Kovalam Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

Google Maps
Valuable for navigation, finding businesses, and locating ATMs. Download offline maps.
Uber/Ola
Useful for booking taxis in Thiruvananthapuram, offering transparent pricing.
Google Translate
Download the offline Malayalam language pack for basic communication.
Currency Converter
Any reliable app quickly shows costs in your home currency.
Booking Apps
Booking.com/Agoda/MakeMyTrip/Goibibo assist with accommodation and flights within India.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

Official Government of India e-Visa portal
Evisa.gov.in (Use only this official portal for e-Visa applications).
Kerala Tourism official website
Keralatourism.org (A comprehensive resource for Kerala information).
Indian Railways (IRCTC)
Irctc.co.in (Official website for train tickets across India).
Social Media
Follow official Kerala Tourism social media accounts for updates and inspiration.
Podcasts and Digital Content
Search for content on "Kerala travel," "South India," or "Ayurveda in Kerala" for in-depth insights.

Print Resources

Guidebooks and Maps

Look for reputable guidebooks focusing on South India or Kerala. A physical map offers valuable orientation, especially without internet.

Books about the Destination

"The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy offers cultural context. Books on Ayurveda explain wellness practices.

Local Publications

English newspapers like The Hindu or The New Indian Express provide current events and cultural listings.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

Police: 100
Ambulance: 102
Fire: 101
Kerala Tourist Police (State-wide helpline): 1800 425 4747

Hospital and Clinic Locations

KIMS Hospital (Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences) in Thiruvananthapuram.
Ananthapuri Hospitals & Research Institute, also in Thiruvananthapuram.
Locate your country's embassy or nearest consulate contact details before you travel.
Report lost passports or documents to the nearest police station immediately.

Safety & Health Alerts

Critical Information

Water Safety

Avoid tap water consumption.
Only drink sealed bottled water.
Ice in drinks might come from tap water.
Exercise caution with uncooked fruits and vegetables washed in tap water.

Sun Protection

The tropical sun is strong.
Use high SPF Sunscreen regularly.
Wear hats and sunglasses.
Seek shade during peak sun hours (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM).

Insect Protection

Mosquitoes are present, especially at dawn and dusk.
Use insect repellent.
Consider long sleeves and pants in the evenings.
Ensure accommodation has mosquito nets or air conditioning.

Health Precautions

Pre-Travel Consultations

Consult a travel health clinic about recommended vaccinations.
Discuss preventative medications with a health professional.
Some vaccinations necessitate multiple doses over several weeks.

Food Safety Practices

Eat only freshly prepared and hot food.
Peel all fruits yourself.
Maintain rigorous hand hygiene, especially before meals.

Dealing with Emergencies

Lost Document Procedures

Report lost or stolen passports to the nearest police station immediately.
Obtain a First Information Report (FIR) from the police.
Contact your country's embassy or consulate for emergency travel documents.

Natural Disaster Protocols

In case of natural disasters (e.g., heavy monsoon flooding), follow local authorities.
Adhere to instructions from hotel staff and news broadcasts.
Have emergency contacts and essential documents readily available in a bag.

Financial Vigilance

Currency Considerations

Be aware that tourist-centric areas sometimes feature inflated prices.
Polite bargaining is a common practice and often expected in markets.
Always agree on auto-rickshaw fares before starting the ride.
Consider using pre-paid taxi services for transparent pricing.
Carry a mix of small denominations for day-to-day purchases.

ATM and Card Usage

Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates.
This prevents your cards from being blocked due to suspicious international activity.
Use ATMs located inside bank branches for enhanced security.
Be mindful of ATM fees charged by your bank and local banks.
Carry a backup payment method.

Money Management

Cash on Hand

Carry some Indian Rupees for immediate expenses upon arrival or for smaller vendors.

Budgeting Tips

Set a daily budget for meals, transport, and activities to stay within your spending goals.

Receipt Keeping

Keep receipts for major purchases to track spending and for potential returns.

Important Advisory

For serious medical conditions, the nearest well-equipped hospitals are located in Thiruvananthapuram, approximately 16 km from Kovalam.

Cultural Connections

Immersive Learning

Arts and Traditions

Kathakali Performances
Attend a live Kathakali show to experience this elaborate dance-drama.
Ayurveda Workshops
Participate in a short workshop on Ayurvedic principles or cooking.
Carnatic Music Sessions
Seek out local concerts or informal music gatherings to hear traditional sounds.

Engaging with the Environment

Spice Plantation Tours
Take a tour to understand local agriculture and spices.
Backwater Excursions
Experience the tranquil backwaters on a canoe or houseboat.
Photography Walks
Explore the landscape with a focus on capturing its natural beauty.

Local Community Engagement

Support Artisans

Purchase souvenirs directly from local artisans to support their craft.

Local Services

Prioritize local guesthouses and restaurants for dining and accommodation.

Guided Tours

Hire local guides for excursions; they share deep knowledge of the area.

Language and Communication

Basic Malayalam Phrases

Namaskaram (Hello/Greetings)
Nanni (Thank you)
Enthundu vishesham? (How are you? / What's up?)
Chodyamilla (No problem)

Non-Verbal Communication

The "head wobble" conveys various meanings; context indicates understanding.
Using your right hand for transactions shows respect.
Avoid pointing with your finger; use your chin or whole hand.
Maintain respectful personal space.

Ethical Practices

Environmental Stewardship

Reduce plastic waste by carrying a Reusable water bottle.
Use a Reusable shopping bag for purchases.
Dispose of all waste appropriately in designated bins.
Be mindful of your water and electricity consumption.

Wildlife and Nature

Do not litter, especially on beaches or in natural areas.
Stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing delicate ecosystems.
Observe wildlife from a respectful distance without disturbing them.
Support conservation efforts where possible.

Travel Tip

Using a few basic Malayalam phrases often delights locals and opens doors for more positive interactions.

Kovalam Travel Resources