What you need to pack for Kerala depends on where in Kerala you’re going and which season you’re visiting it in. We have compiled a list of season-wise and location-wise items to pack as well as some useful Kerala packing tips so that you can plan your itinerary well.
From the right clothes to combat humidity, a vital trekking kit, to the dress code you need to follow in the temples of Kerala, we’ve listed all your packing essentials right here so that you don’t miss anything.
What You Need To Pack For Kerala- Electronics?
- Universal power adapter for India
- Phone and charger Laptop and charger (if necessary)
- Camera and charger (if applicable)
- Portable charger (recommended)
What you need to pack for Kerala weather-wise
Every season bears distinct weather conditions and demands that you pack accordingly. What you’re packing for Kerala in winter and summer may not work in the rainy season.
ALSO SEE – Best Time To Visit Kerala- Summer, Winter on Monsoon?
Packing for Kerala for Winter and Summer
The weather will be dry, windy, and warm with less humidity and cool nights.
Men can wear t-shirts, light-colored cotton or linen shirts, linen trousers, and/or knee-length shorts.
Women too should wear light cotton and linen clothes that dry off quickly. Loose T-shirts and cotton shirts are also fine. They can also wear knee-length dresses or gowns/maxi dresses that cover the shoulders and neckline.
Other things you need to pack for Kerala in these two seasons:
- Sunscreen
- Shades
- Hat or cap
- Stole or scarf
- Water bottles (don’t buy and litter plastic bottles)
- Insect repellent
- Umbrella
- Electrolyte-rich drinks (for dehydration)
Packing for Kerala for Monsoon
Monsoon in Kerala is synonymous with excess humidity and brings in a different charm to Keralas landscape according to Conde Nast Traveler . What you need to pack for Kerala in monsoon isn’t just limited to the right clothing.
In addition to the type of attire mentioned above, you also need to pack:
ALSO SEE – Monsoon In Kerala: A Brief Guide To Help You Plan A Trip
- Waterproof sandals or quick-drying trekking shoes with socks
- Raincoat
- Hand towel
- Waterproof covering for bags
- Waterproof covering for electronics such as cameras and phones
- Mosquito repellent
- First-air kit (with medication for leech bites)
- Flashlight
What you need to pack for Kerala location-wise
Smart Kerala packing is the key to a wonderful holiday experience in God’s Own Country. See what to pack for Kerala for different locations and terrain.
For beaches
Men and women both are advised to wear decent beachwear. Locals in Kerala aren’t accustomed to seeing bikini-clad women, so refrain from wearing one at beaches and waterfalls.
Locals and tourists generally wear t-shirts and shorts on the beaches in Kerala. You can, however, wear bikinis and swimsuits at the pool or private beach of your hotel or resort.
ALSO SEE – 10 Best Beaches In Kerala
For hilly areas
Unless it’s nighttime and the peak of December, you wouldn’t feel the need to wear a jacket, a windcheater, or a cardigan in hill stations of Kerala like Munnar and Vagamon.
You must carry an umbrella and mosquito repellent in hilly terrain, as it tends to rain there occasionally.
For backwaters
The backwaters of Kerala tend to be humid and hot. Wear light cotton or linen clothes if you’re out exploring Alleppey or taking a houseboat ride in Kumarakom.
Don’t forget to carry insect repellent and ointment for mosquito bites.
For wildlife safaris
Wear cargo shorts or pants with your cotton/linen t-shirts and a hat to block the sun. wear quick-drying walking shoes with socks. Don’t forget to carry a pair of binoculars and mosquito repellent cream.
ALSO SEE – Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady- Your Photo Tour?
For temples
What you need to pack for Kerala temples depends entirely on which temple you’re visiting.
Most temples in Kerala have their dress code of white Kasavu sarees for women and Mundu (traditional dhoti) for men. But what they all have in common is a no-tolerance policy for skimpy clothing like Bermuda shorts, vests, skirts, capris, tank tops, and short dresses.
If you can’t wear a saree or Mundu in the temples of Kerala, make sure you wear
- Traditional salwar kameez, shirt and trousers, or a long gown (for women)
- Shirt and pants or traditional kurta and pajama (for men)
NOTE: Check the temple website to know the exact dress code for men and women. If it has one, adhere to it at all costs!
ALSO SEE – 20 Famous Temples In Kerala
For remote locations and villages
Locals in offbeat locations, villages, and small towns in Kerala are much closer to their traditional customs and norms than the locals in Kerala’s big cities and metros.
You’ll mostly find them wearing their traditional attire of plain Mundum Neriyathum sarees (women) and casual Mundu dhotis or Kasavu (men).
Make sure you respect the local culture and customs of these places and dress appropriately. Refrain from wearing short dresses, shorts, tank tops, or upperwear that reveals your cleavage and shoulders. Men too must avoid wearing shorts and strappy vests.
Kerala packing tips
Now that you know what you need to pack for Kerala, see how to pack it to save space and travel light so that your luggage doesn’t cause inconveniences in your travel plans.
Some common mistakes people make while packing and how you can avoid them.
- Roll up your clothes instead of folding them to make more space in the bag.
- Put small items like toiletries and rolled-up socks in the shoes you’re carrying.
- Use packing cubes to sort day-wise clothing and electrical items.
- Do not overpack. Leave room for things you’ll buy in Kerala like spices, coir items, banana chips, and more.
- Use small travel-friendly refillable containers to carry toiletries like shampoo, body wash, and moisturizer instead of the whole bottle.
- Bring along a small backpack or sling to carry essential items like IDs, passports, and a water bottle.
ALSO SEE – Top 15 Places To Visit In Kerala (With Map)
We hope we can help you figure out what you need to pack for Kerala with this brief guide. If you think we missed some essential info about packing for Kerala, let us know in the comments below!
