What To Wear in Kerala: Full Packing List

You’ve planned a trip to Kerala and the question on the tip of your tongue is what to wear in Kerala.

Considering that India’s southernmost state has everything from breezy hill stations to humid backwaters and beaches, deciding what to pack for Kerala is one of the most important things you’ll have to do.

You might be wondering: what is the climate in Kerala? Is the dress code in Kerala strict? Can you wear shorts in Kerala? I pondered over the exactly same questions before my trip.

Whenever anyone asks me what to wear in Kerala, one of the first things I tell them is to pack at least two changes of clothes per day. Kerala is hot and humid all year-round, with the mountainous regions providing just a slight relief. As a rule of thumb, lightweight, breathable clothing is essential.

I have created the following Kerala packing list so that you can pack effectively according to the season and your destination. My packing list includes what to wear for men and women, as well as other essential gear.

Planning your itinerary is the next step. Pick up some inspiration from my Munnar itinerary and roundups of the best places to visit near Thekkady, and things to do at Alleppey and its backwaters.

What to Wear in Kerala: What clothes do they wear in Kerala?

Many locals dress in traditional Kerala attire. Traditionally, Hindu women in Kerala wear the Kerala saree, which is also known by the name mundum neriyathum. It is a woven, two-piece dress.

One half of the dress consists of a full-length piece of fabric covering the lower half, which is fastened at the waist.

The other half consists of a long strip of fabric draped over the left shoulder. It is usually tucked into the blouse and/or fastened at the waist. The traditional colour of the Kerala saree is white and gold with a gold-toned border named Kara.

Hindu men traditionally wear Kerala dhotis (also called mundu). The mundu is an ankle-length piece of fabric which is wrapped around the waist. Like the saree, it has a gold-toned Kara border. In rural parts of Kerala, many men wear a specific type of mundu called the kasavu mundu, which is woven from a thicker fabric.

The prevalent religion in Kerala is Hinduism, followed by Christianity and Islam. The Kerala saree and dhotis are the traditional attire worn by people of most religions in Kerala, but prevalently by those of the Hindu faith. Kerala sarees are usually only worn by Christians at special events.

While you’ll see many people dressed in traditional Kerala attire on the street, there are also plenty of locals who dress in casual attire.

Mostly, this consists of lightweight, modest clothing. Women usually wear dresses or skirts which fall below the knee. The skirts are usually paired with a blouse.

Men typically wear a shirt with jeans or trousers.

What to Wear in Kerala: What is the climate in Kerala?

Don’t underestimate how hot and humid it is in Kerala. Northern Indian states may experience on-and-off heat waves, but as India’s southernmost state and the closest state to the equator, Kerala’s heat and humidity doesn’t budge for most of the year.

Therefore, deciding what to wear in Kerala depends upon the season.

The seasons in Kerala are as follows:

Summer season: March to June.

Average temperature: 28 – 35 °C (82 – 95 °F)

During the summer season in Kerala, the weather is hot and humid during the day and night. The height of summer in Kerala is between March and May. 

It’s very important to dress in lightweight, breathable clothing to keep yourself cool.

Because it’s so humid, you will feel very hot and sticky even after spending only a few minutes outdoors. Opt to wear cotton and linen fabric or garments labelled as sweat-wicking. You may need to get changed multiple times a day, so packing plenty of changes of clothes is also key.

In the summer, mountainous areas such as Munnar, Wayanad or Thekkady are slightly cooler. The temperature can drop to 20°C (68°F) in the mountains.

Monsoon season: June to August

Average temperature: 20 – 30 °C (68 – 86 °F)

Monsoon season in Kerala involves heavy rain downpours mixed with hot, humid weather. Waterfalls are at their fullest during this period, and the scenery is very green. Many outdoor activities close down due to the potential for torrential rain.

In monsoon season, it’s especially important that you wear sturdy, comfortable footwear with good grips in case the ground is slippery.

You will still need light, breathable cotton clothing, but you should always carry a lightweight waterproof raincoat and plastic or waterproof bags to protect valuables during downpours. Mosquito repellent and sunglasses are still needed.

Rainy season: August to October

Average temperature: 23 – 32 °C (73 – 86 °F)

Pleasant, warm weather takes over between August and October. Rainfall is more likely than in the summer season, but the average temperature is much more bearable.

It will be important to pack a lightweight rain jacket and dress in light, breathable clothing.

