“Bonjour” – Yes, Kerala people do know about few French words because Kerala receives the maximum number of tourists from France after USA & UK. Few of the french tourists are confused about how to book kerala tour packages and what kind of preparation should be done before visiting the Kerala? Well, here we have written the detailed guide for French Tourists.
When visiting India, Kerala is the top most destinations for international travelers. The reason is simple. Kerala is a splendid small state along the Malabar Coast in South west India full of breathtaking locations. It is rich in cultural spots and has many modern spots like amusement parks. There are many Kerala Tour Packages from France to choose from when visiting Kerala. But before choosing it, french tourists should know about few important things about the Kerala.
Important Things to Carry or Pack while Visiting Kerala:
- Essentials like passport, visa documents, ID proofs, vaccination details, religion conversion certificates (important to enter some temples) medicines etc.
- Gadgets like camera, Smartphone, power banks, a universal adaptor, flashlights etc
- Indian currency as cash is required at most places
- In clothes, pack a dhoti or a saree as it is compulsory in most temples in Kerala, also pack dupattas to cover your hair especially during summer. Also depending on weather for instance in monsoon, do bring umbrellas and raincoats. Also pack light preferably cotton clothes as monsoons are humid and slippers. If you don’t have it then don’t worry you can easily buy it from Kerala.
- Other essentials like mosquito repellents, sunscreen, lip balms etc. – You may needed this on Houseboat.
Kerala is an ideal destination for anyone and everyone as it has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and Indian culture yet the state is urbanized and English is spoken by almost everyone here. It is well connected both to domestic and international places and is a peaceful and safe destination.
Some Facts about French Tourists in Kerala
- France is one of the leading source markets for Kerala Tourism and almost 1 lakh French tourists visit the small state every year, the third largest footfall here.
- A former French colony, Mahe which is located in the northern part of Kerala is a very significant destination for French tourists and there are people here who still speak French and follow the culture.
- India and France have made a commitment to boost bilateral trade 2017 and thus Indian government will be providing better facilities to the French tourists in the coming years making it a preferred location for French tourists.
How to Reach Kerala From France:
By Airways- There are multiple flights by leading air carriers like Air India, Etihaad, Air India between Paris and many cities of Kerala with direct flights between 12- 13 hrs. Below are the duration for main cities:
- Paris to Kochi– Direct flights from Paris to Kochi, 12- 13 hours
- Paris to Thiruvananthapuram – Direct flights from Paris to Thiruvananthapuram, 13+ hrs
- Paris to Kannur- Not directly connected, take a train from Kochi to Kannur which will take about 6 hrs
- Paris to Kozhikode- Direct flights from Paris to Kozhikode, 14+ hrs
How To Get Visa For India From France
If you do not wish to stay for more than 60 days in India, you can submit Visa application to the Indian consulate in France, which will cost about EUR 100. Now travelers can also apply for an e-visa on https://indiavisainfo.com/apply-india-visa and fill “India visa application” form which is free of cost. Once your visa is sent to you, you can make the payment (about EUR 70)
Here is a list of activities that create the best travel experience with our Kerala Tour Package.
Backwater and Houseboats: To experience Kerala in its indigenous form, Houseboats on Kerala backwaters are best way to experience the calm and serenity of the state and you can explore the natural beauty of the state in this manner. Houseboat operators offer Kerala holiday Packages from one day to three days with all amenities like AC on the houseboats.
Stay in Tree House: Kerala has tea plantations and lush green evergreen forests which bring tourists here. Many resorts offer luxury tree house accommodation in Kerala which are a great way to holiday in the state amidst nature. Many tourists opt for the AC options with facilities like lodging and dining.
Wild-life Sanctuary: Kerala has rich fauna well preserved in its wild life sanctuaries, biosphere reserves and national parks. Species like the Asian elephant, leopards, Tahr and many other rare species stay here. The Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary, Periyar National Park and the Eravikulam National Park are major wildlife sanctuaries. There many adventure destinations like full day trekking inside the forest and bamboo rafting, boating in the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, plantation tours, wildlife jeep safari and elephant safari in the Munnar and Thekkady region.
