Help Me Pack for My Trip to Kerala Next Week: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

If you are staring at your open suitcase and frantically searching for someone to “help me pack for my trip to Kerala next week,” take a deep breath—you have found the only guide you need.

As of January 2026, travel in Kerala has changed a bit. We have stricter eco-rules, new high-speed train connections, and weather patterns that can surprise you.

Forget the generic “bring sunscreen” advice. This guide is built for you—the Indian traveler heading out next week. I’ve analyzed what everyone else is saying and filtered out the fluff to give you exactly what you need to pack (and what to leave at home) to survive the humidity, ace the temple dress codes, and breeze through the new Green Checkposts.

⚠️ Late-January Travel Alerts (Updated Jan 21, 2026)

Since you are traveling next week (Jan 28 – Feb 4), three critical updates will affect your trip:

• Festival Traffic Warning (Feb 1st): On Sunday, February 1st, the massive Thaipooyam Mahotsavam is taking place.
  • The Impact: Expect severe roadblocks and slow-moving traffic on the highways near Haripad (Alleppey district) and Koorkancherry (Thrissur).
  • The Advice: If you are traveling between Alleppey and Kochi on this day, leave before 8:00 AM or after 7:00 PM. The processions featuring Kavadi (ornate towering structures) are beautiful to watch but will choke the National Highway for hours.
• Health Note (Mpox Update): News outlets today (Jan 21) have reported a few isolated cases of a new virus strain in Kerala, largely linked to international travelers. Don’t panic—tourism is fully open.
  • The Fix: Just be smarter than the average tourist. Carry a small hand sanitizer in your day bag and use it after touching temple barricades or boat railings. It’s a small step that keeps you safe.
• Weather Confirmation: Forecasts for your specific week show zero rain for coastal Kerala. You can safely ditch the heavy raincoat for an extra cotton shirt, but do not skip the sunscreen—the UV index will be hitting 8+ by noon.

The “Next Week” Weather Reality (January/February 2026)

Since you are traveling next week, you are hitting the peak dry season. But Kerala isn’t one single climate zone. It’s three.

• The Coast (Kochi, Alleppey, Varkala, Kovalam):
  • Reality: It is currently hitting 31°C to 33°C by noon. It is humid. Sticky humid.
  • What to Pack: Pure cotton or linen only. Synthetic fabrics (polyester/nylon) will feel like a plastic bag on your skin.
  • Pro Tip: Pack extra undergarments. You will likely shower twice a day.
• The Hills (Munnar, Wayanad, Thekkady):
  • Reality: Don’t let the “South India” tag fool you. Munnar is currently dipping to 8°C – 10°C at night.
  • What to Pack: You need a light puffer jacket or a decent sweater. Early morning safaris or sunrise treks in Munnar are genuinely cold right now.
• The Temple Run (Guruvayur, Padmanabhaswamy):
  • Reality: Strict tradition meets humidity.
  • What to Pack: See the specific “Temple Mode” section below.

Read this guide for full Season updates: 10-Day Weather Forecast for Kerala, India

The 2026 “Green Checkpost” Warning (Crucial Update)

This is the most important update for 2026 that most guides miss.

Kerala has strictly enforced its Single-Use Plastic Ban. If you are driving into hill stations like Munnar or Wayanad, you will pass through “Green Checkposts.” Officials will check your car.

• BANNED: Plastic carry bags, single-use plastic cups/plates, and non-woven bags (often mistaken for cloth).
• THE RISK: You will be fined, and your plastic items will be confiscated.
• THE FIX:
  • Carry a reusable fabric tote bag for shopping (spices/chips).
  • Bring a strictly reusable water bottle (steel or copper).
  • If you carry snacks, transfer them to steel or glass containers if possible, or keep all wrappers in a dedicated “waste bag” to dispose of in the city, not the hills.

What to Wear: The “3-Zone” Packing Strategy

Do not overpack. You need breathable layers.

For Men

• The “Mundu” (Dhoti): Essential if you plan to visit major temples. You can buy one there, but having a velcro-pocket mundu is a lifesaver for wallets/phones.
• Shorts: Great for Varkala/Alleppey, but not for city walking or temples.
• Footwear:
  • 1 pair of sneakers (Travel/Walking).
  • 1 pair of waterproof sandals/flip-flops (Houseboats/Beach).
  • Leave the formal leather shoes at home.

