Kovalam Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM cards and Mobile Providers

Major mobile networks: Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea. Good coverage in Kovalam and Thiruvananthapuram.

SIM Card Details

Acquisition: Purchase at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport or retail stores.
Requirements: Original passport, visa copy, passport-sized photograph.
Activation: May take 24-48 hours. Use hotel Wi-Fi initially.

Internet Access and Wi-Fi

Most hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and many restaurants in Kovalam provide Wi-Fi access, often free.

Connectivity Tips

Hotel/Cafe Wi-Fi: Widely available and often free for guests.
Mobile Hotspot: Reliable option with a local SIM for on-the-go internet. Explore portable WiFi devices.
Postal Services: Available in Thiruvananthapuram. International mail may be slower.

Language Barriers & Translation

Malayalam is the official language. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and the tourism industry.

Language Support

English proficiency: Common in tourist areas.
Translation Apps: Google Translate app with offline Malayalam pack is very useful. Get an eSIM for data.
Learning Phrases: Learning basic Malayalam shows respect. Learn Malayalam with Rosetta Stone.

Essential Malayalam Phrases

Basic Greetings

Hello/Namaste: Namaskaram (nah-mah-SKAH-rahm)
Thank you: Nanni (nahn-NEE)
Yes: Athe (ah-THEH)

Useful Words

No: Ila (ih-LAH)
How much?: Ethra? (EH-thrah?)
Food: Aaharam (AH-hah-rahm)
Water: Vellam (VEH-lahm)

Stay Connected

Ensuring communication simplifies your journey. Local SIM cards or portable WiFi devices are good options.

Business Hours & Schedules

Typical operating hours for different businesses.

Shops

Generally 9:00 AM/10:00 AM to 8:00 PM/9:00 PM. Smaller shops vary.

Restaurants

Breakfast to late dinner, 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM (beachside may be later).

Ayurveda Centers

Hours vary by center; early morning to late evening for appointments.

Tourist Attractions

Generally 9:00 AM/10:00 AM until 5:00 PM/6:00 PM. Many museums and historical sites are closed on Mondays.

Access Notes

Check specific timings for sites.
Some smaller businesses might have reduced hours or close during monsoon.
Larger hotels generally operate year-round.

Banking Hours & ATMs

Banks typically 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays and public holidays.

Financial Access

ATMs are widely available in Kovalam and Thiruvananthapuram, 24/7.
Look for ATMs at major bank branches for security.
Consider airport lounge access. Priority Pass.

Holidays & Seasonal Notes

Public & Religious Holidays

Republic Day (Jan 26), Independence Day (Aug 15), Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2).
Religious Festivals: Onam, Diwali, Eid, Christmas can cause closures.
Transport services may have increased demand during festivals.

Airport Services

Flight delays/cancellations. Claim compensation with Compensair.
Airport lounge access via services like Priority Pass.
Check a local calendar for specific festival dates.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Understand local customs for respectful interactions.

Greeting Customs

Common and respectful greeting: Namaste or Namaskaram, with joined hands. Handshakes for men in formal settings.

Practice

Namaste or Namaskaram (prayer-like gesture).
Handshakes common among men in formal settings.
Women may prefer Namaste.

Appropriate Attire

Modest dress outside beach or resort areas, especially in local towns. Avoid revealing clothing.

Dress Code

General: Modest dress. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees covered for all. Footwear removed.
Some Hindu temples have specific dress codes (e.g., men may remove shirts).

Dining & Tipping

Traditionally, food is eaten with the right hand. Avoid using your left hand for eating or handling food.

Practices

Use right hand for eating.
Avoid left hand for eating/giving/receiving.
Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated (5-10% in restaurants).

Photography Ethics

Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals, especially women and children.

Considerations

Ask permission for photos of people.
Photography restricted or prohibited inside some religious sites.
Respect decisions if someone declines a photo.

Taboos and Sensitive Topics

Common Taboos

Public Displays of Affection: Generally frowned upon.
Feet: Do not point feet at people or religious objects.
Head: Do not touch people's heads.

Social Considerations

Politics/Religion: Exercise caution when discussing sensitive topics.
Gender: Dress modestly, be aware of surroundings, especially if solo at night.
LGBTQ+: Decriminalized, but public acceptance evolving. Use discretion.

Religious Site Etiquette

Rules

Shoulders and knees covered.
Remove shoes before entering.
Maintain silence and solemnity.

Religious Practices

Follow clockwise circumambulation.
Maintain respectful distance from devotees.
When unsure, observe and follow local lead.

Respect Local Culture

Your respectful interactions and cultural understanding are a valued part of responsible travel.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility needs face challenges due to limited accessibility infrastructure.

Infrastructure Challenges

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility needs is generally limited. Sidewalks are uneven or non-existent.

Barriers

Ramps and lifts are rare outside modern, high-end hotels and newer buildings.
Most historical sites and traditional markets are not wheelchair accessible.
Public transportation is not accessible.

Accessible Options

Luxury resorts often offer better accessibility within their premises, including ramps and accessible rooms.

Travel Tips

Inquire directly with properties about accessibility features.
Private taxis or pre-arranged accessible vehicles are necessary for getting around.
Limited specialized services for visual or hearing impairments.

Planning for Accessible Travel

Specific organizations focusing on accessible travel in India might offer more detailed information.

Recommendations

Advisable to travel with a companion.
Local guides assist with navigation and communication.
General resources for Kovalam accessibility are scarce.

Booking Considerations

Planning your trip with a specialized travel agent who has experience with accessible travel in India comes highly recommended.

Pre-Trip Advice

Pre-arrange accessible vehicles for transportation.
Contact hotels directly to confirm specific accessibility features.
Confirm airport transfer accessibility.

Accessible Travel Notes

Direct inquiries with accommodations and pre-arranging transport facilitate smoother travel for individuals with mobility needs.

Kovalam Travel Tips