Backpack Trip to Kerala

Hello there!

Although I have already written a post on my experience in God's Own Country, I thought it would be nice to share what I've packed on my backpack trip to Kerala. If you are an adventurist with a sense of wanderlust, then backpacking through Kerala should be high on your travel bucket list.

Vibrant traditions, stunning landscapes and mouthwatering cuisine of this tropical paradise will win your heart over in no time. Now let's get you packed and ready!

When packing for a backpack trip to Kerala, it is important to consider the climate and activities you'll be doing. We visited in March which means, the season was almost over so it was a bit hot. Here's a packing list to help you prepare and what I found useful:

1. Lightweight and breathable clothing: Since Kerala has a tropical climate, pack lightweight and loose-fitting clothes. Consider cotton fabrics, include t-shirts, shorts, and skirts for hot weather, as well as longer pants in case you're visiting sacred places. For a 5-day trip I took 2 dresses, 4 t-shirts and 2 shorts.

2. Swimwear: Kerala is so famous for its beautiful beaches and backwaters, so pack swimwear if you plan to take a dip. I brought 2 bikini sets for our 5-day trip and it was enough.

3. Rain gear: In case you're visiting Kerala during monsoon season, pack a lightweight rain jacket, a travel-sized umbrella, and waterproof bags for your electronics and documents.

4. Comfortable walking shoes: You'll likely be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so bring comfortable and breathable shoes suitable for various terrains and activities and maybe a pair of sandals or flip flops.

5. Insect repellent: Kerala is home to mosquitoes and other insects, so pack insect repellent to protect yourself.

6. Sun protection: From my own experience, I can't recommend this one enough. Kerala can get very sunny, so pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF.

7. First aid kit: Pack a basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.

8. Travel documents: Carry a photocopy of your passport, visa (if applicable), travel insurance, and any other necessary documents. Also, keep a digital copy of these documents on your phone or cloud storage for easy access.

9. Adapter and chargers: Kerala uses the standard Indian plug type (Type C). Bring a suitable adapter and chargers for your devices. Something I found useful was a power bank.

10. Money and banking essentials: Carry some cash in the local currency (Indian Rupees) and also have a card or two for ATM withdrawals or card payments. It's a good idea to notify your bank about your travel plans, just in case.

11. Toiletries: Although most hotels will have these it's not a bad idea to bring travel-sized toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste.

12. Travel towel: A lightweight and quick-drying travel towel is handy for beach visits or if your accommodation doesn't provide towels.

13. Reusable water bottle: Super important! Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle to fill up throughout your trip. And if you don't have one, make sure you get bottled water throughout the trip, not the tap one.

14. Travel locks: An extra safety tip in case you are in shared accommodation, lock your backpack for a peace of mind.

15. Backpack: And finally, pack everything in a comfortable and durable backpack suitable for your trip. Make sure it's the right size to carry your essentials without straining your back. Few brands to recommend: Ospray, Cotopaxi and Asenlin.

That's it, you are all set!

Remember to pack light and prioritize the essentials. You can always buy or rent items you need locally if you find you've missed anything. This guide can be used for a few other places in India such as Goa or Chennai.

Please reach out if you need any more information on this topic. 🌞

Yours,

Kat

Would you like to embark on such adventure?

• I'd love to! 🥰
• Backpacking is not my thing. 😬