Before traveling by a taxicab or autorickshaw enquire at your Hotel or any tourist reception center about the distance, route and approximate fare to your destination. Always pay by the meter. However your cabbie may ask for one and a half times the fare if you are traveling after 9 P.M. Tip the driver only if the service has been extraordinarily helpful.
Unattended luggage at the bus station, railway station, and other public areas can take a walk if you are not careful. Do use the cloakroom facilities available.
In Kerala, we confine our display of affection to the privacy of our house. Kissing in public is not socially accepted and nudity and topless wear are not allowed on our beaches.
Most temples in Kerala are not open to non-Hindus and visitors. Some do allow entry into the ground but not inside the sanctum. If you are lucky enough to be allowed in, you will have remove footwear and the men must remove their shirts and vests.
Use only Government approved/authorized paying guest accommodation.
Use only approved beaches for swimming. The other beaches have dangerous under-currents.
The purchase of ivory in any form is illegal and liable to prosecution.
Any activity relating to any banned drug including soft drugs is illegal. Hunting in any form is illegal.
Smoking in Public places is prohibited
Clothing
Light, tropical and cotton clothing is advised. Kerala has a warm tropical climate. You may feel overdressed at times. Dress light, but also resist the temptation to go scantier than local standards. Bermudas and T-shirts are always acceptable.
