Ernakulam

The best time is from October to February, when the weather is cooler and drier, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius. Avoid the monsoon months of June to September, as heavy rains can disrupt travel plans, and the summer months of March to May can be very humid and hot for senior travellers.

Must-try dishes include Kerala-style fish curry (meen curry), appam with stew, and puttu with kadala curry, all of which are flavorful and widely available. For safety, choose well-cooked, hot food from reputed restaurants, avoid raw salads and tap water, and stick to bottled water. Many hotels offer mild, less-spicy versions of local dishes on request, so don't hesitate to ask.

Yes, many mid-range and luxury hotels in Ernakulam offer rooms with wheelchair access, grab bars in bathrooms, and ground-floor options—book in advance to confirm these features. The city has excellent hospitals like Amrita and Lourdes, with 24-hour pharmacies and emergency services. It is wise to carry a list of your medications and a basic health summary, and most major hotels can arrange a doctor on call.

Pre-booked private taxis or app-based cabs like Uber and Ola are the most comfortable and reliable options, as they offer door-to-door service. For shorter trips, auto-rickshaws are available, but agree on the fare beforehand. Avoid public buses during peak hours, as they can be crowded and have steep steps, which may be difficult for those with mobility issues.

Yes, it is respectful to dress modestly—covering shoulders and knees—when entering religious sites like the Ernakulam Shiva Temple or the Santa Cruz Basilica. You must remove your footwear before entering temples, and sometimes churches, so wear slip-on shoes for convenience. Photography is often restricted inside, so always check for signs or ask a local guide.