Kerala, a state in the Republic of India, has 14 districts or administrative divisions. The major cities are Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. The international airports in the three major cities provide international and domestic connections.

Here is some quick information on the state which will be useful for travellers visiting the state.

• Location : Southwestern tip of India.
• Area : 38, 863 sq km.
• Population : 31,84,1374
• Capital : Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
• Language : Malayalam;English is widely spoke
• Religion : Hinduism, Christianity, Islam
• Time : GMT +5:30
• Currency : Indian Rupee
• Climate : Tropical
• Summer : February - May (24^o - 33^oC)
• Monsoon : June - September (22^o - 28^oC)
• Winter : October - January (22^o - 32^oC)

Major Cities

• Thiruvananthapuram : Trivandrum
• Kochi : Cochin
• Kozhikode : Calicut

Accessibility

• Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
  Domestic flights (direct) : From / To : Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai
  International flights (direct) : From / To : Colombo, Maldives, Dubai, Sharjah, Baharain, Doha, Ras-al-Khaimah, Kuwait , Riyadh, Fujairah, Sinagapore
  
  
• Cochin International Airport (CIAL), Nedumbassery
  Domestic flights(direct) : From / To : Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, Agathi, Bangalore
  International flights(direct) : From / To : Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Dhahran, Bahrain, Riyadh, Muscat
  
  
• Calicut International Airport, Karipur
  Domestic flights (direct) : From / To : Mumbai, Chennai, Coimbatore, Doha , Ras-al-Khaimah, Kuwait, Riyadh, Fujairah

Climate
The climate of Kerala is tropical monsoon with seasonally excessive rainfall and hot summer. Kerala doesn't have distinct seasons. The region experiences two rainy seasons: The southwest monsoon from June to August and the northeast monsoon during October / November. From January to February, Kerala experiences pleasant weather conditions, when the daytime temperature is relatively cool compared to rest of the months.

The summer months from March to May are marked by high temperature and humidity. March is the hottest month with a mean maximum temperature of about 33°C. During the peak of rainy season in June and July, the temperatures would hover around 28°C. The State is extremely humid due to the existence of Arabian Sea in the west of it.

The diversity of the geographical features of the state has resulted in a corresponding diversity in climate. The High Ranges have a cool and bracing climate throughout the year, while the plains are hot and humid.

The southwest monsoon (June/August) is the principal rainy season, when the State receives about 70% of its annual rainfall. This rainfall as percentage of annual rainfall decreases from north to south. On the other hand, the relatively less northeast monsoon rainfall as percentage of annual rainfall increases from north to south. In the local language - Malayalam, rainfall during southwest monsoon season is known as Edavapathi while that of northeast monsoon season is known as Thulavarsham.

The average level of annual rainfall is quite high when compared to other Indian states.

Visa
Foreign Nationals desirous of coming to India are required to possess a valid passport of their country and a valid Indian Visa.

There is no provision of 'Visa on Arrival' in India and no fee is charged for immigration facilities at the airports. Foreign passengers should ensure that they are in possession of valid Indian Visa before they start their journey to India except the nationals of Nepal and Bhutan who do not require visa to enter India and nationals of Maldives who do not require visa for entry in India for a period up to 90 days (a separate Visa regime exists for diplomatic/official passport holders).

Issuing Authority
The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for issuance of Indian visas to foreign nationals for their visit for various purposes.

Types of visas
Specific Visas are granted for a variety of purposes. The different types of visa, categorised on the basis of purpose of staying in India, are Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Student Visa,Transit Visa and Conference Visa.

Tourist Visa
Tourists wishing to visit India will normally be granted tourist Visa, effective from the date of issue. Tourist Visa are non-extendible and non-convertible. Travel Agents who have to visit India frequently may be granted tourist Visa for a longer duration. For securing a tourist visa one has to submit the documents supporting the applicant's financial standing.

How to apply?
Visas can be applied for in person or by post at the High Commission of India based in the country from where the candidate intends to depart for India. Specific visas are granted for a variety of purposes.

Click here to see the list of Indian Missions abroad

Visa fees are non-refundable and subject to change without notice. The High Commission reserves the right on granting and deciding type/duration of visa irrespective of the fees tendered at the time of making application. Granting of Visa does not confer the right of entry to India and is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities.

Visa Application Form
Visa application form is available at the office of Indian Embassy in the country where the foreign national resides. Visa form for nationals of Pakistan and Bangladesh are generally different.

Requirements for Visa
Generally the following documents are required for obtaining Indian Visa. However, the requirement may vary from country to country.

• Original passport valid for at least 6 months
• Visa fee
• Two passport size photographs
• Supporting documents, where necessary \
• Duly completed application form

Useful links
To know more about the Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs visit www.passport.nic.in

To know the contact details of Indian Missions abroad, visit the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs www.meaindia.nic.in