Arriving in Kerala

Most international visitors need a visa for India. Many nationalities can apply online for an e-Visa before travelling. Apply only through the Government of India website: third-party sites charge extra and some are scams.

Rules, fees and eligible nationalities change, so check the official site for your passport before booking flights.

Kerala has four international airports. Choose the one closest to where you want to start.

• Kochi (COK): the busiest and most central. Best for Fort Kochi, Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Munnar and Thekkady.
• Thiruvananthapuram (TRV): best for Varkala and the far south.
• Kozhikode (CCJ): best for Wayanad and the north.
• Kannur (CNN): best for Kannur, Theyyam season and northern beaches.

Airports have prepaid taxi counters inside the terminal; paying there avoids haggling. App-based cabs also operate around Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. If your host offers a pickup, agree the price in advance.

Kochi airport is well outside the city. Allow at least an hour by road to Fort Kochi, longer at rush hour. For long first transfers (for example straight to Munnar), consider resting a night near the airport if you land late.