Retreating monsoon: October to November

Average temperature: 28 – 35 °C (82 – 95 °F)

Retreating monsoon season, also known as the southwest monsoon or Edavappathy, brings more torrential rain to Kerala.

This results in even more impressive waterfalls and rivers, as well as lush, green landscapes in the mountains.

It’s still hot and humid, however, so you should pair breathable clothing with a lightweight raincoat.

Winter season: November to February

Average temperature: 18 – 28 °C (64 – 82 °F)

Winter season in Kerala isn’t exactly cold. There’s no snow or ice, at least. However, winter does bring a slight breather from the hot and humid weather. 

Many tourists find winter the most pleasant time to explore Kerala because it’s not too hot. The conditions are at their best if you’re looking to engage in hiking or other outdoor activities because it’s slightly cooler outside.

If you’re travelling into mountainous areas, the temperature might drop to 18°C . You might want to bring a few cardigans, jackets, or jumpers to the highlands. Light cotton clothing should still suffice for this time of year.

Because it’s slightly drier in winter, you should be fine with just an umbrella, rather than a raincoat, and you might benefit from bringing moisturiser or lip balms too.

What is the best season to visit Kerala?

The best season to visit Kerala is generally in the winter season, which begins in late November and ends in February.

In general, December is the best month to visit Kerala because there are lush, green landscapes leftover from the retreating monsoon season, coupled with cooler but warm weather.

Most tourists visit Kerala between October and March. This is considered to be the peak tourist season in Kerala, and there are plenty of activities running.

That being said, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, you might want to visit Kerala in the summer season or the southwest monsoon season.

Monsoon season is also cheaper, in terms of booking accommodation and activities.

What to wear in Kerala: How can I plan for 5 days in Kerala?

1. Decide what time of year you want to visit Kerala

The first step is to decide the best season for your visit to Kerala. You might want to visit Kerala in the peak winter season between October and March, when the weather is more bearable and activities are running full-steam.

Or, you may prefer to beat the crowds and tackle the summer heat between March and June, like I did. If you’re visiting backwaters or waterfalls and not engaging in too many outdoor activities, monsoon season is a good offbeat option.

2. Deduce whether you want to visit north, central or south Kerala

North Kerala destinations such as Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod are less-frequented by tourists compared to south and central Kerala. With distinct Malabar cuisine, they are also considered to have some of the best food in Kerala district.

Head to north Kerala for mountain scenery, seaside villages, Malabar cuisine, and fewer crowds.

Central Kerala includes the capital Cochin, along with the regions of Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam and Kottayam. Cochin is famous for its Chinese fishing nets and cultural venues.

Visit central Kerala for beaches such as Cherai Beach, offbeat backwaters, the big city and farmlands.

South Kerala is the most popular region of Kerala for tourists, and it is split into three distinct attractions: beaches, backwaters and mountains.

The tea plantations and spice plantations across Munnar and Thekkady are incredibly scenic, and a hotspot for outdoor and experiential adventures. 

Alleppey is one of several backwater destinations famed for watersports and houseboat cruises.

Further south, Kollam and Trivandrum are well-known for their wild coastlines and golden-sand beaches.

3. Find the cheapest flights

Two of my favourite tools for finding the cheapest flights are Skyscanner and Google Flights. However, it generally winds up cheaper to book directly with the airline.

AirAsia runs frequent, affordable flights to Kerala. IndiGo also provides affordable flights within India.

There are four airports in Kerala: Trivandrum, Cochin, Calicut and Kannur.

Travel by land can take longer than you expect due to the condition of the roads, so you should try to fly into the airport nearest to your desired destination.

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4. Book your accommodation

Kerala has an excellent selection of accommodation, no matter your budget.

For the high-end traveller, Kerala has a combination of luxury resorts and boutique hotels.

Those who are visiting on a tighter budget can book mid-budget hotels or resorts.

There are also hostels for those who would like to save money and meet like-minded travellers at the same time.

Marari Beach Resort in Marari fishing village

Other unique forms of accommodation include tented camping and glamping and treehouses.

I found that Booking.com has the biggest selection of accommodation in Kerala.

During my time in Kerala, I stayed at several resorts. I have compiled a list of my favourite hotels/resorts from my trip:

1. Marari Beach Resort: A sustainable hotel in Marari fishing village with a private beach and saltwater pool. The resort provides support and jobs for the villagers.
2. Kumarakom Lake Resort: A sought-after backwater resort with heritage villas popular with honeymooners. It runs a nightly houseboat cruise across Vembanad Lake.
3. Forte Kochi: A boutique hotel with a pool in the old town of Cochin, a couple of minutes’ walk from the Chinese fishing nets.
4. Amber Dale Luxury Hotel & Spa: Luxury rooms overlooking the Munnar tea plantations. This is by far the best breakfast view I’ve had in my life, with clouds and tea plantations spread out below.