Hill Stations: Kerala has many famous hill stations like Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad, Vagamon which are all nestled in natural beauty like tea plantations and spice plantations in serene hilly regions with lush greenery and waterfalls all around. The Kerala hill stations is considered as main attraction for tourists across the India.
Beaches: Kerala is popular for its romantic beach destinations and thus is a popular Honeymoon destination too. The best beaches are Kovalam beach, Varkala beach, Kannur Beach, Bekal Beach and Cherai beach. Each of these beaches is beautiful and unique in their beauty.
Things you should not miss:
Watching Kathakali Dance: The Kathakali dance is a native performing art and is preserved cultural symbols of the state. The performers with full makeup and costumes and traditional musical instruments mesmerize people. Many dance performances are held in the temples that are extremely authentic and worth watching.
Village Life Experience: Kerala has authentic village life and rural Kerala is untouched which makes it a must to experience are the paddy fields, coconut farms, lakes and backwaters in regions like Kovalam, Kumarakom, Wayanad and Thekkady.
Ayurvedic Massage: Do experience the Ayurvedic health resorts in Kerala that offer the most indigenous and refreshing Ayurvedic massage which is an experience in itself
Food: While in Kerala, do not forget to try the authentic cuisine which is a mixture of Malabar food, sea food and the indigenous dishes of the state like Puttu and Kadala curry, prawn curry, beef, Kerala Parota, Idiyappam among others
Shopping: When on your trip to Kerala, do not forget to pick certain things that you will not find anywhere else. The list includes spices, tea, coffee, banana chips, cashew nuts among others. Do not forget to take the ayurvedic aroma oil and handicrafts. You can also pick the popular Kerala sarees.
Kerala Itinerary
If you are planning to cover most of Kerala in your trip, you can book a Kerala Tour Package with a day to day itinerary by Srees Tours and Travels. Here we would like to recommend you to take 8 Nights 9 Days Kerala Tour Package which covers most of the places of Kerala. The below mentioned tour will cost between Rs 50000 to Rs 70000.
Day 1: Kochi to Munnar (4 hrs, 145 km) – Post arrival at Kochi, transfer to Munnar covering Karadippara view point, Valera and Kallar falls. In Munnar cover Rajamali National Park, Tea Museum and Mattupetty Dam.
Day 2: Munnar- Jeep safari to Kudagumaly view point, Elephant safari, Kerala martial art, Kathakali performance etc
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady (4 hrs, 120 km) – Travel to Thekkady visiting tea plantations. Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performance in evening
Day 4: Thekkady Sightseeing – Visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary, rafting and trekking in forest, plantation tour and elephant safari
Day 5: Thekkady to Kumarakom (3.5 hrs, 120 km) – Travel to Kumarakom, in evening visit bird sanctuary and sunset point and village visit
Day 6: Houseboat – Cruise through Vembanadu Lake, paddy fields, Alleppey canals, Alleppey backwaters and Houseboats
Day 7: Kovalam (4 hrs, 145 km) – Visit Kovalam beach, lighthouse, stay at beach resort
Day 8: Kovalam to Kanyakumari – Full day in Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu). Vivekananda Rock, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Wood Palace etc.
Day 9: Trivandrum – Full day in Trivandrum. Cover Sri Padmanabha Temple. Leave from Trivandrum Airport.
Hire Tour Operator For Your Best Journey in Kerala
While planning your trip to Kerala, hire the best Tour Operators. Srees Tours & Travels are the best travel and hospitality service providers in India who offer the best Kerala tours packages from France at affordable rates. Their packages are especially popular among UK tourists & Malaysia tourists as they provide tailor made trips that cater to comfort and entertainment of guests above everything else.
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