Essential Information - India - Kerala

Kerala & Tamil Nadu

What's included

Currency Exchange - Spending Money - Staff Tips

Currency Exchange

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR or ₹). You’ll need rupees for all transactions—foreign currency is not accepted in shops, restaurants, or hotels.

What to Bring

We recommend:

Approximately £350 in your local currency for exchange
A Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card for ATM use and as a backup

Where to Exchange

On Arrival: - Trivandrum Airport (Thiruvananthapuram) has ATMs and currency exchange counters. These are convenient but typically offer less favorable exchange rates—so only convert a small amount here.

In Town: - ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns. Most accept Visa and Mastercard.

✔ Check your card’s daily withdrawal limit
✔ Be aware of foreign transaction fees

Your redspokes guide will help you find the best places to exchange money or withdraw cash during the tour.

💸 Spending Money

How much you spend depends on your personal preferences for dining, shopping, and activities. For a 14-day trip, we estimate £350 is more than enough for day-to-day expenses.

Sample Prices

Item	Cost in INR	Approx. GBP
Mid to high-range meal	₹300 – ₹1500	£15 – £25+
Bottled water (500ml)	₹10 – ₹15	£0.20 – £0.40
Soft drink (330ml can)	₹30 – ₹40	£0.30 – £0.40
Local beer (650ml)	₹180 – ₹250	£2 – £3
Imported beer (330ml)	₹300 – ₹500	£3 – £5

Alcohol Availability

Due to local regulations, alcohol is not widely available in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Stick to:

Licensed hotels
Wine & beer parlours
Government outlets: BEVCO (Kerala) and TASMAC (Tamil Nadu)

🧭 Helpful Tips

Cash is essential, especially in rural or remote areas where card machines may not be available.
Notify your bank before travel to avoid having your card blocked for suspicious activity.
Carry small denomination notes—useful for tips, snacks, or local markets.
Currency conversion charges can vary by card and bank, so check with your provider before departure.

And remember, your redspokes guide is here to help—you’re in good hands.

💁‍♂️ Staff Tipping

Tipping is a common way to show appreciation for your local guides and support crew. While not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated when service exceeds expectations.

At redspokes, we make it clear to our teams that tips are not an obligation, but a bonus based on performance. If you feel your guide and support crew provided excellent service, a tip at the end of the tour is a meaningful gesture.

How to Tip

We recommend tipping as a group, with the total collected and handed to your guide, who will distribute it fairly among the team.

Suggested Amount

💷 £60–£80 per person
💵 $80–$100 equivalent

Please note: Tips are not a substitute for wages. Our local teams are paid fairly and competitively—tips are simply a personal thank-you for exceptional service.

Bike Support & Grading

Extra Expenses

Solo Travellers

Eating & Drinking (Special diets)

Insurance

Accommodation

Bike Hire

Bringing your own bike

Passport & Visa

Health & Vaccinations

Climate and hydration

Kerala has 3 sessions. They are Summer (February - May), Monsoon (June - August and October - November) and Winter (December - January) with some mild weather between August and October. During the period February to May the temperature rises and if gets increasingly hot, and temperature reaches up to 35 degree centigrade.

Staying Hydrated on Hot Rides – 6 Tips for Cyclists
As a cycling company, we know how important proper hydration is—especially when you're out riding in hot conditions. Below are some general hydration tips that riders find helpful for staying fuelled and feeling strong on the bike.

Please note: We are not medical professionals and this information should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Each cyclist is different, so if you have specific health concerns or conditions, it is always best to consult your doctor and adhere to their advice.

1. Prioritize Gut Health

Why it matters: A healthy gut = better absorption of water and nutrients.
How to do it: Fuel your microbiome with probiotics (like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut) and prebiotics (like garlic, onions, and bananas) to keep your digestion and hydration on point.

2. Time Your Hydration

Why it matters: When you drink can be just as important as how much.
How to do it: Start your day with a big glass of water—add a splash of lemon or a pinch of sea salt for extra hydration power.

3. Hydrate Beyond Water

Why it matters: Water isn’t the only way to hydrate.
How to do it: Mix in coconut water, bone broth, or other nutrient-rich drinks to stay hydrated and replenish lost electrolytes—especially during long rides or after sweating.

4. Don’t Forget the Minerals

Why it matters: Minerals like sodium, calcium, and magnesium help your body retain water.
How to do it: Eat mineral-rich foods like salted nuts, seeds, and dairy—or consider a quality mineral supplement if needed.

5. Absorb Water Better

Why it matters: Guzzling water too quickly can flush out nutrients and be poorly absorbed.
How to do it: Sip consistently throughout the day. Add a pinch of sea salt to your bottle, and include water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and pineapple.

6. Keep Your Electrolytes in Check

Why it matters: Electrolytes help regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.
How to do it: Eat foods high in potassium and magnesium like bananas, avocados, and leafy greens. Add electrolyte tablets or a pinch of sea salt to your water, especially after intense sweat sessions.

Equipment List