5. Plan your transport

I booked all of my overland transport using 12Go. While Kerala’s public transport system isn’t always prompt, it is fairly extensive.

In Cochin and backwater destinations, ferries are one of the quickest ways to travel between cities, towns or villages. There are also train stations around Kerala’s biggest towns and cities. Bus routes usually cover smaller destinations.

In the mountainous regions, there are less public transport options available, so taxis and auto rickshaws are the go-to way of getting around. Kerala also has Uber, so booking a taxi is very straightforward, and there are daily hire options if you need a driver for the day.

When it comes to longer journeys across Kerala, train travel or bus travel are your main options if you’re on a budget and not travelling as part of a tour group.

You can book trains across Kerala using RailYatri or Paytm too.

What to Wear in Kerala

Can you wear shorts in Kerala?

The question isn’t really whether you can wear shorts in Kerala. It’s whether you should wear shorts in Kerala. Since Kerala is a conservative state, choosing not to wear short shorts in Kerala shows that you respect the local culture and traditions.

In the place of short shorts, tourists should try to wear shorts that are baggy and end below the knee. Women might also want to wear a loose skirt or dress that rests below the knee.

Covering your shoulders is ideal too.

What to Wear in Kerala: Footwear

Footwear is very important in Kerala. Rule number one is that your footwear should be comfortable. As a tourist, it’s likely that you’ll be doing a lot of walking, whether that’s travelling between hotels, sightseeing, or trekking.

A closed-toe shoe is essential because there are uneven terrains even in the cities and towns, let alone the mountains.

You may also want to bring sandals if you’re visiting beaches; just make them a sturdy pair if you choose to wear them around the city or backwaters, as there will be a lot of walking involved.

Consider packing slip-on shoes such as flip flops to wear around your accommodation too. Kerala accommodation, even the luxury five-star hotels, aren’t always able to keep out bugs and other creepy crawlies, especially in the mountains or jungle.

What to Wear in Kerala for Women

Compared to some other Indian states, the dress code for women is fairly relaxed.

However, you should try to dress as modestly as possible by covering your shoulders, cleavage and knees, and avoiding tight or clingy clothing. Remember, you’re the visitor.

The ideal outfit for women visiting Kerala is a dress or a skirt covering the knees, shoulders and cleavage. You could also wear trousers or shorts below knee-length. Showing your midriff is generally acceptable.

It’s not the end of the world if you show either your knees or shoulders, but try to keep it as modest as possible.

If you’re visiting any temples, you must cover up your shoulders and knees or you won’t be permitted to enter.

What to Wear in Kerala: Dresses for Kerala trip

If you’re looking for dress inspiration, the following dresses are excellent choices. They provide ample coverage:

• A summery ankle-length dress.
• A casual, loose t-shirt dress just below the knees.
• A mid-length dress with a sweetheart neckline.

What to Wear in Kerala for Men

The best thing for men to wear in Kerala is a t-shirt or a shirt combined with trousers or knee-length shorts. This will blend in with the locals’ attire.

Try to wear cotton or linen trousers if possible, as they will keep you cooler and dry quicker than materials such as denim.

What to Wear on a Honeymoon in Kerala

As long as you’re dressing modestly, it’s really completely up to you how you dress for your honeymoon in Kerala. You might want to wear a long, flowy ankle-length dress or a midi skirt, blouse and shawl.

Just remember that if you’re heading to any hill stations like Munnar or Thekkady, you’ll need extra cardigans and cover-ups in the evenings when the temperature drops.

What to Wear in Kerala: Complete Kerala Packing List

Now that you know exactly what to wear in Kerala, the next step is to pack your things.

The following Kerala packing list covers everything you’ll need, from the obvious clothes and footwear to travel documents, first-aid, and other handy gear.

What not to pack for Kerala

Let’s start with the stuff that you do not need to bring to Kerala.

• Heavy raincoats: As long as you bring a light raincoat equipped with a proper Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, you don’t need the extra padding. The climate is hot, even when it’s raining. A high-quality, lightweight rain jacket is a wise choice.
• High heels: Unless you’re heading to Kerala for a formal work affair, it’s probably best to leave the high heels at home. They’ll also get in the way if you need to pass over uneven terrain or obstacles, which is just as likely in the city as it is in rural areas.

