TERMS TO OBSERVE, TO HELP US SERVE YOU BETTER.
Arrival & departure policy
Early arrival without prior booking is subject to availability of rooms. For a guaranteed early check-in, reservation needs to be made at least the night before. Late check-outs could be arranged for a guest upon request, but it is subject to availability/payment.
Passports & visas
To travel to India from overseas, except for the citizens of Nepal & Bhutan, one needs a 6 month valid passport and visa. All Indian consulates are authorized to issue visas. Please find the nearest Indian consulate close to where you are, to inquire. After arrival, guests from overseas must register with the ‘Foreigners Regional Registration Office’ within 14 days of arrival. Our office at the SpiceTree will take care of this service for you upon check-in. If you are a business traveller, you could benefit from applying for a multiple entry visa which is valid for one year. In addition, special visas are issued for trekking, botanical expeditions, sports and journalism related activities. You may move freely throughout Munnar and other parts of the country, except to restricted or prohibited areas.
Insurance
Please be informed that we do not have insurance policies to cover the expenses bourn by guests caused by accidents, sickness, loss due to theft, or any other unforeseen circumstances. Guests from abroad are advised to seek Travel Insurance arrangements in their home country prior to departure.
Other government regulations
If you bring more than US $ 10,000 (or the equivalent in travellers cheques or bank notes) you will have to fill-in a currency declaration form. You may bring in up-to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and 1 litre of alcohol, duty-free. It is illegal to bring non-sporting firearms and narcotics as well as Gold Bullion or coins. The penalties are heavy, if these rules are violated.
Indian currency
The units of Indian currency are the Rupee and Paisa. Hundred Paisa makes One Rupee. Paper currency is in denominations of Rupees 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 & 2,000. Coins starts in 50 paisa and Rupees 1, 2, 5 & 10. You may not bring in or take out any Indian currency except in the form of traveller’s checks. Besides, it is not advisable to associate with unauthorised money changers for exchanging foreign currency because you run the risk of receiving forged money and being cheated.
Money exchanging facilities are generally available at airports and docks, and authorised money changers usually display the rates of exchange for a given day. All major credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants and leading shops.
Language
English is the lingua Franca. In travel and tour offices, airports, other offices and at SpiceTree, you could easily communicate in English. In most places the public directions are in English too. The National language is Hindi and it is the most commonly spoken language in the North zone. In the Southern States the languages spoken and written are Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada & Telugu. In and around the SpiceTree the languages used are English, Malayalam and Tamil.
Weather predictions in munnar based on past averages
July is perhaps not the best month to visit Munnar. This is the peak Monsoon time with the highest precipitation. Even though it is not an ideal time for outdoor activities for most people, if you like rain, you could find unusual beauty in this marvellous hill station. Munnar experiences a moderate climate throughout the year. Summer (March to May) is pleasant and the temperature ranges from a maximum of 25 Degree Centigrade to a minimum of 15 Degree Centigrade. Winter months are from Dec. to Feb. This period is cool and temperature dips to 10 Degree Centigrade or below. Some nights reach the frost point of Zero degree centigrade. Winter clothing is ideal. Again, if you love the rain, Monsoons from June to September are great with moderate to heavy rainfall. If you plan to visit Munnar during this period, do carry your rain gear.
Dressing tips
At Munnar, through-out the year a windbreaker can come-in handy, especially when you are outside in the evenings and at night. In winter and at night a slightly heavier jacket or a Hoody, a monkey cap etc. should keep you comfortable.