Travel Information · Kerala
Practical health advice for international visitors to Kerala. What to bring, what to watch and what to know before you travel.
Kerala is a safe and healthy destination for international visitors. With sensible precautions and a little preparation, the vast majority of guests travel without any health issues whatsoever. This page covers what you genuinely need to know, without unnecessary alarm.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for visitors to Kerala from Europe, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and most other Western nations.
The one exception is Yellow Fever. If you are arriving from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission, you must carry a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Immigration authorities check this at the point of entry. If you are travelling directly from the UK, France, Ireland, Germany, Australia or the United States, this does not apply to you.
Beyond Yellow Fever for affected countries, no vaccinations are required for Kerala. That said, it is always sensible to ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date before any international travel. Speak to your GP or travel health clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure. They will advise based on your personal health history and itinerary.
Some travel health clinics recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid for travel to India as a general precaution, since both can be transmitted through food and water. These are not mandatory but are worth discussing with your doctor.
Tap water in Kerala is not safe to drink. This is a firm rule. Always drink bottled water or water provided by your hotel or restaurant. Do not assume that water served in a glass is bottled unless you have seen it poured from a sealed bottle.
Ice in reputable hotels and restaurants is generally made from filtered water and is safe. In smaller roadside establishments, it is sensible to avoid ice.
Hotel and restaurant food from established properties with good reviews is safe for most visitors. Kerala cuisine is rich, spiced and often coconut-based. It is delicious. It is also very different from what most Western digestive systems are accustomed to. Some guests adapt instantly. Others take a few days to adjust. Starting with milder dishes in the first day or two is sensible, particularly if you have a sensitive stomach.
Street food is part of Kerala’s food culture and most of it is perfectly safe from well-frequented stalls that are clearly busy and turning over food quickly. The real variable is not contamination but spice levels. If your stomach is unaccustomed to chilli, even a snack from a roadside stall can feel overwhelming. Exercise judgment and start cautiously.
If you experience stomach upset, stay hydrated with bottled water and electrolyte sachets. Most mild cases resolve within 24 to 48 hours. If symptoms persist or are severe, consult a doctor rather than relying on self-medication with antibiotics.
Mosquitoes are present in Kerala, particularly in the evenings and near water. They are part of the tropical environment and a minor inconvenience rather than a significant health threat for most visitors. Kerala does not have a high incidence of dengue or malaria by Indian standards, but the risk is not zero.
Pack a good quality mosquito repellent containing DEET and apply it in the evenings, particularly when sitting outdoors at restaurants, on houseboats or in garden areas of hotels. Long sleeves and trousers in the evening add an extra layer of protection and are comfortable anyway as the temperature drops after dark.
Some hotels, particularly in backwater and forested areas, provide mosquito nets or mosquito coils. If yours does not and you are concerned, a small travel mosquito net is easy to pack and useful.
Kerala’s tropical climate is one of its defining characteristics. For visitors from the UK, Northern Europe or other cooler climates, the combination of heat and humidity requires some adjustment, particularly on arrival.
During summer months from April through June, temperatures on the coast can reach 35 to 38 degrees Celsius with high humidity. The sensation is different from dry Mediterranean heat. You will perspire more than you expect. Drink water consistently throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty. Carry a water bottle and refill it regularly.
A good quality sunscreen is essential for any outdoor activity. Apply it generously and reapply after sweating or swimming. Even on overcast days, Kerala’s tropical sun is strong.
Wear light, breathable cotton clothing. Synthetic fabrics in this climate are uncomfortable very quickly.
The Western Ghats, including Munnar, are significantly cooler. Temperatures at 1,600 metres elevation are typically 6 to 10 degrees cooler than the coast, with fresh mornings and pleasant afternoons. After the humidity of Kochi, many guests find Munnar a welcome relief.
If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare before you travel to Kerala. The roads through the Western Ghats, particularly the drive from Kochi to Munnar and the ghat sections around Thekkady, involve sustained curves, significant altitude gain and mountain driving that can affect guests who are susceptible.
Carry your usual motion sickness medication and take it before the mountain sections of your journey, not after symptoms begin. Your driver will carry vomiting bags and is experienced with guests who need to stop. Do not hesitate to ask.
Travelling on an empty stomach on ghat roads is not advisable. A light meal before a mountain drive is better than travelling hungry.
Munnar sits at approximately 1,600 metres above sea level. For most visitors this elevation does not cause any difficulty. If you have known altitude-related medical conditions, or if you are travelling to higher points such as Kolukkumalai at around 2,400 metres, be aware of how your body responds to altitude and take appropriate precautions. Speak to your doctor before travel if you have any cardiac or respiratory conditions.
Kerala has a well-developed healthcare system by Indian standards. Kochi in particular has several good private hospitals with English-speaking doctors. If you experience a medical issue during your stay, consult a registered medical practitioner rather than attempting to self-diagnose or self-medicate.
Pharmacies are widely available across Kerala, even in smaller towns. They stock a full range of common medications. Note that antibiotics require a prescription from a registered doctor and pharmacists will not dispense them without one. This is the correct and safe approach. If you require antibiotics, see a doctor first.
For minor ailments, carry a basic travel health kit including paracetamol, antihistamine, rehydration sachets, antiseptic cream, plasters and any prescription medications you take regularly. Bring sufficient supply of any regular prescription medication for your entire trip plus a few days extra.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors to Kerala. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, emergency evacuation and trip cancellation. Check the policy details before you travel rather than after you need it. Medical costs at private hospitals in India, while low by Western standards, can add up quickly without insurance cover.
Green Earth Trails recommends that all guests travelling on our programs hold valid travel insurance for the duration of their visit.