Clothes

• Lightweight and breathable t-shirts or shirts, including plenty of spares as a change of clothes.
• Lightweight cardigan or jacket.
• Shorts or skirts, past knee length.
• Dresses, past knee length and covering your shoulders.
• Long, breathable trousers.
• Swimwear. You will need swimwear for the beaches in Kerala, as well as swimming pools at any hotels or resorts you visit.
• Socks, including spare socks.
• Underwear and bras.

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Note that it’s unusual to see anyone wearing a bikini or swimsuit at public beaches in India. Locals generally gather at the beach to wade in the shallows fully-clothed and watch the sunset. You might feel more comfortable wearing a rash guard to cover up.

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Shoes

Comfort and practicality is key. If you’re planning on throwing yourself into outdoor activities and hikes, you’re going to need a sturdy pair of shoes that can handle trekking in forests and touring tea plantations or even abseiling and zipwiring.

On the other hand, if your main plans involve unwinding on a houseboat or taking up residence at a beach resort for a week, you’ll be fine packing just one pair of sandals and an average pair of trainers.

• Sandals or flip flops.
• Sturdy trainers.
• Hiking shoes or boots.
• Sea shoes: While the beaches in Kerala are mostly sandy, that doesn’t mean that they’re completely free from critters.

Travel documents

• Passport.
• A tourist visa (or other suitable visa) for India. While E-Visas are issued for some countries, other visa applications must be made through an embassy.
• Travel insurance documents. Your travel insurance should always include Covid-19 cover. I used Staysure travel insurance for my trip.
• Flight, accommodation, and tour booking details. Don’t forget to check-in online. Many airlines open up online check-in 24 or 48 hours before your flight’s departure time.

Remember to keep up to date with the ever-changing entry requirements in India. They are likely to change at short notice.

Valuables

Before you decide to pack your valuables, you should make sure that your accommodation has suitable storage facilities for them.

If they don’t, or if you’re going to be moving around a lot, you may need to carry valuables in your day backpack.

Many hotels provide safes, although it isn’t always guaranteed that your laptop will fit into the safe. Hostels often provide lockers, which usually require you to bring your own padlock.

In general, pickpocketing and theft isn’t rife in Kerala, so you should feel safe carrying your valuables with you, as long as you take the same precautions you would take anywhere else in the world.

Personal items

When it comes to money, the currency in Kerala is the Indian rupee (INR). However, international tourists are not permitted to bring any amount of INR into the country.

There are plenty of ATMs in Kerala where you can withdraw money, although the ATMs in the city regularly run out of money.

I would suggest bringing cash in your original currency, as well as a debit or credit card. You can exchange your currency into Indian rupees either at the airport or at a bank. There are also ATMs at the airports.

• Wallet or purse with cash and a debit or credit card. If you use a credit or debit card abroad, your bank is likely to charge you international handling fees. Travel cards like Monzo or Revolut are more suited to spending while abroad.
• ID card.
• Prescription medication, accompanied by a copy of the prescription.

Electronics

• Mobile phone and case.
• Phone charger(s).
• Earphones. 
• Plug adaptor(s). Electric outlets in Kerala require a Type C plug. This has two round rings, parallel to each other. However, some outlets may only take a Type D or a Type M plug, which have three rungs.
• Camera, including a memory card and camera charger.
• A power bank. 
• Optional: iPod
• Optional: An action camera.
• Optional: Kindle.

Accessories

Since pickpocketing isn’t very common in Kerala, you might want to pack some accessories too. I’d advise trying not to go too overboard, as there will always be opportunistic thieves anywhere in the world.

However, making a small fashion statement with jewellery or accessories is totally fine.

• Sunglasses. 
• Sun hat.
• Jewellery.
• Watch.

Toiletries

While getting hold of basic toiletries is easy in Kerala’s big towns and cities by visiting a supermarket or pharmacy, it’s always best to be prepared.

You should also note that some of the toiletries sold in Kerala will be different than those you’re used to back home. For example, many of the toothpastes have herbal Ayurvedic ingredients, so they taste very different.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Face wash.
• Shampoo and conditioner.
• Shower gel and applicator.
• Moisturiser.
• Hair brush or comb.
• Deodorant.
• Body spray or perfume.
• Razors and shaving cream.
• Tweezers.
• Suncream.

Bags

You’re going to need two main bags for Kerala: one big suitcase or backpack and a day bag.

