Tips to Ease Your Trip to Kerala, India

India is a tough country, in terms of temperament and terrain. Before venturing on a sojourn to India, one needs to follow some simple guidelines to make the stay a pleasant one. Follow the tips in earnest and put your best foot forth and come to India with a desire, and India promises that you will leave the land with an ardent wish to come back again.
Here are a few tips that will make your trip more comfortable, pleasurable.

MONEY
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring into kerala.
Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centers honor major credit cards.
Indian Rupee. Conversion rates approximately:US$1 = Rs. 46.65 • DM1 = Rs. 21.50 • £1 = Rs. 68.54 • Euro = Rs. 43.00
BANKS
Banks in kerala are open from 1000 - 1400 hrs(10.00 to14.00hrs) Saturdays 1000 -1200 hrs(10.00 to 12.00 hrs). Sundays are holidays in kerala. Some banks work upto 4 pm; some have special evening branches which work upto 8 pm. Almost all banks have good network of ATMs which make money transactions easy.
BEST SEASON TO VISIT KERALA
High Season in kerala: December-May /
Monsoon Rejuvenation Programmes: June – November
FOODS.
All standard restaurants in kerala offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Kerala fare.
ACCOMMODATION
A wide range of options from luxury properties to budget hotels and motels are available
EMRGENCY NUMBERS
Police control room: 100 Fire station: 101 , Ambulance: 101 International dial code: ++91-
TIME
Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5.30 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Time difference between India and some other countries are given below:
[Hours ahead (+), behind (-) on 1ST] USA: -10.30, Germany: -4.30, Canada:-10.30, France: -4.30, Australia: +4.30, Spain: -4.30, UAE: -1.30
WATER
Tap water supplied in kerala is purified and quite safe to drink. It is not advisable to drink from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.
TAKE CARE
Care your Language: In communicating verbal instructions, it is vital that you not only insist on the recipient repeating them but also see from his face that he actually understands the meaning of the words. Indian ears are more attuned to the slurred vowels of English than to the nasal's drawl of an American

Get Consent for Photography: To avoid causing hang-up when you photograph railway property it is advisable to take permission (if you have not done so at home) from Indian Railways headquarters in New Delhi. Rail Bhawan looks very formidable but the entry procedure is remarkably simple. You sign the visitor's book at the reception and ask to see the Public Relations Officer.
Be cautious: Two unpleasant brutalities need to be summoned up to make it clear that you are not a soft touch. Never respond to the genial 'hello' of a conman and never catch the eye of professional beggar
Bargaining: Haggling is an exhausting exercise for the greenhorn to India, a delectable sport for the shopkeeper who stands to make a huge killing. Remember that the first sale of the day is considered religiously auspicious, so the chances of being ripped off are somewhat less. The rule for buyers is to start at less than half of the announced price and then work towards a settlement at a price neither party considers unreasonable. Short-term visitors who lack the sporting instinct will find it much easier to stick to government emporia where the prices are fixed.Suggestions& COMPLAINTS:. In India, the complaint book is available everywhere and people do respond to suggestions. Avoid the unfortunate habit of only criticizing. Sometimes take the trouble to write to the editor of a newspaper praising India. You will be surprised how many other people share your feelings. Practical hints should be penned to the publishers of guidebooks. Share travel experience and you can pick up valuable hints.