Business offices: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday
Banks: 10:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday; 10:00 to 12:00, Saturday
Post offices: 10:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10:00 to 20:00, Monday to Saturday

Munnar is a safe place, especially compared to bigger cities such as Kochi. This is not to say that mishaps don’t occur. Visitors are advised to be aware and mindful of their personal belongings at all times, as petty theft does sometimes occur. If you are partaking in outdoor activities and sports, injuries may occur. To avoid any unwanted and high hospital costs be sure to take out travel insurance before leaving home.

Partaking in activities in the surrounding areas will require travel by car or bus transfer. The roads are at times hazardous and accidents occur regularly. In general the more that you pay for the service the better it is likely to be and the more reliable the vehicle. It may be worth the added cost in the long run.

240 volts AC, 50Hz.

One of the main health problems that visitors to India often encounter is upset stomachs. Dengue fever and malaria are two other illnesses that can be contracted from mosquito bites. Visitors are advised to seek the appropriate vaccinations and/or medication to avoid any health dangers before arrival to India. There are no specific vaccinations needed for India but it might be wise to make sure that you are up to date with certain ones such as hepatitis A and B, as well as tetanus and typhoid.

Tata General Hospital: +91 486 253 0270

Emergency services: 100

Hindi is the dominant language in Munnar. English is widely spoken, particularly by those working in the tourist industry.

Like the rest of India, the rupee is the currency of choice here. The lowest denomination is 1 rupee with 5, 10, 20 and 100 rupee notes the most commonly used. Changing larger sums like the 500 or 1000 rupee notes often proves difficult.

Few banks in Munnar will be able to change international currency. Travellers should make the US dollar the currency of choice when visiting the city, the next best being euros and British sterling. There are ATMs in Munnar and this is the best way to get rupees, with a good exchange rate. Just be sure your ATM card is accepted in India.

 When changing money in Munnar and indeed just about anywhere in India, make sure to check the opening times as branches are rarely open for more than four hours a day; and in small cities like Munnar the clerks are often not used to exchanging foreign currency and therefore can take time to do so.

Foreigners entering India with US$10,000 or more in a foreign currency, must fill out a declaration form at the airport. Adults 18 years and over can import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; 2 litres of alcohol; and 60ml of perfume.

Electronic equipment such as laptop and camera or video equipment requires filling out a Tourist Baggage Re-Export form. This is to protect you, as you may be asked to show the form when you leave India. Bringing in any livestock or pork products, live plants, or gold and silver bullion, is not permitted.

When visiting temples or places of worship, you should be sure to dress modestly; cover your shoulders and your chest, and generally wear long trousers, even if it blazing hot. Women should be especially conscientious to dress modestly all the time. Remember that any physical contact may be suggestive to Indians, and you should be mindful of your behaviour.

As a small provincial city, Munnar is less used to the peculiarities of Western behaviour, meaning all travellers from Europe and North America should avoid acting abrasively or in a disrespectful manner. Like many Asian cultures, India operates by a system of ‘saving face’, meaning that you should never get angry with someone who doesn’t understand a request or is slow in doing what you may have asked. Visitors are expected to abide by local laws, customs and etiquettes.

Dining Etiquette
Indians generally eat together in groups. If you are invited to join, you should bring a gift - preferably not alcohol, as most Indians don’t drink. The best gift is something that is not available in Munnar and comes from your home country. When you arrive at your host’s home, be sure to remove your shoes before entering. Sometimes you will be offered slippers but most likely everyone will be barefoot.

At the table, main dishes are served in the middle, while each person takes individual spoons from each plate to their own dish in front of them. Eating is done with the right hand only, as the left is used for personal hygiene. Both pork and beef are generally not available in restaurants and if you don’t see them on the menu then you shouldn’t ask.

 Never bring alcohol to a restaurant in Munnar. Few will serve beer or wine except those located in the top hotels in the city. Tipping at such places is considered normal and the average tip is about 10 per cent however you need not do so at standard cafés and restaurants.

For entry into India, you must apply for a visa from your local Indian consulate or embassy before leaving home. You won’t even make it onto the airplane without a visa, so be sure to arrange one beforehand.

The majority of Western tourists will be eligible for a 6-month visa for visiting India, which is activated from the moment it is placed inside your passport and not the moment you enter immigration as is the case in numerous other countries.

 Do not therefore make the mistake of getting your visa more than 6 months in advance thinking you’re well prepared only to find out that by the time you travel it has expired. Sometimes Indian missions abroad will issue 1-year tourist visas upon request but this is not usual; meaning if you want to stay longer you will have to head to an immigration office once in the country.

Make sure you have at least one passport page free to receive the visa stamp and that your travel document is valid for at least 6 months after your intended departure from India.

The Free Travel Information Service is one of the best in town for personal service and trustworthy advice on the area. The District Tourism Office and DTPC Information Centre also offer good services for various matters in Munnar. Ask at your hotel for contact details.