When it comes to choosing a suitcase or large backpack, unless you’re travelling as part of a pre-arranged tour group who can ferry your luggage everywhere, I’d suggest packing your things in a backpack.

It’s far easier to single-handedly carry a backpack between hotels or hostels, buses, taxis, trains and aeroplanes than a suitcase.

• One suitcase or a large backpack. Remember to double check that your suitcase, including packed goods, doesn’t exceed any airline baggage weight limits.
• One day-sized backpack.
• A laundry bag. 
• Optional: Camera bag.
• Optional: A money belt to store valuables.

First-aid kit

There are pharmacies and other medical shops in Kerala that sell first-aid items. However, this isn’t something you want to leave up to chance, just like travel insurance.

• Plasters and blister plasters. The waterproof kind is best, as they will last longer in pools or the sea.
• Gauze. Ideally, this should be wrapped in sterile squares.
• Surgical tape.
• Bandages and a small pair of scissors.
• Tweezers.
• Salt. Salt may sound like a strange item to pack for Kerala, but it’s very effective at treating leech bites. Leeches like the warm, damp climate of the Western Ghats, and especially destinations like Munnar, Thekkady and Wayanad. The quickest way to remove a leech is by applying salt to the site.
• Antiseptic wipes.
• Anti-acids.
• Imodium (loperamide tablets): Imodium is another important item for your Kerala first-aid kit, as you might need it if you contract travellers’ diarrhea during your visit to Kerala.
• Antibacterial cream.
• Painkillers like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.
• Mosquito relief cream.

Other miscellaneous items

• A water bottle. 
• Mosquito repellant. Effective mosquito repellant should contain DEET.
• Padlocks. If you’re staying in a hostel in Kerala, you’ll often need to bring your own padlock to secure the locker in place.
• Snacks. Shops in Kerala sell plenty of local and international snacks, including crisps, chocolate, and many different forms of biscuits or bread snacks. However, if you’re a picky eater or have dietary restrictions, you might want to bring your own snacks too.
• Tissues. Many of the public toilets in Kerala are missing toilet paper, so you should bring a pack of tissues with you just in case.
• A small bottle of liquid laundry detergent. The best decision I made when travelling to Kerala was packing a travel-sized bottle of liquid laundry detergent, especially after leaving a couple of t-shirts in a hotel cupboard. With the heat and humidity in Kerala, your clothes are likely to get soaked in sweat within five to 15 minutes of being in direct sunlight, even if you don’t think you sweat much. If you don’t have time to visit a launderette in Kerala, giving your clothes a little TLC in the shower or sink can make a huge difference. Just note that the humidity makes it hard to dry clothes outside. They’ll dry more effectively inside, placed next to an air-conditioning unit or a fan.
• Eye mask.
• Earplugs. 
• A travel journal.

Useful apps for Kerala

Apps may not be something that you pack in your physical bag. However, they’re a key part of your preparation for visiting Kerala. They can help you to plan your travel, navigate Kerala, call a taxi, communicate with locals and book accommodation.

Wifi is readily available in Kerala in hotels, restaurants, and cafes, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble accessing the internet. You can also buy a SIM card in Kerala, which will allow you to connect to 3G or 4G when you’re away from WiFi. A SIM card can be inserted into any unlocked phone.

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The easiest place to pick up a SIM card is at Delhi Airport. They sell Airtel SIM cards, which work well in south India. There are also prepaid SIM cards at the Airtel counter at the exit of Cochin airport. They will take your photograph, a copy of your passport and a copy of your visa. Vodafone and Airtel sim cards both work well in Kerala.

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• Google Translate: Malayalam is the official language in Kerala, but people in Kerala speak a variety of languages. including Tamil, Tulu, Kannada, Gujarati and English.
• Google Maps or Maps.me: These two apps are some of the best options for navigation. With both apps, you’re able to download offline maps and navigate without the internet.
• Currency Converter Plus: This app has been my go-to for converting currencies since I started travelling eight years ago, and it works offline.
• Uber: Uber is one of the cheapest ways of getting a taxi in Kerala. Their cheapest options are UberGo auto-rickshaw taxis, but there are also compact, budget cars and more luxurious cars with air-conditioning available such as Sedan.

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Suggested reading:

• Best food in Kerala district by district.
• Munnar itinerary with 22 must-try activities.
• The best places to visit near Thekkady.
• Top things to do at Alleppey and its backwaters.

FAQ

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Katie Treharne

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