Visitor Information

Excellent brochures, maps, pamphlets, and transportation information on all of Kerala's districts are available at any KTDC office. KTDC runs an around-the-clock tourist information toll-free number that can be dialed from within India. In Kochi, the office is open daily 10–6. Thiruvananthapuram's two KTDC offices—one in town and one at the airport—are open weekdays 10–5.

In Kochi, an alternative source of information is the Tourist Desk, a private, nonprofit organization that conducts moderately priced tours and provides clear, straightforward information about the state. In Kannur, the District Tourism Promotion Council is quite active. Central Kerala is well served by the ATDC. The Government of India Tourist Office in Ernakulam—open weekdays 9–5:30 and Saturday 9–1—has its own vehicles, boats, lodgings, and tours.

Tourist Offices

ATDC. Details and plenty of friendly help and advice on houseboat and motorboat tours and on the ferries connecting different points on the backwaters are available from this tourist office. Komala Rd., Alleppey, Kerala, 688007. 477/226–1693; www.atdcalleppey.com.

Kannur District Tourism Promotion Council. Taluk Office Campus, Kannur, Kerala, 670703. 497/270–6336; www.dtpckannur.com.