Ayurveda Travel to Kerala — For International Guests
Practical planning information for guests travelling from the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia and across Europe — flight routes, visas, seasonal timing and time zones, by country.
Flights, visas, season and time difference
United States
Flight time: Typically 18–22 hours via a hub in the Gulf (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) or Europe to Kochi (COK) or Trivandrum (TRV).
Visa: Indian e-Visa (tourist or medical, depending on trip purpose) — apply online in advance.
Best season: Kerala's cool season (December–February) lines up well with a break from the US winter.
Time difference: 9.5–13.5 hours ahead of US time zones, depending on coast.
United Kingdom
Flight time: Direct or one-stop flights of around 10–12 hours to Kochi or Trivandrum via the Gulf.
Visa: Indian e-Visa required for UK passport holders — straightforward online application.
Best season: December–February offers a welcome escape from UK winter and is Kerala's most comfortable season for sightseeing.
Time difference: 4.5–5.5 hours ahead of the UK depending on daylight saving.
Russia
Flight time: Direct or one-stop flights of roughly 8–10 hours to Kochi or Trivandrum, often via Delhi, Dubai or Doha.
Visa: Indian e-Visa available for Russian passport holders — apply online ahead of travel.
Best season: Kerala's winter (Dec–Feb) is a popular window, coinciding with Russia's coldest months.
Time difference: 2.5–3.5 hours ahead of Moscow time.
Japan
Flight time: Around 9–11 hours via a Southeast Asian or Gulf hub to Kochi or Trivandrum.
Visa: Indian e-Visa available for Japanese passport holders.
Best season: Kerala's monsoon (Jun–Nov) for deep Panchakarma, or winter (Dec–Feb) for comfortable sightseeing alongside treatment.
Time difference: 3.5 hours behind Japan Standard Time.
Sweden
Flight time: Roughly 10–12 hours via a Gulf or European hub to Kochi or Trivandrum.
Visa: Indian e-Visa required for Swedish passport holders.
Best season: December–February offers a strong contrast to the Swedish winter and Kerala's most pleasant travel weather.
Time difference: 4.5–5.5 hours ahead of Swedish time depending on daylight saving.
Switzerland
Flight time: Around 9–11 hours, often with one stop via the Gulf, to Kochi or Trivandrum.
Visa: Indian e-Visa required for Swiss passport holders.
Best season: Both monsoon (for therapeutic depth) and winter (for comfort) work well depending on your goal.
Time difference: 4.5–5.5 hours ahead of Swiss time depending on daylight saving.
Australia
Flight time: Direct or one-stop flights of around 11–13 hours to Kochi or Trivandrum, often via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
Visa: Indian e-Visa available for Australian passport holders.
Best season: Kerala's winter (Dec–Feb) coincides with the Australian summer, so many guests travel during the Southern Hemisphere's warmer months regardless of Kerala's own season.
Time difference: 4.5–5.5 hours behind Australian Eastern time depending on state and daylight saving.
Europe (general)
Flight time: Most Western and Central European capitals connect to Kochi or Trivandrum in 9–12 hours, often via the Gulf.
Visa: Indian e-Visa available for most EU passport holders — check your specific country's requirements.
Best season: December–February is the most popular window for European guests seeking a winter escape alongside treatment.
Time difference: 3.5–5.5 hours ahead of Central European Time depending on daylight saving.
International travel — frequently asked
Which airport should international guests fly into?
Kochi International Airport (COK) and Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) are Kerala's two main international gateways, both with direct or one-stop connections from most major cities in the US, UK, Europe, Russia, Japan and Australia.
Do I need a medical visa or is a tourist e-Visa enough?
Most wellness and short-term Ayurveda programmes are covered under India's standard tourist e-Visa. Longer, hospital-based medical treatment programmes may require a medical e-Visa instead — we can advise which applies once we know your programme length and type.
Is English spoken throughout the process?
Yes — physicians and staff at internationally-oriented centres are fluent in English, and our WhatsApp consultation is conducted in English throughout.
How far in advance should international guests book?
For peak season (December–February and the July–August Karkidakam window), booking 2–3 months ahead is recommended, particularly for guests travelling from further afield who need to coordinate flights and leave.
Is travel insurance required?
It isn't legally required for tourist entry, but we strongly recommend comprehensive travel health insurance covering your trip, particularly given the physical nature of some therapies.
Can I extend my e-Visa if I want to stay longer for treatment?
E-Visa extensions are limited and handled through Indian immigration authorities (FRRO) rather than through us — if you expect to need more time than your visa allows, apply for a longer-validity visa or medical visa from the outset.
Do guests from Russia face any special restrictions?
Standard Indian e-Visa and tourism processes apply to Russian passport holders in the same way as other nationalities; we recommend checking the latest requirements on India's official e-Visa portal before booking, since visa policies can change.
What currency should I bring or plan around?
India uses the Indian Rupee (INR). Most centres and hotels accept international cards, but carrying some cash for smaller purchases and local transport is useful. Package pricing is generally quoted in INR or USD depending on the centre.
Tell us where you're travelling from
We'll help you plan flights, timing and visa type alongside your treatment programme.
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