if you are more adventurous than I am, I would say yes, Kerala is still a doable destination for a solo female traveler, as long as you exercise a bit more caution than elsewhere. During our two weeks in Kerala, we never experienced any inappropriate or disrespectful behavior.
If you plan to travel solo in Kerala, I recommend carefully choosing your accommodations, avoiding going out alone late at night, and dressing modestly to avoid drawing (even more) attention.
When is the best time to travel to Kerala?
The best time to travel to Kerala is from December to March. During these months, the weather is dry, temperatures are pleasant (between 20 and 32°C), and humidity is moderate.The monsoon begins in June and lasts until September, which can make traveling and activities more challenging. I suppose it has its own charm, but personally, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re already familiar with traveling in India or Kerala and are looking for a different kind of experience.As for us, we traveled to Kerala in April, knowing it wasn’t the ideal season… and I can confirm it! I expected the heat (around 32°C on average with 100% humidity), but not so much rain. Unlike other tropical countries, such as Costa Rica or Colombia, these are not brief showers followed by sunshine. The sky often stayed overcast all afternoon, and we didn’t see a single sunset in two weeks. The grayish light didn’t allow us to fully appreciate Kerala’s colors and even dulled some of the landscapes.
Is it possible to drive or rent a car in Kerala?
Not unless you have a death wish! Jokes aside, we experienced some truly stressful rides, even just as passengers.
Traffic in Kerala is particularly dense and unpredictable. Besides the constant cacophony of honking, vehicles pass dangerously close to each other, braking at the very last moment. Everywhere, cars overtake on single-lane roads, regardless of whether a bus is speeding toward them from the opposite direction. Honestly, it’s just not worth it!
How to get around Kerala?
To get around Kerala, you have several options depending on your budget and itinerary.
Domestic flights are available but limited to major cities (Kochi, Trivandrum, Calicut) and are usually more expensive than other means of transport. The train is a great alternative for covering longer distances: it’s affordable, relatively reliable, but you must book tickets in advance — especially during peak season.
For shorter or more flexible trips, hiring a private driver is a very practical option and the one we used most of the time. Uber works well in urban and tourist areas, particularly around Kochi. Outside these areas, don’t hesitate to ask your hotel to book a taxi for you: they often work with trusted drivers and can sometimes negotiate the fare on your behalf. It’s slightly more expensive than Uber, but often more convenient in remote locations.
How to dress when traveling to Kerala?
That was my biggest question before leaving! I didn’t want to look culturally insensitive, but I sweat a lot with long sleeves and I still wanted to feel comfortable.
Let’s start with the simplest: if you’re a man, you can dress quite freely. A t-shirt and light trousers or Bermuda shorts are perfectly sufficient. Obviously, don’t walk around shirtless outside the beaches. I think that goes without saying!
For women, generally, longer clothing is preferable, especially for the bottom (long skirts, linen trousers, etc.). For tops, I found there was a bit more tolerance: I often wore a tank top, with a light shirt in my bag in case I needed to cover my shoulders—but honestly, I hardly ever used it.
The easiest thing to do is adopt a modest outfit during your travels and adjust it according to the atmosphere once you’re there. In Varkala, for example, most foreign women, and even some Indian women, wore shorts and sleeveless tops.
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