For Women

• Kurtis/Cotton Tops: Light colors reflect the sun. Avoid black.
• Leggings vs. Palazzos: Choose loose Palazzos or cotton pants. Tight leggings in 90% humidity are uncomfortable.
• Saree/Set Mundu: Required for some temples.
• Footwear:
  • Flat sandals with a back strap are best.
  • Do not bring heels. You will be walking on sand, boat decks, and uneven cobbled streets.

The “Indian Traveler” Tech & Essentials

Since you are likely using digital infrastructure, here is what you need for a smooth trip in 2026:

• UPI is King: You rarely need cash. From the tender coconut seller in Kumarakom to the auto-rickshaw in Kochi, UPI (GPay/PhonePe) works everywhere. Keep about ₹2,000 in cash for tips or remote forest areas.
• Power Bank (10,000mAh+): You will be taking photos and using maps constantly.
• Vande Bharat Ready: If you are taking the Vande Bharat Express (e.g., from Kasaragod to Trivandrum), the AC is powerful. Keep a shawl in your hand baggage.
• DigiLocker/ID: Keep your Aadhaar accessible. Hotels are strict about ID proof for every guest, not just the primary booker.

Specific Advice for “Next Week” Activities

Going on a Houseboat (Alleppey/Kumarakom)?

• Mosquito Repellent: Essential. The backwaters are beautiful, but evenings bring mosquitoes. Patches or cream work best.
• Sunglasses & Hat: The reflection of the sun off the water is strong.
• Extension Cord: Cabins often have limited plug points.

Visiting Temples (Guruvayur/Sabarimala Season)?

• Dress Code (Strict):
  • Men: No shirts allowed inside the inner sanctum of many temples (Guruvayur, etc.). You must be bare-chested and wear a Mundu.
  • Women: Saree or long skirt/blouse. Some temples (like Padmanabhaswamy) now allow Churidars if you wear a dupatta correctly, but a Saree is the safest bet to avoid hassle.
• Note: January is still Sabarimala season. Trains and temples will be crowded with Ayyappa devotees. Pack a mask if you want to avoid dust/crowds.

What NOT To Pack (Save Space for Chips)

• Jeans (Thick Denim): They take forever to dry and are too hot for the coast. Bring Chinos or Linen pants instead.
• Hair Dryer: Most 3-star+ hotels provide them. The humidity will frizz your hair anyway—embrace the natural look!
• Laptop: Unless you are on a “workation,” leave it. The humidity and salt air aren’t great for electronics on houseboats.

Your Ultimate “Next Week” Checklist

Documents & Money:

• [ ] ID Proofs (Physical + Digital on Phone)
• [ ] Hotel Booking Vouchers (Offline accessible)
• [ ] UPI App active & Bank limits checked

Clothing:

• [ ] 3-4 Cotton T-shirts/Shirts
• [ ] 2 Pairs of Cotton Trousers/Palazzos
• [ ] 1-2 Pairs of Shorts (Beach only)
• [ ] 1 Light Jacket/Sweater (For Munnar)
• [ ] 1 Set of Traditional Wear (Temple visit)
• [ ] Undergarments (Pack 2 extra sets)
• [ ] Sleepwear (Cotton)

Toiletries & Meds:

• [ ] Sunscreen (SPF 50+ is mandatory)
• [ ] Mosquito Repellent (Cream/Spray)
• [ ] Personal Meds (Antacids are good—Kerala food can be spicy!)
• [ ] Hand Sanitizer

Misc:

• [ ] Sunglasses & Cap
• [ ] Reusable Water Bottle (Non-plastic)
• [ ] Power Bank & Charger cables
• [ ] Waterproof pouch for phone (Beach/Boat safe)
• [ ] Foldable cloth bag (For shopping)

Final Thought: Kerala is best enjoyed slowly. If you forget something, don’t panic. You can buy excellent cotton clothes, spices, and medicines in any town like Kochi or Trivandrum.

Pack light, respect the green rules, and get ready for the best filter coffee of your life. Happy Journey!

Frequently asked Questions