Kerala for three months on a shoestring! How much?

cantwaittogotoindia

Hey all you lovely India experts.
I'm planning and saving for a three month trip to and around Kerala. I am planning to leave at the end of October and have been reading up on where to go. My question is how much money will I need for three months? I don't mind spending a few weeks in one place at a time and don't mind roughing it too much. Any one done the same thing or have any ideas?
All advice greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this :-)

singsub

umm... is there a reason why you would like to spend a whole three months in one small indian state, instead of utilizing the time to check out a bigger portion of the country.

cantwaittogotoindia

Thanks for your reply....but it doesn't really answer my question! Yes I do just want to stay in Kerala. Thanks.

singsub

to each his own.........an average of 400-1000 bucks a day depending on the standards you want to maintain. it could be lesser too, if you really rough it out and stay in the bottom rung hotels and eat in hole in the wall restaurants.

grikoo

400-1000rs ???? I'm assuming you meant to say.

I'd agree with that estimate. For 1000rs a day, you should be pretty comfortable. Wouldn't expect to go below 600rs a day. You certainly could, but might not enjoy it.

If you're willing to stay for a period of a week or more, make sure to use that as a bargaining chip with hotels.

singsub

yes rupees ofcourse.

Nick-H

Save your money at the start. It will get more expensive in December.

Three months in Kerala: Great! I'd like to spend a few years there

__________________
.


Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

clivington

Suggest you start with a good airline deal to give yourself more spending money. Southall Travel were doing the best rates Heathrow-Colombo-Trivandrum with Sri Lankan Airlines when I looked two weeks ago. If planning to do Kovalam and other touristy places, do so at the start of your adventure when they'll be cheaper. Also, in my opinion, and I wonder if others agree, I thought the whole houseboat thing was all a bit over-hyped and expensive - save some Rs by giving it a miss! Travel by bus too - much cheaper than Tuk-tuks and a white-knuckle ride thrown in for free!

mazha

GulfAir/Kuwait Airlines would be cheaper. Unless you prefer to give that region a miss.

Brisso

If you use public buses and the trains you can do it cheap.

I found accomodation more expensive than in the north - living standards are higher in Kerala. Dec and Jan it was difficult to find accomodation less than 300 rps (and that took some bargaining). Add 200 for food - another 200 for transport and sundries - so 700 is a workable minimum.

clivington

Nope. Gulf Air was £140 more expensive than SriLankan LHR-TRV return, all in, October-April. £449.60 instead of £583.

Accommodation less than 300Rs??? Blimey, that would be good going for anything decent! Have to admire your bargaining, Brisso! Agree with your 200+200 estimate - precisely what I was going to say.

cantwaittogotoindia

Thanks to every one who has replied so far - some really useful info, now I know how much I need to save. Was wondering if I could pick your expert brains once more...? To those who have been to Kerala or those that want to! Where would be number one on top of your destination/vsit/to do list? I've tried looking for a former post about this, loads of great ideas but would love to know people's number one! Thanks loads. Love cantwaittogotoindia ! xxxx

clivington

Oh... that's difficult! For me it was the people who made it so special, and especially the children. So my Number One would be working with a child-centred charity/school. If this might interest you, and you have appropriate skills, there are several IM-ers who are involved in very worthy projects in Kerala and Goa, but be prepared to pay something for the privilege and experience.
There were so many places I enjoyed visiting but, because I love hills and mountains, vistas and cool air, the Western Ghats and the tea plantations near Munnar would probably be my Number Two.

kalbarri

i spent my last visit to india in kerala, for 2 months. this allows one to spend time with people enough, to make friends. i am still in touch with people at marayoor (after 2 years) and intend to visit them again.
all of india is an adventure,but kerala is a very relaxed place and virtually no beggars and few hassles. also it is very beautiful and diverse.
marayoor was my favourite place. varkala, by the sea is great. vipeen island , a ferry ride from kochi looks like a good place to stay. i only did a day trip and loved it. i found trivandrum an easy city to get around and i enjoyed it so much i spent about 3 weeks there.
the cheapest place i stayed was 125rps a night, big room, own toilet and shower. most exxy was 600rps and had tv, hot water etc. i spent about 350rps a day and i was there for feb/march, 2006. contact me for some hotel names if you want.
kerala...great choice!!!!!

erez_lahav

After I have read this thread I am thinking about changing my destination to Kerala.

I plan to travel on late September through October with my wife and almost 2 years old boy.

I have some concerns:

1. The monsoons. Does it rain a lot?
2. Mosquitos and outbreaks of mosquito born viruses at this time.
3. Is it too Pre season so most of the tourist facilities would be closed.

I have already traveled in India 4 time in other part of the country but never with children and never during the monsoons.

Thanks,

ERez