Lyla Dejesus
Kerala, India's southernmost state, is a popular honeymoon destination known for its lush landscapes, tranquil backwaters, and stunning beaches. When planning what to wear for your romantic getaway in Kerala, it's important to consider both the local culture and the region's hot and humid climate. In this paragraph, we'll offer suggestions for what to pack for your Kerala honeymoon so that you can feel comfortable and confident throughout your trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clothing type | Light, breathable clothing, such as shorts, vest tops, summer dresses, hot pants, loose tops, sarees |
| Colours | Light, pastel shades |
| Specific items | Maxi dresses, kaftans, kurta sets, comfortable footwear such as sandals or flat shoes |
| Traditional attire | Hindu women wear the Kerala saree (mundum neriyathum), a two-piece, woven dress in white and gold with a gold-toned border. Hindu men wear Kerala dhotis (mundu), an ankle-length fabric wrapped around the waist with a gold-toned border. |
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What You'll Learn
Pack light, breathable clothing
Kerala is hot and humid all year round, so packing light, breathable clothing is a must. Opt for lightweight, airy clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and rayon to keep cool and comfortable. Loose-fitting outfits like maxi dresses, kaftans, and kurta sets will help you stay comfortable and breezy during long days of exploration. You can also pack a lightweight saree with a golden border to embrace the local culture and stay cool in the tropical climate.
For footwear, comfortable sandals or flat shoes are a good choice as you'll be walking through varied terrains such as tea plantations, backwaters, and beaches. You might also want to pack some warmer clothes for the evenings, as it can get cold in certain areas like Munnar and Thekkady.
While Kerala is generally a friendly place for honeymooners, it is always good to be mindful of the local culture and dress respectfully. Many local women dress in the traditional Kerala saree, which is a woven, two-piece dress. One half covers the lower half of the body, while the other half is draped over the left shoulder. The traditional color is white and gold with a gold-toned border.
Your wife can wear whatever she feels comfortable in on the beaches and in the cities, but it's always good to be mindful of the local culture and dress modestly when possible. Some suggestions for what to pack for your wife include shorts, vest tops, summer dresses, and a bikini for the beach. For romantic dinners, she might want to pack a nice dress or something that makes her feel sexy and comfortable.
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Dress respectfully, according to the culture
Kerala is a hub of religion, art, and literature, with a booming tourism industry. The state's lush green forests, flourishing backwaters, and sacred temples attract many visitors. The people of Kerala are known for their colourful and flavourful culture, and their traditional clothing styles are famous worldwide. The women of Kerala traditionally wear minimalistic clothing that reflects their heritage. The Hindu women of Kerala typically wear a Kerala saree, also known as a mundum neriyathum. This is a woven, two-piece dress consisting of a full-length piece of fabric covering the lower half, fastened at the waist, and a long strip of fabric draped over the left shoulder. The traditional colour of the Kerala saree is white and gold with a gold-toned border named Kara. During regional festivals like Onam and Vishu, and during wedding ceremonies, the women of Kerala often wear the Kasavu saree, which stands out for its visual flair and sophistication. The saree is produced within three clusters of Kerala: Kuthampully, Balaramapuram, and Chendamangalam. When a 'mundu', or lower garment, is added to the saree, it becomes a two-piece set called a 'kasavu mundu'. Women usually pair a vibrant red, green, or gold-coloured blouse with their kasavu sets.
The Hindu men of Kerala traditionally wear Kerala dhotis, also called a mundu, which is an ankle-length piece of fabric wrapped around the waist with a gold-toned Kara border. In rural parts of Kerala, many men wear a specific type of mundu called the kasavu mundu, which is woven from a thicker fabric. The mundu can be transformed into a garment similar to a skirt by tucking the bottom end into the waist. This style is usually adopted during physical activities like farming or ploughing. The men of Kerala avoid wearing the mundu in this folded style when talking to elders or women, as it is considered disrespectful. For fancy occasions, silk is used as the fabric, and the kara border is often embroidered with beads, charms, and other ornaments. A 'melmundu' is the local term for the top wear, which is worn similarly to a towel and laid across a man's shoulders. In modern times, it is not uncommon to see men wearing a white shirt with their mundu, or even jeans, trousers, and shirts.
If you are planning a trip to Kerala, you may want to get immersed in the typical Malayali culture and try a traditional Kerala look. However, as a tourist, it is important to dress respectfully according to the culture, especially if you are visiting sacred temples or attending religious events and festivities. While some sources say that your wife can wear anything on the beach and in the city, it is advisable to be respectful of the local culture and customs, especially in a foreign country. In Kerala, the colour white is considered a symbol of purity, serenity, and simplicity, so this may be a good colour to incorporate into your wardrobe for your trip. It is also important to consider the climate of Kerala, which is hot and humid all year round, so be sure to pack light, breathable clothing.
