Language
Malayalam quick phrases
Namaskaram
Hello · Namaskaaram — use with palms together, especially with elders.
Nanni
Thank you · Say "Ottavum Nanni" (thanks a lot) at a homestay dinner.
Sadya
26-course vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. The Kerala meal.
Ethra?
“Ethra?” = How much? Use it politely in shops and auto rides.
Evide?
“Evide?” = Where? Add “bus stand” or “beach” for directions.
Chaya
Tea. Ask for “sulaimani” — Kerala’s lemon-cinnamon black tea.
Getting around
Transport
Kerala Konkan Railway
One of India’s most scenic — Mangalore to Trivandrum via Ernakulam. Book Rajdhani or Vande Bharat.
KSRTC red buses
Reliable state buses connect every district. Fares ₹15-350. AC Volvo on major routes.
Ferry & boat
State-run ferries at Kochi, Alleppey, Kollam. Cheapest way to feel the backwaters.
Uber / Ola
Available in Kochi, Trivandrum, Kozhikode. Elsewhere use pre-paid taxi or hire car.
Airports
4 international airports: Kochi (COK), Trivandrum (TRV), Calicut (CCJ), Kannur (CNN).
Auto rickshaw
Yellow-and-green autos. Insist on meter in Kochi; fixed fare in Munnar/Alleppey.
Food & safety
Food & health
Karimeen · pearl spot
Kerala’s signature backwater fish. Try karimeen pollichathu (banana leaf grill).
Puttu · appam · idiyappam
Rice-flour breakfast trio with egg curry or kadala. Under ₹80 in local cafés.
Toddy shops
“Kallu shaap” — coconut palm wine + spicy fish curry. Only lunch hours, safe to try.
Water
Sealed 1L bottles ₹20. Avoid ice from small stalls. Coconut water is safest tropical drink.
Hospitals
World-class private hospitals: Amrita (Kochi), KIMS (Trivandrum), Aster (Calicut).
108 Ambulance
Free ambulance across Kerala. Call 108 anywhere in the state.