The Indian Rupee is classed as a ‘closed currency’, so it is not generally possible to change money into Indian Rupees before you enter India. You can change cash (and traveller’s cheques) in Kovalam and will get a much better rate than at Trivandrum Airport. The nearest money changer is only 2 minutes’ walk from Kailasam. There are also ATMs (cash points) on the way to Kovalam Junction (2 minutes by rickshaw – or a short walk up a steep hill).