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Wear mosquito protection
Kerala is hot and humid all year round, so it is important to wear light, breathable clothing. However, to protect yourself from mosquitoes, it is recommended to cover as much skin as possible. This means wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark blue and black clothing, so it is best to opt for light-coloured clothing, such as white and khaki.
There are also insect-repellent clothing options available. Insect Shield is a leading brand of mosquito and tick repellent clothing. Their technology has been registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and is safe for use by the whole family. Their clothing is treated with permethrin, which kills mosquitoes before they have the chance to bite. The treatment is expected to last the lifetime of the garment, up to 70 launderings for apparel. You can also send your own clothing to be treated with permethrin.
In addition to wearing long pants, it is recommended to skip the sandals and opt for closed-toe shoes, such as rubber boots or sneakers and socks. Mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of sweaty feet, so wearing socks can provide extra protection. If you are in a particularly buggy area, you can tuck your pant legs into your socks for maximum protection.
It is also important to dress respectfully according to the culture. In Kerala, many Hindu women wear the traditional Kerala saree, which is a two-piece, white and gold woven dress. Hindu men often wear Kerala dhotis, which are ankle-length fabric wrapped around the waist with a gold border.
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Pack for varied terrain
Kerala offers a diverse landscape, from beaches to hills and backwaters. The tropical climate is warm and humid, so lightweight and breathable clothing is a must.
For the beach, you can wear anything from bikinis to shorts and vest tops. Loose, flowy silhouettes in light, breathable fabrics will keep you cool and comfortable. Pack light colours and pastel shades to reflect the heat.
If you plan to visit the hills, such as Munnar, or the misty town of Wayanad, bring warmer clothes as it can get cold. You might also want to pack some longer, loose-fitting trousers or skirts to be respectful of the culture.
For exploring the backwaters of Alleppey or the streets of Fort Kochi, comfortable sandals or flat shoes are a must. You'll want to be able to walk on varied terrain, from tea plantations to the old town.
To embrace the local culture, you could try a traditional Kerala saree, known as a mundum neriyathum. This is a two-piece dress, with one half being a full-length piece of fabric covering the lower half, and the other half a long strip of fabric draped over the left shoulder. For men, the traditional attire is a mundu, an ankle-length piece of fabric wrapped around the waist.
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Bring clothes for colder weather
Kerala is hot and humid all year round, but if you're planning on visiting Munnar, Thekkady, or other hill stations like Ponmudi, Lakkidi, Marayoor, Wayanad, Vagamon, or Idukki, you'll want to bring some warmer clothes for the colder weather. Even during the hottest months of April and May, Munnar's temperature falls between a comfortable range of 21 to 23 degrees Celsius, so you'll want to pack some light jackets or sweaters. The nights in Munnar can be cool and comfortable, with mist covering the hills and valleys at dawn, so you may want to bring a light coat or shawl. If you're planning on visiting any of the other hill stations, be prepared for similar temperatures and conditions.
For women, a lightweight scarf or shawl can be a stylish and functional addition to your wardrobe, providing warmth in the cooler areas while still being breathable in the hotter, more humid locations. Cardigans, light sweaters, and long-sleeved shirts can also be useful for layering in the colder areas. For men, a light jacket or sweater, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants will be suitable for the cooler temperatures.
In addition to the hill stations, if you're planning on spending time in the backwaters of Kerala, such as Alleppey, the weather can be humid, but the temperatures can vary. It's a good idea to bring a light layer, such as a thin sweater or shawl, for the cooler evenings or early mornings.
While Kerala is generally hot and humid, the summer months of March to May can be especially excruciating, with temperatures reaching as high as 38 degrees Celsius. However, even during these months, the hill stations like Munnar offer a comfortable escape from the heat. So, if you're planning your honeymoon during this time, be sure to pack accordingly with a mix of lightweight, breathable clothing for the hotter areas, and some warmer layers for the hill stations.
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Frequently asked questions
Kerala is hot and humid all year round, so lightweight, airy clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and rayon is ideal. Opt for light colours and loose-fitting outfits like maxi dresses, kaftans, and kurta sets.
Hindu women in Kerala traditionally wear a Kerala saree, which is a two-piece, woven dress. One half is a full-length piece of fabric covering the lower half, and the other half is a long strip of fabric draped over the left shoulder. The traditional colour is white and gold with a gold-toned border.
It is recommended to dress respectfully according to the culture. You might also want to consider the activities you'll be doing, like strolling along the backwaters or visiting the beach, and pack comfortable footwear.
